Fugazi

Martijn Westerholt confirms that Delain will continue as a live band, and not only a studio project. Furthermore, the first live show is planned for November 2022. The main vocalist will only be announced with the release of new music, but there's a teaser with a dark-haired singer in the Instagram video. 😮 https://www.instagram.com/tv/CbM2XcwlvS2

Indeed, Lowell is about 7000 seats. I don't know if it's among the bigger venues they've played in North America so far, they probably played arenas before and they definitely played festivals but I'm not sure which was their biggest attendance in North America.

Ha great memories! Imagine if Ville Lipiainen had been there to record the show! 🔥

Yeah, things are pretty iffy still, and I won't believe in any show until it actually happens. Even though things are looking up now in Canada and most restrictions have been lifted, there are still Spring shows being postponed. It's not metal but it goes to show that anything can happen:

Sounds like a great night! 🤘 Sharon seems to be a very nice, grounded person. I've never seen WT live yet. Well, not live-live. I wonder if M&G will still be a thing in the post-Covid world, but I guess it can be done if less hugging is involved. 😁

It's gossip time with Blabbermouth: "TARJA TURUNEN Doesn't Rule Out Reunion Tour With NIGHTWISH: 'I Can't Really Close Any Doors' " What she actually says, according to a translation of her interview, is more nuanced: In a new interview with Top Link Music manager and concert promoter Paulo Baron and music critic Regis Tadeu, Tarja Turunen was asked if she would consider doing a tour with NIGHTWISH if all of her former bandmates apologized to her about how their split happened and invited her to share the stage with them again. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It is very, very hypothetical that all what you said will happen, first of all — it's very, very hypothetical. "I'm living in a world, like we are all living in a world, that things happen without us noticing," she continued. "I mean, I can't really close any doors in that sense; I'm not that kind of person any longer. I learned so many things in this life already. I take them as they are. "So I don't know. It would be very hypothetically possible," she added. "It would be unlikely to happen." From Blabbermouth: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/tarja-turunen-doesnt-rule-out-reunion-tour-with-nightwish-i-cant-really-close-any-doors/ Original interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQFRi_Vek7k

It was to be expected! Anyway, here goes: Looking good, but enough teasing already, let's hear the music! 😁 March 25.

Floor has revealed on FloorWorld the cover art for her upcoming first single 'Fire'. She asked not to share it elsewhere before it's publicly revealed tomorrow, so I'll update this post tomorrow with the actual image. In the meantime it is available on FloorWorld if you create a free member account. It's a picture of Floor with fiery rings around her head, it's actually very nice! 🔥

Here's a quick update on the Epica tour dates, including a newly announced North American tour in support of Sabaton. — ΩMEGA SPRING 2022 – 30.04.22 | Yunak Stadium | Sofia, BG 02.05.22 | Majowka Festival | Wroclaw, PL — MEXICAN ΩMEGA TOUR – 10.05.22 | Expo Chihuahua | Chihuahua, MX 12.05.22 | Teatro Morelos | Toluca, MX 13.05.22 | Pepsi Center | Mexico City, MX 14.05.22 | Show Center | Monterrey, MX 15.05.22 | Teatro Diana | Guadalajara, MX 17.05.22 | Auditorio CCU | Puebla, MX 19.05.22 | Auditorio Josefa | Querétaro, MX 20.05.22 | Museo Laberinto | San Luis Potosi, MX 21.05.22 | Foro del Lago | León, MX — ΩMEGA SUMMER 2022 – 07.06.22 | Barby Club | Tel Aviv, IL 09.06.22 | Open Air Istanbul | Istanbul, TR 15.06.22 | Bibelot | Dordrecht, NL 17.06.22 | Z7 Wild Days | Pratteln, CH 23.06.22 | Basinfire Festival | Spalene Poric, CZ 25.06.22 | Hellfest | Clisson, FR 16.07.22 | Bang Your Head | Balingen, DE 21.07.22 | Release Festival | Athens, GR 29.07.22 | Fezen Fest | Fezen, HU 06.08.22 | Leyendas del Rock Festival XV | Villena, ES — EPICA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW – with SAHARA DUST 03.09.22 | Zaal 013 | Tilburg, NL — ΩMEGA BRASILEIRΩ TOUR – 15.11.22 | Ópera de Arame | Curitiba, BR 16.11.22 | Opinião | Porto Alegre, BR 18.11.22 | Toinha | Brasília, BR 19.11.22 | Audio | São Paulo, BR 20.11.22 | Circo Voador | Rio de Janeiro, BR — AN EVENING WITH EPICA – 22.11.22 | Teatro Flores | Buenos Aires, AR 24.11.22 | Teatro Caupolicán | Santiago, CL 26.11.22 | El Teleférico | Quito, EC 27.11.22 | Centro de Convenciones Barranco | Lima, PE — EPIC APOCALYPSE TOUR 2023 – with APOCALYPTICA + WHEEL 23.01.23 | Sentrum Scene | Oslo, NO 24.01.23 | Berns | Stockholm, SE 25.01.23 | Amager Bio | Copenhagen, DK 27.01.23 | AFAS | Amsterdam, NL 28.01.23 | Georg Elser Halle | Hamburg, DE 29.01.23 | AB | Brussels, BE 30.01.23 | O2 Academy | Bristol, UK 01.02.23 | Rock City | Nottingham, UK 02.02.23 | O2 Academy | Glasgow, UK 03.02.23 | Academy | Manchester, UK 04.02.23 | Roundhouse | London, UK 06.02.23 | Atelier | Luxemburg, LU 07.02.23 | Zenith | Paris, FR 08.02.23 | Le Bikini | Toulouse, FR 10.02.23 | Razzmatazz 1 | Barcelona, ES 11.02.23 | Gamma | Murcia, ES 12.02.23 | La Riviera | Madrid, ES 14.02.23 | Coliseum | Lisbon, PT 12.03.23 | Capitol | Hanover, DE 13.03.23 | Carlswerk Victoria | Cologne, DE 14.03.23 | Schlachthof | Wiesbaden, DE 15.03.23 | MHP Arena | Ludwigsburg, DE 17.03.23 | Komplex 457 | Zurich, CH 18.03.23 | Metropole | Lausanne, CH 19.03.23 | Fabrique | Milan, IT 20.03.23 | Tonhalle | Munich, DE 22.03.23 | Barba Negra | Budapest, HU 23.03.23 | Gasometer | Vienna, AT 24.03.23 | Hala Vodova | Brno, CZ 25.03.23 | Progresja | Warsaw, PL 27.03.23 | B90 | Gdansk, PL 28.03.23 | Columbiahalle | Berlin, DE 29.03.23 | Haus Auensee | Leipzig, DE

As expected! 🤘 https://www.facebook.com/crewish/posts/467978648095643 (automated translation) Is this going to be an acoustic album?

Good, let's make sure they don't forget us on the next tour! 🤘 Of course MTelus is not Wembley Arena, the venue has a capacity of 2300 according to their website. Maybe they can aim for bigger next time? I wish I could, I'm fond of a couple of interest groups there. The NW groups though aren't what I was looking for.

Charlotte has been pretty active singing with other artists, and more than ever now that she's on her own. It's been hit-and-miss, frankly I like her solo material but the collaborations are not her songs and the result is what it is. One recent collab that I do like is this one, far removed from her comfort zone! I understand it's not for everyone though. 😁

It would, but their releases appear to be unpredictable. I'm not sure if it's the band or the label deciding whether to publish such material, but it's been totally random so far.

The AFAS live recording of Energize Me (from the eponymous and final After Forever album in 2007) is now available! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJXbXyDTsLc

Floor is promoting her upcoming first single:

For you guys in Finland: "Altamullan Road is a cinematic pop band formed by two Finnish singer-songwriters Johanna Iivanainen and Johanna Kurkela. The music of Altamullan Road is an intriguing gathering of different genres and emotions, intertwined together by the unique symbiotic connection and harmony of their magical voices. Inspired largely by films, their music touches topics from simple life’s pleasures to mysteries beyond the veil of existence. Sorrow and joy hand in hand. A journey from the earth to the space." (from https://musicfinland.com/en/news/new-artists-to-follow-2-2020) Their eponymous album was released in 2020, and I think there are plans for more. https://www.facebook.com/AltamullanRoadOfficial/ https://altamullanroad.bandcamp.com/

Yeah there's been no statement from NW yet but Kai did repost a Zelensky speech with a comment. https://www.facebook.com/kai.hahto.96/posts/10223881478537488

So without too much fanfare the live DVD has been released. Kai posted this in a reply to a request for a Blu-Ray of the Islanders Arms DVD:

Very sorry to hear that! 😢 I hope you're feeling better by now, take good care! Yes, the Eye Of Melian crowdfunding campaign is on, and there are some interesting items available. Introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgMjKY3IGmw Campaign store: https://eyeofmelian.merchstore.nl/ Johanna appears to be more than a guest singer, she's also involved in sharing the costs of the production and even knitting exclusive beanies! Also, a release party is planned for the patrons: Last but not least, the album is comprised of 2 CDs, including instrumental versions and bonus tracks. TRACKLIST CD 1 1. Doorway of Night 2. Vita Nova 3. The Homesong’s Call 4. Under the Grey Sky 5. The Bell 6. Everstrong 7. Wings of the Dawn 8. Adrift in Eternity 9. Light featuring LEAH 10. Rainfall CD 2 1. Ainiaan (Adrift in Eternity – Finnish version) 2. Light (alternate ending) 3. Doorway of Night - instrumental 4. Vita Nova - instrumental 5. The Homesong’s Call - instrumental 6. Under the Grey Sky - instrumental 7. The Bell - instrumental 8. Everstrong - instrumental 9. Wings of the Dawn - instrumental 10. Adrift in Eternity - instrumental 11. Light - instrumental 12. Rainfall - instrumental Guest performances by: LEAH - featured vocals on Light Troy Donockley - pipes and flutes Shir-Ran Yinon - violins and violas

Yet another collaboration, this time on the solo album of her The Dark Element partner Jani Liimatainen. I will update when Anette's song becomes available. https://www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl/posts/4964152836974061 Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new solo album, "My Father's Son", from guitarist/songwriter Jani Liimatainen (The Dark Element, Insomnium, Cain's Offering Official) on May 6, 2022. The Finnish musician's impeccable talents are on full display on this new album and he's got a stellar cast of friends lending their talents to the proceedings. Today, fans can get their first taste of music from the album with the release of the single 'All Dreams Are Born To Die', which features guest lead vocals from Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica. "My Father's Son" includes guest lead vocals from Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra), Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), Timo Kotipelto (Stratovarius), Anette Olzon (The Dark Element), Renan Zonta (Electric Mob), Pekka Heino (Brother Firetribe), and Antti Railio (Celesty, Diecell). Liimatainen even takes on lead vocal duties himself, as well. Additionally, bassist Jonas Kuhlberg (One Desire), drummer Rolf Pilve (Stratovarius, Smackbound), and pianist Jarkko Lahti provide instrumentation, while Liimatainen handles guitars, keyboards, and programming. Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, Rainbow) and Janne Huttunen provide guest keyboard and saxophone solos, respectively. Tracklist: Breathing Divinity (Vocals: Björn “Speed” Strid) All Dreams Are Born To Die (Vocals: Tony Kakko) What Do You Want (Vocals: Renan Zonta) Who Are We (Vocals: Timo Kotipelto) Side By Side (Vocals: Pekka Heino) The Music Box (Vocals: Renan Zonta) Into The Fray (Vocals: Timo Kotipelto) I Could Stop Now (Vocals: Anette Olzon) Haunted House (Vocals: Jani Liimatainen) My Father's Son (Vocals: Antti Railio)

I'm late this week, but here's Elan from the AFAS show. Floor sounds positively great, and the backing vocals work very well but Troy's parts on keys just don't sound very good. 😁 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC0Trkzmw3E

Another strong vocal performance... and we can clearly hear Troy's flutes on this track!

Another single from the Outlanders project to be released March 25. Even though they've been working at this for 10 years, they're certainly in no hurry to release a proper album! 😁 This time it's a Depeche Mode cover, so I'm curious about how it will turn out. https://tarja-outlanders.com/ In the beginning of our project, we thought of an album with several cover songs for Outlanders. But then I started writing more and more songs alone and with Torsten and we ended up recording only two covers. One of them being “World in my Eyes” from @Depeche Mode. I have always been attracted by its dark beauty and thought I would love to give it a try. It has such an incredible feel to it, and I really enjoyed recording it. When I told Torsten about the idea to rework this big Depeche Mode classic he got really excited as an old Fan. Torsten did an amazing job with the programing, and you will hear me singing differently in this one. It was with this song that I started to record layers of my voice in different octaves back in 2014. I liked the result so I used it afterwards in other songs, but this one lead the way even though it will only be released now. Maybe you could say you don’t recognize me immediately. For the guitar parts, I didn´t want just a solo, but something special indeed. I have been friends with @Living Colour for a long time now and who else than @Vernon Reid could deliver the craziest, psychedelic solo for a song. He also recorded textures and moods using the guitar with his many pedals throughout the song, which is his trademark. It’s unbelievable what Vernon can do. Thank you so much for being part of our project Vernon! This song has probably the darkest energy of all the songs in the album. I hope you like our approach to Depeche Mode and to the world through the eyes of Outlanders!

Indeed, I don't see them recording the album in 2022 with all the touring already scheduled. And between recording and release it's at least 6+ months of mixing, mastering, printing and hyping. EFMB and Human Nature were both recorded in the summer and released the next spring, more or less.

Yeah, now I'm sure Finns do occasionally use complete sentences, but it must be a Northern thing because the same was said of the Highlanders in Scotland. A grunt is worth many words! 😄 Maybe it's "keep your mouth closed, and you won't swallow any midges". 😶