Category Archives: featured

FEATURE – SLASH on new album ‘4’: “Recording live the way we did it was something I have wanted to do my whole career”


Interview Q&A with Slash by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Legendary Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash has kept busy with his solo group. His latest project is his fifth solo album and fourth with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, hence the album name ‘4’. The album is out on February 11th 2022 via Gibson Records in partnership with BMG. The new album ‘4’ will be the first-ever album released on the new Gibson Records label, headquartered in the iconic American instrument brand Gibson’s hometown of Music City, Nashville. Considering the long partnership between Gibson and Slash, with Slash named the first global ambassador for the brand, it makes perfect sense that ‘4’ would be the first Gibson Records release.

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Brutal Assault #25 Info


The old Military fortress is not the usual place for a music festival. Enjoy the various stages and places in this unique place in Jaroměř, Czech. The strong atmosphere and genius loci will not disappoint you!

REVIEW: DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED – “Angel of Carnage Unleashed”


by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Finnish black metallers emerge from the darkness after twenty-three years of silence with their highly anticipated and long overdue fourth album ‘Angel Of Carnage Unleashed’. Forged in 1993, Darkwoods My Bethrothed quickly gained a following with their 1995 debut ‘Heirs of the Northstar’, followed by the sophomore album ‘Autumn Roars Thunder’ (1996) and its sequel ‘Witch-Hunts’s (1998). 2021 sees their mighty return with their new offering and the addition of Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards as a full member and Kai Hahto as a session drummer, both of whom reside in symphonic metal act Nightwish.

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PHOTO REPORT: NOORA LOUHIMO EXPERIENCE


With the world opening up again, bands that formed during the lockdown are finally getting the chance to spread their wings. Noora Louhimo Experience was one of them! They had their best gig ever at Yo-Talo in Tampere 27.10.2021. The premier gig of Noora Louhimo Experience was definitely an experience to be remembered. A rich and vibrant show to wake up the senses after a year and a half near devoid of live music. Eccentric, bright, shiny and colorful outfits adorned all the musicians. Feathers, sparkles, fishnet, and bits and pieces from every corner of the spectrum were a perfect visual representation of what the sound and aesthetic of the band represented on their debut album Eternal Wheel of Time and Space. In addition to the core band, the live lineup also included three backup vocalists and a three piece brass section. Pekka Louhimo , Noora’s brother, also joined on stage for a few duets as well as harmonica accompaniment. I have to say it was also really cool to see Juuso Raatikainen doing his thing in a different setting. Needless to say, the stage at Yo-Talo was filled to the brim with talent and energy and although it was a Wednesday evening, there was a pretty decent turnout with enthusiastic fans.



Live Lineup inlcuded:

Noora Louhimo – Vocals

Samuli Erkkilä – Lead Guitars

JC Halttunen – Guitars

AP Kauppinen – Bass

Juuso Raatikainen – Drums

Sussu Ketola – Keyboards

Pekka Louhimo – Vocals,Harmonica

Anni Lintula, Riikka Liisukka and Petra-Miisa Juusenaho – Backup Vocals

Aino Heikkonen – Saxophone

Antero Salonen – Trumpet

Markus Larjomaa – Trombone

photos and report by Serena Solomon

REVIEW: AURI – “Auri: II – Those We Don’t Speak Of”


by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

The creative force that is Auri features Finnish singer Johanna Kurkela and Nightwish’s keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley. Although they formed in 2011, it wasn’t until 2018 that they unveiled their debut self-titled album, which showcased their ethereal sound. Now with their sophomore release, ‘Auri: II – Those We Don’t Speak Of’they are back to enamour us once more with their unique and wondrous music.

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INTERVIEW – AURI: “We don’t know why audio frequencies make us feel the way we do. It’s like the biggest magic trick in the universe”


Interview with Johanna Kurkela, Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Auri was born in 2011 when Nightwish’s keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley teamed up with Finnish singer Johanna Kurkela. They first unleashed their magical charms in the form of their debut self-titled album in 2018, which displayed their otherworldly sound that is hard to define in a tremendous sense. Now, fortunately, they are back to stun us again with their sophomore album, ‘Those We Don’t Speak Of’, which is out on the 3rd of September via Nuclear Blast. In a world full of chaos due to Covid-19, Auri is the perfect escape from the madness. We caught up with the creative trio to find out all about the new album.

Continue reading INTERVIEW – AURI: “We don’t know why audio frequencies make us feel the way we do. It’s like the biggest magic trick in the universe”