With less than two months to go until the mighty Download Festival, DLXXI has unleashed its mighty District X line up, with guest DJ sets, acoustic performances, secret acoustic band sets, live podcasts, comedy, one of a kind entertainment and much more, showing that Download is so much more than its stellar arena line up. Taking place on 12-16 June 2024 at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, Download will be headlined by Queens Of The Stone Age, Fall Out Boy and Avenged Sevenfold. You can buy the last remaining tickets here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
Continue reading DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL DLXXI:DISTRICT X LINE-UP ANNOUNCEDNew Zealand Heavy Rock Titans DEVILSKIN Unleash Riveting Cover of HEART’s Classic Hit “Barracuda”
AHEAD OF NEW SIX-TRACK EP, SURFACING, DUE OUT 3rd MAY, the Multi-platinum NZ rockers wear their hearts on their sleeve and offer up a devilishly masterful performance of one of classic rocks most beloved tunes!
Prepare to be swept away by a tidal wave of raw power and adrenaline as multi-Platinum-selling New Zealand rock icons DEVILSKIN unleash their latest musical masterpiece: a heart-pounding cover of HEART’s timeless classic, “Barracuda.” With their unmistakable blend of ferocious energy and unparalleled musicianship, DEVILSKIN pays homage to the legendary rock anthem while injecting it with their own signature intensity and passion.
Originally released by HEART in 1977, on their third studio album Little Queen, “Barracuda” has long been hailed as one of the most iconic tracks in rock history. Known for its infectious guitar riff, soaring vocals, and unforgettable chorus, “Barracuda” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. DEVILSKIN’s cover of “Barracuda” pays homage to the original while infusing it with their own unique style and energy, resulting in a rendition that is both timeless and fresh.
Lead vocalist JENNIE SKULANDER’s powerhouse vocals ascend over the epochal chugging riff, harmonics, and shimmering, layered guitars courtesy of NAIL VINCENT, and thunderous fusion of father and son rhythm section PAUL (bass) and NIC MARTIN (drums), capturing the essence of the original while adding a modern edge that is distinctly DEVILSKIN. From the opening notes to the explosive climax, DEVILSKIN’s cover of “Barracuda” is a masterclass in rock reinvention, showcasing the band’s unparalleled talent and passion for their craft.
“This is one of those songs that so many people have tucked away in their favourites and for good reason too – the song is a masterpiece! We hadn’t played it live for a few years, but we all still felt a sweet connection with it. So we thought we’d have some fun, and record it as a bonus for our faithful, and of course, to honour our musical heroes. Releasing ‘Barracuda’ for us, is like a gift back to our audience and the really amazing people we’ve had the good fortune to meet over the years. It’s a thank you, from the heart.” – PAUL MARTIN

Buy / Stream “Barracuda” Online

Devilskin formed in June 2010 in Hamilton New Zealand and features the spectacular Jennie Skulander on lead vocals. Her powerful and compelling voice and alluring stage presence sets her apart from any vocalist New Zealand has put up so far. With an unerring gift for melody, Jennie’s incredible voice sweeps from whisper to roar, rips with power, drips with melody and captivates with sincerity.
Jennie previously fronted Rotorua band Slipping Tongue garnering a swathe of fans with their videos, EPs and album. Slipping Tongue also impressed many when they opened for Coheed & Cambria in 2008.
On lead guitar is Nail from the popular Waikato band Chuganaut who won the NZ Battle of the Bands and the World Battle Of The Bands in 2004. Played BDO in 2005 and opened for Iron Maiden at Mt Smart stadium in 2009. Chuganaut has played numerous national tours and released several singles, EP’s, videos and an album. Nail’s searing guitar work and high energy performance bring real intensity to the live show.
Paul Martin is the founder of the popular radio show, the Axe Attack. Lead guitarist and vocalist for World War Four, Paul’s previous bands include Knightshade and Blackjack. He has opened for Black Label Society (2006), Heaven & Hell (2007) and Motorhead twice (2008), and played BDO (2009). Paul’s powerful and aggressive bass style is a propulsive force in the Devilskin sound.
Nic Martin joined Devilskin as drummer in August 2011 at the age of 15. Paul’s son, Nic is the youngest artist to ever play the BDO when he performed with World War Four in 2009 at the age of 13. Nic adds to the show with a real display of power and passion on the drums. With a fierce style all his own and the inexhaustible energy of youth, Nic’s truculent style and showmanship are fast becoming a talking point on the NZ live music scene. Not to mention making Devilskin one of the few bands featuring a father and son in their line-up.
Together, Devilskin have the ability to write songs that have depth and passion. They create a compelling and irresistible sound and perform a stunning, explosive, live show. The art of song-writing is back.
PHOTO REPORT: Bloodred Hourglass and Deathropy

Bloodred Hourglass and Deathropy
April 19, 2024
Olympia, Tampere
Deathropy was a pleasant surprise, melodic death metal with a twist. Much bigger than expected. They had a really potent energy but felt maybe more fitting for a festival atmosphere.
On the other hand, it has been many years since seeing Bloodred Hourglass at a club gig. Usually catching them in the sun at a summer festival, it was refreshing to feel their energy in a more intimate venue. One thing remains the same though, its a pleasure to see them constantly maturing and growing with their sound and live presence.
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EMPIRE STATE BASTARD SHARE ‘THE SILVER CORD SESSIONS’ EP
With their upcoming North American tour as special guests to Sleep Token, EMPIRE STATE BASTARD have shared ‘The Silver Cord Sessions’ EP. Available today on all streaming platforms, the live EP emerges as the band have just been nominated for two Heavy Music Awards: Best Breakthrough Album and Best Album Artwork, both for their acclaimed debut ‘Rivers of Heresy.’
Continue reading EMPIRE STATE BASTARD SHARE ‘THE SILVER CORD SESSIONS’ EPSaxon Announce New Single “Witches Of Salem”
Saxon release the video for “Witches Of Salem”, the forth single from the band’s critically-acclaimed 24th studio album, Hell, Fire And Damnation – out now via Silver Lining Music.
Hell, Fire And Damnation is an album which sees Saxon investigate all areas of history and mystery amidst ten of their most confident and thunderously powerful songs yet. In “Witches Of Salem”, lead singer and founding member Biff Byford, explores the unjust condemnation of the women victimised at the Salem witch trials and the sheer bigotry and mass hysteria prevalent at the time.
Hellripper to reissue ‘Black Arts & Alchemy’ EP With Bonus Track
As Hellripper marks a decade of existence, Peaceville presents the five track 2019 release of blistering blackened thrash – Black Arts & Alchemy.
Following the release of debut album Coagulating Darkness in 2017 which thrust Hellripper firmly into the gaze of underground metal maniacs, the Black Arts & Alchemy EP brought even more attention and notoriety to this special act upon its release in 2019, as Hellripper’s ascent gained further momentum. With four black/thrash anthems delivered in Hellripper’s uncompromising & unwavering style, and including an additional cover version of Running wild’s Iron Heads, the release demonstrated an ongoing mastery of composition and execution whilst remaining true to the firm heavy metal roots which had brought so much appraisal to date. Featuring the band’s trademark intricate and expertly-crafted concoction of hyperspeed riffing and solos, Black Arts & Alchemy was also notably mastered by Joel Grind of celebrated US thrashers Toxic Holocaust.
Continue reading Hellripper to reissue ‘Black Arts & Alchemy’ EP With Bonus Track

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