Wednesday 7 January 2015

Sólstafir announce more and sold out European dates



SÓLSTAFIR have added dates in Greece and Bulgaria for the second leg of their European tour, which will kick off at the Eurosonic Festival in Groningen, The Netherlands on the 15th of January 2015.

After a visit to the UK for five dates starting at The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes on January 22nd, the eclectic Icelandic rockers will return to the continent at Paris' Nouveau Casino in France on the 27th of January. This show is already sold out as well as Nantes a day later. Tickets are running low in other places as well and an early purchase is strongly recommended.

Concerts in Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Baltic states as well as Russia have previously been announced. Further shows in Greece and Bulgaria have recently been added to the schedule. A list of all announced dates can be viewed below.

15 Jan 15 Groningen (NL) Vera (Eurosonic Festival) 22 Jan 15 Milton Keynes (UK) The Craufurd Arms 23 Jan 15 Bristol (UK) The Exchange 24 Jan 15 Manchester (UK) Deaf Institute 25 Jan 15 Sheffield (UK) Corporation 26 Jan 15 Brighton (UK) The Haunt 27 Jan 15 Paris (FR) Nouveau Casino (Sold out!) 28 Jan 15 Nantes (FR) Le Ferrailleur (Sold out!) 29 Jan 15 Toulouse (FR) Dynamo 30 Jan 15 Lyon (FR) CCO Villeurbanne 31 Jan 15 Aarau (CH) Kiff 01 Feb 15 Weinheim (DE) Cafe Central 02 Feb 15 Bochum (DE) Zeche 03 Feb 15 Hamburg (DE) Uebel & Gefährlich 04 Feb 15 København (DK) Pumpehuset 05 Feb 15 Göteborg (SE) Sticky Fingers 06 Feb 15 Oslo (NO) Rockefeller (+Black Debbath) 07 Feb 15 Stockholm (SE) Debaser Medis 09 Feb 15 Jyväskylä (FI) Lutakko 10 Feb 15 Tampere (FI) Klubi 11 Feb 15 Tallinn (EE) Tapper 12 Feb 15 Riga (LT) Melna Piektdiena 13 Feb 15 Vilnius (LV) New York 14 Feb 15 Minsk (RU) Republic 15 Feb 15 Moscow (RU) Volta 16 Feb 15 St. Petersburg (RU) Zal Ozhidaniya 17 Feb 15 Athens (GR) Kyttaro 18 Feb 15 Thessaloniki (GR) Eightball Club 19 Feb 15 Sofia (BG) RockIT

SÓLSTAFIR are touring in support of their highly anticipated follow-up to 2011’s heavily praised double album 'Svartir Sandar'. Their fifth full-length 'Ótta' was released on August 29th this year and is available from the Season of Mist shop.

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Khaøs Release New EPK & Footage From 'Exalted' Release Party



Swiss / American rockers Khaøs recently released a brand new music video for 'Exalted' taken from their stunning debut album 'Risen'. The band have now released a new EPK which was shot at the release party for 'Exalted' on November 18th at Archbar in Winterthur, Switzerland.





Not easily categorised 'Risen' follows the band's acclaimed EP 'Rising' and features 12 tracks of modern, melodic hard rock and metal. The album was released via MRR Records on 20th October and was recorded by Rolf Munkes at his Empire Studios in Germany and mastered by Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound in New York.

Guitarist Mark Rossi comments: “The subject matter transcends individual boundaries, hearkening to darker scenarios yet striving for resolution. The lyrical approach follows a trend of maintaining hope while facing difficulty and conflict. All the evil of mankind cannot suppress the people if they won’t let it. Aside from the lyrics and tone, the project’s unifying element is one of hard rock expression, which defies definition with every song.”

Frontman Chandler Mogel (also of Outloud) adds: “Musically and lyrically ‘Risen’ is a continuation from ‘Rising’, which was just a taste but began to touch on some of the deeper subject matter that I wanted to develop further into my writing; I had also been writing some Outloud songs with deeper meanings but for me it wasn't really working in that setting. I knew I needed a different approach musically for it, and Khaøs seemed like the right fit so I channeled this focus there. I wanted an outlet to really convey problems with society, personal struggles, mental mechanisms, and the reasons for all of this. As always I leave the lyrics open to interpretation from the listener as each person will take something different from them, but these are general themes that are prevalent here.”

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Der Weg einer Freiheit present final teaser clip



DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT are now revealing the final teaser clip for their forthcoming new full-length 'Stellar', which has been scheduled for release on the 23rd of March 2015. Pre-sale will begin on the 21st of January. The video, which allows a glimpse into the vocal recording can be watched below.



On further news, DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT have already announced a string of European dates with DOWNFALL OF GAIA in March and April 2015. A full list of confirmed dates can be viewed below.

Tour 2015

19 Mar 15 Berlin (DE) Bi Nuu 20 Mar 15 München (DE) Feierwerk 21 Mar 15 Osnabrück (DE) Bastard Club 22 Mar 15 Hamburg (DE) Hafenklang 24 Mar 15 Oslo (NO) Blå 25 Mar 15 Lyngby (DK) Templet 26 Mar 15 Rotterdam (NL) Baroeg 27 Mar 15 Köln (DE) MTC 28 Mar 15 Antwerp (BE) Kavka 29 Mar 15 Birmingham (UK) The Rainbow 30 Mar 15 Manchester (UK) Roadhouse 31 Mar 15 London (UK) Our Black Heart 01 Apr 15 Paris (FR) Covent Garden 03 Apr 15 Madrid (ES) Sala Barracudas 04 Apr 15 Barcelona (ES) Sala Begood 05 Apr 15 Luynes (FR) Le Korigan 06 Apr 15 Chambéry (FR) Le Brin de Zinc 07 Apr 15 Milano (IT) Lo Fi Club 08 Apr 15 Wien (AT) Arena 09 Apr 15 Stuttgart (DE) Juha West 10 Apr 15 Tilburg (NL) Roadburn Festival 11 Apr 15 Lichtenfels (DE) Ragnarök Festival

Festival shows

19 Jun 15 Dessel (BE) Graspop Metal Meeting 20 Jun 15 Clisson (FR) Hellfest 12 Jul 15 Kärnten (AT) Eine in Teich Open Air



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Guitar Maestro ULI JON ROTH to Release "Scorpions Revisited"



UDR, The Home Of Legends, is set to release guitar legend ULI JON ROTH’s brand new double album of 19 re-invented Scorpions tracks, entitled Scorpions Revisited, on March 10, 2015. Pre-orders for the album will be available soon.

For over four decades, ULI JON ROTH has forged new frontiers in the world of guitar, both in terms of approach and style. He even managed to invent the sky-guitar, a six octave lead instrument that remains unparalleled. But before he started to explore the creative worlds of music, philosophy and art, ULI JON ROTH was a member of European rock giants, the Scorpions, a band with which he helped create a new path in hard rock music. In 2013, venerated for his originality and dynamism at the time, Roth found himself intrigued by the memory of those early days which began 40 years ago, and specifically by the music he helped write, perform and occasionally sing on the albums Fly To The Rainbow, In Trance, Virgin Killer and Taken By Force. It lead to Roth deciding to spend a year re-visiting, exploring, performing and re-recording his favorite Scorpions songs.

The first results of this magical, mystical journey into his own past can be heard on ULI JON ROTH’s Scorpions Revisited, a double-disc CD recorded in Hanover, Germany which sees the maestro re-harness all the collective power and poise of those original Scorpions classics, and re-imagine them as he feels today. No one in their right mind would dare call these mere re-recordings, as it’s clear that ULI JON ROTH reinvents these songs from the soul up.

Track listing - CD1:

1. The Sails Of Charon 2. Longing For Fire 3. Crying Days 4. Virgin Killer 5. In Trance 6. Sun In My Hand 7. Yellow Raven 8. Polar Nights 9. Dark Lady

Track listing - CD2:

1. Catch Your Train 2. Evening Wind 3. All Night Long 4. We’ll Burn In The Sky 5. Pictured Life 6. Hell Cat 7. Life’s Like A River 8. Drifting Sun 9. Rainbow Dream Prelude 10. Fly To The Rainbow

“The material for this double CD was recorded last year in the same hall in Hanover that we used for the Scorpions rehearsals 1973-1978,” explains Roth. “Together with an amazing bunch of very talented young musicians, I revisited my personal favourites from the early Scorpions period, some of which were written in that same hall. It was an emotional few days and I am very pleased with the results in more ways than one. The idea was to stay truthful to the original spirit of the music, while also putting a new slant on it whenever it felt like the right thing to do. I feel we really succeeded in this and I’m very excited about this project. It was a intense journey into the past and I think we really managed to bring the songs back to life with a vengeance.”

The band which performed with Roth for these historic shows was Nathan James (vocals), Jamie Little (drums), Ule W. Ritgen (bass), Niklas Turmann (guitar, vocals), Corvin Bahn (keyboards, vocals) and David Klosinski (guitar).

As noted, this is the first fruit from a re-engagement with his history that left ULI JON ROTH enjoying a surge of fresh creativity and approach to this classic material. Expect a further announcement for 2015. But for now, feast your ears, heart and emotions on ULI JON ROTH’s unique return to his most famous musical legacy.

2015 ULI JON ROTH US Tour Dates:

JANUARY

21.01.2015 – California – Ramona - Mainstage 22.01.2015 – California – Anaheim - House of Blues 23.01.2015 – California – Hollywood - House of Blues 24.01.2015 – Nevada – Las Vegas - Vamp’d 25.01.2015 – California – San Josè - Rock Star Bar 26.01.2015 – Oregon – Portland - Tonic 27.01.2015 – Washington – Seattle - Studio 7 29.01.2015 – Minnesota – Moorehead - The Garage 30.01.2015 – Minnesota – Spring Lake Park - POVS 31.01.2015 - Illinois – St. Charles – Arcada Theatre

FEBRUARY

01.02.2015 - Illinois – Chicago – Reggie’s (& Sky Academy) 02.02.2015 – Michigan – Detroit – Token Lounge 03.02.2015 – Toronto – Mod Club 04.02.2015 – Ohio – Cleveland – Agora Ballroom 05.02.2015 – Connecticut – Hartford – Infinity Hall 06.02.2015 – New Hampshire – Londonderry – Tupelo Music Hall 07.02.2015 – New York – Poughkeepsie – The Chance 08.02.2015 – New York – Manhattan – BB King’s 09.02.2015 – Virginia – Springfield – The Empire

2015 ULI JON ROTH International Tour Dates:

19.02.2015 – Japan – Nagoya – Bottom Line 20.02.2015 – Japan – Tokyo – Nakano Sun Plaza Hall 22.02.2015 – Japan Osaka - Quattro

11.04.2015 – Full Metal Cruise II – to Mediterranian Sea – 16.04.2015 Plama de Mallorca/Barcelona/Ibiza

24.04.2015 – Germany – Lauda-Königshofen – Keep it True Festival 22.05.2015 – Germany – Bocholt – Alte Molkerei 23.05.2015 – Germany – Bocholt – Alte Molkerei 22.08.2015 – Germany – Balve - Balver Höhle

27.08.2015 - Full Metal Cruise III – to North Sea - 31.08.2015 Kiel/Copenhaven/Gothenburg/Hamburg

SONATA ARCTICA Announce exclusive London show for 'Ecliptica over Europe Tour 2015'



Finnish melodic metal heroes SONATA ARCTICA recently released a re-recorded version of their debut album ‘Ecliptica’, which came out 15 years ago, under the banner ‘Ecliptica – Revisited: 15th Anniversary Edition’ on Nuclear Blast.

Now SONATA ARCTICA are proud to announce the ‘Ecliptica over Europe Tour 2015’, with special guest support from German power metal group FREEDOM CALL. The band will make an exclusive UK appearance at the O2 Academy Islington in London on May 1st 2015. Tickets are available for this event now: www.o2academyislington.co.uk.

The band commented: “It’s been some months since we released the re-recorded version of our debut album ‘Ecliptica’ and of course we couldn’t resist the temptation of attempting to play the whole album front to back live. Hence, we’re happy to announce the ‘Ecliptica’ special shows in Europe. On these shows we’ll perform ‘Ecliptica’ in its entirety as well as assorted hits from our catalog. This is a one-time thing only, don’t miss it.

As special guest we will bring FREEDOM CALL who will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their ‘Eternity’ record and play a special set around that album. See you all out there!!!”

Order your copy of ‘Ecliptica – Revisited: 15th Anniversary Edition’ here.

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Brand new UMBRA ET IMAGO video "GET OFF" - Article in German



Für Frontmann Mozart ist der Begriff «Gothic» nicht nur ein musikalisches Subgenre, sondern eine eigene Kultur. «Gothic» à la Umbra et Imago vereint tonalen Wohlklang, unterkühlte Strenge und explizite Sexualität - eine künstlerische Dreifaltigkeit, die von der Band aus Karlsruhe so konsequent wie von keiner zweiten in Deutschland seit über 20 Jahren zelebriert wird.

Mozart - der Mann hinter Umbra et Imago, der seinen Spitznamen aus frühester Jugend nie abgelegt hat - offenbart mit seinen Texten eine philosophische Haltung, die sich an einer der Grundideen Sigmund Freuds orientiert: Im Leben dreht sich alles um Sex. Mit Umbra et Imago wird dieser Gedanke um den Faktor Musik erweitert. Sex und Musik, so sagt Mozart, seien die beiden einzigen Erfahrungen, die den Menschen den Kosmos spüren lassen - und mit Kosmos meint Mozart eigentlich Gott. Gott, das allumfassende Kunstwerk des Universums.

Es ist nicht eben leichte Kost, die Umbra et Imago ihrem Publikum seit jeher kredenzen, aber gerade deshalb kann die Band auf eine stabile und anspruchsvolle Fanbasis bauen. Diese Fanbasis hat verstanden, dass es Mozart bei den lustbetonten Inhalten seiner Songs und den erotisch aufgeladenen Liveshows nicht um den kurzzeitigen Knalleffekt geht, sondern um die langfristige Einsicht, dass Sex und Musik alle Menschen miteinander verbindet - unabhängig von Geschlecht, Hautfarbe oder sexueller Orientierung.

Am klarsten zum Ausdruck kommt dieser Tenor im Song «Viva Vulva», dem Herzstück des neuen Albums. «Viva Vulva» ist eine Ode an die Weiblichkeit - sie ist Verneigung, Liebeserklärung und Lustbekenntnis zugleich. Hypnotisches 16tel-Stakkato aus dem Sequenzer trifft hier auf sanfte Gitarrenmelodien, später übernehmen Verzerrer und Metaldrums, und über allem liegt, unterstützt durch einen Chor aus Engelsstimmen, Mozarts wie immer beschwörende Stimme. Das ist Gothic in Reinkultur. Das ist Umbra et Imago im Jahr 2014. Erhaben, dunkel und sexy.



UMBRA ET IMAGO live:

13.02.2015 D Kaiserslautern - Kammgarn 14.02.2015 D Ingolstadt - Eventhalle Westpark 20.02.2015 D Leipzig - Anker 21.02.2015 D Potsdam - Waschhaus Arena 26.02.2015 D Würzburg - Posthalle 27.02.2015 D Erfurt - From Hell 28.02.2015 D Zwickau - Club Seilerstraße

UMBRA ET IMAGO Release Parties & DJ-Dates:

10.01.2015 D Duisburg - Kultkeller 16.01.2015 D Puchheim - Club Lillith 17.01.2015 D Leipzig – Darkflower

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KATAKLYSM Announce New Album Title! 'Of Ghosts And Gods' due this Summer



Montreal based death metal powerhouse KATAKLYSM, are currently in the studio recording the follow up to their critically acclaimed Waiting for the End to Come album. The record, which has been dubbed 'Of Ghosts And Gods', will tentatively be released this upcoming Summer. A short teaser for the album can be viewed now via the group’s Facebook page.

Guitarist J- F Dagenais will track drums, guitars and bass for the album, while vocals will be recorded by producer Mark Lewis (WHITE CHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER, CANNIBAL CORPSE). The entire process will be mixed and mastered in the UK by legendary producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, AMON AMARTH).

KATAKLYSM has had one of their busiest years in 2014 supporting their latest gem Waiting for the End to Come. The band started a successful run that started in Australia and Japan a year ago and made its way worldwide to many countries, including some first time stops in places like Brazil and South Africa among others.

KATAKLYSM’s latest record Waiting for the End to Come was released October 2013 via Nuclear Blast records.

Waiting for the End to Come was recorded by guitarist Jean Francois Dagenais and mixed by Zeuss (SUFFOCATION, HATEBREED, ARSIS). The artwork by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, HATEBREED) is featured on the deluxe digipak and LP versions of their new album, while the cover art by Peter Sallai (SABATON) is featured on the standard jewel case and limited edition cassette tape versions.

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FUROR GALLICO "Songs From The Earth" Scarlet Records Release: 16 February 2015



4 years after the release of their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, Furor Gallico have finally announced the new chapter in their fast rising career, 'The Songs From The Earth', out early next year on Scarlet Records. The new album sees the band exploring many different musical landscapes, being rooted in the evocative folk metal they are known for but going way beyond it. After having toured the world with renowned acts such as Stratovarius, Haggard, Folk Stone, Elvenking, Exploited, Crucified Barbara, Eluveitie, Arkona and many others, Furor Gallico are now ready to unleash their full potential as a band, delivering 9 brand new songs infused with passion and sweat, recorded at Metropolis Studio (Depeche Mode, PFM) in Milan, Italy and mixed/mastered by Alex Azzali at Alpha Omega Studio (Behemoth, Carcass). The cover artwork has been made by Kris Verwimp (Absu, Arch Enemy, Marduk). Some very special guests, including Federico Paulovich (Destrage) on drums have also been confirmed.

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September Mourning Releases New Single "Children Of Fate" From Upcoming Album



January 7, 2015 - The Dark Alternative, Hard Rock Transmedia Project September Mourning have released their new single "Children Of Fate" from their upcoming album due out this Spring. The album, which was produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance), will be released alongside other forms of media containing the story of the characters portrayed in the band. One of which, is a comic book released through Top Cow Comics and developed by September (Vocalist & Founder) and Top Cow CEO Marc Silvestri.



Children of Fate is a call to arms for every person who has felt helpless, hopeless or worthless…a battle cry against the negativity we are surrounded by everyday. It is a song about the strength of knowing it’s not just you, alone, verses the world, it is all of us together verses whatever stands in our way. Musically, It is the first chapter in the story of September Mourning. - September (September Mourning)

About September Mourning: September Mourning has just recorded her debut album. It tells a story in 12 songs, an epic tale of “heartbreak, loss, pain, joy, love, redemption, but most of all, courage…” Produced by Howard Benson (Chris Cornell, My Chemical Romance) and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, September Mourning revives the concept of rock star meets superhero. If Marilyn Manson and Lady Gaga had a kid, it would be September Mourning, who also cites influences as varied as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, KISS, Evanescence and My Chemical Romance.

“For me, the project is a story, a theatrical art piece,” September explains. “Music is the backbone, but for this to work, it has to include the imagery and the narrative all symbiotically linked into the whole. Music taps into your innermost being. There’s something very intimate and personal about it.”

The character of September Mourning is a human-reaper hybrid, who feels the need to give some human souls a second chance, and thus toys with Fate. To expound on this narrative, September is working with iconic comic book artist Marc Silvestri, who started out on the original X-Men comics and went on to form Top Cow Productions (Witchblade, The Darkness). Together, they are putting together the story of September Mourning in graphic form, to accompany, and enhance the musical message.

September Mourning carries positive passions into its music, which is often operatic, but also completely rock ‘n’ roll in all its majestic glory. The album is full of themes that run the gamut, from “Skin and Bones,” which takes on people who would judge you on appearances, and “Chariot,” about those who allow themselves to be consumed by somebody else, to “Paper Dolls,” lambasting a guy “who rips people’s hearts out without regret” and “Before The Fall,” a song that accentuates our common humanity. “When we bleed/We bleed the same,” sings September. September describes “Children of Fate” as a “call to arms for her fans, our families,” which she turned into a 6/8 waltz, “but heavy, eerie and strange, to give it this weird feeling.

Having toured with Marilyn Manson, September Mourning has already built up an impressive fan base, which she calls her “Children of Fate,” constantly encouraging them to have “the courage to embrace their passion… to allow yourself to follow your heart and not be a slave to your fears. To know that the only boundaries that exist in our lives are the ones we allow.”

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A PLASTIC ROSE Announce FREE Album Launch Show at Mandela Hall, Belfast



A PLASTIC ROSE are proud to announce, that their album Launch show will take place on February 26th at the Mandela Hall in Belfast, with special guest supports to be announced soon! Tickets will be available on the door, as the show is free, so the band are encouraging fans to take a listen to their record on Spotify before the show!

"We cordially invite all the APRmy (and their friends, family, school teachers, football coach, etc...) to our BIGGEST EVER SHOW! On Thurs Feb 26th 2015 we launch our sophomore album 'Flickering Light Of An Inner War' in Belfast's incredible Mandela Hall with the aim of blowing the roof off the place. As you know the album is out March 1st but you can listen to it for free on Spotify now (we recommend a few listens before the night *WHOOP*) and as an added gift to you all we've made this a FREE SHOW too. This will be a night to remember, so bring your singing voices!" Gerry Norman, Vox/Guitar

For a glimpse of what's to come, head over now and watch the guys latest video for 'Move Islands'!



A PLASTIC ROSE's brand new album, 'Flickering Light Of An Inner War' is being released via Pledge Music and the full album is also available on Spotify now.

By ordering your copy of the album on Pledge Music, you’ll gain access to exclusive bonus content, video clips and much more – all direct from A Plastic Rose themselves. There’s also exclusive merchandise and experiences on offer, such as signed set lists, hand-written lyrics and the ultra-intimate Belfast show, where just 50 dedicated Pledgers can enjoy APR live, loud and up close.

At a time when the music industry is really looking for an innovative way of tackling illegal downloading and putting value back into artists creations and physical product, the band wanted to try a new approach with their record. This is almost the opposite of what acts like Taylor Swift have done, but the disadvantage of being a brand new act, is that you need your music to be available across platforms like this gain exposure and reach new channels, and the band are excited to see how this turns out.

They are making available their album to their fans and new fans, meaning it should greatly lessen illegal downloading and let people to grow with their record. They are giving current and potential new audiences, a chance to nurture what they have made, listen to it as many times as they want and fall in love with their hard work. The reward for them and the listener, is there is then the option of buying the physical product, or an experience with the band. Something personal and tactile, something to touch, play, frame, wear, experience and always aesthetically appreciate - giving more value to their work!



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36 CRAZYFISTS TO EMBARK ON HEADLINE UK TOUR IN FEBRUARY 2015. NEW ALBUM ‘TIME AND TRAUMA’ THROUGH SPINEFARM RECORDS ON FEBRUARY 16th



Highly acclaimed and much-loved Alaskan band 36 Crazyfists, who have crafted their own unique blend of metal, post-hardcore, metalcore and beyond, will embark on a headline tour of the UK in February 2015 – the launch point for a European run also taking in the Netherlands, Germany & Switzerland.

This month-long outing aligns with the February 16th release of the group’s sixth album, ‘Time and Trauma’ – a 12-tracker, produced by 36CF guitarist Steve Holt, marking the start of a new worldwide deal with Spinefarm Records.

"February can't come soon enough," exclaims frontman Brock Lindow. "We can't wait to kick off our world tour in the UK and Europe, and bringing our friends in All Hail The Yeti and Cytota just turns up the heat even more. Strap on your helmets and lace up your party boots, the Alaskans are coming for you!"

36 Crazyfists are back and raring to go, ready to rip the roof off each and every venue, reducing the structures to piles of smouldering ash.

36 Crazyfists February 2015 UK tour dates, supported by All Hail The Yeti (US) & Cytota (UK):

4th – The Hub, Plymouth 5th – Sound Circus, Bournemouth 6th – Concorde 2, Brighton 7th – The Marble Factory, Bristol 8th – The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent 10th – Classic Grand, Glasgow 11th – Newcastle Academy 12th – Manchester, Academy 3 13th – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham 14th – Asylum, Birmingham 15th – The Waterfront, Norwich 17th – Electric Ballroom, London 18th – Engine Rooms, Southampton 19th – O2 Academy, Oxford

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