May 03 2010 - STIGMA To Guest On Metal Assault Radio This Wednesday
Italian horror inspired extreme metal act STIGMA is scheduled to appear on Metal Assault Radio (http://metalassaultradio.com/) on Wednesday May 5th at 4pm EDT via an interview with vocalist Vlad. Additionally, the band has scheduled its first tour dates in support of its new album Concerto for the Undead. Dates are as follows with more to be announced in the coming weeks:
May 8, 2010 - Durbuy Rock Fest, Durbuy - Belgium (w/ Aborted, Epica, Delain and more) May 15, 2010 - Tempo Rock, Gualtieri, Italy May 22, 2010 - Metalfest Hungary, Budapest , Hungary (w/ Amon Amarth, Lamb Of God, Sonata Arctica, Decapitated) July 16, 2010 - Release Party @ Nuvolari Festival, Cuneo, Italy
STIGMA’s Concerto for the Undead was produced at Fear Studio by ex-BLEEDING THROUGH and current BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist Jona Weinhofen and was mixed & mastered by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS). This sophomore effort was released on April 30th in Europe, May 3rd in the UK, May 4th in North America and May 7th in Australia/New Zealand. The album features lyrics centered on the cult-classic comic book series Tales From the Crypt and includes guest vocal appearances by Jamie Hope (ex-THE RED SHORE) and Jon Hunt (ex-DEAD TO FALL). Artwork for the album features stunning comic illustrations of the band’s now patent horror themed lyrics and was created by Andrea Berton of Corefolio Design (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WINDS OF PLAGUE).
Dallas Coyle (ex-GOD FORBID), Marco Eronen (RAISED FIST) and Alex Wade (WHITECHAPEL) have each commented on STIGMA’s Concerto for the Undead:
“This isn't deathcore, metalcore or CORE anything. It's ALL metal! Stigma are melodic and heavy while balancing it with the technical. This is the sound described as STIGMA! I hope they come to the States soon so I can support in person!" Dallas Coyle (ex-God Forbid)
"This album is fuckin amazing! It’s like a brutal assault on your soul while you´re beggin for mercy." Marco Eronen (Raised Fist)
"Stigma's new release "Concerto for the Undead" is a ferocious delivery of melodic metalcore and swedish influenced death metal. Fans of As Blood Runs Black, The Black Dahlia Murder, and As I Lay Dying are sure to love the epic guitar riffs and technical while pummeling drum work of this record. This album is a breath of fresh air and creativity in the metal scene and I'm definitely interested to see where this release takes them!"Alex Wade (Whitechapel)
Links: Stigma Official Website - http://www.stigmahc.com Stigma Official Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/stigmahc Pivotal Rockordings Website: http://www.pivotalalliance.com Pivotal Rockordings Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pivotalrockordings
Additionally, STIGMA has announced its new permanent guitar player, Giacomo “Jack” Poli (THE END OF SIX THOUSAND YEARS). Vocalist Vlad comments on the new addition to the band: "After a very long search and auditioning guitarists from all over our country, we're happy to introduce to you our new guitarist Jack! He's definitely what we were looking for: he is a shredder, he comes from one of the best Italian bands we shared the stage with, he loves jokes and is a great addition to our team of fools! Make sure you'll give him a warm welcome in one of our upcoming shows and tours.”
Dallas Coyle (ex-GOD FORBID), Marco Eronen (RAISED FIST) and Alex Wade (WHITECHAPEL) have each commented on STIGMA’s Concerto for the Undead:
“This isn't deathcore, metalcore or CORE anything. It's ALL metal! Stigma are melodic and heavy while balancing it with the technical. This is the sound described as STIGMA! I hope they come to the States soon so I can support in person!" Dallas Coyle (ex-God Forbid)
"This album is fuckin amazing! It’s like a brutal assault on your soul while you´re beggin for mercy." Marco Eronen (Raised Fist)
"Stigma's new release "Concerto for the Undead" is a ferocious delivery of melodic metalcore and swedish influenced death metal. Fans of As Blood Runs Black, The Black Dahlia Murder, and As I Lay Dying are sure to love the epic guitar riffs and technical while pummeling drum work of this record. This album is a breath of fresh air and creativity in the metal scene and I'm definitely interested to see where this release takes them!"Alex Wade (Whitechapel)
STIGMA’s Concerto for the Undead was produced at Fear Studio by ex-BLEEDING THROUGH and current BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist Jona Weinhofen and was mixed & mastered by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS). This sophomore effort is due out April 30th in Europe, May 3rd in the UK, May 4th in North America and May 7th in Australia/New Zealand. The album features lyrics centered on the cult-classic comic book series Tales From the Crypt and includes guest vocal appearances by Jamie Hope (ex-THE RED SHORE) and Jon Hunt (ex-DEAD TO FALL). Artwork for the album features stunning comic illustrations of the band’s now patent horror themed lyrics and was created by Andrea Berton of Corefolio Design (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WINDS OF PLAGUE).
Apr 15 2010 - New STIGMA Song Streaming and Australian Release Announced
A new song entitled “3000 Years and Still Keeping It Real” by Italy’s horror inspired extreme metal act STIGMA is currently available for streaming at http://www.stomp.com.au/promos/stigma/. The track features guest vocals from Jamie Hope (ex-The Red Shore).
The band’s sophomore effort Concerto for the Undead has been licensed for release in Australia and New Zealand by Stomp and is scheduled to hit streets on May 7th.
Producer Jona Weinhofen commented about working with STIGMA:
“I’ve known Stefano Ghersi [Vlad; vocals] for years through touring etc and when he and the guys from Stigma approached me about working with them I was stoked. Producing is always something which I have had a big interest in ever since recording my first album with one of my own bands. Between my busy touring & writing schedules, and living between 3 separate countries it would have been nice to have some extra time to really get involved with the whole process as I think we just scratched the surface of the bands potential with my involvement.”
STIGMA’s Concerto for the Undead was produced at Fear Studio by ex-BLEEDING THROUGH and current BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist Jona Weinhofen and was mixed & mastered by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS). This sophomore effort is due out April 30th in Europe, May 3rd in the UK, May 4th in North America and May 7th in Australia/New Zealand. The album features lyrics centered on the cult-classic comic book series Tales From the Crypt and includes guest vocal appearances by Jamie Hope (ex-THE RED SHORE) and Jon Hunt (ex-DEAD TO FALL). Artwork for the album features stunning comic illustrations of the band’s now patent horror themed lyrics and was created by Andrea Berton of Corefolio Design (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WINDS OF PLAGUE).
Apr 08 2010 - STIGMA Vocalist Performs Live with VIATROPHY at London Show
In a last minute fill-in, Stefano “Vlad” Ghersi of Italian horror-inspired extreme metal act STIGMA stepped into vocal duties for VIATROPHY at their last ever London show, which is part of VIATROPHY’s last tour before breaking up. Fan-filmed live footage has been posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiKtBOuMeL4
Vlad commented on the experience:
"I was in London doing interviews for our new album "Concerto for the Undead" and made plans to attend Viatrophy's last ever London show with our UK PR agent and a friend.
When meeting with the band they told me Adam (vocals) was sick, so they were thinking about cancelling the show. They asked if I knew their songs and if I was up for singing. Viatrophy is one of my favorite bands and has been an influence of ours, so of course I agreed and an hour later I was on stage!
It was definitely a great experience and huge honor! I wish Adam a quick recovery and best of luck to the rest of the band. It’s just a shame the band is splitting up, but I'm sure they'll do just great with any project the join!"
STIGMA’s Concerto for the Undead was produced at Fear Studio by ex-BLEEDING THROUGH and current BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist Jona Weinhofen and was mixed & mastered by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS). This sophomore effort is due out April 30th in Europe, May 3rd in the UK and May 4th in North America via Pivotal Rockordings. The album features lyrics centered on the cult-classic comic book series Tales From the Crypt and includes guest vocal appearances by Jamie Hope (ex-THE RED SHORE) and Jon Hunt (ex-DEAD TO FALL). Artwork for the album features stunning comic illustrations of the band’s now patent horror themed lyrics and was created by Andrea Berton of Corefolio Design (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WINDS OF PLAGUE).
Mar 01 2010 - STIGMA's First Single From "Concerto for the Undead" Available for Streaming
Italian horror-inspired extreme metal act STIGMA has unveiled its first single, "Prove You Are a Man!"Coming off of the band’s sophomore effort Concerto for the Undead, the track features a guest appearance by Jon Hunt (ex-DEAD TO FALL). "Prove You Are a Man!" is available exclusively at MetalSucks.net for streaming and will also be available at the band’s MySpace Page starting Wednesday, March 3rd.
Concerto for the Undead was produced at Fear Studio by ex-BLEEDING THROUGH and current BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist JonaWeinhofen and was mixed & mastered by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS).This sophomore effort is due out April 30th in Europe, May 3rd in the UK and May 4th in North America via PivotalRockordings. The album features lyrics centered on the cult-classic comic book series Tales from the Crypt and includes guest vocal appearances by Jamie Hope (ex-THE RED SHORE) and Jon Hunt (ex-DEAD TO FALL).Artwork for the album features stunning comic illustrations of the band’s now patent horror themed lyrics and was created by Andrea Berton of Corefolio Design (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WINDS OF PLAGUE).
Jan 31 2010 - STIGMA Unveils New Album Title, Artwork, Tracklist and Release Dates
Italy’s STIGMA has set Concerto for the Undead as the title for its follow up to 2008’s When Midnight Strikes! The sophomore effort is due out April 30th in Europe, May 3rd in the UK and May 4th in North America via Pivotal Rockordings. Concerto for the Undead features lyrics centered on the cult-classic comic book series Tales From the Crypt and includes guest vocal appearances by Jamie Hope (ex-THE RED SHORE) and Jon Hunt (ex-DEAD TO FALL). The tracklist is as follows:
1. Chop His Head Off! 2. Prove You Are a Man! 3. …And They Died Happily Ever After! 4. A Monstrous Feeling 5. The Undertaker 6. What About a Terror Ride 7. 3000 Years and Still Keeping it Real 8. A Grave Situation 9. Beat Me Maestro, Eight to the Dead! 10. Doctor Skeleton
Concerto for the Undead was produced at Fear Studio by BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist Jona Weinhofen and was mixed & mastered by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS). Artwork for the album features stunning comic illustrations of the band’s now patent horror themed lyrics and was created by Andrea Berton of Corefolio Design (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WINDS OF PLAGUE). Parts 1 and 2 of the band’s studio diaries can be viewed below:
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-dtmhVqQpc&feature=related
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAca81omC8U
Links: Stigma Official Website - http://www.stigmahc.com Stigma Official Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/stigmahc
Dec 09 2009 - STIGMA Enters Studio and Announces Guest Appearances, Video Available
Italian horror-themed
deathcore act STIGMA recently entered Fear Studio to record the band’s
followup to 2008’s When Midnight Strikes!, due out next year via Pivotal
Rockordings.The album, which is being produced by BRING
ME THE HORIZON
guitarist Jona Weinhofen, will be mixed by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLEOFFILTH, SYLOSIS, GAMMABOMB) and will feature guest
appearances from Jamie Hope (THEREDSHORE) and Jon Hunt (Ex- DEADTOFALL).A video blog documenting the initial
phases of the recording process is available at the link below:
STIGMA’s 2008 debut album, When
Midnight Strikes! was recorded at Db Studios with producer Ettore
Rigotti
(DISARMONIA MUNDI)
and was mixed and mastered by Alessandro Vanara (DISARMONIA MUNDI,
SLOWMOTION APOCALYPSE)
and featured guest appearances from TimZlinsky (THE CLASSIC
STRUGGLE),
Alberto Zannier
(SLOWMOTIONAPOCALYPSE),
Ivan Odorico
(SLOWMOTIONAPOCALYPSE),
and MikeLunacy
(DARKLUNACY).
Nov 04 2009 - SKYFIRE Post New Song from 'Esoteric'
Swedish progressive death metallers SKYFIRE has posted the track “Under a Pitch Black Sky,” which comes off of the group's new album, "Esoteric," on the band’s Official Myspace Page (www.myspace.com/skyfiremusic). Additionally, a two-part track-by-track video, in which Martin Hanner (bass, keyboards), Johan Reinholdz (guitar), Andreas Edlund (guitar, keyboards), and Joakim Karlsson (vocals) sit down to discuss "Esoteric," was recently made available for viewing on YouTube. They are located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN9vPDmRnB0 (Part 1) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnswCJmqdk (Part 2).
"Esoteric" was released on September 14 in the U.K, September 18 in Europe, and October 13 in North America via Pivotal Rockordings. A digital-only EP, entitled "Fractal," also came out in July. It contains material written between 2004's "Spectral" and the "Esoteric" album. Both the EP and full length are available through all major digital retailers such as iTunes, Napster, Amazon, and Spotify.
SKYFIRE is set to embark on a tour of the U.K. this November with FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. Dates are available at the band’s MySpace.
Oct 19 2009 - SKYFIRE Post Part 2 of "Esoteric" Track by Track Video
Swedish progressive death metallers SKYFIRE has posted the conclusion of a two-part webisode in which members Martin Hanner (bass, keyboards), Johan Reinholdz (guitar), Andreas Edlund (guitar, keyboards), and Joakim Karlsson (vocals) sit down to discuss the group's latest album, "Esoteric." The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnswCJmqdk
"Esoteric" was released on September 14 in the U.K, September 18 in Europe and October 13 in North America via Pivotal Rockordings. A digital-only EP containing material written between 2004's "Spectral" and "Esoteric" was also release in July. The EP is available through all major digital retailers.
SKYFIRE will embark on a tour of the U.K. in November with FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. The full tour itinerary will be announced shortly.
Oct 01 2009 - SKYFIRE on Deciblog: Top 5 Most Underrated Melodic Death Metal Albums
Exclusive to Decibel magazine's Deciblog this week, SKYFIRE bassist Martin Hanner gives
an exclusive rundown of his Top 5 Most Underrated Melodic Death Metal Albums:
SKYFIRE's
latest album, Esoteric, is set for North American release on October
13th. The band's first full-length
release in four years, Esoteric
portrays
an invigorated SKYFIRE firing on all cylinders, their alternately progressive / melodic death metal
setting new standards for songwriting invention and technical prowess. So far, the international press is
taking notice:
"A hyper-energetic sound
that practically DEMANDS listener attention" – Zero Tolerance
"It is impossible to deny the
intelligence and sheer class at work here" – The Convivial Hermit
"Even for those sick of melodic
death metal and generally unimpressed by power metal, Esoteric is a surprisingly solid album" – Metalsucks.net
"One of the more undervalued
melodic death metal bands...Esoteric
[is] a clear-cut winner" – Blistering.com [8/10 rating]
"I’m a
sucker for well-written music, and Skyfire have done their homework" – Worm Gear webzine
"The songs and musicianship are
the real stars here" – Seaoftranquility.org [4/5 rating]
"Each song has a life and
identity of its own yet clearly stays within the structure of the album’s
overall personality…Excellent work" – MetalPsalter.com [4/5 rating]
"Awesome…worth your hard-earned
money" – Minacious webzine
"A band with class and
talent" – Absolute Zero Media webzine
Oct 01 2009 - SCOTT ATKINS TO MIX NEW STIGMA ALBUM, BAND PARTS WAYS WITH GUITARIST
Fresh from their “Ok Then, Let’s Shred” European
tour, Italian deathcore specialists STIGMA have been holed up in pre-production
for their as-yet-untitled sophomore release which will be produced by former
BLEEDING THROUGH and current BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist Jona Weinhofen and
mixed & mastered by Scott Atkins (BEHEMOTH, CRADLE OF FILTH, SYLOSIS,
IGNOMINOUS INCARCERATION).
Additionally, STIGMA has parted ways with guitarist
Morgan Ferrua and will enter the studio this November as a four piece. The
group recently stated:
"After nearly seven years together we decided to part ways with our
guitar player Morgan. There's no bad blood between us, we'd
like to thank him for the time he spent in the band and wish him the
best in whatever he'll do in the future.
“We'll record the new album as a four piece; in the meantime we'll look
for the right shredder to join the band.
We're all really satisfied with the new songs, totally focused on the
upcoming recordings and we truly believe this new one will reduce our
debut to dust! Get excited, this is just the beginning, news and new shows coming
soon!"
More information, regarding guest appearances,
studio reports, and live dates will be announced in the coming months.Stigma’s follow up to 2008’s When Midnight Strikes! will be released
via Pivotal Rockordings worldwide next year.
Sep 16 2009 - SKYFIRE Post Part 1 Of Track-By-Track Preview For “Estoeric”
Swedish progressive death metallers SKYFIRE recently revealed part one of a two-part track by track video in which members Martin Hanner (Bass, Keyboards), Johan Reinholdz (Guitar), Andreas Edlund (Guitar, Keyboards), and Joakim Karlsson (Vocals) sit down to discuss the group’s upcoming album, “Esoteric.” Watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN9vPDmRnB0. SKYFIRE recently revealed UK tour dates with FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE in November. Visit Skyfire’s Official Myspace Page for more on upcoming SKYFIRE live activity.
“Esoteric” is scheduled for release September 14 in the U.K, September 18 in the rest of Europe, and October 13th in North America via Pivotal Rockordings. SKYFIRE released a digital-only EP entitled "Fractal" in July via Pivotal Rockordings. "Fractal" contains material written between 2004's "Spectral" and the "Esoteric" album. The EP is currently available through all major digital retailers.
Aug 19 2009 - SKYFIRE to support FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE in the UK
Swedish progressive death metallers
SKYFIRE will support Italy's neo-classical tech-death masterminds FLESHGOD
APOCALYPSE on the first leg of their UK tour. Confirmed dates are as follows
with more to be announced:
11/19: Margate, The Westcoast Bar
11/20: Brighton, The Freebutt
11/21: London, The Underworld
11/22: Bristol, The Croft
Bassist and songwriter Martin Hanner
comments:
"We are absolutely thrilled to be
back on the road after all these years, especially with a band as cool as
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. We might not be the most brutal band on this tour, but I
think our music has translated well in the past to fans with more extreme
tastes. Those who followed us from the beginning knew our first ever tour was with
BLOOD RED THRONE and THYRFING. We hope that FLESHGOD fans check us out and
SKYFIRE fans check them out as well! Rest assured, for this tour we will be
playing the heaviest songs in our catalog! For those of you who do not live in
the UK and cannot make it out to these shows, we will try to make it out to
other parts of Europe in the not-too-distant future, so don't despair!"
"Esoteric," the long-awaited follow-up
to 2004's "Spectral" is set to be released October 13 in North
America (Koch/Listenable Records distribution), September 14 in the U.K. and
September 18 in the rest of Europe via Pivotal Rockordings.
SKYFIRE recently released a four-song,
digital-only EP entitled "Fractal" in July via Pivotal Rockordings,
which is made up of songs that were written between 2004's "Spectral"
and the "Esoteric" album. The EP is currently available through all
major digital retailers.
Jul 27 2009 - STIGMA Announces European Tour Dates and New Album Recording Dates
Italian deathcore specialists STIGMA will head into the studio this November to record the band's follow-up to 2008's "When Midnight Strikes!" with former BLEEDING THROUGH and current BRING ME THE HORIZON guitarist Jona Weinhofen handling production duties. Vocalist Vlad makes a statement on the band's collaboration with Weinhofen
"We'll be hitting the studio in November and we're beyond stoked to say that we'll work with the almighty Jona Weinhofen, to make sure we'll reduce "WMS!" to dust and come out with a beast of an album! Keep yourself updated, cause we've other big surprises coming up!"
Additionally, STIGMA will embark on a European tour with SHADOW LAW (August 23rd - August 27th) and CRIMSON FALLS (August 28th - September 6th). The tour will make stops at the legendary Ieperfest and the TEXTURES-headlined Chap'hell Festival. Vlad adds:
"We're happy to say that we'll finally hit Europe this summer, after succesful trips to the UK, Austria, Belgium and Holland, we're really looking forward to play songs out of our debut "When Midnight Strikes!" as well as a brand new song that will be featured in our second record."
Dates are as follows:
August 22nd - Peter Pan, Bellinzona, Switzerland August 23rd - Escape, Wien, Austria August 24th - Randal Club, Bratislava, Slovakia (w/ Trigger The Bloodshed, Annotations of Autopsy and more) August 25th - Rockhouse, Salzburg, Austria August 26th - De Rots, Antwerp, Belgium August 27th - Le Select, Lille, France August 28th - Ieperfest, Leper, Belgium (w/ Darkest Hour and more) August 29th - Chap'Hell Fest, Chapelle, Belgium (w/ Textures and more) August 30th - Musik Bunker, Aachen, Germany August 31st - Lyon's Hall, Lyon, France September 1st - Club Heaven, Santander, Spain September 2nd - Baracudas, Madrid, Spain September 3rd - Bar Darkness, Valencia, Spain September 4th - United Club, Torino, Italy September 5th - Deathcrusade Festival, San Quirino, Italy
"When Midnight Strikes!" was released on March 24 in the UK, March 25 in the USA, and March 28 in the rest of Europe through Florida's Pivotal Rockordings. The album was recorded at Db Studios with producer Ettore Rigotti (DISARMONIA MUNDI) and was mixed and mastered by Alessandro Vanara (DISARMONIA MUNDI, SLOWMOTION APOCALYPSE) and features guest appearances from Tim Zlinsky (THE CLASSIC STRUGGLE), Alberto Zannier (SLOWMOTION APOCALYPSE), Ivan Odorico (SLOWMOTION APOCALYPSE), and Mike Lunacy (DARK LUNACY).