Ravenheart Music: Home/News
UK based Ravenheart Music was set up as a hobby in June 2006 by Dave Smith and Aimée Halford (herself a musician), to promote and publicise FEMALE FRONTED rock & metal music. It has now become a full time business project together with a record label/distribution hub..Ravenheart Music Records that enables us to distribute and promote an artist's music if they so desire.
SITE UPDATES
News: May 16th
A-B Reviews: April 25th - Auburn
C-D Reviews: May 9th - Diablo Swing Orchestra
E-F Reviews: April 4th - Evenoire
G-H Reviews: May 15th - Heaven Rain
I-K Reviews: April 6th - Kontrust
N-O Reviews: April 7th - Neverstar
P-R Reviews: May 8th - Reasons Behind
S-T Reviews: May 14th - That Was Yesterday
U-Z Reviews: April 26th - Wedingoth
Guy Band Reviews: March 9th - Dark Stares
Whispering Tales - Ravenheart Music Special Review
Tour Dates last updated May 15th
Gig Reviews:- 9th March 2012 - Leaves' Eyes, Elysion, U.N.S.I.N., Urizen - in Thessaloniki Greece.
Latest Interviews: Winter In Eden from NE England.
Check out this link featuring Awesome female fronted acts! Female Voices Blog
I am immensely proud of this interview with UK Gothic Rockers VAMPYRE HEART. Click on link below. It is my very first 'live' interview, maybe my last! :)
RavenHeart Music Interview with Vampyre Heart from D Soul on Vimeo.
AND NOW HERE IS THE NEWS!
IN THIS MOMENT is to release new album 'Blood' through Century Media on August 14. It was produced by Kevin Churko.
DELAIN is happy to announce the second leg of their "We Are The Others" European tour which will take place in October. They will be supported by Spanish symphonic metal band DIABULUS IN MUSICA. Another band will be added to the bill, they will be announced soon. The dates are on the tour dates page.
The second album from ANKOR — the Spanish melodic metallers - will be released in Japan on July 11 via Hydrant Music. The group and Radish Records (Barcelona) produced, recorded and mixed the CD, which was made available in Europe last October via STF Records. The band's brand new video, 'Completely Frozen' was shot at Revolver Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden, with renowned director Patric Ullaeus (IN FLAMES, EVERGREY, WITHIN TEMPTATION, CHILDREN OF BODOM, ARCH ENEMY, EUROPE, SONIC SYNDICATE) and it features appearances by Johanna Snäll and Jake E. Lee from AMARANTHE. Check it out here.
WINTER IN EDEN has landed the support slot to SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA at Yardbirds in Grimsby, this Sunday, May 20th.
'Darkness Visible', HOLYHELL's upcoming studio release of epic, power-goth metal, is the band's sophomore follow-up to their debut record 'HolyHell'. Showcasing the band’s power line-up, the new songs continue to catch every listener. The record is heavy and hard-hitting with a melodic play between darkness and light. It is pure and it is powerful! It will first be released worldwide on June 16, 2012 exclusively on iTunes and on the band's own online store. And as a special Thank You to their most loyal fans, HolyHell offer a special pre-sale bundle, featuring the physical CD, which will be released in the store on July 27, and the digital album, which will be delivered on June 16, 2012. The Darkness Visible - Pre-Sale Bundle is available immediately here and only until July 27 2012.
UK based symphonic rockers and my good buddies WINTER IN EDEN, has been added to the bill of CAMBRIDGE ROCKS 2012, being given the main support slot to Kyrbgrinder, on the Classic Rock Society Stage, on Friday August 3rd. This news comes in the wake of the cancellation of the Spring Edition of the festival where the band were due to play.
Two of the UK’s most rapidly rising progressive/melodic hard rock acts TOUCHSTONE and THE REASONING, have announced that they are to join forces for a co-headline tour of Europe this autumn. The ten-date “Adventures In The City” tour unites the two bands as The Reasoning prepare their new studio album ‘Adventures In Neverland’ for September 2012, and Touchstone celebrate the release of their back catalogue and new album ‘The City Sleeps’, which entered the UK rock charts at No.36 on its release at the end of 2011. It will also mark an important year for the bands, having both recently signed new record deals (Touchstone with German label SPV/Steamhammer and The Reasoning with Cherry Red’s dynamic front-line label Esoteric Antenna). This year alone, both bands’ respective front women Kim Seviour and Rachel Cohen have been awarded plaudits for being amongst the top ten female vocalists of 2011 by Classic Rock Presents Prog Magazine and the Classic Rock Society readers and critics. The two bands are excited to be heading out on the road together for what will be their biggest headline tour yet:
Tickets are on sale now for NOCTURA's all ages show in Indianapolis presented by X103 on Saturday, June 16th! They are sharing the stage with two great bands (I-Exist and 7 Days Away) and they have some awesome things planned that you won't want to miss! Go to their website for more info.
Below is a message from the awesome WITHIN TEMPTATION:-
"Since the release of Enter in 1997, things have skyrocketed for us. We were able to share and play our music all over the world and received so much appreciation from you. We got the chance to grow and become Holland’s most successful rock band internationally. We are celebrating our anniversary with an incredible concert on the 13th of November in Sportpaleis Antwerpen, Belgium. The anniversary show, Elements, will be the most significant event in the history of Within Temptation. The title represents the kind of music and live shows we are known for – the melodius, crystal clear voice of Sharon, the massive guitar riffs, the orchestral and Celtic influences and the always surprising musical collaborations. Energetic performance, musical mastery, and visually thrilling elements ranging from impressive set designs to fireworks and specially made films and videos. Everything you have witnessed in the last 15 years will be topped during the anniversary show in Antwerp. We will share the stage with some unexpected guests and can already tell you that we will also be accompanied by the renowned Il Novecento Orchestra. In the upcoming months we will reveal more details about the show but more importantly, we will celebrate our anniversary with you. A lot of exciting things coming up so please keep an eye on our website, newsletter or social media tools to make sure you are the first one to know. Ticket sales start on Friday the 11th of May at 11 AM (CET)."
As reported elsewhere on this page, Swedish 'cinematic' rock band THE MURDER OF MY SWEET has their AFM debut 'Bye, Bye Lullaby', released on May 28th.
The band has first single 'Unbreakable' released on all digital formats now, and there's also an exclusive lyric trailer clip for the song 'Black September' at this location.
KILL FOR EDEN formerly known as Rhode Island Red, is currently recording an album at Soho Recording Studios. They are currently aiming for an autumn release. Watch this space!
The all-female Thrash Metal sensation hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has signed with Napalm Records!
NERVOSA's music has strong influences from classic old-school thrash metal bands, such as SLAYER, SEPULTURA and EXODUS, perfectly mixed with original and characteristic features woven into the fabric of the songs by each of the band members. The label debut is scheduled for a 2012 release.
LIV KRISTINE's new solo album 'Libertine' will be given a release date by Napalm Records soon.
The video for the new single 'Above and Beyond' from Canadian Rockers PERPETUATE fronted by Kim McInnis, is hot of the press and can be seen by clicking this link. 'Above and Beyond' is the fearless first track from Perpetuate's self-titled debut CD. The mini-album is distributed by CDN Records and now available from Century Media Distro, iTunes, and other digital retailers everywhere. Enjoy!!
THE GATHERING is to release a new album in May through their own Psychonaut label. It does not yet have a title, but will include the song 'Heroes For Ghosts', which was given away as a free download last year.
Here is an update on Ravenheart Music's very own HYPOTHESIS:- They will be in the studio recording a new single on the 6th May.They also plan on having the main track, 2 'b' sides and a video put together for the release. Guitarist Dylan plays his last gig on 25th May and they have just announced his replacement as Benji Leese. The band will be doing a 2nd UK tour thro June-August to promote the new single, and thereafter will be taking a break from live shows Sept-Dec, as vocalist Tess is expecting her 2nd child in October. Hypothesis will be concentrating on writing new material at this time however, and expect to be back playing live in January.
'Join The Infestation' is the brand new single off CELLESTE's sophomore album, scheduled for release in stores this fall. With its infectious groove, dance-floor inviting lyrics, and hooky melodies, 'Join The Infestation' is a catchy and contagious tune. The single is now available from iTunes etc, while the video can be viewed here.
WITHIN TEMPTATION has announced 2 clubs shows: On the 10th of July they will be giving a club show in Beirut at the Forum de Beyrouth, Lebanon. And on the 18th of August they'll be performing at the E-Werk in Saarbrücken, Germany.
Canadian Metal Band PERPETUATE release their first video on May 4th at 12pm EST. Having had a sneaky preview of this video, it is awesome featuring a bombastic light show from Marz Media and dizzying slow motion effects. I am currently reviewing their self titled album, so if a five-piece heavy metal act featuring wild lead guitar, and the soaring soprano vocals of keyboardist Kim McInnis is your cuppa tea, then watch this space!
5-piece Female pop rockers INDICA is currently working on their follow up to their successful 'A Way Away' album. The follow-up is yet untitled and is scheduled to be released in Autumn 2012 via Nuclear Blast Records.
HITHERSIDE is a band from Belgium formed in January of this year. The band consists of Jennifer on vocals and multi intrumentalist Sam. Jennifer originally hails from the USA and this is the YouTube link to the video to their song 'Insignificant Other'.... 'Insignificant Other' by Hitherside. Furthermore, their Reverbnation site is here.
Ravenheart Faves and Finland's very own ELECTRIC LADY, has been selected to participate in the final of the Defi Cinema Music contest taking place in Bordeaux on june 22nd, with the song "As Long As You Fight", composed for the french film "Tabula Rasa".
Maltese Act INDIGO (also known as Indigo Darkpsych), will release her album 'STRUCK' onto the digital platform via Ravenheart Music on May 7th. 'STRUCK' offers up 10 tracks of commercial radio friendly Pop/Rock in the style of Kelly Clarkson, Megan McCauley and to a small extent Evanescence.
A little note below from my young friend Tayla Dickinson, who is responsible for MUSES OF METAL (www.musesofmetal.com/) and MUSES OF METAL WEBZINE (www.musesofmetal.webs.com/). Check 'em out!
"As a site we are dedicated to the promotion of female fronted metal, rock and industrial bands (I'm a feminist can you tell?). The idea came to me in 2008 after seeing much discrimination, sexist and perverse comments directed towards women in metal. We conduct reviews of band's material and some interviews with bands in the aim to promote new releases. On our facebook page - as it's the largest social network currently - and also our twitter page we post the latest news from female fronted metal, rock and industrial bands so that those who follow us are always in the loop. Through this we hope many people discover and support new, as well as the older more established bands!"
The news started to break yesterday (Thurs 26th Apr), but it now certainly seems that the Warner Music Group has decided to close down a fair portion of Roadrunner Records. The UK offices are to close in a few weeks time, with cutbacks being reported across the label worldwide. We indeed believe that all the offices apart from the US office have been scheduled to close. Where that leaves bands including WITHIN TEMPTATION remains to be seen, but it seems to me that this is another nail in the coffin of rock and metal music, while at the same time, we are subjected to the mainstream crap that Warner and other similar labels throw at us!
This coming weekend's (27th-29th) April Cambridge Rock Fest (Spring Edition) featuring WINTER IN EDEN and CORNERSTONE amongst many others, has been cancelled. The organisers tell me that adverse weather conditions is preventing the infrastructure from being installed.
In September 2011, LUMINE CRIPTICA recorded a Live DVD at one of the most important venues in their Home Town - The Roxy Live Theatre at Buenos Aires, giving a mind blowing show in the process. This consolidates the band as one of the most important bands of the Gothic Death Metal genre. Currently they are preparing the release of their First Live DVD "Echoes of a Night Mirage" due this month! More info here.
SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA is to release a download only EP titled 'Malediction' on May 28. It features guest appearances from Dani Filth and Soilwork's Bjorn Strid.
LEAVES’ EYES will take the Party Stage as the main act on Friday, August 3. Their special show will feature their legendary Viking ship as well as additional breathtaking stage decorations. Make sure not to miss this epic event!
LIV KRISTINE'S upcoming album (scheduled for a fall 2012 release) will feature a duet with German singer Tobias Regner, the 2006 winner of "Deutschland sucht den Superstar”, a German music talent show in the vein of "American Idol". The track is called "Vanilla Skin Delight"!
Newcastle based band CULT OF WHORES AND DOGS has a new video. It is quite good actually. View it HERE.
A message from HANGING DOLL: "Due to unforeseen circumstances and decisions out of our hands, we are sorry to announce that the new album 'The Sacred and Profane' release date has been postponed, until the 3rd of September. The Asylum gig in Birmingham on the 18th of May is still to go ahead and we shall be playing the new tracks." Entry to the gig btw is free.
Releases due from Ravenheart Music: HIGHLIGHT KENOSIS - 'Change' due May 7th, as is on the same day 'Your Angel's Cry' from MALEDIA, and 'Blood and Stone' from my mate SAKARA.
WINTER IN EDEN'S new album 'ECHOES OF BETRAYAL' hits the shelves on April 23rd. 
Be sure to buy this album from your local stockist, the internet or wherever, because it is a sure fire winner!
NARWHAL TUSK news: Almost all songs for a new album have already been composed, and in the summer the band enter the studio to record them. Also soon they will upload some videos from one recent concert, and there will be one new song called 'All My Life' among them. Plus they expect to have one special guest on the new album. Watch this space!
HALESTORM'S Lizzy Hale may well be guesting on the new album from All That Remains. The latter's Phil Labonte has hinted this might well be happening.
Just one year after the release of their first full length 'One Way Out', RAVENSCRY now releases 'Acoustic Parenthesis of a Dream State', a 4 track acoustic EP in free download via their official website. The EP contains 4 songs from their debut album rearranged for guitar and vocal. The band states: “It’s been an idea which came to mind while touring Scandinavia. We had to prepare some acoustic songs for technical purposes and we found them very interesting… so we decided to make a small gift for all our friends. We hope you’ll enjoy it!” You can get the FREE download here.
EMBASSY OF SILENCE is to release a new single "UNCONVERTED" from the upcoming album "Antler Velvet" on May 23rd 2012. The album itself will be released June 20th 2012 (June 18th in the UK). The album will be released globally by Ravenheart Music, and the distribution in Finland and the Nordics by INVERSE Records.
WINTER IN EDEN has been forced into two changes on it's Summer touring schedule. There is a change of venue at the first show in Durham on April 26th, and the cancellation of the show at the Spring Gardens Tavern in Bristol on May 19th. Full details on our tour dates page.
UK modern progressive rockers TOUCHSTONE has announced an exclusive promotion on their Facebook Page, where they are currently giving away a special live version of ‘Joker In The Pack’, recorded at the inaugural High Voltage Festival in 2010. The track is now available to download for free for a limited time only in celebration of the worldwide re-release of their entire back catalogue by SPV/Steamhammer this Spring.‘Joker In The Pack – Live at High Voltage’ is just one of the bonus live tracks recorded at the festival which feature on the digi-pack re-issues of 'Wintercoast' and the band’s debut album 'Discordant Dreams', along with exclusive new artwork by guitarist Adam Hodgson.
ELECTRIC LADY, the excellent Finnish rockers fronted by Minna Ora, whose 'Black Moon' album will be distributed by Ravenheart Music/Code7 from June 18th, has their Reverbnation site here, so check them out. We have also added a track from this album to our music page.
Pascale Peng from the Swiss band RHEIA, has asked us to post her video around. She works at a opera house, they were taking down a stage when it collapsed on her and 2 other people last November and she was badly injured. The opera house and their insurers don't want to admit responsibility and pay up, so this video is a cross between her revenge and a campaign to get something done. See it here.
AS ANGELS BLEED fronted by Avelina De Moray, is a Gothic Metal Band from Australia that I have just stumbled across. They are well worth checking out, so here are some videos: I DROWN-Demo plus studio updates: Studio Update1 and Studio Update2. Watch this space regards the forthcoming album!
Ravenheart Faves WINTER IN EDEN has a new website and video - www.winterineden.com. Go to the media section and find the brand new video for "Torment", one of the tracks from the new album which gets released on 23rd April 2012!
Swedish female-fronted Symphonic Rock/Metal band THE MURDER OF MY SWEET return with their second album on May 25th! The successor to 2010’s debut “Divanity” will be entitled “Bye Bye Lullaby”.
The album will include 13 new tracks, and the first edition will be available as a digipak. Singer Angelica comments : ”'Bye Bye Lullaby' has been a long time coming. This album includes performances from close friends Jesper Stromblad (In Flames), Fredrik Akesson (Opeth) and Peter Wichers (Soilwork), so it’s a really brave record. The major difference for me is the variation in the songs; we’ve taken them down a darker path, as well as on a more commercial path. It’s unorthodox maybe, but since there are so many female fronted bands out there, we felt that this combination had never been tried before, and would be breaking new ground, which is way more fun.”
Bassist Nils Middelehauve will miss XANDRIA'S upcoming European tour. This is because he has damaged his right forefinger. Fabio D'Amore from Serenity will temporarily take over for the tour.
LOVELORN has a new website...check it out - www.lovelorn.info/
Underground LA based metal veterans MY RUIN featuring the husband and wife rock duo Tairrie B & Mick Murphy, is pleased to announce that they have signed on with That Authoring Group, who will be bringing their new album 'A Southern Revelation' to Rock Band 3 for XBOX and Rock Band Blitz this summer!
Hailing from the Newcastle music scene is a female fronted Hard Rock band by the name of RIFF X. Fronted by Brigitta Balogh, the band offers up a driving beat, infectious riffs, melodic vocals and an unrivalled passion.
And they have a new EP that has just been released. 'Search For A Better Day' - get it from iTunes.
New tracks by HIGHLIGHT KENOSIS and MALEDIA are now on the music page.
Many thanks to Russian Band DARK PRINCESS and Marty at OutOfLine Music in Germany for a promo of the new Dark Princess album 'The World I've Lost' (see news item somewhere below). This album is totally awesome, and expect a review shortly. To pre order the album, click here.
'Damaged Little Things' by US based ANTI-M is a collection of remixes, alternate versions and studio outtakes from various stages in the history of the band. The album can be downloaded from iTunes etc and bought as a physical cd from cdbaby.com
'Your Angels Cry' by Italian Gothic Band MALEDIA will be released via Ravenheart Music/Code7 on May 7th. A pounding melodic sounding recording that will appeal to fans of female fronted rock & metal music with operatic vocals. The track Obscura may however, please fans who enjoy the more extreme vocal approach!
After landing a surprise hit in Germany and the US with their last album, the Russian gothic metal band DARK PRINCESS is raising the bar with the opulent follow-up "The World I’ve Lost" and the impressive new vocal talent Natalia. Symphonic pomp and a gloomy atmosphere meet thundering riffs and catchy melodies in gripping, theatrical anthems, and the charismatic singer Natalia will most probably give many established stars on the scene a run for their money with her impressive bandwidth that easily spans classical soprano, Russian pathos and energetic rock singer. Solid, hard guitar work assures that the group's mini operettas are delivered with just the right amount of kick and the band showcase an almost alarmingly impressive talent for creating tunes that stay in your head. Released Apr 27th.
Dutch Band ALERION (www.alerion.nl/band.html) is happy to announce that Laura ten Hoedt has been chosen as their new leading lady to replace previous singer Maaike. Laura joined the band in December and has since worked with them on existing songs, as well as on some new material.
Laura is probably best known as singer-songwriter LadyLau. Although less in the public view, she has also been active in several projects in progressive rock and metal. These include the German projects VoXager and Escapedia as well as live performances with DIAL and in AYREON tribute projects.