Füneral Rain Press Cörps

German label Exile On Mainstream is thrilled to announce the signing of Danish metallers Rising! The band will enter the studio to record the forthcoming debut album with producer Jacob Reichert Nielsen at the end of March, and we will release Rising‘s debut album in Europe and North America in late October 2011.

Since the release of the band’s debut EP in 2010 it has been both great and hectic for the band, with much time invested in writing and playing new material, and touring heavily. When Exile On Mainstream’s staff first met the band in Copenhagen, supporting Celan, they were instantly blown away. Rising were invited to play the label’s massive South Of Mainstream Festival 2010, and on the spot they agreed to EoM’s offer to release the band’s debut album.

A Copenhagen-based three-piece, Rising create their own brand of heavy, aggressive, atmospheric, yet melodic metal. Since forming in 2008, the band has sought to incorporate all virtues of good music: passion, vibe, energy, atmosphere and yes, firm musicianship and song writing. Stylistically, the band incorporates metal, ’70s hard rock, progressive and psychedelic rock, punk, sludge and more, creating music for the sake of MUSIC rather than submerging to any stylistic dogma, scene or specific genre.

The trio have been busy, having received a nomination at the Danish Metal Awards 2009 as “Best Metal Talent,” a performance at Roskilde Festival 2010, two full European tours in March and September 2010 (both with EOM stalwarts Beehoover) covering a good part of the continent, as well as many tour dates in Ireland, Sweden and their homeland Denmark.

Stay tuned for more updates on Rising through 2011.

Fresh off of their North American tour with Paul DiAnno in support of their February 9th release, Draw Down The Moon, Pittsburgh based melodic metal band ICARUS WITCH have announced a change in their lead vocal department. In a statement from the band’s official site they explained the situation:

“We are excited to announce yet another massive shift in our ranks as we welcome new vocalist Christopher Shaner to the ICARUS WITCH circle and part ways amicably with original vocalist, Matthew Bizilia. Matthew’s contributions to the band have been immeasurable over the past six years. While this was a serious decision for both parties, professional differences of opinion led to the change. Bizilia is a phenomenal talent who will always be a part of the Witch family as we wish him much success on his future ventures.”

Incoming vocalist and Erie, Pennsylvania native Shaner is a long time friend and collaborator of guitarist Quinn Lukas. Before Quinn moved to Pittsburgh to join ICARUS WITCH in 2006, he had worked on various musical projects with the singer. Much like the recent acquisition of second guitarist Ed Skero, the choice to add Christopher to the band was based on a combination of what he brings to the lineup personally, musically and professionally. His powerful vocal range, sense of harmony and intense work ethic are a perfect fit for the next phase of this band. Writing for the follow-up to Draw Down The Moon has already commenced with the new recruits and it promises to be the band’s most diverse, melodic and epic release ever.

Friends of the ‘WITCH can get a taste of the new lineup as Christopher and Ed make their debut at Pittsburgh’s Hard Rock Cafe Friday, May 28th, where the band will be opening for Lizzy Borden. Also on the band’s itinerary are the Warriors Of Metal III Festival in Ohio this June, and some exciting tour news to follow in mere days.

Upcoming ICARUS WITCH live appearances:
5/28/2010 Hard Rock Cafe – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Lizzy Borden
6/24/2010 Blondie’s – Detroit, MI
6/26/2010 Warriors of Metal III Open Air Fest – Chillicothe, OH w/ Cage, Omen, Dantesco, Imagika, + more
8/04/2010 Hard Rock Cafe – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Y&T
9/21/2010 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH w/ Kamelot, Leaves Eyes