News
4. October 2016
10 years of Hackneyed, dear fans and supporters! A whole decade! It’s almost 10 years ago since Phil and Tim came up with the idea to start this band. From this moment on, everything was different. We wrote our first tracks, rehearsed them together and played our first live shows. We don’t want to lie, it was a beginning with many ups and downs, but it was all worth it.
And then in 2008: the big bang! Discovered by Achim Ostertag (thank you so much for everything!), we got our first record deal with gigantic Nuclear Blast, followed by two great albums and uncountable shows all over the world. Two years later, our journey went into different directions and we got the chance to release a third album at Lifeforce Records back in 2011. The next great step came in 2015: our very own music label, CoMa Tone Records, and a fourth album that we released ourselves – which makes us extremely proud! Furthermore, we toured all over Europe with idols like Morbid Angel, Kataklysm, Nile or Arch Enemy and played at big festivals like Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, With Full Force or Barge To Hell.
We achieved so much, way more than we ever imagined and we are incredibly thankful for everyone who has been a part of this journey! You guys are the reason why we made it that far!
But time changes interests and priorities and after 10 years of band history, we feel like we are ready to close this amazing chapter of our lives, move on and take on new challenges. Yes, you’ve read correctly: Hackneyed will split up!
But of course we won’t leave without saying goodbye to you, our fans and supporters. We want to celebrate the 10 years we were together – which is why we’ve planned several (festival) shows in 2016, topped off with a farewell concert towards the end of the year. We’re really counting on you to take part in this last step of Hackneyed’s journey. Let’s make it BIG! Let’s make Hackneyed remain in our minds and hearts FOREVER!
PHIL – TIM – DEVIN – PHILIPP – FABIAN
And we as Dragon Productions send nothing but love and respect to them.
This have been 10 great years with these fantastic young men. We’ll miss ya!
14. September 2016
We are proud to present guitar legend Uli Jon Roth on his ‘Tokyo Tapes Revisited World Tour 2016’:
24.09.2016 DE – Braunschweig, Tegtmeyer
25.09.2016 DE – Braunschweig, Tegtmeyer (2nd show)
29.09.2016 FR – Toulouse, Le Metronum
30.09.2016 FR – Riom (near Clermont ferrand), La Puce a L’Oreille
01.10.2016 FR – Salon de Provence, Portail Coucou
02.10.2016 FR – Ensisheim, Wood Stock Guitares
04.10.2016 RU – Moscow, Stereo Hall
05.10.2016 RU – Yaroslavl, GORKA Club
06.10.2016 RU – St. Petersburg, Jagger Club
08.10.2016 JP – Tokyo, Loud Park Festival
27.10.2016 SE – Gothenburg, Sticky Fingers // Göteborg
28.10.2016 SE – Sala, Rockland
29.10.2016 FI – Mariehamn /Åland, Dino’s Pub
31.10.2016 FI – Helsinki, TAVASTIA-klubi
19.11.2016 DE – Worpswede, Music Hall Worpswede e. V.
20.11.2016 DE – Bochum, Matrix Bochum (Rockpalast)
21.11.2016 DE – Köln, Underground Cologne
22.11.2016 DE – Augsburg, Spectrum Club Augsburg
23.11.2016 DE – Mannheim, 7er Club Mannheim
24.11.2016 DE – Freiburg, Jazzhaus Freiburgus
25.11.2016 DE – Siegen, Vortex Surfer Musikclub
26.11.2016 DE – Lübeck, treibsAND – Live Club Lübeck
02.-06.02.2017 70000tons of Metal
The live DVD ‘Tokyo Tapes Revisited’ will be released on UDR Records 21.10.2016-
Get your tickets for Germany at Metaltix: https://www.metaltix.com/uli-jon-roth-tickets-5011.html#477
12. September 2016
TWILIGHT FORCE‘s album »Heroes Of Mighty Magic« saw the light of day on August 26th via Nuclear Blast. And glorious news can be revealed: The band’s sophomore record hit the charts in various European countries (#54 in Germany among others; find all entries below!). Congratulations to the Twilight Kingdoms!
Lynd commented:
“»Heroes Of Mighty Magic« has made its way to the bazaars of the world. Sold by many a merchant, among livestock, magic potions and other goods; the album has proven itself to be a popular item indeed. So popular that it has been inscribed in the weekly sonic tablets of the merchants!”
#17 – Sweden (Rock)
#20 – UK (Rock)
#41 – UK (Indie)
#44 – Switzerland
#54 – Germany
Additionally, the fourth part of their lore series has been launched:
Learn more about bass player Born: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_fIVzLYYsk
Missed the previous parts?
Chrileon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7CvYv0I8U4
Lynd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwFtRpxfZcs
Aerendir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_udzbbL2UU
Watch the brand-new ‘Powerwind’ video here: https://youtu.be/gLxmoaewFVs
Listen to the track-by-track commentary version of »Heroes Of Mighty Magic« over on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/twilightforceofficial/playlist/3ANk2ilrmyDgpugaNF5RUh
More on »Heroes Of Mighty Magic«:
‘Battle Of Arcane Might’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/DP1R5cWC0jI
‘To The Stars’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZMu0-nL3Xo
Trailer #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnAG66N4K38
Trailer #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2SrnaaO7SQ
Trailer #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mm5SnDK5ZM
Trailer #4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_k7-QgwLCQ
Trailer #5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN55u184w8Y
TWILIGHT FORCE live:
w/ SONATA ARCTICA
07.10. N Trondheim – Byscenen *SOLD OUT*
08.10. S Borlänge – Liljan
09.10. S Huskvarna – Folkets Park
11.10. DK Copenhagen – Pumpehuset
12.10. D Hamburg – Markthalle
13.10. NL Haarlem – Patronaat
14.10. NL Tilburg – 013 *SOLD OUT*
15.10. UK London – o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
16.10. F Paris – La Machine Du Moulin Rouge
18.10. F Strasbourg – La Laiterie
19.10. CH Pratteln – Z7
20.10. I Milan – Alcatraz
21.10. D Mannheim – MS Connexion Complex
22.10. D Bochum – Zeche
w/ SABATON, ACCEPT
06.01. D Hamburg – Sporthalle
07.01. D Oberhausen – König Pilsener Arena
08.01. B Antwerp – Lotto Arena
10.01. IRL Dublin – Vicar Street
11.01. UK Glasgow – o2 Academy
13.01. UK Manchester – o2 Apollo
14.01. UK London – o2 Brixton Academy
15.01. F Lille – Aeronef
16.01. F Paris – Olympia
18.01. F Toulouse – Le Bikini
19.01. E Bilbao – Santana 27
20.01. P Porto – Coliseu Do Porto
21.01. E Madrid – Barclaycard Center
22.01. E Barcelona – Sant Jordi
24.01. F Lyon – Transbordeur
25.01. I Milan – Live Club
27.01. A Vienna – Gasometer
28.01. D Ludwigsburg – MHP Arena
29.01. NL Amsterdam – Heineken Music Hall
31.01. D Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle
01.02. D Saarbrücken – Saarlandhalle
03.02. CH Basel – St. Jakobshalle
04.02. D Bamberg – Brose Arena
05.02. D München – Zenith
24.02. FIN Helsinki – Icehall
25.02. EST Tallinn – Kultuurikatel
27.02. PL Gdansk – Ergo Arena
28.02. PL Wroclaw – Hala Stulecia
01.03. PL Warsaw – Torwar
03.03. PL Cracov – Wisla Hall
04.03. CZ Prague – Tip Sport Arena
05.03. H Budapest – Barba Negra
06.03. SRB Belgrade – Belexpo
08.03. GR Athens – Peiraios Academy
09.03. GR Thessaloniki – Fix Factory Of Sound
10.03. BG Sofia – Universiada Hall
11.03. RO Bucharest – Arenele Romane
13.03. HR Zagreb – Dom Sportova
14.03. SK Bratislava – Aegon Arena
15.03. D Berlin – Columbiahalle
17.03. S Norrköping – Himmelstalundshallen
18.03. S Sandviken – Göransson Arena
19.03. S Örebro – Conventum Arena
21.03. DK Copenhagen – Valby Hallen
22.03. S Lund – Sparbank Skane Arena
24.03. S Stockholm – Hovet
25.03. S Göteborg – Frölundaborg
26.03. N Oslo – Sentrum Scene
27.03. N Haugesund – Byscenen
29.03. N Trondheim – Samfundet Storsalen
31.03. S Umea – Umea Energi Arena Vind
01.04. S Lulea – Lulea Energi Arena
22. July 2016
Only two years after the release of »Pariah’s Child« and a massive world tour, the Finnish Melodic Metal quintet SONATA ARCTICA are already back for more – their ninth masterpiece entitled »The Ninth Hour« will see the light of day on October 7th.
Once again, the album was produced by SONATA ARCTICA themselves and mixed by Pasi Kauppinen, to create a typical yet refreshing sound that defines the spirit of the band in the year 2016.
“The studio work for the new record started seriously in mid-April 2016 in several home studios around Finland,” singer Tony Kakko explains. “But the main recording and mixing took place at the Studio57 in Alaveteli, Finland. It functions as a kind of centre point and all work finally ends up there. We aimed to create another melodic, beautiful, surprising SONATA ARCTICA album… Did it turn out that way? I surely think so. But maybe I should leave that for you to decide!”
After a North American tour with their friends from NIGHTWISH plus many headline shows around the globe, the band was once again able to take a look at the entire world as it is at the moment – on the edge of a possible armageddon. This spirit is reflected in the new artwork of »The Ninth Hour« :
“The artwork of our ninth studio album »The Ninth Hour« depicts a future utopian landscape on the background. Nature and human technologies are in balance. In the middle we have an hour glass contraption with a knob for us to meddle with. The right-hand side cup represents the nature side with no humans left, on the left we have the human dystopia after we have destroyed Nature. The idea I had was, that turning the knob will tilt the hour glass in one direction or another, and the other cup will slowly empty and that future will be erased. Biblically we are expected to repent and sacrifice on »The Ninth Hour«…to dive right back to a more mundane reality, it’s a fact that we are currently living in critical, historical times. Our decisions will define the future. Not only ours as a race, but the future of this entire planet. We need to make sacrifices and in many cases we will repent our already made choices.”
Right after the summer festival season and the release of their anticipated record, the band will embark on a European tour together with their label mates TWILIGHT FORCE to present the new songs to their fans. Here are the dates:
SONATA ARCTICA
Special Guests: TWILIGHT FORCE
presented by: Metal Hammer, Musix, Blast, Rock it + Powermetal.de & Dragon Productions
07.10.16 NOR – Trondheim, Trondheim Metal Fest
08.10.16 SE – Borlänge, Liljan
09.10.16 SE – Huskvarna, Folkets Park
11.10.16 DK – Copenhagen, Pumpehuset
12.10.16 DE – Hamburg, Markthalle
13.10.16 NL – Haarlem, Patronaat
14.10.16 NL – Tilburg, 013
15.10.16 UK – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
16.10.16 FR – Paris, La Machine du Moulin Rouge
18.10.16 FR – Strasbourg, La Laiterie
19.10.16 CH – Pratteln, Konzertfabrik Z7
20.10.16 IT – Milan, Alcatraz
21.10.16 DE – Mannheim, Alte Seilerei
22.10.16 DE – Bochum, Zeche
Watch their latest clips:
‘The Wolves Die Young’ official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGp0kms-GEk
‘Love’ official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBACRtmu0VQ
‘Cloud Factory’ lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO5FPHFI6sI
‘Kingdom For A Heart’ – official track: http://youtu.be/TnhNPM1A4t8
22. July 2016
After announcing their “Come & Join Us On Tour” headlining tour earlier this week ’77 are happy to add more live dates. This time they will be supporting The Kyle Gass Band in France.
’77 supporting The Kyle Gass Band
24.09.16 (FR) Paris – Petit Bain
25.09.16 (FR) Nantes – La Scène Michelet
26.09.16 (FR) Nantes – La Scène Michelet
27.09.16 (FR) Toulouse – Le Saint des Seins
All dates are in support of their latest album “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us” which was released in the late fall of last year. The album was produced by Jaime Gomez Arellano who has worked with diverse artists such as Paradise Lost, Ghost, Ulver or Cathedral.
Check out ‘77’s video clip for “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”: https://youtu.be/ATqeG4NnEX0
Or the lyric video for “It’s Alright”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnnVQBszxZw
Artistically and aesthetically deeply rooted in the Seventies the Valeta brothers Armand Valeta (vocals and rhythm guitar) and LG Valeta (lead guitar) founded ’77 (pronounced Seventy Seven) as a direct reflection of the concept of the era they love. Over the past years ’77, who are hailing from Spain, didn’t just make a name for themselves with their studio recordings, but particularly with their high energy live shows that secured them countless European tours with the likes of diverse bands such as Bullet, Audrey Horne, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, Danko Jones or their label mates Dead Lord.
19. July 2016
Artistically and aesthetically deeply rooted in the Seventies the Valeta brothers Armand Valeta (vocals and rhythm guitar) and LG Valeta (lead guitar) founded ’77 (pronounced Seventy Seven) as a direct reflection of the concept of the era they love. Over the past years ’77, who are hailing from Spain, didn’t just make a name for themselves with their studio recordings, but particularly with their high energy live shows that secured them countless European tours with the likes of diverse bands such as Bullet, Audrey Horne, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, Danko Jones or their label mates Dead Lord.
After a highly successful tour throughout their native Spain they are getting back into the van for a European headlining tour in September.
’77 about the upcoming “Come & Join Us On Tour”: “Hi everyone! Maybe you were wondering what we’ve been doing since our last European tour with Michael Schenker, Danko Jones and our label mates Dead Lord.
Well, as many of you know, we’re a terribly hardworking band and so we’ve been successfully touring around our beautiful home country Spain, holding the rock and roll flame high and proud.
These times might be rough indeed, but we like sticking to our motto ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us’ – and that’s why we want to jump back into action, come to your town and make you experience a hell of a party with a loud-electrifying-rock-and-roll-guitar catharsis. Do not miss it, not for all the tea in China, we assure you’ll be delighted and willing to be at a ’77 show again! Satisfaction guaranteed or you get your money back. Come and join us on tour rock and rollers! Oh, and remember: We can always use some beers!”
The current dates are in support of their brand new album “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us” which was released in the late fall of last year. The album was produced by Jaime Gomez Arellano who has worked with diverse artists such as Paradise Lost, Ghost, Ulver or Cathedral.
’77
“Come & Join Us On Tour”
09.09.16 (DE) Rostock – M.A.U. Club
10.09.16 (DE) Berlin – Maze
11.09.16 (DE) Hamburg – Hafenklang
13.09.16 (DE) Hannover – Lux
14.09.16 (DE) Frankfurt – Nachtleben
15.09.16 (DE) Braunschweig – Tegtmeyer
16.09.16 (DE) Püchersreuth – Storm Crusher Festival
17.09.16 (CH) Pratteln – Z7
18.09.16 (DE) Bochum – Rockpalast (Matrix)
20.09.16 (DE) Augsburg – Spectrum Club
21.09.16 (AT) Vienna – DasBach
22.09.16 (DE) Metzingen – Club Thing
Check out ‘77’s video clip for “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”: https://youtu.be/ATqeG4NnEX0
Or the lyric video for “It’s Alright”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnnVQBszxZw
‘77 are:
Armand Valeta – Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
LG Valeta – Lead Guitar
Guillem Martinez – Bass
Andy Cobo – Drums
23. June 2016
“Make A Little Time”, the new video from veteran British metallers TANK, can be seen at this location. The clip was filmed in the desert hills just outside the town of Mojacar in Southern Spain and the production was handled by MGV Productions.
TANK guitarist Cliff Evans comments: “We didn’t want to make the usual low-budget, derelict warehouse-style video that so many bands seem to go for these days, so in order to do the song justice, we decided to find a more interesting location. We contacted Dale Webb at MGV, and he found the ideal backdrop that provided the essential vibe that goes so well with the song. Unusually for this part of Spain, the weather was stormy and overcast but that added a great atmosphere to the performance. The video really captures the raw energy but also the laid-back side of the band. We like nothing better than playing our own brand of rock ‘n’ roll and drinking beer together!”
Adds TANK guitarist Mick Tucker: “We’re so pleased with the amazing response that we’ve had for our ‘Valley Of Tears’ album which was released at the end of last year. We wanted to portray the songs visually, so we decided to invest in making a couple of top-quality videos for our fans to enjoy and share the experience of what we’re doing. We only had one day to film everything we needed, so it was hard work but we had plenty of cold Estrella beer close to hand to keep us going.”
A second video filmed for the title track of the album, “Valley Of Tears”, is scheduled for release later this summer.
Joining Tucker and Evans on “Valley Of Tears” are former DRAGONFORCE frontman ZP Theart, who has been a member of TANK‘s touring lineup for the past three years. Also featured are new recruits Bobby Schottkowski, formerly of SODOM, on drums, and current BLIND GUARDIAN member Barend Courbois on bass.
Regarding the recording process, Evans stated: “Bobby recorded the drum tracks in Germany with his producer, Waldemar Sorychta, whose previous work includes albums for LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT and SODOM, to name but a few. The drums are the backbone of the album and they seriously kick ass! Barend laid down the bass guitar in Holland a couple of days before heading out on a sold-out world tour with German metal legends BLIND GUARDIAN. The guitars were recorded in London under the guidance of producer Phil Kinman who is the master at capturing the sound of a Les Paul through a Marshall amp. No frills. Just awesome power! The album was mastered by Ade Emsley, who undertook the task of remastering the entire IRON MAIDEN catalogue for 24-bit iTunes release.”
He added: “The title comes from the famous tank battle during the 1973 Yom Kippur War where one side was massively outnumbered but fought on regardless and against all odds secured a heroic victory.
“We feel that our style of metal is slowly disappearing and now we must also fight against the odds to keep it alive.
“We hope ‘Valley Of Tears’ will inspire other bands and fans alike to never forget what real metal is all about.”
3. June 2016
The Finnish Folk Metal Mafia reunites for another run of European shows in autumn 2016!
Korpiklaani and Moonsroow, the two powerhouses of Finnish folk metal will this time be joined by Iceland’s Skálmöld!
Ville Sorvali writes: “The first FFMM tour earlier this year was such a blast that we knew we had to do a second part. And this time with some non-FFMM villains from Iceland as special guests – welcome on board Skálmöld and try to hang on!”
Snæbjörn Ragnarsson counters: “Try to hang on?! Challenge accepted my friend! But wow, touring with not one but TWO Finnish bands, what could possibly go wrong? No, in all seriousness, I know this will be a killer tour. Great bands, great guys and (great) beer, what more do you need?”
Last but not least, Jonne Järvelä comments further: Oh my Gods, is this Finnish Folk Metal Mafia madness going to continue with Moonsorrow? …and we are going to get even one more band on it?? Skálmöld from Iceland??? You would better come and see this with your own eyes because this will be something ELSE! See you soon there boys and girls!
ROCK HARD, Kulturnews, Metal.de, Metalnews.de & Dragon Productions present
Finnish Folk Metal Mafia Tour – Pt.2
KORPIKLAANI / MOONSORROW
Special guests: Skálmöld
29.10.2016 CZ – Prague , Club Meet Factory
30.10.2016 AT – Wien , Szene
31.10.2016 AT – Graz, Explosiv
01.11.2016 IT – Bologna, Zona Roveri
02.11.2016 IT – Milan , Alcatratz
03.11.2016 AT – Innsbruck, Hafen
04.11.2016 CH – Lausanne, Les Docks
05.11.2016 CH – Solothurn, Kulturfabrik Kofmehl
06.11.2016 CH – Winterthur, Salzhaus
07.11.2016 DE – Aschaffenburg, Colos-Saal
08.11.2016 DE – Lindau, Vaudeville
09.11.2016 DE – Nürnberg, Hirsch
10.11.2016 DE – Köln, Essigfabrik
11.11.2016 NL – Zoetermeer, De Boerderij
12.11.2016 DE – Hannover, Musikzentrum
13.11.2016 DE – Hamburg, Klubsen
Check the Finnish Folk Metal Mafia Facebook Event page
And there are some more shows with Korpiklaani & Skálmöld only:
KORPIKLAANI
Special Guests: Skálmöld
24.10.2016 PL – Gdynia, Ucho
25.10.2016 PL – Warsaw, Proxima
26.10.2016 PL – Wroclaw, Alibi
27.10.2016 PL – Katowice , Mega Club
28.10.2016 SVK – Bratislava , Majestic
24. February 2016
We are happy to welcome Miasmal to the Dragon Family!
The Gothenburgers third album (and second album for Century Media), Tides of Omniscience, isn’t just transformative, it’s proof positive that in the confines of death metal there’s plenty of room for forward progress without uprooting what the forefathers had in mind. The live energy of this band is hard to find elsewhere so make sure to catch them at one of their concerts!
Check out the first release from their upcoming album
‘Fear The New Flesh – Tides of Omniscience’
https://youtu.be/Pnb5ZHeHIOw
www.facebook.com/miasmal
www.miasmal.net
12. February 2016
We are extremely happy to welcome Nailed to Obscurity from to the Dragon Family!
The band has a unique combination of sounds! Just check out what Rock Hard Germany said about their latest release: “NAILED TO OBSCURITY created a piece of that music that fullfills more than all standards. For friends of warm sounds of Amorphis across Opeth to Katatonia ‘Opaque’ is a must have.”
Rock Hard,Germany
Check ’em on the web here:
‘Opaque’ Video’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNLBlhc0NSY
‘iNnerME’ Lyric Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ymfg4Z0wLg
12. February 2016
Finnish melodic metal quintet SONATA ARCTICA has started to work on the follow-up album to the successful »Pariah’s Child« record. Beyond that, the band is happy to announce the first leg of their European tour.
SONATA ARCTICA is currently taking a break from the recording for their 9th studio album and about to head out with NIGHTWISH for a couple of weeks in North-America from February 19th on.
Directly alongside the release of the new album, SONATA ARCTICA will hit the road again, supported by their Swedish fellows TWILIGHT FORCE.
“We’re all really looking forward to finishing our new studio album and taking the songs on the road. This time we’ll start in Europe before heading on to the rest of the world. As always, you can expect a energetic show with new stuff as well as some old favourites”, states the band.
And here are the dates:
SONATA ARCTICA – European Tour 2016
Special Guests: TWILIGHT FORCE
presented by: Metal Hammer, Musix, Blast, Rock it + Powermetal.de & Dragon Productions
12. February 2016
We are extremely happy to welcome SCARRED from Luxemburg to the Dragon Family!
This band will surely leave their mark in the history of modern Death Metal.
Imagine a hybrid of Gojira, Bloodbath, Strapping Young Lad, Nevermore and Pantera and you’ll get a rough idea how this awesome live act sounds like.
The band says: ‘If you take your mission of world domination seriously, you might get at a point where you just need a dragon! (Even Khaleesi needs three of them). We are proud to be chosen to ride on this mighty beast from this day on! Let the invasion begin!’
Check ’em on the web here:
FACEBOOK
‘Cinder’ Video’
‘Low’ Live Clip
Check ’em on stage here:
25.03.2016 Inferno Festival – Oslo / Norway
26.07.2016 Metaldays Open Air – Tolmin / Slovenia
06.08.2016 Roko Naktys Festival – Zarasai / Lithuania
27.10.2016 Knust – Hamburg / Germany
