On a dark and damp, probably cold and windy winter’s day, early 2004, in Reykjavík, Iceland, an avid amateur musician and literature student by the name of Ragnar Ólafsson picked up the phone and dialed the number on the poster which read “Singer wanted”. “Does that ever work?” you might ask, “has there ever been a band successfully established through musicians wanted ads?” Well, yes, Metallica for one. And by now you’re probably under the impression that Ask the Slave was as well. Not quite. That was a different band. But it is the story of how Ragnar met guitarist Elvar Atli Ævarsson, a fellow music enthusiast who, at the time, played with said group. Now picture this scenario, a couple of weeks later; two guys in their early twenties are bonding during a 6-hour long drive to a paying gig with a band that neither of them is very passionate about. The two young men are intrigued to learn that they share an interest in Frank Zappa, an appreciation for eccentric, forward-thinking music, and a deep passion for good ol’ rock & roll. This sounds more like the beginning of a fruitful relationship, doesn’t it? And it was. Although the group in question would be dismantled only the very next day following a rather disastrous gig, Elvar would remember this guy Ragnar a few months down the line when giving up on handling vocal duties in another music project of his. So, this time Elvar picked up the phone. And that’s how Ask the Slave was formed.

Perhaps it’s down to the fact that Ragnar was raised in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Elvar a West fjord native, both of them having recently relocated to the Iceland capital and being poorly connected to any of the tightly-knit local music scenes. Outsiders, the two of them. With no real motivation to “fit in” with a certain crowd. That might be it. Whatever the reason, Ask the Slave has always been on the fringe, indifferent to trends, welcoming of influences and inspiration from all music deemed of quality, regardless of traditions or “cool factors”. This has resulted in their music being described as eclectic and unpredictable.

Within a year from forming, the Ask the Slave ensemble had recruited Valur Árni Guðmundsson from a legendary Icelandic underground metal act. Joining as a drummer prior to the recording of the group’s debut, Kiss Your Chora, Valur would later switch to guitar and effortlessly adapt to the songwriting methods of Ask the Slave. Subsequently surrounding themselves with local metal cannons, Ask the Slave soon became a popular, albeit controversial, live attraction in the open-minded Icelandic metal community. This culminated in the release of 2010s The Order of Things, a bold record that received great praise from reviewers and local music nerds.

Fast-forward to 2012. Ask the Slave begins the writing process for their third record, which almost immediately is named Good Things Bad People. Then what happened? 9 years went by, fast. That’s what. Well, other stuff too. Stuff like babies, families, day jobs, success and touring in other bands, depression, education, members’ withdrawals. But through complicated circumstances, Good Things Bad People gradually took shape. Eventually, the arrival of seasoned rhythm duo Hálfdán Árnason and Skúli Gíslason in 2017 proved to be the ultimate shot of energy that the group so desperately needed to finally get the job done.

Good Things Bad People will be released on June 4^th, 2021, by Crime Records in collaboration with We Låve Rock Music. This marks the beginning of Ask the Slave’s overseas adventures, as previous releases have so far only been distributed in Iceland. That’s about to change though, as Crime Records will additionally be re-releasing the first two albums, with bonus material, also offering the option of buying all three albums as a 3CD rigid box collector’s item.

Discography:

Box-set		Box		2021		Buy physical edition		Buy digital downloads of the albums (Bonus Tracks not included)
Good Things Bad People		Album		2021		Buy physical edition		Buy digital download
Chain Gang		Single		2021				Buy digital download
The Order of Things [Remastered]		Album		2021		Buy physical edition		Buy digital download (Bonus Tracks not included)
Kiss Your Chora [Remixed & Remastered]		Album		2021		Buy physical edition		Buy digital download (Bonus Tracks not included)

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Sometimes you hear something that grabs your attention straight away. Something different. But at the same time, something familiar, something you feel at home with straight away. And the only thing you are quite sure of is that you have to explore it some more. And more.

That was the first impression when I checked out a link sent to us one night. An unknown band for me, but the music was so intriguing and done in such an effortless and playful way. And without any boundaries. After hearing the music a handful of times that night, I just had to reach out to them to get more information. And maybe some more music to dig into.

Now, as I write this and listen to their music once more four months later, I'm still drawn into their musical landscape, moving from heavy, sometimes chaotic, progressive metal to melodic pop ballads via storytelling soundscapes fitting a motion picture.

Please let us introduce you to the Icelandic ensemble Ask the Slave!

In collaboration with We Låve Rock Music, we will release their third full-length album, "Good Things Bad People", in the spring of 2021.

Crime Records will also re-release Ask the Slave's two first albums in remastered versions with bonus tracks.

All albums will be presented in detail later on. So will the rigid collector's box...

Ask the Slave:
"We are extremely happy to announce that we have signed a deal with Crime Records from Norway. Rooting in metal but recently branching out to other, more ill-explained territories, Crime Records is an independent label run by true music lovers who understand and appreciate good, innovative music and offer great support, honesty, and respect to their artists. Needless to say, we are very proud to be part of this family."

Welcome to the family!

And we can't get out of this Covid 19-situation soon enough, so we can meet up, grab a beer together (you may leave the fish!), and get to experience you live on stage. Cheers!

Artist: Clive Nolan Title: Song of the Wildlands Catalog no.: 20.0030 Format: Earbook (2 CDs, DVD, and Blu-ray) Limited Gatefold Blood Red Double LP (300 pcs.) Gatefold Double LP Digipak CD Digital Download Release date: 01.09.2021 Genre: Progressive Rock Country: United Kingdom BUY:  Buy physical editions.   Buy digital download

The Earbook is a vinyl-size hardback book containing four discs:

• CD 1: The original album “Song of the Wildlands”
• CD 2: Special Instrumental version of “Song of the Wildlands”, plus bonus: The Narration performed by Ross Andrews.
• DVD/Blu-ray: The Making of “Song of the Wildlands” – Feature Documentary by Neil Monaghan.

Inside the book, you will find a sumptuous compendium of amazing artwork by David Wyatt, photographs, English and Old-English lyrics, and numerous details about the project. 

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Clive Nolan is a British musician, composer, and producer who has played a prominent role in the recent development of progressive and symphonic rock.

Born in Gloucestershire, he was a pupil at Wycliffe College and King's School, Gloucester. He completed his B. Mus and M. Mus degrees at London University where he studied composition, orchestration, and conducting. He has been the regular keyboard player in Pendragon (1986–present), Shadowland (1992–present), Strangers on a Train (1993–1994), Arena (1995–present), and Caamora (2006–present) as well as writing music and lyrics for Arena, Shadowland, Caamora and numerous other projects.

Nolan is the founder member of The Caamora Theatre Company formed to produce and perform the musicals of Clive Nolan. The premiere of 'She' took place in Katowice Wyspianski Theatre in Poland in October 2007. Subsequently, full theatrical performances of 'She' were performed in January 2010 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, followed by the eight-man 'She in Concert' variation in Holland in September 2011. In February 2012 theatrical version of 'She' debuted in the UK in Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre. Recently, the revived theatre shows were performed at the Cheltenham Playhouse in September 2015 during the anniversary event, "The Fire and the Quest" and again in Cheltenham in 2016. 'She in Concert" was also performed in Germany in 2015 and Holland in 2016. 

He was voted Best Keyboard Player by Classic Rock Society in the years: 1995, 1996, 1998, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2010 the Bolivian government awarded him with the title of Honorary Visitor to Santa Cruz, Bolivia for his theatre work in the city of Santa Cruz. In 2013 he was awarded the Polish MLWZ "Golden Lexicon Award" for Outstanding Achievements in Music for his musical 'Alchemy'.

Nolan released his second musical 'Alchemy', with a libretto based on the composer's original story, early in 2013. In February 2013 the live show was recorded for the DVD at the famous Wyspianski Theatre in Katowice, Poland. The full theatrical shows of 'Alchemy' were performed by the Caamora Theatre Company at the Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre in September 2013. In 2013 and 2014 the concert version of 'Alchemy' headlined musical and theatre events in the UK and Holland. In August 2014 'Alchemy' was performed over a week at the Jermyn Street Theatre in the London Off-West End. In November 2014, 'Alchemy' returned in a concert version to be performed in Reichenbach, Germany. The musical was once more performed at the Cheltenham Playhouse as part of "The Fire and the Quest" festival in 2015, and during "The Fire and the Quest 2" in 2017.

In 2016 the Norwegian branch of Caamora was formed from the initiative of the founder members of 'Hurum Prog', Morten L. Clason, and Ingar Diskerud. Caamora Norway "Alchemy" shows featuring Clive Nolan and the all-Norwegian cast were performed in Norway in 2017. The Show in the Høytorp Fort in Mysen will be released on DVD.

In October 2016 Clive performed a series of concerts in Uruguay and Norway accompanied by the best opera and musical theatre artists. The Norwegian show 'An Evening with Clive Nolan and Friends' was released on DVD in 2017.

Clive's third musical 'King's Ransom' was released on CD and premiered on stage at the Cheltenham Playhouse in September 2017. Live DVD will be released in the near future.

In 2018 Clive signed both ‘Alchemy' and ‘King’s Ransom’ to a film company with a view to bringing these musicals to the silver screen. "The Professor King Chronicles" is planned to be released in cinemas in 2020 and 2021.

Clive is currently working on his new project "Song of the Wildlands".

Discography:

Song of the Wildlands

Album

2021

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Artist: Marius Danielsen Title: Legend of Valley Doom - Part 3 Catalog no.: 20.0029 Format: CD, Double Gatefold LP, and Digital Download Release date: 07.05.2021 Genre: Epic Power Metal Country: Norway BUY: Buy physical editions   Buy digital download

The story of Valley Doom continues, and the epic conclusion to the trilogy will soon be in your possession. Legend of Valley Doom Part 3 comes out on May 7th, 2021. Available on CD, Double Gatefold LP, and digital formats.

Follow our heroes’ journey as they search for magic weapons, battle foul beasts, and discover new lands. Only when the Seven Ancient Artefacts are united they will have the power to bring down the Dark Lord and end his reign of terror. Will the people of Valley Doom ever find peace? A dangerous road of sorrow and pain lies ahead.

“Darkened days and darkened nights.
A world in terror, no end in sight
The Ancient God still showed some light.
In these darkened days and darkened nights.”

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VEIL OF SECRETS’ DEAD POETRY is out now!

The album is now available on CD Digipak, for streaming on all major streaming services, and as Digital Download on Bandcamp. The LP will be tentatively available in January 2021.

The CD will come as an 8-panel digipak. The first print of the LP will be gatefold, colored “galaxy effect” vinyl, exclusive signed photo, large poster, and strictly limited to only 300 copies. In addition, a digital download is included if the LP is bought at the Crime Records webshop. When this limited print is sold out, the LP will be available as a standard gatefold with black vinyl.

DEAD POETRY contains 8 songs, 48 minutes. 1. “The Last Attempt” 5.24 2. “Sear The Fallen” 6.50 3. “Remorseful Heart” 5.27 4. “The Lie Of Her Prosperity” 6.19 5. “Fey” 6.32 6. “Bryd” 4.27 7. “Meson” 7.02 8. “Entirety” 6.21

VIBEKE STENE is known as the singer of Tristania, 1997-2007. With VEIL OF SECRETS, STENE has composed the majority of lyrics and vocals.

ASGEIR MICKELSON is known for having played drums in Borknagar, SARKE, Ihsahn -Official- Spiral Architect, Vintersorg,
Abyssic, Testament, and others. With VEIL OF SECRETS, MICKELSON has written all music and recorded drums, guitars, and bass.

Growling vocals on the album were done by ERLING MALM (Endolith, Articulus). Violin was done by SAREETA (Ram-Zet, ex-Ásmegin).

DEAD POETRY is produced by Vibeke Stene and Asgeir Mickelson, mixed at Toproom Studio by Børge Finstad, and mastered at dUb Studio by Endre Kirkesola.

Artist: Veil of Secrets Title: Dead Poetry Catalogno.: 20.0027 Format: Digipak CD Limited Gatefold Dark Galaxy LP (300) Digital Download Release date: 30.11.2020 Genre: Doom Metal Country: Norway BUY:  Buy physical editions.    Buy digital downloads.

Veil of Secrets is a new band formed by Vibeke Stene and Asgeir Mickelson.

Their debut album Dead Poetry marks Stene’s return to the scene after leaving Tristania in 2007 and Mickelson’s first outlet as the main songwriter.

Vibeke Stene is known as the singer of Tristania, 1997-2007. With Veil of Secrets, she has composed the majority of lyrics and vocals.

Asgeir Mickelson is known for having played drums in Borknagar, Sarke, Ihsahn, Spiral Architect, Vintersorg, Testament, and others. With Veil of Secrets, he has written all music and recorded drums, guitars, and bass.

Growling vocals on the album were done by Erling Malm (Endolith, Articulus) who will also play guitar live. Violin was done by Sareeta (Ram-Zet, ex-Ásmegin).

Dead Poetry is produced by Vibeke Stene and Asgeir Mickelson, mixed at Toproom Studio by Børge Finstad, and mastered at dUb Studio by Endre Kirkesola.

Tracklist:

Line up: 

Information:

Interview-requests, promo-pictures, etc.: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Veil of Secrets is a new band formed by Vibeke Stene and Asgeir Mickelson.

Their debut album Dead Poetry marks Stene’s return to the scene after leaving Tristania in 2007 and Mickelson’s first outlet as the main songwriter.

Vibeke Stene is known as the singer of Tristania, 1997-2007. With Veil of Secrets, Stene has composed the majority of lyrics and vocals.

Asgeir Mickelson is known for having played drums in Borknagar, Sarke, Ihsahn, Spiral Architect, Vintersorg, Testament, and others. With Veil of Secrets, Mickelson has written all music and recorded drums, guitars, and bass. In live situations, he will handle drums.

Growling vocals on the album were done by Erling Malm (Endolith, Articulus) who will also play guitar live. Violin was done by Sareeta (Ram-Zet, Trollfest, etc), who will also join on live shows. The live line-up will be completed with another guitarist and bassist. This constellation is “the band”, but the creative core is Stene & Mickelson who will also represent Veil of Secrets in photos and all promotion.

The fundament of Veil of Secrets is to make music from the heart – and the belief that honest music is the only way to really captivate and move the listener. It is pure doom metal, still with a niche of its own.

Members:

Discography:

Dead Poetry		Album		2020		Buy physical editions		Buy digital download
The Last Attempt		Single		2020				Buy digital download (Single)

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