Californian 80s metal unit VIOLATION releases "The Anthology" on Ripple Music!

Legendary Bay Area heavy metal purveyors VIOLATION release their first-ever anthology album today, as part of Ripple Music's "The Underground Metal Vault" — a brand-new series of 12" vinyl and CD releases dedicated to the unsung heroes of late 70s and early 80s metal.

 

Ripple Music's new series of 12" vinyl and CD releases, "The Underground Metal Vault", is set to shed some light on many of the unheralded metal upstart bands that hit the world between the end of the 70s and the early 80s. Inspired by the raw fury of the NWOBHM and the resurging popularity of bands like Judas Priest, Scorpions and Van Halen, a generation of hungry, leather-jacketed musicians took over their local scenes with more fire than most major acts could dream of.

 

Leading the charge is none other than Violation. Formed in the late 70s, these Bay Area road warriors gigged relentlessly until they caught the ear of Y&T’s legendary drummer Leonard Haze. He stepped in to produce three tracks for their self-released Meet Me At Midnight single, even laying down the thunderous drums on the B-side. Soon after, Shrapnel Records snagged them for their US Metal Vol. 3 compilation and label chief Mike Varney was hooked. Severin adds, "Now, we've collected all their recorded output, including songs only ever released on a demo cassette, to bring you the complete Violation Anthology. Welcome to The Underground Metal Vault."

 

Stream "The Anthology" album in full at this location!

 

VIOLATION "The Anthology"

Available now on Ripple Music (LP/CD) - Get your copy

TRACKLIST:

1. Balls Out

2. Coming After You

3. Don't Leave Me

4. Following My Heart

5. Goin Down Fighting

6. Gonna Get To You

7. Hot Fire

8. I Found You

9. I Need You Back

10. Longest Night

11. Meet Me At Midnight

12. Ready To Roll

13. Balls Out (original version)

14. Goin Down Fighting (original version)

15. Gonna Get To You (original version)

 

 

Formed in the late ’70s in Livermore, CA, Violation brought together longtime friends Paul Harris and Perry Fotos, later joined by bassist Brian Khoury and drummer Mike Pavlick. They rehearsed after hours at Khoury’s family record store, Galaxy Records—a perfect spot for loud, uninterrupted sessions.

 

Starting as a cover band, Violation won crowds with spot-on takes of UFO, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy and Blue Öyster Cult, while Harris’ note-perfect solo on “Rock Bottom” became a local legend. But originals soon followed, including fan favorites “Hot Fire” and the power ballad “Coming After You”, built on Harris’ melodic hooks and singable solos. The band expanded their reach across the Bay Area, playing iconic venues like the Keystone, The Stone, and the Old Waldorf, sharing bills with Mötley Crüe, Metallica, Quiet Riot, Y&T and more. They eventually headlined clubs including the Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood.

 

In 1982, after Pavlick’s departure, the remaining members recorded three originals with uncredited Y&T drummer Leonard Haze. The resulting single, “Meet Me at Midnight” b/w “Balls Out”, sold well locally and overseas, boosted by a Kerrang! review that sent it to #1 on their charts. With new drummer Don “Rocket” Stephenson and vocalist Tim Hall, Violation was invited by Shrapnel Records to appear on *US Metal, Vol. 3*, recording a new version of “Gonna Get to You”. But soon after its release, Hall left, and Violation disbanded in 1983.

 

Violation links

Website⎪Bandcamp

Ripple Music links

Website⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram

UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS – SHAPES OF MIDNIGHT

I have to admit, I was pretty damn sceptical when I first heard that Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats were coming back with a new album. Nell’ Ora Blu was an interesting and ambitious record, but it took the band so far away from the filthy, fuzz-drenched sound I had fallen in love with that I wasn't quite sure what to expect this time around. So yeah, my expectations weren't exactly sky-high.

 

Luckily, Shapes Of Midnight didn't need more than a few songs to shut me up.

 

The guitars are back. The fuzz is back. The weirdness is back. And while Uncle Acid haven't simply turned the clock back to 2010, this album feels like a much-needed return to the dark, psychedelic world where this band simply works best.

 

Recorded live to analogue tape at Abbey Road Studios in just three days, Shapes Of Midnight sounds warm, raw and wonderfully dirty. Fuzz-soaked guitars, hypnotic bass lines, vintage keyboards and those unmistakable, slightly sinister vocals create a sound that feels like it has been dragged straight out of some forgotten 70s horror movie.

 

'House By The Grave' opens the record like a door to some abandoned mansion. Creeping atmosphere, bells, organ and a beautifully filthy riff eventually explode into a massive Sabbath-inspired section before disappearing into a wild psychedelic jam. The title track takes a more hypnotic route, with swirling keyboards and dreamy vocal harmonies floating above a heavy groove. Classic Uncle Acid territory, but with enough fresh ideas to keep it interesting.

 

'When Evil Wakes' slows things down and lets the psychedelic side take over. Bluesy guitars, Farfisa and a hypnotic rhythm create the feeling of wandering through a foggy forest at midnight, while 'Don’t Let It Control You' kicks things back up with one of those ridiculously catchy riffs that somehow get stuck in your head after a single spin.

 

'Psycho On The Loose' gets gloriously weird, throwing 80s-flavoured synths, fuzz, psychedelic rock and classic heavy metal into the same blender. 'I Won’t Sleep (’Til You’re Gone)' brings the 70s blues-rock vibe, while 'The Other Side Of The Sky' adds some delicious Thin Lizzy-inspired twin guitars.

 

And then there is 'Sleep No More'. Slow, eerie and deeply atmospheric, it closes the album like the final scene of a particularly fucked-up horror movie.

 

Shapes Of Midnight isn't perfect, and it doesn't reinvent Uncle Acid. But honestly? I don't think it needs to.

 

After the detour of Nell’ Ora Blu, this feels like the band rediscovering the ingredients that made them so damn addictive in the first place: fuzz, doom, psychedelia, occult atmosphere and melodies that refuse to leave your head.

 

I was skeptical.

 

I'm not anymore.

 

-Helge Neumann 

 

Rage of Armageddon Festival IX - September 11, 12, 13 2026 at The Meadows Brooklyn, NY

Armageddon Promotions NYC

https://www.facebook.com/Armageddonproductionsnyc

 

Complete Festival Line-up and set lists of (most of) the bands I saw at the end of the article

 

The Rage of Armageddon Festival - a three-day metal festival featuring more than two dozen bands spanning multiple subgenres of heavy metal from all over the world at a venue in Brooklyn.

 

The festival ended Sunday. Today is Tuesday.

 

So - full disclosure - I started writing the standard “this band played a set peppered with songs from their 30-plus-year catalog that had the crowd banging their heads…” typical review, right?

 

But promoter Ed Farshtey and his outstanding crew deserve more. Much more.

 

But how can I capture what happened during the two days that I was there? (Unfortunately, I couldn't make Saturday due to family obligations.)

 

So instead of the usual “THIS BAND KICKED ASS!”

 

There are the little stories.

 

The Modelo can that got smashed but survived when my friend went toward the stage to get pictures of At War just as they were starting their set.

 

The pit during Atheist’s set that spilled over onto the Rage merch table because Atheist’s set was that legendary.  Even though they were a “last minute addition” because Artillery hadn’t received their visa clearance in time - they definitely showed the crowd how classic technical thrash metal is done.  It was a pleasure to watch them.

 

The Artillery fans I commiserated with about the band’s unfortunate visa woes - and my vow to take on the Danish embassy in Manhattan personally next time (and something about me bringing a box of *småkager* to smooth over the transaction).

 

How many times did I hear people say, “I never thought I’d be able to see this band?”

 

How many times did I hear, “How come I’ve never heard this band before?”

 

HOW MANY TIMES DID *I* SAY THAT????

 

How many conversations were started just by seeing someone walk by with an ultra-cool shirt?

 

“Bro, Angel Witch! Sick shirt!”

 

How many friendships were started in the backyard over a cigarette or while browsing the merch racks?

 

Am I still kicking myself for not buying that bright yellow King Diamond *Fatal Portrait*-era shirt? Yes.

 

With original L’Amour DJ Alex Kayne spinning the tunes between bands, the whole weekend had a very old-school vibe. For us headbangers of a certain age, it did feel like stepping back in time - even if our backs and knees reminded us days later that, no, it’s not the ’80s anymore.

 

When we walked in on Friday night, Morpheus Descends were in the middle of their set of old-school black metal. The floor was vibrating. The air was physically charged. The crowd was definitely pumped.

 

Every single band that played brought their A game. Even Sacred Oath, for example, was missing a member, and for a casual fan like me, I didn’t notice a drop in quality. I had seen them a few times over the years, and they still sounded outstanding. And “The Omen” sounded like classic Mercyful Fate, so I was in my glory.

 

Likewise with At War. I saw them in 2010 in their home base of Virginia Beach. You couldn’t tell 16 years had gone by. The new track “Midnight Hammer” is a total thrasher and fits right in with their classics like “Rape Chase,” “Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS,” and “Eat Lead” - which singer Paul Arnold dedicated to anyone who thinks the U.S. deserved the terror attacks that happened on September 11.

 

At War also did a killer cover of Motörhead’s “The Hammer,” and my neck still hurts days later!

 

Personally, the two biggest “where has this band been all my life?” discoveries were Wretch and Glacier.

 

I’m a big fan of old-school traditional metal. Wretch, to me, had more of a Manowar and Jag Panzer-type vibe, while Glacier were more on the European side of power metal, like Stormwitch or Running Wild.

 

I was telling complete strangers, “I REALLY LIKE THEM!! YO!!! THEY FUCKING RULE!!”

 

Ahem.

 

Wade Black's Astronomica (Power Metal band from Florida featuring former Crimson Glory vocalist Wade Black)  were excellent as well - really skillful players. Musically, they reminded me of Voivod. Bands like them make me want to throw my bass into the Atlantic Ocean. The level of musicianship is that sick.

 

Gammacide were a good old-school thrash band, but by the time they went on, my feet were killing me, and I was enjoying their set from the backyard. They are definitely a band worth checking out, and they had a wild pit going for them.

 

The legendary Blood Feast was next.

 

Another band I had seen a few times, and they do not disappoint. I was told they had a different lineup, but the only member I recognized was guitarist CJ Scioscia (nice Dictators shirt).

 

The crowd lost their shit for them.

 

The entire room was a pit!

 

Up next was NWOBHM band Elixir.

 

I had seen them when they first played in the U.S. 20 years ago, and I had formed a friendship with them that still lasts to this day. I had an emotional reunion with guitarist Norman Gordon, drummer Nigel Dobbs, and singer Paul Taylor.

 

“New boy” Vinny Konrad and I had previously met when he was in Pagan Altar and they played the Maryland Death Fest in 2012, so it was great to reconnect again.

 

And new bassist Mark Mulcaster was a pleasure to talk to about Iron Maiden right before the band went on.

 

This is really the only part of the fest where I abandoned “serious journalist” mode and went into “emotional fan” mode.

 

I stood with my buddy PJ right at the front for the whole of Elixir’s set. The band played their seminal 1986 *Son of Odin* album in its entirety in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

 

I was there 20 years ago for the 20th anniversary - 20 years since I was in the photo pit for the first British Steel Festival in Milton Keynes, England, watching Elixir.

 

It was like no time had gone by.

 

Paul’s voice still has that same melodic timbre. The new guys fit right in - even though I did miss founding guitarist Phil Denton and his trademark SG on stage left, I have zero complaints about Vinny (who had his own SG). .

 

After Elixir’s set, I noticed my photographer Mike was looking exhausted and starving, and we both realized we weren’t going to make it for the next two bands - which was a shame because I was totally stoked for Medieval Steel and Leatherwolf.

 

Like I said earlier - the mind thinks I’m in my 20s, but the body knows that 45 is in the rearview mirror.

 

We said our goodbyes to old friends (it’s not going to be another 20 years!!!), got contact info for new friends, bought Rage of Armageddon swag, and headed out.

 

Oh yeah - the girl working the Rage merch table. She was an absolute doll. I wish I had her energy! She was totally into every single band, and she had so much enthusiasm that she was getting the crowd going. I loved her!

 

So, big thanks again to Ed and the crew for making this happen despite the cancellations, band emergencies, bureaucratic red tape, and all the other little bits of bullshit that come with the territory of putting together a massive festival like Rage of Armageddon IX. 

 

It was a huge success, and I’m very lucky and proud to have been a part of it.

 

See you next year!

 

-Rys 

Friday

Morpheus Descends Setlist

The Cruciform Hills

Immortal Coil

Way of All Flesh

Begging for Possession

The Martense Mansion

Submerged in Adipocere

Ritual of Infinity

Cairn of Dumitru

  

At War Setlist

Midnight Hammer

Assassins

Conscientious Objector

Creed of the Sniper

Ordered to Kill

Dawn Of Death

Rapechase

The Hammer (Motorhead cover)

Ilsa She wolf of the SS

Eat Lead.

 

Atheist Setlist

Unquestionable Presence 35th Anniversary

Mother Man

Unquestionable Presence

Your Life's Retribution

Enthralled in Essence

An Incarnation's Dream

The Formative Years

Brains

And the Psychic Saw

 

Sunday

Wretch Set List

Mental Wars

Man or Machine

The Voice

Life

Final Stand

Strike Force 1

Eyes of Fate

 

Sacred Oath Set List

Magic Son

The Ferryman’s Lair

The Beginning

Shadow Out of Time

A Crystal Vision

The Omen

Two Powers

 

Wade Black's Astronomica Set List

Astronomica

Protectors of the Realm

Touch the Sun

Destiny

Monsters

Edge of Forever

War of the Worlds

 

Glacier Set List

Ready for Battle

Eldest and Truest

When Heavens At Hand

Devils in Disguise

Speak no Evil

Live for the Whip

Into the Night

Vendetta

  

Gammacide Set List

Endangered species

Fossilized

Shock Treatment

Predator or Pray

Sinkhole

Walking Plague

Toxic Mercenaries

Victims of Science

Gutter Rats.

 

Elixir Set List:

The Star of Beshaan

Pandora's Box

Hold High the Flame

Children of Tomorrow

Trial by Fire

Starflight

Dead Man's Gold

Treachery (Ride Like the Wind)

Son of Odin

 

    FRIDAY SEPT 11

8:50 - 9:50 - ATHEIST

7:40 - 8:30 - AT WAR

6:40 - 7:20 - MORPHEUS DESCENDS

5:40 - 6:20 - CASTRATOR

4:45 - 5:25 - COVEN 6669

4:00 - 4:30 - BASTARD SKULL

3:30 - DOORS

3:15 - VIP

     SATURDAY SEPT 12

8:35 - 9:50 - MASSACRE

7:25 - 8:15 - DESOLATION ANGELS

6:20 - 7:05 - INSANITY

5:15 - 6:00 - BLACK WATER RISING

4:15 - 4:55 - MACHINE OF WAR

3:15 - 3:55 - MAUSOLEUM

2:30 - 3:00 - DROWNING IN BLOOD

1:45 - 2:15 - ELECTROCUTIONER

1:00 - 1:30 - DECEPTOR

12:30 - DOORS

12:15 - VIP

     SUNDAY SEPT 13

9:00 -10:00- LEATHERWOLF

8:05 - 8:45 - MEDIEVAL STEEL

7:05 - 7:45 - ELIXIR

6:05 - 6:50 - BLOOD FEAST

5:05 - 5:45 - GAMMACIDE

4:10 - 4:45 - GLACIER

3:20 - 3:55 - ASTRONOMICA

2:30 - 3:05 - SACRED OATH

1:40 - 2:15 - WRETCH

12:55 - 1:25 - UNKNOWN

12:30 - DOORS

12:15 - VIP

 

 

 

Ripple Library: A Conversation With Jessica M. Karjanis About Her Book The Wheel of the Year: An Introduction to Pagan Holidays

What kind of book are we talking about here? Great Question! Below is a quote taken directly from the author's own website:

From the hopeful crocus shoots of Imbolc to the joyous sunshine of Litha, The Wheel of the Year: An Introduction to Pagan Holidays invites young readers to reflect on nature’s cycles and learn about modern Pagan traditions.

With historical background information and a hands-on activity for each holiday, this engaging nonfiction book is perfect for middle grade readers.

“The Wheel of the Year is the book that has been missing from libraries all over the country. It's a thoughtfully researched overview of modern Pagan and earth-based spiritual practices that familiarizes children with the understanding they need, regardless of their own religious background. I can't wait to share this long-overdue book with the young people in my life.”

– Sarah Beck, author of Magic Child: A Bedtime Ritual and The Tarot Deck Mess

And now on with the interview!

  

What inspired you to write The Wheel of The Year: An Introduction to Pagan Holidays?

 

I'm an elementary school librarian and way back before the pandemic I was looking for a Yule book to put on display alongside the ones about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. (Yule is the Pagan winter solstice celebration.) I wasn't able to find one in the library, so I started looking around for a book to add to the collection. At that time, I couldn't find quite the right title for a general audience -- school library books about religion should be “informational, not indoctrinating.” So when we were home doing distance learning in 2020, I started writing about the topic of modern Pagan holidays in an expository format. 

 

There are many variations, but at the most broad level, modern Pagan spirituality is based on the Earth and its cycles. Over the next several years, I researched Paganism and Pagan holidays through books, web sources, and personal interviews. I felt that it was important for these beliefs represented in library collections not just for grownups, but also for kids. In 2023, National Geographic estimated that there were around 1.5 million people in the United States who practiced some form of Paganism. Researching Paganism has deepened my own practice of Earth-based spirituality alongside the Christian beliefs I grew up with, and I still have so much more to learn. 

 

Did you work off a strict outline or more free flow? 

 

I started off writing a section for each of the eight sabbats, but then I realized that readers would need background information about modern Pagan beliefs and history – so I went back and wrote some introductory chapters. Then I added an activity for each holiday, as well as three “How We Celebrate” sidebars with quotations from Pagans explaining their practice. 

 

What kind of research did you do for this book?

 

A lot! I started with some print books I had, The Hedgewitch Book of Days by Mandy Mitchell and Wicca For Beginners by Thea Sabin. Fiona Cook’s The Wheel of the Year: An Illustrated Guide to Nature’s Rhythms was published in 2023 and became a great source as well. I got interlibrary loans for even more books, including works by Scott Cuningham and Dr. Helen Berger. Dr. Berger was kind enough to review an early draft of the book and give me feedback; I also got feedback from a former coven leader in my town.

 

I used web sources too – both online encyclopedias and individually authored websites. Finally, I conducted several interviews with practicing Pagans and witches to get different perspectives on the Wheel of Year holidays. 

 

What was your greatest challenge writing this book?

 

As it turned out, it wasn’t easy to just whip up a book about Pagan holidays! I had published a personal finance book in 2020 with a second edition in 2022 and that book was much easier to write.

 

I think that’s because a Roth IRA is a Roth IRA no matter which way you spin it. But how many different ways do people celebrate Midsummer or Samhain? How many different ancient goddesses and gods are part of modern traditions? What holidays from other religions are connected to Pagan ones? You get the idea. If you wanted to write a book on how to be Catholic, you could Google what Pope Leo says. (Yes, that’s an oversimplification.) But there is no “Pope Leo” for Pagans – to a significant extent, Pagans make their own practice. 

 

So it was hard to choose what to include without getting too lengthy or granular for my young audience. What I thought would take a couple months to draft ended up taking almost six years of on-and-off work. (I also had two kids and got another college degree during that time!)

 

What would you like to leave behind about your statement on Paganism? 

 

Modern Paganism is about acknowledging the Earth’s gifts and striving to be a better member of our interconnected universe. It’s not scary or harmful, and it has nothing to do with the Christian concept of Satan. You don’t have to be a “goth” or wear black lipstick to practice Paganism (or witchcraft for that matter – which overlaps with Paganism at times, but is not the same thing). And in fact, you don’t have to give up other beliefs to practice Pagan ones. 

 

Earth-based spirituality has a lot to offer as our planet is changing due to human actions. How can we take care of the Earth the way she takes care of us?

 

What's the relationship between Paganism and heavy music? 

 

Lots of heavy bands use occult imagery in their music and art, which many people associate with Paganism. Black Sabbath, anyone? And it seems like every other doom band has the word “witch” in their names. But I think there’s an undercurrent of Paganism in the heavy music scene that goes deeper than the aesthetic level. 

 

Just a few examples – “Invocation of the Dreamer,” the first track of Khemmis’s new self-titled album. Right away, the lyrics sounded to me like calling the quarters, which is part of Pagan holiday ceremonies. Of course there’s Ripple’s own High Priestess, who are “Casting the Circle” – another element of a Pagan ritual! Then you have the whole folk and pagan metal genre with bands like Heilung, Arkona, Ensiferum, Korpiklaani, Cruachan… For more mainstream metal bands, Amon Amarth comes to mind with their themes of Norse mythology. I’m sure there are many that I’m not listing. One of my own bands Owl Maker (inactive at the moment) had several Pagan-themed songs but I guess that’s not a surprise lol.

 

What are you currently working on?

 

I joined the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge this year. Basically you pay $200 to be in a club where you write a picture book draft every month and give each other feedback. There are all levels of writers in the group, from picture book newbies like me to well-established authors whose books I purchase for my school library! I’m not sure if I will become a picture book author, but I’m up to date with my drafts so far. I want to get my two-hundred-dollars-worth!

 

I also have some public library events scheduled this fall for The Wheel of The Year! This is pretty exciting for me because these will be my first “author events” aside from the book release gathering.

 

What is the weirdest/wildest topic or fact that you’ve had to research or uncovered in your research?

 

I learned that the last recorded witchcraft executions in Europe took place in Poland in 1793! That’s more recent than I had imagined.

 

The people prosecuted for “practicing witchcraft” in Europe and colonial America were likely not doing anything that would be recognizable as modern Paganism. They certainly weren’t reading Instagram posts about how to do a self-care ritual at the next full moon. They were probably just existing! Perhaps as widows whose neighbors coveted their large apple orchards… Witch trials were about subjugation and control, disproportionately affecting women. Today, modern Pagans and witches feel a connection to those persecuted as witches long ago.

 

What else would you want readers to know about you? Where can readers find you online?

 

When I’m not writing books about Paganism for kids or doing my real job as a school librarian, I’m also a musician – which is how I found the Waveriders group! Bass is my primary instrument; I also sing and play a few other strings here and there. Check out Turkey Vulture, The Shoutbacks, and my solo music if you’re curious.

 

You can find alllllll my assorted online things here.

 

Want a kid-friendly resource for your family to learn more about Paganism? The Wheel of The Year: An Introduction to Pagan Holidays is available online wherever books are sold:

• Bookshop.org
• Barnes and Noble
• Amazon

 

Blessed be!

 

70s heavy rock goldsmiths SATURNA premiere new album "Light and Shadow" in full; out now on Spinda Records & Ripple Music

Barcelona-based soulful hard rock unit SATURNA teams up with The Obelisk to present their anticipated sixth studio album "Light and Shadow" in its entirety.

 

⚡️ Stream new album "Light and Shadow" at this location ⚡️

 

“If you like cleanly delivered, powerfully emotional heavy rock, this is well worth your time.” - Monuments in Ruin

“Quality music from a quality rock band. No pretensions and delusions, just great music.” - Powerplay Magazine

“There’s a pretty good chance they’ll become your favorite new rock band.” - Dirty Rock

 

From Barcelona, Saturna have spent over a decade building a distinctive identity within contemporary heavy rock, blending the raw power of classic hard rock with psychedelic atmospheres, alternative rock depth and a strong melodic sensibility. With a sound that is both powerful and emotionally rich, the band has developed a singular voice that resonates with audiences across Europe and beyond. Their new album Light and Shadow retains the core elements that have defined their sound for a decade (hard rock, psychedelia, alternative rock) while expanding the Catalan foursome's sonic palette with new dynamics and greater textural variety. Thirteen tracks of 70s heaviness, electrifying proto-grooves and intoxicating melodies aplenty!

 

Alongside the album, SATURNA released a full live session recorded at 7 Barbas Estudio in Barcelona in mid-August, bringing three songs from the new album into a fully live setting.

 

SATURNA "Light and Shadow"

Out Now on Spinda Records & Discos Macarras (EU)

and Ripple Music (North America)

Across five studio albums, Saturna has crafted a musical language rooted in the balance between heaviness and sensitivity, combining crushing riffs with expansive sonic landscapes. Their previous record, The Reset (2023), marked a turning point: it reached number one on the US Doom Charts, appeared on numerous year-end lists, and strengthened their international profile, leading to extensive touring activity on both sides of the Atlantic. The band’s reputation has been built equally in the studio and on stage. Their live performances are defined by emotional intensity, instrumental precision and a genuine connection with the audience, establishing them as a rising force within the European heavy rock scene.

 

Saturna's upcoming sixth studio album Light and Shadow retains the core elements that define their sound — hard rock, psychedelia and alternative rock — while expanding the Catalan foursome's sonic palette with new dynamics, renewed energy and greater textural variety. The contribution of Max Eriksson’s compositional input, alongside a desire to explore new sonic territories, has helped shape a record that pushes their sound forward without losing its essence.

 

Recorded and produced by the band themselves, with Enric Verdaguer handling mixing duties, Light and Shadow embraces a more organic, honest and live-oriented approach. Moving between heaviness and introspection, the album explores a wide emotional spectrum while maintaining the intensity that has always defined their music. Thematically, the record revolves around duality: light and darkness, love and hate, life and death. Its lyrics draw on personal experiences and the contradictions between opposing forces. The artwork is once again created by Jondix, a long-time collaborator of the band internationally known for his work with Tool and other major names in the rock and metal scene.

 

Saturna is

James Vieco - vocals, guitar

Max Eriksson - guitar

Rod Tirado - bass

Enric Verdaguer - drums

 

Saturna links

Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram⎪Youtube

Spinda Records links

Webstore⎪Facebook⎪Instagram⎪Youtube

Ripple Music links

Website⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram

Discos Macarras links

Webstore⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp