Rhythm of War

on April 19th, "Tides of War", the second full-length of the German traditional heavy metal act SACRED GATE, will be released. The band created a truly captivating and epic concept album about the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans and their allies fought for freedom against invading Persians. Not a surprising choice of subject, considering that 2 founding members (vocalist Jim and guitarist Nicko) have Greek origins. The new album is undoubtedly a more mature, more epic and more confident effort showing the band crystallizing their own style, with strong, melodic but rough vocals, outstanding guitar work and rock solid rhythm section.

“A Divine Act of War” is a full on power metal assault featuring soaring vocals, blazing guitars, and symphonic keys driven at full throttle by the pounding rhythm section. The album was written by the band as a true celebration of all things metal and as such encompasses many metal styles ranging from the heavy, anthemic fist pounding roar of “Heavy Artillery” to the folk-metal glory of “A Warriors Destiny”, or the dark majesty of the title track. From front to back the album truly represents all that is Sonic Prophecy style power metal!

Piano, violin, and violoncello: Trio Marvin's debut album presents to us all the energy that composers have bundled together in this instrumental combination since the Romantic period. Vita Kan, Marius Urba and Marina Grauman describe Echoes of War as their juxtaposition of works by Dmitri Shostakovich and Mieczyslaw Weinberg, two composers who were influenced by World War II and Stalinism. The three draw us into a rhythm of hope, despair, and grief, igniting a firework of bright colors. Perfection, passion and musical superiority: it's easy to understand the enthusiasm of the jurors of the ARD Music Competition 2018, the Mendelssohn Competition 2017 and other major competitions who have awarded the ensemble so many first prizes!