New Zealand hard rock/metal act LIKE A STORM has just released its formidable new single, "Pure Evil". The first offering from the band's upcoming record, "Catacombs", is already creating a buzz amongst their fans and musical peers alike. "Pure Evil" was initially released to coincide with LIKE A STORM's recent European arena tour with ALTER BRIDGE, VOLBEAT and GOJIRA. But word spread about the new track, and it was picked up by radio stations across America — breaking into the U.S. rock Top 50 without even being released as a single. As a result, "Pure Evil" has just become the fifth American Top 50 single in a row for LIKE A STORM — the first time in history that a New Zealand artist has achieved such consecutive success in U.S. rock radio. The song itself, described as "seven minutes of pure art" by AltCorner, marks the next evolution of LIKE A STORM's sound — blending progressive metal's heavy riffage, double-kick drumming and soaring solos with haunting textures and an anthemic chorus. LIKE A STORM's new musical direction caught the attention of ALTER BRIDGE and TREMONTI guitarist Mark Tremonti, who commented, "'Pure Evil' is totally killer! This song will be so badass live." ALTER BRIDGE frontman Myles Kennedy also voiced his enthusiasm for the song's progressive influences, saying: "Sounds awesome! Really cool arrangement!". "We got turned on to a lot of heavier music like DIMMU BORGIR and GOJIRA," says Kent Brooks, LIKE A STORM's bassist. "We've always loved writing music that's layered and epic, and wanted to keep pushing that." Lyrically the song marks a turning point in LIKE A STORM's writing, addressing the dark side of religious and political power. Says guitarist Matt Brooks: "The coverups, scandals and exploitation that pervade the highest levels of church and government are just sickening. 'Pure Evil' seemed like the perfect way to sum up this absolute hypocrisy — these people appear so righteous, but at their core they are the worst of the worst." LIKE A STORM will balance the recording of "Catacombs" with a busy international touring schedule — which includes headlining a stage at the U.K.'s iconic Download festival, and touring New Zealand and Australia with ALTER BRIDGE. U.S. dates are to be announced shortly.
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