News

"WHAT DEATH CANNOT END" OUT NOW

July 22nd, 2022

Back to a time when adjectives like "heavy" and "epic" were considered characteristics of our beloved metal and there was no need to put each new band into a separate drawer.
A time when it wasn't seen as a weakness if not every song on an album sounded exactly the same, and most importantly - long songs like Hallowed Be Thy Name, Child In Time, Diary Of A Madman, Victim Of Changes, Battle Hymn or Master Of Puppets were the measure of all things!
 

Since 2018 BELLS AND RAVENS has been the baby of ex-Contracrash mastermind Matt Carviero and he had already shown on his debut album IN OUR BLOOD (2020) where his priorities lie - powerful riffs, huge choruses, bombastic arrangements and sprawling instrumental parts!

On his second album WHAT DEATH CANNOT END you will find ten tracks with a total length of almost 64 minutes! But due to their catchiness some of them should even delight listeners with shorter attention spans!

The german guitarist is supported by top-class singers such as Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) or Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-Judas Priest, ex-Iced Earth, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) as well as the bassist Roberto Palacios (Chinchilla, My Darkest Hate, Goblin's Blade) and the drummer Claudio Sisto (played in Mystic Prophecy, Chinchilla, My Darkest Hate, Goblin's Blade, Contracrash and more) who unfortunately passed away last year.
 

So the question is - Why bother listening to an epic, long song when you could listen to three fast food songs in the same amount of time? Every music lover knows the answer!
An overwhelming listening experience is the reward for those who do not see themselves mentally at the drive-through with this album, but consciously prepare themselves for a five-course gourmet menu with wine accompaniment!
 

The stunning artwork for this self-produced album was done by world-renowned swedish artist Pär Olofsson (Exodus, Immortal, etc.)

WHAT DEATH CANNOT END by BELLS AND RAVENS is available on all download and streaming portals.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

July 21st, 2022

Playing Symphonic Metal with Contracrash in July 2014

Photo by Emilia Horpácsi

NEW INTERVIEW ONLINE

July 6th, 2022

For my german speaking followers-

Ein brandneues Interview von earshot.at findet ihr HIER
🔥🔥🔥

22.07.'22: "WHAT DEATH CANNOT END"

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

July 3rd, 2022

...i'm very happy to announce that the one and only Jürgen Volk has joined the "WHAT DEATH CANNOT END" team!

I think it was in 1998 or 1999 when i first heard his voice. Glenmore's "Materialized" was the album. In my opinion one of the greatest debut albums of all time and certainly the most underrated. It's been in my all-time top 10 ever since and you should definitely check it out if you haven't yet!

"ZONE OF PAIN" is the title of the first studio recording with Jürgen on lead vocals since 2003! And not only did he agree to sing it - He wrote the lyrics and all vocal lines!

For me as a fan it's so much more than i could have asked for. Listening to Jürgen's trademark vocals on a BELLS AND RAVENS tune...

Crazy...

Thanks so much, Jürgen 🙏
 

Get ready for something very special!

"WHAT DEATH CANNOT END" is out July 22nd!
 

Photo by Tanja Volk

"THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN"
FEAT. TIM "RIPPER" OWENS

July 1st, 2022

"THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN" is OUT NOW!!!
Available on all digital and streaming services.

SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO MR. DANIEL SUNDY

June 23rd, 2022

There's a ballad on the album called "Martyrs and Illusionists (Home), Pt. II" and the song is so old it's almost ancient.

I think it was in 2018 when i got in touch with Daniel because i had no idea how to do the arrangement. Everything i tried went right into the garbage can.

So we've talked a bit about the song and i don't remember exactly when i got the orchestra arrangement from him, but it feels like it's just been a few days after we spoke.

And it's just incredible...
 

From what i hear so far "Martyrs and Illusionists (Home), Pt. II" is one of the most celebrated tracks on the album. A song which lyrics deal with a soldier's difficulties in coping with everyday life at home after the war.

Thanks so much, Daniel!
 

Photo by Archie MacFarlane

GREETINGS FROM RHODES

June 8th, 2022

Taking a break before i'll release the immense power of my incredibly awesome new album "WHAT DEATH CANNOT END"!

"THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN"
FEAT. TIM "RIPPER" OWENS

June 5th, 2022

New single coming July 1st!
Artwork by All4band Design

"SCOURGE OF THE SEVEN SEAS"
FEAT. ZAK STEVENS - OUT NOW

May 20th, 2022

In 2020 i recorded the song with one of my all time favorite singers: Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Archon Angel). As i've said before - This was one of the best experiences of my life.
Since i first heard his voice on "Scourge Of The Seven Seas" i almost couldn't wait to release it!

I wrote this song in 2013 or 2014 during a nocturnal power outage caused by thunderstorm. Sounds like a horrible cliche, but yes - There were some candles burning 😉
No concept in mind, just started writing.
After the fourth line, i knew what i was doing.

I'm not sure when i had the idea to include parts of Richard Wagner's "Der fliegende Holländer" overture though.
But it's awesome, right? 🤘😎🤘

Enough talk - Listen to the song HERE! 🌊⚡️

FIVE MORE DAYS

May 15th, 2022

5 Days until you can listen to my new single "Scourge Of The Seven Seas" feat. Zak Stevens!

After that i'll do Country music 🤠🎸

HERE'S WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR

May 13th, 2022

"WHAT DEATH CANNOT END" is the title of the upcoming, second BELLS AND RAVENS album, which will be released on July 22nd!

It will contain ten tracks with a total length of over 60 minutes. Some of which should even delight listeners with short attention spans!

More infos coming soon!
 

Artwork by Pär Olofsson

NEW SINGLE COMING MAY 20TH

May 8th, 2022

SCOURGE OF THE SEVEN SEAS
Feat. Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Archon Angel)
 

Artwork by Mustapha Design Dz

ALSO FEATURING ON THE UPCOMING BELLS AND RAVENS ALBUM: ZAK STEVENS

May 6th, 2022

Without a doubt one of the best voices on the planet!
 

I'm not sure how old i was when i started listening to Savatage.

I think i was 12 when i first watched their "Japan Live '94" VHS.

Loved them instantly. Great band, great songs, incredible singer.

Still waiting for a new album though 😉
 

Anyway - I've written a pirate song years ago and wasn't sure how to record or arrange it, who should sing it etc.

This was WAAAY different than anything i've done before, so i've put it in the drawer until i had an idea what to do with it.

When the Archon Angel album came out in 2020, i thought Zak would be so great for this song, but wasn't sure if he'd do it...

Thank god he did!

And once he sang it, i knew exactly how to arrange the song.

This was one the best experiences of my life and i'm so grateful to have him singing on my album.
 

Thanks so much Zak!
 

Photo by Iron Folks Photography

WATCH OUT!

May 4th, 2022

I'll announce the next guest on friday!

MASTER OF MY FATE (FEAT. TIM "RIPPER" OWENS") - APRIL 29TH

April 10th, 2022

Coming to your favorite streaming service

Artwork by All4band Design

TIM "RIPPER" OWENS SINGS ON UPCOMING BELLS AND RAVENS ALBUM

April 8th, 2022

I must have been 11 or 12 years old when Judas Priest first hit my radar.
'98 Live Meltdown was the album that turned me into a die-hard fan. And out of all their albums it's still my personal favorite!
I'd even say it's in my all-time Top 10.
I love Halford, but because of that live album Ripper will always be THE Priest singer for me.

Here it comes:
I've waited 2 1/2 years to announce this...
Tim "Ripper" Owens sings two of my songs on the upcoming BELLS AND RAVENS album!
Quite a surreal experience.... But i'll soon share it with you!

New single preview coming THIS WEEKEND!!!

Photo by Artur Tarczewski
https://infernophoto.co.uk

THANK YOU, JULIAN

April 3rd, 2022

If you wonder who played that frickin' awesome guitar solo in YOUR LAST SACRIFICE between the weird time signature part and the last chorus - That's Julian Scott a. k. a. Stringfinity a. k. a. Massive talent from Solingen!

We've been following each other for years on Instagram, but it took us some time to realize that we're both from Germany 😂
 

Anyway - I was super impressed by his skills and loved that he's (like myself) a huge Steve Lukather and John Petrucci fan. So i asked him if he wanted to contribute something to the new album.

He's agreed to do it and all i can say is -

It's always a pleasure working with people, who instantly know what's right for the song. What works and what not.
 

So go to #spotify #applemusic #deezer or whatever, click on YOUR LAST SACRIFICE and see for yourself what he came up with!

I LIKE TO CALL HIM THE "JOE COCKER OF METAL"

April 2nd, 2022

Please welcome - Mr. Tommy Laasch!

Once again it was Claudio Sisto who introduced me to Tommy.

Some of you might already know him as the voice of the metal band CHINCHILLA.

Actually it wasn't planned that he'll sing "Your Last Sacrifice". But thank god he did!

This song turned out to be one of the most powerful tunes on the album and surprise, surprise - He even did another one!
 

So until the new B&R album comes, listen to his work with Chinchilla or what he did with Basement Prophecy!

AND OF COURSE - Your Last Sacrifice 😉

Thanks a lot, Tommy!

NEW SINGLE "YOUR LAST SACRIFICE" (FEAT. TOMMY LAASCH & JULIAN SCOTT) IS OUT NOW

April 1st, 2022

This song is about people, who let others take advantage of them on a daily basis.
People who can’t say "NO".
The message is that if you can’t stand up for yourself, there are parts of you that might. Whatever feelings you’re trying to suppress - eventually they’ll take over. And sometimes in ways one would not expect or believe…

“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”
Sigmund Freud

AS YOU ALREADY KNOW...

March 27th, 2022

...Selin Schönbeck is also part of the upcoming BELLS AND RAVENS album.

Thanks to him i was able to get this project started in the first place and i am grateful he's back to sing the first part of the "Martyrs and Illusionists" duology.

Also check out what fantastic job he's done on my debut album "In Our Blood" and his other projects, which include Then comes the Night and We are Legend.
 

Photo by Tobias Vogel Fotografie

HAVE A GREAT SUNDAY

March 20th, 2022

But don't forget - There's a sneak peek of the next BELLS AND RAVENS single "Your Last Sacrifice" coming to my YouTube channel later today!

HERE'S A SURPRISE

March 17th, 2022

I didn't play the bass on the upcoming album. Just a few songs actually.

Most work was done by Roberto Palacios!

A big THANK YOU for that!

The story goes like this - Claudio Sisto agreed to do the drums for the album and after a few weeks he gave me Roberto's Phone Number and said: "Call him, he'd certainly like to play a song or two." I thought "Yeah... why not?". When i called Roberto, he said "I can play your whole record". Then i thought "Wow.... ok... yeah, why not?".

And that's how it was done. Great guy!

Chinchilla, My Darkest Hate, Goblin's Blade - Just to name a few bands he's in.

You'll see him tomorrow rocking the playthrough video of "BEYOND REDEMPTION" - Don't miss it!

"BEYOND REDEMPTION" PLAYTHROUGH IS DONE

March 14th, 2022

Coming this friday!

NEXT ON THE GUESTLIST IS TOBIAS HÜBNER

March 5th, 2022

​He's been around for a while, singing in bands like Forensick, Nightlife, The Woodpeckers, Lancelot, etc, etc.

Believe it or not - He's also a wedding singer!

I got to know him through my friend and former drummer Claudio Sisto.

I asked Claudio if he knew any good singers and Tobi was one of his favorites.

You may already know him from my last single, which was a Survivor Cover - "MAN AGAINST THE WORLD". We did this as tribute to Claudio who sadly passed away in May 2021.

The upcoming single "BEYOND REDEMPTION" will show another side of him though!

You probably know the chorus of the song by heart by now and i bet you'll be surprised how the rest of the song turned out!

I'm very happy to have him on board as he's not only a phenomenal musician, but also a good friend.

Photo by LJP

3 DAYS LEFT

March 8th, 2022

​This friday - Watch out!!!

TOMORROW IS THE DAY

March 10th, 2022

Just a few hours until you can stream TWO brandnew BELLS AND RAVENS songs on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.

The second song's called "Martyrs and Illusionists (Victory), Pt. 1" and is again a collaboration with Then comes the Night singer Selin Schönbeck!

This cover artwork has been done by Romulo Dias. To learn more about it, visit the page of All4band Design.

THE DAY HAS FINALLY COME

March 11th, 2022

Two tracks from my upcoming album are now available on your favorite streaming platform.

Though some songs on the album have been written a looooong time ago, August 2019 was when i really started working on it.

2 1/2 years... I hope you enjoy these two new songs!

Again thanks to everyone who has contributed in any way!

More stuff coming soon.

10 DAYS UNTIL MY NEW SINGLE DROPS

March 1st, 2022

​First new BELLS AND RAVENS music in 2 years - Can you believe it?

World's gone mad since i released my debut album "In Our Blood" in March 2020...

NEXT ON THE GUESTLIST FOR THE UPCOMING ALBUM - ANDREAS MOZER

February 26th, 2022

I went to school with this guy. Long, long time ago...

Metalheads weren't that popular back then and he was one of the few who didn't make fun of me.

Unfortunately we lost touch for many years. I remember he and Gerd Hery (who also went to school with me) tried starting a band.

Next thing i know they were in every metal magazine as TRAITOR.

And he sings while playing the drums....

I'm really glad that he's agreed to be part of my new album!

He did some amazing stuff on the upcoming single "BEYOND REDEMPTION" - You'll see (MARCH 11TH!!!)

And check out his band if you haven't yet!

Photo by Martin Kubowski

SAVE THE DATE

February 17th, 2022

22 days until my new single "Beyond Redemption" comes to Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer and every other streaming service!

March 11th - Save the date

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT

February 5th, 2022

I may have said it before - I have some guests on the upcoming BELLS AND RAVENS album.

Over the next weeks and months you'll get to know all of them!
 

When i was in CONTRACRASH, we often played in a german town called Geisingen. This was around 2008-2010.

"Rio Rocks" was the name of the bar and it was always fun to play there.
 

There i got to meet the great Thomas Schmeer.

He was one of the guys i've seen everytime we've played there and after the show we've always talked about guitars and stuff. OF COURSE!
 

I'm glad we're still in touch after all these years and it's always inspiring to watch his videos.
 

I have invited him to do a guitar solo battle with me on one of the new songs. But i have to admit that i cheated.

After he sent me his solo, i've deleted mine and recorded another one - Just to give you an idea how good he is...
 

The song will be released on March 11th - Save the date!
 

Check out his channels - Facebook, Instagram, whatever.

YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Photo by Manos Photography

THANKS FOR 700 YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS

February 9th, 2022

🙏

NEW MUSIC COMING MARCH 11TH!!!

February 2nd, 2022

March 11th 2022:

After nearly two years, i'll release N E W Music!

I'm so excited! And i just can't hide it!

Stay tuned for more infos!

NEW ALBUM UPDATE

November 11th, 2021

The new album has been in the works for a long time now, but honestly - i've never been that happy with a record of mine.
Can't wait to share it with you!

NOT EVERY SONG NEEDS A GUITAR SOLO

October 24th, 2021

But #moreismore

SOMEBODY STOP ME FROM DOING THAT!

October 23rd, 2021

Two songs i've written for B&R album No. 3 are already over 10 minutes long...

HERE'S THE ALBUM COVER

October 7th, 2021

No, it's not 🤪

600 SUBS ON YOUTUBE!!!

August 19th, 2021

🙏

DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY!

August 12th, 2021

☀️🍻

NEW SINGLE OUT NOW!!!

July 9th, 2021

Here’s a little something i’d like to share with you -

Claudio Sisto has been „my“ drummer from 2006 - 2009 (in Contracrash) and then again from 2019 until May 13th this year.

Whenever i had a new song, the two of us would go in the rehearsal room and arrange it.

And before any other guy in the band heard it, we had it all worked out - ready to go.

When he left Contracrash, we didn’t talk for seven years. 

Working with him on the new B&R album had me hoping for a common future -

The future we’ve been working towards 15 years ago.

I’ve even considered turning B&R into a real band instead of a solo project.

Some guys who sing or play on the upcoming album i probably would have never known if it hadn’t been for Claudio.

Two of them are Tobias Hübner (Vocals) and Roberto Palacios (Bass).

Since we all had a great connection to this song, Tobias had the idea to make Survivor’s „Man against the world“ a tribute to the man whose being and playing we all cherished.

So, this is for you Claudio!

Hope you can hear it, wherever you are.

Matt

—

Dear Claudio,

we only met three years ago. A bandmate became a friend. There were some, but far too few, great moments on stage and in the rehearsal room.

You were one of the best drummers I have ever worked with!

In January we were planning an acoustic band, especially the song "Man Against the World" should be part of it.

We all hoped and fought with you for so long, unfortunately you lost the fight ...

I wish you all the luck in the world on your journey, we will meet again 

Take care my friend!

Tobi

—

In memory of the man who not only accompanied me in all my bands for years, but also introduced me to Matt and Bells & Ravens. The last album we did together. Besides the ingenuity of the record itself, it will have an even more special place in my heart. See you again my friend!

Roberto

IDEAS. TOOLS. KNOWLEDGE.

May 23th, 2021

If you got those three, being confused won't stop you!

BEGAN WRITING FOR B&R ALBUM NO. 3

April 8th, 2021

Producing and arranging often takes far more time than the songwriting itself. Everytime i made a record, there came a time when i missed writing new stuff. Because the songs you're working on, all have been written ages ago and there's still so much to explore...

So, i know i shouldn't... but i just began writing for the 3rd B&R album 🤪

February 26th, 2021

No tambourines allowed 😎

THROWBACK THURSDAY

February 25th, 2021

11 years ago Contracrash and i rocked the stage at Moto Clube Faro, Portugal. Best gig i've ever played.

IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME!

February 15th, 2021

Working day and night to make sure the next B&R record gets as facemelting as possible!

UP NEXT: GUITAR SOLOS!

December 27th, 2020

Big step forward, folks!
Orchestra is 90% done. Up next: Guitar solos

FINISHED ANOTHER SONG

September 9th, 2020

Finished writing another killer track for the next album! 
it turned out so good that i decided to post a stupid selfie 

MOSTLY LOOOONG SONGS

July 31st, 2020

Album No. 2 is 70% done! Mostly loooooong songs 
Already making plans for album no. 3 

TRACKING GUITARS FOR ALBUM NO. 2

June 18th, 2020

Tracking acoustic guitars for album no. 2!
This song's gonna feature one of my all-time favourite singers!

"IN OUR BLOOD" is out NOW!!!

March 26th, 2020

BELLS AND RAVENS debut “In Our Blood” is now available at all download shops and streaming services:

► Amazon (DE): http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_amazonde
► Amazon (ES): http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_amazones
► Amazon (FR): http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_amazonfr
► Amazon (IT): http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_amazonit
►Amazon (UK): http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_amazonuk
► Amazon (US): http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_amazonus
► iTunes: http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_itunes
► Google Play: http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_googleplay
► SMStracks: http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_smstracks
► Spotify: http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_spotify
► Apple Music: http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_applemusic
► Deezer: http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_deezer
► Tidal: http://bit.ly/bellsandravens_inourblood_tidal

ALBUM RELEASE POSTPONED TO MARCH 26TH 2020

March 12th, 2020

"Due to unpredictable technical problems with the distribution we unfortunately have to postpone the release of BELLS AND RAVENS’ album for a few days until March 26th, 2020."

Statement by Dr. Music Records

2019 IS COMING TO AN END

December 22, 2019

2019 has been a great year for Bells and Ravens.
Finally things started happening and i'm very grateful for all the support!
 

2020's gonna be even better! I still have so many great tunes to share with you and i'm very excited about the songs i did with Selin Schönbeck, which are gonna be released digitally on -13/03/2020-
 

Meanwhile i'm working with lots of great people on another Bells and Ravens album.
So, there's a lot to look forward to!

Instrumentals included 😉

ALBUM RECORDINGS FINISHED

December 09, 2019

I can't thank this man enough...
Featuring on my upcoming album -
Selin Schönbeck

Contact

Matt Carviero:
bellsandravens(at)email.de