THE AXXIS CIRCLE CLOSES
With the new album “Coming Home,” the band signals its end
“Coming Home” will be released on 12.07.24
On 03.05., the first single “Blackest Vision” will be released
The single "Blackest Vision" can be heard here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqJ1SHOegmM
‘Blackest Vision’ is a very powerful song about choices in a hopeless situation. Give up or fight. You have to decide.
If there is a band that has managed to be associated with positive energy and captivating live shows, it is AXXIS, founded in 1989.
Their debut album released in 1989, "Kingdom of the Night," catapulted them into the spotlight and garnered critical acclaim as well as a dedicated and loyal fanbase. The work, which has since been awarded a Gold album for 250,000 units sold, became one of the most successful hard rock debuts by a German band ever. Songs included, such as "Living in a World" and the title track, became classics and showcased the unmistakable mix of driving rhythms and impressive vocals.
The band cemented their success with performances at all major festivals like Rock am Ring, Wacken Open Air, and Sweden Rock, as well as TV appearances on “Samstag Nacht,” “Rockpalast,” and with Stefan Raab and Harald Schmidt. This was followed by album recordings in North America with Keith Olsen, and in 1993, the fastest vinyl pressing in the world at the legendary EMI Presswerk, along with an entry in the Guinness Book of Records: Just under 100 minutes after their live performance at the EMI Presswerk in Cologne, three of the songs were already pressed on vinyl. This maxi was the last record produced by their then-record label EMI-Electrola in its own vinyl pressing plant.
In the 90s, AXXIS evolved their sound and integrated new elements into their music. Albums like "The Big Thrill" and "Matters of Survival" showcased the versatility and musical skill of the band and earned them a reputation as innovators in the hard rock genre. By now, the band has sold several million records, celebrated top chart entries, and singer Bernhard Weiß was awarded the cultural prize of the city of Lünen.
Live, they provided a worldwide full service with numerous tours and shows alongside bands like Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Helloween, and many more.
Despite some lineup changes and changing trends in the music industry, the band has always been active. They released a series of successful albums in the 2000s. From the powerful "Paradise in Flames" to the epic "Utopia," the band remained true to their roots while simultaneously expanding the boundaries of their sound.
Today, AXXIS stands as one of the most enduring and influential hard rock bands in Germany. Their now sixteenth studio work once again cements the band's exceptional status. And: with COMING HOME, the AXXIS circle closes.
The two masterminds Bernhard Weiß and Harry Oellers have led AXXIS through highs and lows since the 90s, allowing them to look back on a solid 35 years of band career, especially a rich and successful time with their loyal fans. With the release of the new album on 12.07.24 on their own label, this time comes to an end. AXXIS will release their last album and go on tour in autumn 24 - including two major anniversary shows - playing and coming home. COMING HOME indeed.
On the new album, they return to their roots without neglecting the developments of recent years. With fresh, catchy songs like the title track or “Moonlight Bay,” as well as songs accompanied by fantasy lyrics like “Atlantica” or “Legends of Phantasia,” the emotional ballad “Dark Angel,” or the band-typical feel-good anthem “Irish Way Of Life,” the band sets new standards.
They also experiment by releasing all songs on the album in three versions. The original versions will only be available on the CD. The vinyl will feature a mixture of both versions. In the streaming area, the so-called “Compact Versions” (cv) will be released via the band’s own label PHONOTRAXX.
The album is rounded off by the epic cover artwork by Thomas Ewerhard. “As always, the lyrics are graphically integrated into the cover,” explains singer Bernhard Weiß. “The Dark Angel, a being of machine, animal head, and warrior human, holds a baby protectively in his arms. The idea behind it: AXXIS is our baby, which, in the arms of AI in animal form and a world of destruction, fake news, and untruths, sees little chance of creatively reaching or improving this world with their lyrics full of messages for peace, climate protection, freedom, and justice, as we envisioned as young people in 1989.”
“It is only natural,” Oellers concludes, “to ceremoniously end the 35 years of AXXIS and close the AXXIS circle in 2024 with the album “COMING HOME.” Thus, this production was something special for us. It was important for us to pack all the facets that make AXXIS musically into the songs one more time. We took our time to optimally produce the songs in our in-house Soundworxx Studios.”
With a discography spanning over more than three decades and a reputation for unforgettable live experiences, the quintet has left an indelible mark in the world of music. As they continue to rock stages and inspire people around the world, their legacy remains as vibrant and powerful as ever.
Line Up:
Bernhard Weiß (vocals)
Harry Oellers (keyboards)
Matthias Degener (guitar)
Rob Schomaker (bass)
Dirk Brand (drums)
AXXIS “Coming Home” Tour 2024/25
05.09.2024 D - Munich / Backstage Werk
06.09.2024 CH - Pratteln / Z-7
25.09.2024 D - Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal
26.09.2024 D - Augsburg / Spectrum
27.09.2024 D - Geiselwind / Music Hall
28.09.2024 D - Regensburg / Airport Obertraubling
02.10.2024 D - Lennestadt-Halberbracht / Schützenhalle
23.01.2025 D - Siegburg / Kubana
24.01.2025 D - Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
25.01.2025 D - Nuremberg / Hirsch
Anniversary Shows:
29.11.2024 D – Memmingen / Kaminwerk
29.12.2024 D – Bochum / Zeche
Festivals:
13.07.2024 D - Balingen – RVBANG Festival
20.07.2024 D - Balge/ Rock das Ding Festival
23.08.2024 PT - Pindelo dos Milagres / Metaleiro Open Air
07.09.2024 D - Tuttlingen / Beast of Rocks Festival
16.12.2024 CZ - Prague / Rockové vánoce na Barce
11.01.2025 D - Hamburg / Ballroom Birthday Bash Festival
