From Flamethrower To Folklore: KIMMO KUUSNIEMI/SARCOFAGUS And The Birth of Finnish Metal Immortalized in “Raskas Suomi” -Book

From Flamethrower To Folklore: KIMMO KUUSNIEMI/SARCOFAGUS And The Birth of Finnish Metal Immortalized in “Raskas Suomi” -Book!

“Alussa oli suo, kuokka ja liekinheitinkitara.” (“In the beginning, there was swamp, hoe, and a flamethrower guitar.”)

The long-awaited book Raskas Suomi: Suomalaisen metallin tarina has arrived—marking the most comprehensive and culturally significant documentation of Finnish heavy metal to date. With over 700 pages, photos, and more than 100 interviews, this genre-defining work by Ari Elo, Jukka Kittilä, and Juuso Määttänen captures the journey of Finnish metal from swampy obscurity to global recognition.

Opening with a reimagining of Finland’s most iconic literary phrase—“Suo, kuokka ja Jussi” from Väinö Linna—the book reframes the national mythos with a metal twist: “In the beginning, there was swamp, hoe, and a flamethrower guitar.”

That flamethrower belonged to Kimmo Kuusniemi, founder of Sarcofagus, Finland’s first heavy metal band and a central figure in the book’s beginning.

“There have been quite many books about Finnish heavy metal,” says Kuusniemi. “I even made an international TV documentary Promised Land of Heavy Metal in 2008—but finally we have the definitive bible of Finnish heavy metal. I’m very humbled to be the ancient one where it all started.”

“The book starts ‘Swamp, mattock and a flame throwing guitar,’ which refers to ‘Suo, kuokka ja Jussi’. It’s a perfect reference—this is exactly how it felt fighting for metal as a pioneer, the prejudice and resistance. And yes, it’s quite funny that my flamethrower guitar now symbolises the beginning! This book is a testament to the true spirit that took Finnish metal where it is today. I’m happy it proves all the people wrong who thought metal was just a phase that would be forgotten. Most importantly, it’s written by people who understand the message of my old song ‘The Truth of a Thousand Megawatts.”

“There are more fans of Finnish metal outside Finland than inside—and they deserve to read this book. Raskas Suomi is only available in Finnish for now, but I truly hope it will be translated. I encourage everyone around the world who loves Finnish metal to email the publisher and ask for an English edition. Let them know the global scene is waiting.”– Kimmo Kuusniemi

Email the publisher:  jaakko.pietilainen@kniga.fi

ABOUT KIMMO KUUSNIEMI:

Often called the godfather of Finnish metal, Kimmo Kuusniemi made history with Sarcofagus, and later with the Kimmo Kuusniemi Band featuring legendary vocalist Kirka on the track “1000 megawatin totuus” (The Truth of a Thousand Megawatts). Kuusniemi’s theatrical innovations—like his flamethrower equipped guitar—pushed metal into performance art long before it became mainstream.

After his early musical breakthroughs, Kuusniemi has spent decades directing commercial films and international TV documentaries, collaborating with global artists such as Madonna, Van Morrison, Chaka
Khan, and Vader.

ASA – Ancient Streaming Assembly

Now, Kuusniemi returns to his experimental roots with ASA (Ancient Streaming Assembly), a groundbreaking multimedia project that combines instrumental experimental music, AI-generated visuals, and simulation theory. ASA’s debut release, Collective Failure, explores themes of societal collapse, environmental destruction, and the illusion of progress, with each track accompanied by its own glitch-driven visual story.

ASA is more than music—it’s a conceptual rebellion, built on decades of sonic exploration, environmental consciousness, and digital artistry.

Raskas Suomi  – Book Details

Title: Raskas Suomi: Suomalaisen metallin tarina
Authors: Ari Elo, Jukka Kittilä, Juuso Määttänen
Publisher: Johnny Kniga
Release: Hardcover & eBook – 29 May 2025; Audiobook – 4 June 2025
Pages: 731 + 24 photo pages
ISBN: 978-952-362-017-9 (hardcover)
Language: Finnish
Available from: Bookstores, online retailers, and Johnny Kniga

More information on ASA: https://linktr.ee/AncientStreamingAssembly

Petrolbreath is releasing a new single, Tallboy, a proud nod to the heavy and hard rock of the 1980s

Petrolbreath is a power trio from East Vantaa, embarking on their journey to the core of rock ‘n’ roll in 2019. The band consists of bassist-vocalist Joni Tammenpää, guitarist Ville Panhelainen, and drummer Tuomas Patanen. Drawing influence from 1980s hard rock and heavy metal bands, the sound of Motörhead in particular echoes strongly in their music.

The track leans on heavy riffing, an organic sound, and an unapologetic attitude — just the way it’s meant to be.

Tallboy is part of a fully analog recording session, captured under the guidance of Anssi Kippo at Astia Studio in February 2025. The track’s gritty and vibrant sound is the result of reel-to-reel tape and handcrafted production — music that breathes.

“Tallboy is a manifesto of confidence. It doesn’t make excuses — it stands on its own and looks you straight in the eye.”
— Petrolbreath

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/petrolbreath-tallboy

https://www.facebook.com/Petrolbreathband

https://www.instagram.com/petrolbreathband/

NYC’s CHAKA Unleashes Ferocious New Single “It’s Not Human” Ahead of First Full-Length Album “Amplifying the Past”

NYC heavy trio CHAKA has dropped their thunderous new single “It’s Not Human”, a primal assault of groove and aggression that marks the first release from their upcoming debut full-length album, “Amplifying the Past”, due out later this year.

Formed as a studio project and now evolved into a live sonic force, CHAKA has deep roots in Queens’ metal and hardcore scene. Founding bassist and vocalist Mark Sokoll, a veteran of bands like Darkside NYC and Terminal Confusion, is joined by longtime friends Mike C. (ex-White Trash) on drums and Frank P. (Lost Cause) on guitar. The band also collaborates remotely with Ireland-based guitarist Ty Canon, a childhood friend whose riffs continue to shape their recordings.

Lyrically, “It’s Not Human” presents a sonic excavation. The song delves into the real-life discovery of a Neanderthal tooth, a pivotal moment in tracing the human genome.

“It’s about evolution, science, and ancient ancestry,” says Sokoll. “We’ve always drawn inspiration from human origins, military history, and authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Carl Sagan.”

Musically, the track is a relentless juggernaut—starting abruptly, rushing forward with thrash intensity, then turning dreamy before returning to a pummeling close.

The single’s artwork visually echoes this evolutionary theme, featuring crossed primitive weapons behind a grotesque DNA helix, flanked by dueling skulls—one ancient, one modern.

Listen to “It’s Not Human” now on all major streaming platforms.

Music Video – https://youtu.be/mAHodHd773o

Spotify – https://bit.ly/46AwqtL

Set for release later this year, “Amplifying the Past” represents CHAKA‘s most dynamic and collaborative work to date.

“This record expands on our earlier sound but lets the songs breathe more. We want listeners to feel like they’ve been on a cathartic, headbanging ride,” adds Sokoll.

The band’s style is best described in five words: Primal. Loud. Heavy. Aggressive. Groovy. Drawing on influences like Black Sabbath, Carnivore, Motorhead, and Celtic Frost, CHAKA delivers raw, no-frills metal with a scientific twist.

On stage, CHAKA amplifies their sound even further. Fans can expect not just volume, but presence.

“We’re a loud trio—maybe even louder than four or five-piece bands. We’re all in our 50s, but we don’t hold back.”

Despite geographical distance—band members live in New York, New Jersey, and Ireland—CHAKA thrives on modern file-sharing and old-school chemistry as the trio has known each other for over 40 years. That connection fuels their sound.

More singles and videos will follow as the band finalizes the LP. CHAKA also promises future EPs and extended releases, all staying true to their mission: making music that’s as thoughtful as it is heavy.

More Info: Chakametalband.com | Facebook.com/NEANDERTHALTALES | Instagram.com/chakametalband | X.com/ChakaMetalBand

NIGHT’S EDGE’s New Video “Love Fiction” Serenades Alt-Metal, Synthwave, and Lo-Fi Beats Off Upcoming Album “The World That Never Was” Out August 2025

Nearing the release of their fourth full-length “The World That Never Was” on August 21st, 2025, Baltimore, MD’s NIGHT’S EDGE is unveiling their fourth single “Love Fiction” accompanied by a nighttime visualizer. The song is a unique creation by the band as it melds subtle synth-wave with rare falsetto vocals, and lyrics about the romanticization of one’s depression as a safe, never-leaving partner.

The band explains further:

Conceptualized as a mix between Deftones’ alt-metal, synthwave, and lo-fi beats, Love Fiction’s wave of music floods the listener with the swell of bouncing rhythms while the vocals take center stage, delivering complex emotions. The song’s lyrics are a romanticization of depression, viewing one’s mental illness as a safe and secure lover who is there with them through everything, who will never leave, and who one can always return to.”

Watch and listen to the nighttime visualizer for “Love Fiction” via its premiere on V13.net HERE.

Single Artwork – Love Fiction by Eden Wormwood

Since forming in 2018, Night’s Edge has undergone several lineup shifts and sonic evolutions, making notable strides since their 2019 debut. Rooted in the Alternative Metal realm yet defying easy classification, their sound blends gothic metal, progressive rock, and nu-metal influences into a heady mix of heaviness and pop sensibility, wrapped in layers of synths and theatrical flair. Their upcoming album, “The World That Never Was,” delves into themes of lost identity and the voids we fall into—obsession, rage, and uncertainty. In its closing arc, the album tells a parable: the protagonist wakes in a world where humanity has vanished and is forced to confront their reflection in the silence… or so it appears.

“We think our fans will love The World That Never Was and agree with us that it is, hands down, the best Night’s Edge album. There will be a lot of different opinions on which song is the best or who prefers this vs. that, but all of those conversations will center around this LP. This album encapsulates the Night’s Edge sound we have been building towards while experimenting with new and innovative ideas. There is a clear flow and progression through the record as it explores the concept of self-identity and the loss thereof. There are moments of melancholy, moments of anger, moments of wonder, and plenty of crushing riffs,” says Brian Haran – Vocals, Bass, Keys, Programming.

“The World That Never Was” follows releases Strangers – LP (2023), Night’s Edge – EP (2022), The Darkest Side of Dreams – LP (2020), and Shades of Dusk – LP (2019) and is recommended for fans of Coheed and Cambria, Avantasia, System of a Down, HIM, and Deftones.

Album pre-order (out Aug 21st) – https://nightsedge.bandcamp.com

Music Video – If You Loved Me – https://youtu.be/0Fj6gIMd6dA

YouTube Stream – Someone To Stay – https://youtu.be/fg-P90AQvrA

Lyric Video – Smite – https://youtu.be/pMg-S0fn-Nk

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3H6cUe1

Upcoming Show Dates:
07/11 – Union Vapes – Scranton, PA
07/12 – Psychic Garden – Rochester, NY
07/18 – The Depot – Baltimore, MD
07/19 – Century – Philadelphia, PA
08/23 – Roachfest – Hollywood, MD

Album Artwork by Eden Wormwood

Track Listing:
1. Someone To Stay (4:11)
2. If You Loved Me (3:51)
3. Man of Many Faces (4:23)
4. Love Fiction (4:14)
5. Wish You Wouldn’t (4:09)
6. Overdue For Destruction (2:50)
7. Smite (3:46)
8. Ataecina (5:08)
9. Shapes In Grey Space I: Reaching (7:43)
10. Shapes In Grey Space II: Soaring (2:41)
11. Shapes In Grey Space III: Separating (5:23)
Total Length: 48:32

Recording and Live Line Up:
Brian Haran – Vocals, Bass, Keys, Programming
Damian Remmell – Guitars
Dan Hunt – Drums

More info: Nightsedgeband.com | Facebook.com/nightsedgeband | Instagram.com/nights_edge_band

Alternative rockers The Hunna return with new video ‘Hide & Seek’

Alternative rockers The Hunna return with their new single, the triumphant and anthemic ‘Hide & Seek’. Accompanying the single is a new video, a five-minute cinematic treat directed by Modern Day Auteur.

 

Stream ‘Hide & Seek’ here: https://ffm.to/thehunna_hideandseek

Vocalist/guitarist Ryan Potter comments: “‘Hide & Seek’ tells a story of a midway transitional part of a relationship. Built from love & compassion of overcoming the trials & tribulations life can throw at two people yet reaching a point of the natural ebb & flow of life that creates a drifting & transformation between the two.”

Their first new music in three years, The Hunna’s new single sees the powerhouse trio back with a bang. Self-produced by the band, ‘Hide & Seek’ was mixed by Tarrant Shepherd and mastered by Katie Tavini (Bloc Party, Kids In Glass Houses, Sam Ryder).

Catch The Hunna next performing on the main stages at 2000trees, 10th July, or Y Not? Festival, 1st August.

Full list of dates:

10 July – 2000 Trees, Main Stage
01 Aug – Y Not? Festival
03 Nov – SWG3 (Galvanizers Yard), Glasgow w/ Palaye Royale
04 Nov – NX, Newcastle upon Tyne w/ Palaye Royale
05 Nov – The Prospect Building, Bristol w/ Palaye Royale
07 Nov – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester w/ Palaye Royale
08 Nov – Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, Leeds w/ Palaye Royale
09 Nov – O2 Academy Birmingham, Birmingham w/ Palaye Royale

The Hunna, formed by Jack Metcalfe, Ryan Potter, and Daniel Dorney, burst onto the scene in 2015 with standout singles ‘Bonfire’ and ‘She’s Casual’, followed by their explosive debut album, 100, in 2016, which secured their first top 20 record, reaching number 13 on the UK album chart.

Bolstered by global fan support, the band swiftly earned major festival slots, including headlining the Festival Republic Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival and performing a secret set that attracted one of the largest crowds to date. They also performed at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, All Points East, and festivals across Europe and North America, alongside their own sold-out tours.

Between 2017 and 2018, the band’s second album, Dare, climbed to number 12 on the UK album chart, sparking a sold-out tour in Australia and further sold-out shows across the UK and Europe. Notable achievements included selling out Brixton Academy three times, as well as Camden Roundhouse, Rock City, Manchester Apollo, and other prominent venues. In the US, they achieved success with multiple sold-out performances at iconic venues like The Troubadour in Los Angeles, Mercury Lounge, and Webster Hall in New York.

For their third album, I’d Rather Die Than Let You In, The Hunna collaborated with renowned producer John Feldmann (Blink-182, Goldfinger, Twenty One Pilots, All Time Low) in Calabasas, working alongside artists such as Travis Barker (Blink-182), Josh Dun (Twenty One Pilots), Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Phem, and others. The trio followed this in 2022 with their self-titled album The Hunna, partnering with Grammy Award-winning producer Gil Norton. Adored by their loyal fanbase of nearly a decade, this album marked a significant new chapter for the band.

Now, in 2025, after a few years without new music, The Hunna return with renewed energy and their signature powerful sound. Stay tuned for more information soon.

The Hunna are:
Ryan Potter – vocals/guitar
Daniel Dorney – guitar
Jack Metcalfe – drums

For more information:

https://www.instagram.com/thehunnaband
https://www.thehunnaofficial.com
https://x.com/thehunnaband
https://www.facebook.com/thehunnaband

Space Metal Opera AIDAN SKY Unveils First Single/ Video “Beyond The Vortex Of Time” From Debut Album “The Universal Realm” Out September 2025

Rockshots Records is proud to unveil “The Universal Realm”, the debut full-length by France’s AEDAN SKY – a visionary space metal opera crafted by Sébastien Chabot, known for his work as singer/guitarist of GALDERIA and bassist in KINGCROWN.

Echoing the golden age of European power metal, “The Universal Realm” is a conceptual journey that blends speed, melody, and spiritual narrative into ten chapters of awakening. Drawing inspiration from science fiction and esoteric philosophy, the album tells the story of SKY and AEDAN as they traverse space, time, and consciousness on a mission to ignite humanity’s inner light.

Three lead vocalists interpret the story’s characters, creating a theatrical and emotionally charged vocal experience:

  • Sébastien Chabot as SKY
  • Bob Saliba (Kingcrown, ex-Galderia) as AEDAN
  • Thomas Schmitt (Galderia) as SKY’s Soul

Musically, the album delivers an intense and uplifting melodic power metal ride: fast riffing, massive choirs, anthemic choruses, and cinematic soundscapes.

The first single to be released from “The Universal Realm” is titled “Beyond The Vortex Of Time”, and it serves as the perfect introduction to AEDAN SKY’s interstellar universe, a sweeping space opera built on the foundations of classic power metal. With high-speed riffs, majestic choirs, and soaring vocals, “Beyond The Vortex Of Time” delivers a powerful experience for fans of early Helloween, Gamma Ray, and Avantasia.

Beyond The Vortex Of Time” captures the moment when the main character, SKY, is pulled through a vortex of light, transcending time and space and awakening to a new cosmic consciousness. It’s a dynamic and uplifting track, driven by speed, melody, and anthemic intensity.

LISTEN: http://lnk.to/oiwRDo
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/hDtkO_d8xJQ

The full album “The Universal Realm” is a concept work mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio), Artwork by Felipe Machado Franco.

“The Universal Realm” will be released on September 12th, 2025, and will be available on all digital platforms and in a CD Digipak. Pre-orders are now open at the following link

ALBUM PRE ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/aedan-sky-the-universal-realm-cd

FFO: early Helloween (“Walls of Jericho”, “Keeper of the Seven Keys”), late 90s Gamma Ray (“Land of the Free”, “Power Plant”), Avantasia’s “Metal Opera” era.

Track Listing:
1. Opening
2. Call of the Universe
3. A Kingdom to the Stars
4. Gate of Skies
5. Beyond the Vortex of Time
6. From the Ashes to the Light
7. Land of Paradise
8. Interlude
9. Illumination
10. The Universal Realm

Aedan Sky Line Up:
Vocal Cast / Characters
Sébastien Chabot: Lead Vocals as SKY
Bob Saliba: Lead Vocals as AEDAN
Thomas Schmitt: Lead Vocals as SKY’s Soul Musicians
Sébastien Chabot: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Bass Guitar, Keyboards
Thomas Schmitt: Lead Guitar on track 4
Bob Saliba: Lead Guitar on track 9
Julien Digne: Piano on tracks 4 & 10
S.D.: Drums

​More Info:

https://rockshots.eu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578169109523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aedansky

Feuerschwanz joined forces with Doro – Valhalla single released today with music video

German folk metal powerhouse Feuerschwanz and metal icon Doro join forces for the single Valhalla, released today. The song is taken from the upcoming album Knightclub, which will be released on August 22nd via Napalm Records.
A spectacular music video was released alongside the song. Valhalla relies on heavy riffs, infectious energy and gigantic melodies. The song serves as a tribute to unity, courage and the metal community.

“This song is dedicated to all Vikings and Valkyries – everyone who lives and breathes metal. Together with metal queen Doro, we want to show that even though we come from different backgrounds, we are united by our love for heavy music!”, the band says.

 

“I fell in love with this song the moment I heard it for the first time. The idea of ​​the collaboration was great and the video turned out really great – I love it!”, Doro comments.

Knightclub continues the Feuerschwanz story, combining Viking tales, folk metal dynamics and modern metal expression – and “Valhalla” serves as its proud, powerful herald. The Knightclub album has previously featured Lords Of Fyre feat. Lord of the Lost, the lead single from the album, and a surprising version of the party hit “Gagnam Style”. The album, which will be released on August 22nd, is being published by Napalm Records. It is also the band’s first album with an English title and bilingual lyrics.

Knightclub album track listing:
1. Knightclub (feat. Dag/SDP)
2. Tanz der Teufel
3. Avalon
4. Drunken Dragon
5. Eisenfaust
6. Name der Rose
7. Valhalla (feat. Doro Pesch & Miracle of Sound)
8. The Tale of Sam The Brave
9. Testament
10. Lords of Fyre (feat. Lord Of The Lost)
11. Gangnam Style

Feuerschwanz has been forging their own path for two decades, and their work has paid off in the form of successful arena tours and top spots on the official German album chart. The tongue-in-cheek attitude has been with the band since its inception. Feuerschwanz’s sole founding member, bassist Peter Henrici, has said that he thinks folk music is taken too seriously in folk circles.

Feuerschwanz will head to Germany in October with Lord Of The Lost. The LORDS OF FYRE Tour 2025 kicks off in Berlin on October 2. Before that, the band is touring extensively across Europe’s festival scene. See all dates here.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Ignescent return with new video “He Came, He Saw, He Conquered” out now

Female fronted Chicago rockers, Ignescent, are pleased to share their new single and official visualizer, “He Came, He Saw, He Conquered”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

Lead singer Jennifer Benson commented on the track: “It was an honor to remake this song by such a legendary Christian Rock band, Petra.  When I was a teenager, I decided to follow Jesus and since then it has been a calling on my life to share His love through music. I am very thankful to be able to do that and to be a part of this band”.

“We’ve been inspired by bands like Skillet, Flyleaf, and Stryper. God has done so much for us and continues to make a way when there seems to be no way”, she added.

 

Stream “He Came, He Saw, He Conquered” HERE

Ignescent, fronted by the multi-talented singer Jennifer Benson in 2018, have been primarily touring throughout the United States, Europe, and Mexico. “Not Today” hit #1 on CMW Rock Billboard Charts and “Remnant”, hit #46 on Billboard Rock Charts.

The band’s first album, “Fight In Me”, released in November 2023 via Frontiers Music Srl, was produced by Jeremy Valentyne and Brandon Wolfe of the band New Years Day.

Ignescent had the honor of opening for Skillet, Hinder, Stryper, Flyleaf, Eve 6, Megadeth, Saliva, Lacey Sturm, Otep, Fight The Fury – featuring John Cooper of Skillet, Buckcherry, Dan Sperry of America’s Got Talent, Meytal Cohen, Another Lost Year, Art of Dying, Letters From The Fire, Like a Storm and have played at festivals with Switchfoot, Colton Dixon, Memphis May Fire, The Devil Wears Prada, Veridia, Building 429, Chris Tomlin, and TobyMac.

Ignescent have also played on Vans Warped Tour, at world famous – Rock Fest – in Cadott, Wisconsin with Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Rob Zombie, Shinedown, Anthrax, Lita Ford, Slayer, and Sevendust, at Summerfest, and co-wrote songs with Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf and Clint Lowery of Sevendust. Sameer played with Ignescent at their CD Release show in March 2022.

Ignescent’s song “Into The Night” was produced by Cameron Mizell (Memphis May Fire, Sleeping With Sirens) and has been played on many radio stations all over the world.

Ignescent is more than just a rock band, they are real people with real stories.  These relatable stories are the inspiration and backbone of the songs with moving guitar riffs and a driving beat.

Ignescent draw from their struggle and experiences with anxiety and depression to put a message of hope in their lyrics to encourage others that they are not alone. Their influences include Flyleaf, Evanescence, Jinjer, and Skillet.

Line Up:
Jennifer Benson – lead vocals
Andre Leon – guitars
Mikey Green – bass guitar
Kohl Coryell – drums

Follow IGNESCENT:
Facebook
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Crowne share new video “Timing Is Right” from upcoming album “Wonderland” set for release on August 22nd

Swedish supergroup Crowne are excited to share today “Timing Is Right”, the second single taken from their upcoming studio album “Wonderland”, set for release on August 22nd, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Pre-Order “Wonderland” HERE

About the new single, Jona Tee stated: “Timing Is Right” is about keep moving forward and to roll with the punches life throws at you”.

Vocalist Alexander Strandell commented on the new record, by saying: “It feels incredible to share this third chapter with all of you. Working alongside the amazing team at Frontiers and my brothers Jona, Kicken, John, and Love has been an absolute honour. If you’re a fan of Art Nation, The Poodles, H.E.A.T., Dynazty, or Europe – this one’s for you”.

Swedish-based supergroup Crowne is back with their highly anticipated third studio album, “Wonderland”. Continuing their musical evolution, the band builds on their signature blend of melodic rock infused with powerful, metal-tinged soundscapes.

“Wonderland” delivers an unforgettable listening experience filled with epic atmospheres, anthemic choruses, and technical brilliance that showcase the band’s top-tier musicianship.

At the helm is Alexander Strandell, renowned for his soaring vocals with Art Nation, Lionville, and Nitrate. His impassioned delivery adds intensity and depth throughout the album. Guitarist Love Magnusson (Dynazty) provides electrifying riffs and solos, while Jona Tee (H.E.A.T) crafts lush keyboard textures that elevate the album’s cinematic feel. Legendary bassist John Leven (Europe) offers a thunderous low end, and drummer Christian Lundqvist (ex-The Poodles) drives each track with precision and force.

One of the standout moments is “Warlords Of The North”, a powerful anthem featuring a songwriting contribution from Biff Byford, the iconic frontman of Saxon. This collaboration adds majesty and weight to an already monumental track.

With “Wonderland”, Crowne continue to push the boundaries of melodic heavy rock, delivering a collection of songs that are as emotionally compelling as they are technically impressive. It’s an essential release for fans of melodic metal and arena-ready anthems.

“Wonderland” Tracklist:

1.    Wonderland
2.    Waiting For You
3.    Eye Of The Oracle
4.    Heaven Tonight
5.    Warlords Of The North
6.    Timing Is Right
7.    Goodbye
8.    Love Thy Enemy
9.    Legacy
10.    Hearts Collide
11.    The Fall

Line Up:
Alexander Strandell – Vocals
Love Magnusson – Guitars
Jona Tee – Keyboards
John Leven – Bass
Christian Lundqvist – Drums

Follow CROWNE:
Facebook
Instagram

SUBLIME EYES Unleash Crushing New Single “Pray For Death”

Norwegian melodic death metal juggernaut Sublime Eyes return with ferocious intent, dropping their blistering new single “Pray For Death” — the second track taken from their highly anticipated new album IV: The Serpent’s Coil, due out September 5, 2025, via Wormholedeath.

“Pray for Death” isn’t just about nihilism — it’s about facing existential ruin with clenched fists. It captures the emotional dissonance of modern life: being pulled into the void but still fighting to stand. Sublime Eyes have delivered something that’s not just heavy — it’s hauntingly human.

Stream “Pray For Death” now: https://orcd.co/prayfordeath

Formed in Stavanger, Norway, Sublime Eyes have long been at the forefront of the Scandinavian melodic death/thrash movement. Since 2007, they’ve delivered punishing live sets at major festivals such as Bloodstock Open Air and Norway Rock Festival, and shared stages with icons including The Haunted, Entombed, and more.

With a career marked by constant evolution, Sublime Eyes have carved out a distinctive sonic identity: from their self-released debut Dawn of the Defiant (2010) to the epic and intense Corrocean (2019), and their darkly melodic 2023 EP From Light Unto Darkness. Now, IV: The Serpent’s Coil promises to be their most majestic and punishing release to.

www.facebook.com/SublimeEyesBand
www.instagram.com/sublimeeyesband
www.tiktok.com/@sublimeeyesband