Month: July 2025

Warkings’ fifth studio album Armageddon Out Now

Power metal band Warkings rleased their fifth full-length studio album Armageddon via Napalm Records.
Drawing inspiration from ancient battlefields, Warkings’ new album is a journey through time to some of history’s most significant battles – moments when empires fell, warriors fought with pride and the world was forever changed.

“Armageddon is not just the end of the world – it’s a collection of moments that changed history. This album is a tribute to all the warriors and shieldmaidens who faced the defining battles of their time,” the band comments.

The album features guest appearances from bands such as Orden Ogan, Subway to Sally and Dominum, whose vocalist Dr. Dead is featured on the song Hangman’s Night, which tells the chilling story of the Knights Templar who were betrayed and sentenced to death as heretics. Under a blood-red moon, these once-mighty warriors face their death sentence not with fear, but with unwavering brotherhood and determination.

Armageddon track listing:
1. To Lindisfarne…
2. Armageddon
3. Genghis Khan (feat. Orden Ogan)
4. Kingdom Come
5. Morgana’s incantation
6. Circle of witches
7. Kings of Ragnarök
8. Call to Arms
9. Troops of immortality
10. Nightfall
11. Hangman’s Night (feat. Dominum)
12. Varangoi
13. Here comes the rain
14. Stahl auf Stahl (feat. Subway to Sally)

Founded in 2018, Warkings is known for its theatrical style and its members performing under pseudonyms, representing warriors from different eras – The Tribune (vocals), The Crusader (guitar), The Viking (bass) and The Spartan (drums). Warkings’ music combines heavy riffs, catchy choruses and epic melodies with historical and mythical themes. The band draws influences from classic power metal as well as more modern heavy metal.

Warkings’ albums have been widely praised for their energy and storytelling. The band’s strong vision and hard work have cemented Warkings’ place in the European metal scene. The band has been seen on Europe’s biggest stages, such as Wacken, and a busy festival summer is expected this year as well. Next year, ancient warriors will meet pirates, as Warkings heads on a joint European tour with Visions Of Atlantis.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Italian Psychedelic-Funk-Rock Trio BOOBS LICKERS Drop New Single ‘Sex With Socks’

‘Sex With Socks’, the new single by BOOBS LICKERS, is out now on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.

 

The track was born in Los Angeles and produced by the legendary Fabrizio Grossi (Steve Vai, Billy Gibbons, Alice Cooper) during the Volcano Session held in California last January. Boobs Lickers were among the standout acts of the initiative, with six explosive performances, including two fiery shows at the iconic Whisky a Go Go and Viper Room on the Sunset Strip.

Visceral funk rock, sensual groove, and punk attitude: Sex With Socks is a provocative and sweaty track that urges listeners to free their bodies and minds. “Get on top, get on up” is the battle cry that opens the song, a call to surrender to rhythm, flesh, and instinct. It’s a powerful, raw, and uncensored sonic experience. Hailing from Piedmont, Italy, Boobs Lickers describe their music as “funk without protection,” a hybrid of the raw energy of Red Hot Chili Peppers, the rage of Rage Against The Machine, and the madness of Primus.

The single is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms.

Further info at
www.instagram.com/boobs_lickers
www.volcanopromotion.com

The Switch announce debut album “No Way Out” set for release on September 12 via Frontiers Music Srl

Powerhouse newcomers The Switch are excited to announce the release of their debut album “No Way Out”, set for release on September 5, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The first track and official video, “Danger On The Loose”, are also out now, giving a taste of what to expect from the record.

Canadian vocalist Bobby John, twin brothers Tom and James Martin (ex-Vega, Nitrate) and Swedish bassist Dennis Butabi Borg (Cruzh) join forces for this new project.

“No Way Out” has been a labour of love, the listeners are gonna get zapped back to the mid 80’s for a nostalgic trip back to the sound we all fell in love with!”, Tom Martin commented.

Talking about the first single, he added: “This song is a real summer anthem! It was written on a walk home one day… Like it was sent from above! And we have Paul Laine orchestrating and singing the backing vocals so he adds the final magic”.

Pre-Order “No Way Out” HERE

Tom and James Martin first heard Bobby singing a song they had written with Eddie LaValle and instantly knew they had to work with him.

James Martin explained: “I rang Tom up one morning after hearing Bobby sing and told him that he was our guy – we knew straight away we had the right combination with him”.

The brothers then asked their long-term friend and musical collaborator Dennis Butabi Borg if he’d like to play bass on the entire album and join the group.

Tom Martin said: “It’s the best work we’ve ever been part of: James and I never had complete control of an album with writing and mix, so it’s completely to our taste”.

Butabi added: “I couldn’t agree more, after I’d heard the first demo there was no doubt that I wanted a part of this excellent cocktail of fun, retro vibes that reminds me of growing up in the 80’s. It’s like steering a Testarossa in the Outrun arcade machine while chewing Juicy Fruits and cranking music on your walkman. This is 100% the kind of feel-good album that the world needs in these times”.

Not only is The Switch a powerhouse group, but the album was written with a theme. Imagine a movie coming out in the 1980’s that gripped the world the same way 80s classics like “Back To The Future” did, but in a parallel universe.

That movie is called “The Switch” and it’s about a band that goes on a US tour, and encounters trouble with an underworld mob. In a cruel twist of fate, the band must swap guitars for deadly weapons and end up in the ultimate fight for survival. It was the biggest movie of 1987 and spawned this huge soundtrack which you can hear on “No Way Out”!

“No Way Out” Tracklist:

1.    Danger On The Loose
2.    Play The Game
3.    Young Hearts
4.    Search For Love
5.    Hangin’ On To Seventeen
6.    No Way Out
7.    Young Gun
8.    One Night With You
9.    Anytime
10.    Strangers Eyes

Line Up:
James Martin
Tom Martin
Bobby John
Dennis “Butabi” Borg

Follow THE SWITCH:
Facebook
Instagram

The Finnish melodic death metal band Bloody Moon is set to release its second album, with the first single, ‘My Payoff’, out now and accompanied by a music video.

Finnish melodic death metal band Bloody Moon is set to release their second studio album ‘Lost & Damned’ on October 31st 2025 via Inverse Records. The first single ‘My Payoff’ is unleashed with a music video.

 

“My Payoff” came together almost effortlessly—the original demo recording is hardly any different from the final version. The song is about being abandoned, but also about proving that even from the deepest lows, you can rise again.
Drummer Toivo Aitakari shares:
“I remember the writing process being very straightforward—everything just fell into place naturally. We did have to put some work into the synth sound in the pre-chorus during demoing, but we made sure to get it right, and that exact sound ended up on the album. This one has become a personal live favorite; it’s always fun to play fast-paced skank beat and belt out the chorus loud and high.”

LISTEN to ‘My Payoff’ single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/bloody-moon-payoff

BIOGRAPHY:
Bloody Moon is a metal band from Laitila, Finland, that has been active since 2021. The band’s music is characterized by tearing riffs and catchy choruses, accompanied by a thunderous rhythm section.

On their latest album “Lost & Damned”, these ingredients come together to create a tight and energetic whole that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

Line-up:
Veeti Sukari – Vocals & Guitars
Nisse Nurminen – Bass
Toivo Aitakari – Drums

Links: 
https://linktr.ee/bloodymoonofficial
https://www.facebook.com/bloodymoon.official
https://instagram.com/bloodymoon.official
https://tiktok.com/@bloodymoon.official
https://bloodymoonband.bandcamp.com

DYING AWKWARD ANGEL Announces New Album “The Missing Frame And Release New Single “9.99” – A Bleak Reflection On The Value of Life

Italian melodic death metal act Dying Awkward Angel unveil their latest single “9.99” taken from their upcoming album “The Missing Frame” out next August 22nd, 2025, via Rockshots Records.

“9.99” is a fierce and unrelenting track that dives headfirst into the moral abyss of modern society, posing a disturbing question: how much is a human life worth? Combining razor-sharp riffing and ominous atmospheres with a crushing groove, the song channels the relentless energy of classic Swedish death metal while delivering a powerful commentary on the commodification of violence.

Influenced by genre-defining acts such as At The Gates, Carcass, and Dark Tranquillity, Dying Awkward Angel blends their old-school roots with a modern sensibility, crafting songs that are both brutal and deeply reflective. “9.99” adds another layer of depth to the band’s already diverse sonic arsenal, reinforcing their ability to balance aggression and melody with lyrical substance. Lyrically written by Davide Onida, the track explores themes of nihilism, despair, and systemic dehumanization in a world where life can be extinguished for the cost of the cheapest gun.

Following the acclaimed singles “The Magical World of the Dead” and “Music Kills”, “9.99” offers a third glimpse into “The Missing Frame“, an album that marks the band’s return with renewed ferocity and sharpened intent.

Recorded at Bottleneck Studios in Torino, mixed and mastered by Davide Onida and featuring cover art by Fabrizio Durigon and Federica Dall’Omo “Arièlika”, the new material captures the band’s vision in its most intense form to date.
​
​LISTEN “9.99“ at the following links:

Digital (Spotify) – http://lnk.to/LhWHOn​

YouTube – https://youtu.be/cAiEvJ3rpvE​
​
​PRE-ORDER Album “The Missing Frame” here:
​https://rockshots.eu/TheMissingFrameCD​

Previous single “Music Kills”:

Digital (Spotify) – http://lnk.to/qtFgi5​

YouTube – https://youtu.be/1JtD-Fhte_w​

​

Track Listing:​
1. The Ecstasy of God (Instrumental)
2. Black Waves
3. The Fallen
4. Music Kills
5. 9.99
6. Raptus
7. YOU MUST DIE!
8. Blinded
9. Skin and Bones
10. The Inner Paradox
11. Out of Mind (R’lyeh)
12. A Promise
13. The Missing Frame (Instrumental)

Line-up:​
Michele Spallieri: Vocals
Demuro Edoardo: Guitars,
Lorenzo Asselli: Guitars
Luca Pellegrino: Drums
Davide Onida: Bass Guitar

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | http://www.dyingawkwardangel.com | https://www.instagram.com/dyingawkwardangel_official/​

ABOUT:
​
Dying Awkward Angel is an Italian melodic death metal band formed in 1998 by guitarist Edoardo Demuro and drummer Ivan Longo. Influenced by the ferocity and melody of the ‘90s extreme metal scene—drawing from the Gothenburg sound as well as UK and US death and thrash metal—the band quickly developed a distinctive style that blends raw aggression, dark atmospheres, and introspective lyricism.

After two well-received demos (Dying Awkward Angel, 200,2, and Ghost at the Spine, 2004), the band released their first full-length “Waiting for Punishment” in 2013, followed by the EP “Madness Rising” (2015), showcasing a more mature and dynamic approach to songwriting. In 2018, Dying Awkward Angel released “Absence of Light” through Rockshots Records / Extreme Metal Music, gaining praise from international press and expanding their reach across Europe, the USA, and Japan.

Having shared the stage with acts like Decapitated, Impaled Nazarene, Necronomicon, Forgotten Tomb, Keno,s and Node, the band is known for delivering uncompromising live performances and intense musicality.

In 2024 and 2025, the singles “The Magical World of the Dead“, “Music Kills“, and “9.99” marked the band’s powerful return, leading up to the release of their new album “The Missing Frame“, due out on August 22nd, 2025, via Rockshots Records. This new chapter reflects a more focused and violent sonic identity—one that remains faithful to the Swedish melodeath tradition while embracing a darker, more deliberate production.

Greek Alternative Metal Discovery THIS I OWE Signs with Wormholedeath for Debut Album “Alchemists”

Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Greek alternative metal powerhouse THIS I OWE for the reissue of their debut full-length album, “Alchemists”.

Hailing from Athens, Greece, THIS I OWE is a dynamic band that fuses alternative metal with elements of prog, doom, and gothic metal. With their emotionally charged sound and genre-defying compositions, the band has quickly carved out a name for themselves as one of the most compelling new acts in the Greek metal scene.

“Signing with Wormholedeath has been one of the largest steps we’ve taken toward extending our reach and audience,” the band states. “We truly appreciate the opportunity and the excellent communication with the team. We’re excited to see what this partnership brings.”

Conceptually, Alchemists delves deep into the universal experience of grief. The album follows a protagonist as they navigate the stages of loss, mourning the death of hope, their Queen of Hearts. From sorrow and anger to reflection and eventual acceptance, Alchemists is both a personal journey and a cathartic, sonic ritual.

The album includes all previously released singles, including the fan-favorite “Queen of Hearts” and the critically praised “Isobel,” a haunting noir-gothic hybrid hailed by fans and critics alike.

Originally released a few months ago, Alchemists marked a major creative milestone for the band. Since 2023, they’ve been igniting stages with explosive live shows throughout Athens, Thessaloniki, and across Greece. Now, with a worldwide re-release set through Wormholedeath, the band is ready to elevate Alchemists to an even broader audience.

www.facebook.com/This.I.Owe
www.instagram.com/thisiowe_official
www.youtube.com/@thisiowe_official
thisiowe.bandcamp.com

Metal Rock Powerhouse STRYFE Unleash Intense New Single “Death of a Kin”

Los Angeles-based metal rock force STRYFE return with a gripping new single, “Death of a Kin,” now streaming worldwide via Wormholedeath.

“Death of a Kin” channels the stark imagery of Chinghiz Aitmatov’s The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years— where “mankurts” are captives stripped of memory and self—into a hard-hitting, riff-driven track that’s both relentlessly upbeat and laced with brooding intensity, punctuated by flashes of Caucasus-inspired ethnic instrumentation.

Listen here: https://orcd.co/doak

Stryfe is a Los Angeles-based metal band known for their dynamic blend of heavy rock, progressive metal, and powerfully captivating vocals. With a sound that fuses intricate arrangements and cohesive songwriting, Stryfe delivers music that is as technically compelling as it is emotionally resonant. Drawing on influences ranging from progressive metal to Armenian classical and folk traditions, the band creates a rich sonic tapestry that feels both unique and deeply rooted. Each member of Stryfe contributes decades of experience and a diverse musical heritage,shaping a sound that is innovative and familiar. Stryfe continues to carve a distinct path in the metal scene, offering a bold and authentic voice that resonates with listeners around the world. Stryfe independently released their debut album, “Cursed Theatre,” in August of 2022, following it up with local performances at various venues in the greater Los Angeles area. Shortly after, they partnered with WormholeDeath Records to re-release the album with label support.

Stryfe Lineup
Sergio Ochoa – Vocals
Kar Khurshudyan – Guitars
Karo Torosyan – Bass
Derek Vardumyan – Drums

https://www.stryfeband.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/Stryfeband
https://www.facebook.com/stryfeband
https://www.instagram.com/stryfeband
https://www.tiktok.com/@stryfeband
https://stryfeband.bandcamp.com/album/cursed-theatre

Black Metal Storytellers MARGANTHA Debut EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice” And New Music Video “Miriam And The Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)” Out Now

Rockshots Records proudly announces the official release of “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, the debut EP from Finnish-Italian black metal act MARGANTHA, available on all digital platforms.

Rooted in myth, fear, and ritual, “Blood Moon Sacrifice” is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a narrative journey steeped in dark folklore and haunting atmosphere. The EP unfolds around the legend of a werewolf that terrorizes a secluded hunters’ village beneath a remote mountain range, channeling the emotional tension, primal fear, and descent into hysteria that defines the story.

Each track serves as a chapter in this tale:

  • “Blood Moon Sacrifice” opens the story with a dark waltz-like cadence, evoking the atmosphere of an ancient forest. During a solitary hunt, the protagonist is bitten, sealing the origin of the curse. Two instrumental interludes—bass and drums—heighten the track’s unsettling tone, making it feel like the soundtrack to a twisted fairy tale.
  • “Wolves at the Door” marks the creature’s approach to the village. This is no pack—but a lone, primordial predator whose thirst rivals that of many. Opening with a dark yet exotic riff and evolving through a melodic death metal core, the track balances blackened aggression, speed, and melody in a cinematic, dynamic form.
  • “Miriam and the Endless Night” (feat. Andy LaRocque) shifts perspective. Told through the eyes of a woman trapped in an endless night of terror, the song moves from eerie, unorthodox harmonies into a vortex of riffs and violence. Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) adds his signature touch where bloodlust and survival collide.
  • “Curse of the Full Moon” concludes the cycle with a hypnotic 6/8 ballad that depicts the protagonist’s full transformation. With elongated tempos, obsessive rhythms, and oppressive harmonies, the track channels the ritualistic core of classic black metal—slow, relentless, and introspective.

Driven by evocative riffs, atmospheric layering, and a primordial vocal delivery, MARGANTHA’s music balances black metal’s raw essence with moments of melody, tension, and dynamic pacing. As the band explains:

“We start from the story. Every riff, every rhythm is designed to serve the narrative. We’re not interested in technical excess—our focus is atmosphere, cohesion, and emotion.”

The entire EP was mixed and mastered by Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) at Sonic Train Studio, giving the record a powerful and precise sound while preserving its shadowy intensity.

Influenced by the cinematic dread of Mgła, the emotional fire of Uada and Gaerea, and the timeless aggression of Venom, Behemoth, and Celtic Frost, MARGANTHA builds a sound that is immersive, urgent, and steeped in meaning.

With “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, MARGANTHA mark their official debut—a work that merges ancient horror with the raw force of contemporary black metal. For fans of narrative-driven metal, hypnotic atmospheres, and unrelenting darkness, this is a first chapter worth embracing.

Digital EP – https://lnk.to/V1c7Fn​

CD ORDER the EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice”: https://bit.ly/3Yz60nn​

Music Video – Miriam and the Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque) – https://youtu.be/IoKy4Yq01tE​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Blood Moon Sacrifice
2. Wolves at the Door
3. Miriam and the Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)
4. Curse of the Full Moon

Band Members:​
• Nocturnus I – Vocals and Bass (FIN)
• Nocturnus II – Guitars (ITA)
• Nocturnus III – Drums (FIN)

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/margantha_the_band/​

BIOGRAPHY:​
​
Margantha is an Italian-Finnish band formed by three musicians united by a passion for black metal and horror aesthetics. The project aims to create a powerful, evocative, and dramatic sound inspired by bands like Mgła, Ensiferum, Behemoth, and 1349, while incorporating atmospheric and melodic elements into their approach.

The band’s sound is a haunting and captivating tribute to black metal, enriched with lyrics inspired by horror and Gothic atmospheres reminiscent of the 19th century. Their music evokes a journey into the darkest and most mysterious corners of the soul, characterized by somber tones and lyrics that delve into the macabre and the supernatural.

Margantha draws inspiration from art in all its forms: from the literature of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, and Stevenson, to the paintings of Caravaggio, Bosch, and Turner. The band’s visual identity also reflects this artistic inclination, with carefully crafted photos designed to mimic the style of classical paintings, aligning with the dark and ominous atmospheres central to the project.

Born from the union of two distinct cultures, Italian and Finnish, Margantha blends the musical and artistic traditions of both countries to create a unique sonic experience.

SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION Release New Single ‘La fenice’ with Orchestral Video

‘La Fenice’ is the new single by the Italian progressive rock band SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION, released by Volcano Records & Promotion.

The song was conceived as a tribute to the iconic Teatro La Fenice in Venice, a universal symbol of resilience and rebirth after the devastating fire and its subsequent reconstruction. With evocative melodies and emotional crescendos, La Fenice stands as an anthem to the enduring power of art and beauty against the adversities of time and fate. The lyrics, written by Francesco Cannavale and Stefano Tessaro, weave seamlessly with a refined musical structure composed by Massimo Iannantuono and Francesco Cannavale, resulting in a track that blends lyrical depth and instrumental tension in pure progressive style.

The official music video is a true audiovisual documentary that captures the live performance of the song with a full orchestra of strings and winds. The choice to accompany the single’s release with an orchestral live performance underscores the band’s desire to honor the most authentic and spiritual dimension of music, expressed through vibrant interaction with space, sound, and emotion.

Rooted in the rock movement of the 1990s and in the visionary Italian progressive scene, the band includes founding member Max Iannantuono among its lineup. With influences ranging from PFM to New Trolls and Area, Super Severance Evolution deliver a timeless soundscape, evoking powerful images and deep sensations.

Also check out the official music video for ‘Spezza Le Catene’ here: https://youtu.be/RYK7YPm6_rs?si=8IKfmd8FBKkpHC7C

www.volcanopromotion.com

Finnish metal band Kaksonen releases their sophomore album in October – First single out now

Finnish metal band KAKSONEN has released the first single from their upcoming second album, VALO-OLENTO (to be released on October 17th 2025). VASTAVOIMAT (The Counterforces) was a natural choice as the first single of the Valo-olento album. The opening track introduces the concepts and basic settings of the album: the first half of the album ploughs through the darker side of humanity, while the second half sees light and hope in both people and the world. These two eternal forces, yin and yang, everlasting opposites, are bound in an eternal dance in this fierce thrash metal hit.

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

Valo-olento (Being of Light) is the second album by the metal band Kaksonen (Antti Lähdesmäki – guitar & vocals, Ville Koskivaara – bass & vocals, Tuomo Rinkinen – drums, Miika Vainio – vocals & guitar) hailing from Äänekoski, Central Finland. The eight-track album is musically and thematically a natural follow-up to the 2023 album Universumin kuningas (The Emperor of the Universe). As with the previous album, Inverse Records will also release Valo-olento.

https://www.facebook.com/kaksonenband

https://www.instagram.com/kaksonenband/