Year: 2026

Progressive Sludge Trio APE VERMIN Embark On “The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2” with MEAN GREEN

North Carolina progressive sludge metal trio Ape Vermin will hit the road this spring for “The Riders of the Damned Tour Part 2,” across the U.S. alongside stoner metal trio Mean Green. The run supports Ape Vermin’s crushing full‑length “Andromedas Colossus,” the band’s most dynamic, melodic, and brutally expansive release to date.
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The tour launches May 16 at Bull City Metal Fest in Durham, NC, and storms across the Southeast, Texas, the Southwest, and the Mountain states before closing June 12 in Chattanooga, TN (dates listed below).
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The announcement arrives alongside the release of the band’s new lyric video for “Awakened,” created by filmmaker Kenji Tsunami of Tsunami Films (also bassist for Narcotic Wasteland). The track, an explosive fusion of sludge, thrash, and cosmic devastation, showcases the album’s apocalyptic themes and the band’s sharpened, evolved sound.
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​“‘Awakened’ is my personal favorite. Hell has come back to life. The Colossus is awake. Prepare for your imminent obliteration,” says guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee.

Watch the lyric video for “Awakened” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFKiEXOC0qI​
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Formed in 2017 by Brett Lee, drummer Seth Lynn, and bassist Jared Edge, Ape Vermin has carved out a reputation for no‑frills, high‑volume, amplifier‑worshipping heaviness. Their sound, described by the band as Colossal, Epic, Unique, Exciting, Heavy, pulls from sludge, doom, thrash, groove metal, death metal, and progressive rock.
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With “Andromedas Colossus,” Ape Vermin pushes further into a dark, prophetic sonic realm built over a decade of writing. The album’s ten tracks range from the obliterating opener “Obliteration Imminent” to the tribal‑tinged instrumental “Pulse Driver,” the environmentally charged “Mining the Colossus,” and the epic closer “Return to Andromeda.” Lyrically, the record explores outer‑space phenomena, extraterrestrial mythos, prehistoric terror, psychedelic visions, and sci‑fi horror, an entire universe crafted in Lee’s mind.
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“We want to take listeners on an epic sonic journey. This record is extremely dynamic, melodic, visceral, and dark. Fans can expect even more crushing material. We’re already working on the next LP,” adds Lee.

Recommended for fans of High on Fire, Crowbar, Mastodon, Yob, and Conan, check out “Andromedas Colossus” (released May 17th, 2024) at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://apevermin.bandcamp.com/​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y5DAyV5AP3hLNSMDfuQkh​

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“The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2” w/ Ape Vermin, Mean Green​
5/16 – Durham, N.C – Bull City Metal Fest
5/17 – Winston-Salem, N.C – The Den
5/18 – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social
5/19 – Savannah, GA – TBA
5/20 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
5/21 – Orlando, FL – TBA
5/22 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug
5/23 – Lafayette, LA – Freetown Boom Room
5/24 – Denton, TX – Tokeys
5/25 – Corpus Christi, TX – Boozers
5/26 – San Antonio, TX – TBA
5/27 – Austin, TX – TBA
5/28 – Houston, TX – Black Magic
5/29 – El Paso, TX – The Rockhouse
5/30 – Albuquerque, NM – TBA
5/31 – Scottsdale, AZ – Pho Cao
6/2 – Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewery
6/3 – Las Vegas, NV – The Griffin
6/4 – Salt Lake City, UT – TBA
6/5 – Cheyenne, WY – TBA
6/6 – Denver, CO – TBA
6/7 – Colorado Springs, CO – Whats Left Records
6/8 – Kansas City, MO – The Warehouse
6/9 – Chicago, IL – Reggies
6/10 – Lexington, KY – Als Bar
6/11 – Nashville, TN – TBA
6/12 – Chattanooga, TN – JJs Bohemia

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Track Listing:​
1. Obliteration Imminent – 5:12
2. Colony – 7:00
3. Solaruss – 5:30
4. Pulse Driver – 3:47
5. Mining The Colossus – 8:06
6. Signal Transmissions – 2:45
7. Motherlode – 8:32
8. Awakened – 3:17
9. Unearthing the Artifact – 7:43
10. Return to Andromeda – 7:57

Album/Live Band Line Up:​
Guitarist/Vocalist – Brett Lee
Drummer – Seth Lynn
Bassist – Jared Edge

More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official​

Energetic feeling of live music – ØUTLINE releases debut EP “Flee n’ Forget”

Finnish hard rock band ØUTLINE has released their first EP, “Flee n’ Forget,” featuring five tracks. Reflecting the restless state of mind of young men, the album boldly breaks genre boundaries and gets even the stiffest heads nodding to the rhythm.

ØUTLINE has been building anticipation for the release over the winter with three singles: “Bite the Bullet,” “925,” and “Moonlight,” which have already attracted a solid 6,000 listeners. The raw rock sound, featuring heavy riffs and melodic solos, is definitely not dead. This has been evident at the band’s live shows in Finland, where the reception has been electric.

Listen to the EP on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz etc.): https://push.fm/fl/outline-fleenforget

– Our songs resonate with people who love the electric atmosphere created by live shows and the sense of connection it brings. We feel it’s important to preserve this feeling at a time when music has become a commercial product, the band commented collectively.

Behind the songs are five guys in their twenties: Aaron Hietaniemi (vocals, acoustic guitar), Mikko Häkkinen (guitar), Iiro Palaste (guitar), Eetu Pynnönen (bass), and Oiva Salonen (drums). All tracks were mixed by Sami Niittykoski and mastered by Miro Kiiski. The release was handled by Inverse Records.

– We recommend listening to the EP songs in order. If it evokes positive feelings, share it with your friends too! You can never have too much rock in your life.

Øutline has performed in its current lineup since 2022. The band has been performing actively across Finland and has released seven singles that have gained traction on Spotify’s rock playlists and local radio stations. After a short break, it’s time once again to release new music and hit the road.

Finnish extreme metal band Saasta’s final single from the upcoming album – Not just a song but self-destruction on the altar of ambition

Finnish extreme metal band Saasta has released the final single from their upcoming album “Cesspool” to be released on May 8th. “The Coffin” dives into the rotten core of burning out: self-loathing, feelings of inadequacy, and those deep, unspoken roots that force us to sacrifice everything to achieve nothing. This is not just a song but self-destruction on the altar of ambition.

“We build inhuman altars for ourselves, goals that tear us away from our own flesh and minds. We force ourselves into a mold we cannot fit into. We feed every drop of blood to an illusion we call ambition. When the body breaks down and the mind screams for mercy, we still do not relent. We cling tooth and nail to the lie we have woven ourselves, until it crushes us and sucks the marrow from our bones.”

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

Musically, “The Coffin” is an atypical track for Saasta thanks to its almost melodic chorus, but the verses and bridge are crafted in the familiar black and death metal aesthetic. The combination of these elements has added a raw, fresh, and addictive track to Saasta’s song arsenal.

The single’s cover art and music video were created in a brutal DIY spirit entirely by Saasta themselves. This marks the band’s seventh music video and continues a series in which Saasta has purposefully built a distinctive, raw, and recognizable visual identity from one opus to the following one. For the band, the visual dimension is not a side note, but a central part of the whole. It is a way to deepen the world created by Saasta and to drive the themes of the songs concretely under the viewer’s skin.

Saasta is an extreme metal band from Kotka, Finland. Formed in 2020 the band combines the mercilessness of black and death metal, with the more subtle nuances of doom. The combination is dark and groovy metal with its own distinctive sound, where strong lyrical expression meets raw energy. Saasta is known for their intense stage presence and uncompromising effort.

Vocals – Leevi Kärsämä
Guitar – Topias Jokipii
Bass Guitar – Janne Hietanen
Drums – Jimi Lahtinen

https://www.saastaofficial.com/

https://www.facebook.com/saastaofficial

https://www.instagram.com/saastaofficial

https://saasta.bandcamp.com/

Pridian Video Interview

Estonian modern metal band Pridian has been on a rapid ascent. After releasing their debut EP, Cybergnosis, in 2023, the band took a major step forward by signing with the prestigious label Century Media Records in 2024. Their first full-length album, Venetian Dark, further refined their sound and ambitions, solidifying their position in the international metal world and highlighting the increasingly vibrant Estonian metal scene.
Coming off a series of shows in Poland, the Netherlands, and Germany in 2025, Pridian show no signs of slowing down. Before taking the stage in Helsinki, Finland, Martin and Jörg sat down with us to discuss their music, their live shows, and much more.

https://pridianband.com/

Witch Ripper – Through the Hourglass

US metal powerhouse Witch Ripper demonstrates pure devotion for uncompromising melodic heaviness on the third full-length “Through the Hourglass”.
“The Portal” opens the album with an evident groovy attitude as the massive gritty guitar riffs lead to intense rhythmic dynamics and ultimately evolve into flamboyant leads with a vivid melodic flair.
“Symmetry of the Hourglass” reveals a contemplative mood and impresses the listeners with sophisticated impeccable guitar solos in contrast with the aggressive rhythmic assault certainly amplified by the hostile growls.
“Proxima Centauri” spreads immense melancholia through soothing clean vocals and crestfallen melodic progressions choosing warmer tonalities for an intimate composition that reaches the acme with somber rhythmic crescendos.
On “The Spiral Eye” the complex guitar work maintains a sorrowful melodic essence embellished by understated atmospheric textures yet ultimately acquires the raw energy of sludge/doom to build monolithic rhythmic patterns.
Rising from the underground metal scene Witch Ripper have developed a groovy progressive style that spontaneously generates the intricate soundscapes of “Through the Hourglass”.

Monsternaut – Approaching Doom

Finnish heavy metal power trio Monsternaut unleashes an overdose of authentic fuzzed out grooves throughout the third album “Approaching Doom” recorded entirely the old fashioned way.
Straight to the point “Evicted” relies on the heavy weight of guitars and increasingly darker atmospheric nuances to successfully build multiple thrilling grooves.
The title track instantly channels old school heavy metal influences focusing on the gritty guitar sound and recurring sharp leads well supported by a monumental harsh rhythmic section.
Raw energy runs through “Drain” as guitars diligently deliver an addictive riffage and the whole instrumentation continues to follow a majestic groovy pathway.
“Black Blizzard” doesn’t need special effects to hit hard due to the monolithic guitar riffs and thunderous drums engaged in a relentless rhythmic march.
Devoted to heaviness “New Order of Bliss” features pummeling drums and unstoppable chunky guitar riffs that can rightfully acquire murky doom elements.
“Heavy Monday” keeps the same cold doom inspiration within the belligerent rhythmic ensemble spiced up by the rebellious attitude of the vocal performance.
Monsternaut proudly chooses analogue equipment to achieve a genuine sound perfectly symbolized by the stomp-inducing guitar driven grooves of “Approaching Doom”.

Fabienne Erni – Starveil

Best known as the singer of Eluveitie and ILLUMISHADE Fabienne Erni begins a new musical chapter with the release of the debut album “Starveil” focusing on her fascinating vocal abilities and personal musical influences.
“Sky’s Breath” presents an opulent symphonic metal composition with solemn orchestrations and spellbinding melodic themes revolving around Fabienne’s impeccable vocal performance.
Featuring a charismatic vocal duet with Lena Scissorhands, frontwoman of Infected Rain, “Ritual” would be an obvious hit song evoking a beloved Nordic melancholia through bittersweet melodic guitar phrases and a passionate chorus.
The title track chooses a magical folk pathway with comforting harmonious passages and the addition of traditional instrumentation such as the bagpipe to properly channel ancient invisible forces.
“Living And The Dead” reveals a mellow metal ballad style as delicate atmospheric tapestries and baroque accents surround Fabienne’s emotive vocal delivery.
“Never Let Go” shines for the dazzling vocal harmonies flowing gracefully through a winning combo of fragile melodies, luminous atmospheric layers and catchy rhythmic progressions.
“Thalen Muron” naturally embraces a tribal folk essence as somber pulsating percussions lead the way to a meditative rhythm and hypnotizing crescendos further enriched by the enchanting flute and the ancestral chanting.
Choosing an immersive melodic composition to fully express genuine sentiments throughout “Starveil”, Fabienne takes the role of a charming storyteller and courageously showcases different and interesting aspects of her artistic identity.

Prog Rock Visionaries LUFEH Announce New Album “Overwhelmed” Out May 2026 – Streaming First Single “He Commands The Sun and The Stars”

Progressive rock outfit LUFEH returns with their most ambitious and emotionally charged work to date, “Overwhelmed,” the band’s long‑awaited new studio album, set for release on May 29, 2026. Leading the preview to the full-length is the explosive first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” a track that captures the band’s signature blend of technical mastery, soaring melodies, and cinematic storytelling.
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Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, “Overwhelmed” marks a major evolution for LUFEH, musically, lyrically, and creatively. The album introduces the band’s new featured vocalist and electric violinist, Ginny Luke, whose dynamic performances add a new dimension to LUFEH’s sound.
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​“This album is the result of a lot of dedication, maturity, and the realization of a dream. We focused on strong, memorable vocal melodies while keeping the complex musicianship our fans love. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and catchiness,” says founder and drummer Lufeh Batera.
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While LUFEH’s 2020 debut “Luggage Falling Down” leaned heavily into technical, instrumental complexity, “Overwhelmed” takes a more melodic and vocal‑driven approach, without sacrificing the band’s progressive roots.
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“We wanted songs people could sing with us. All eight tracks have choruses that stick with you. It’s complicated music that’s also catchy, and I think fans will really dig that blend,” explains Batera.
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The album features eight meticulously crafted tracks, each around four minutes long, shaped through a collaborative writing process between members in Los Angeles and São Paulo. Despite the distance, roughly 70% of the album was created online, showcasing the band’s modern, global workflow. “Overwhelmed” explores emotional turbulence, spiritual renewal, and the struggle to stay grounded in a chaotic world. From the uplifting message of “Breathe” to the rock‑opera drama of “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” the album blends heavy moments with melodic clarity and introspection.
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​“Overwhelmed” also marks the debut of Ginny Luke as LUFEH’s featured vocalist. An internationally recognized electric violinist and singer, Luke has performed with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Miguel, and many others.
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Her violin appears on three tracks, “Overwhelmed,” “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” and “Live the New Today”, adding a dramatic, orchestral edge to the band’s progressive sound.
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​“Ginny brought a whole new dimension to this album. Her voice and violin transformed the music into something unique and powerful,” adds Batera.

LUFEH’s lineup is built on decades of friendship and collaboration. Guitarist Deio Tambasco and bassist Duca Tambasco have been playing with Batera since the early ’90s in their original band Anno Domini. Their long‑standing chemistry fuels the band’s tight, expressive sound.
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​“We’re all in our 50s, but we feel like we’re 30. We’ve been friends forever. There’s no ego in this band, just honesty, passion, and a lot of love,” adds Batera.

The first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” is a rhythmic tour‑de‑force anchored by Batera’s intricate drumming and a massive, unforgettable chorus. Lyrically, the song explores the rise and unraveling of a powerful figure worshipped by the masses, until the crowd begins to question him.
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​“It’s one of my personal favorites. It’s complex, but the chorus stays in your head. That’s exactly the balance we aimed for,” comments Batera.

Recommended for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Sleep Token, and Tool, listen to “He Commands The Sun and The Stars” at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0WG8j9ovlU​

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/3F0lCl87w8HoigLE1jPOnJ​

Bandcamp – https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/​

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Track Listing:​
1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
2. Breathe – 4:03
3. Double Dip – 4:39
4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
6. Live The New Today – 4:50
7. War of Emotions – 3:50
8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, Lufeh Batera, and Ginny Luke
• All songs written by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, and Lufeh Batera
• Produced by: Gera Penna
• Mixed by: Adair Daufembach
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Lufeh Batera

Album and Live Band Line Up:​
Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
Lufeh Batera – Drums
Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)

More Info:

​http://www.lufehband.com​

​https://www.facebook.com/lufehband​

​https://www.instagram.com/lufehband/​

About:

LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical musicianship with emotional depth, jazz fusion influences, and Brazilian musical roots. Founded by drummer Lufeh Batera, the band is known for its sophisticated arrangements, dynamic performances, and genre‑defying creativity. Overwhelmed is the band’s second studio album, following their 2020 debut Luggage Falling Down.

Rock God Thor Joins Nuclear Messiah For A Taste Of Death Or Glory

As the April 24 release of Nuclear Messiah’s much-anticipated Black Flame concept album draws closer, Cleopatra Records are thrilled to release what even producer Brian Perera describes as “one of the best and most under-rated metal songs of all time”… and all who have heard it agree wholeheartedly.
A deep cut from New Wave of British Heavy Metal heroes Holocaust, “Death Or Glory” … like the remainder of the album … features a dazzling array of all-star musicians to accompany frontman Chris Poland [Megadeth] through the storm.
But with a title like “Death Or Glory,” who more fitting to handle lead vocals than the mighty Thor?
He says, “I had to sing a searing brand of rock on this track as I was amongst strong swords such Chris, Bob Daisley [Ozzy Osbourne], Jurgen Engler [Die Krupps], Glen Drover [Megadeth and Fred Aching [Dead Groove].
“I was psyched, and sang with power and intensity. I was honored to be included on this album along with these great legendary artists.”
Neither is this all you’ll be hearing from Thor over the next few months, as he wraps up​ his next album… which is also the last one he’ll ever make..  Yep, that’s right.  Thor hasn’t just lived the rock ‘n’ roll life — he’s abused his body to keep it like a gladiator: relentless weight training , and pushing through injuries while punishing himself night after night onstage.
And now, it’s caught up with him.
After 40 years and 40 records of bending steel, breaking bones, and driving himself past the limit in the name of rock ‘n’ roll, the wear and tear is real — and Thor is finally stepping away.
But he’s not going quietly.
Over the coming months, he unleashes The Final Battle — and he is resolute.  “It is my ultimate and absolutely final album.  “It’s Ragnarok!”
There’ll be more details and information coming soon.  But don’t fear.  As Nuclear Messiah’s “Death Or Glory” proves, the Thunder God’s hammer is still in full flight, the lightning is blinding, the thunder is explosive… and still “Death Or Glory” is only one of its highlights.
How could it be otherwise, with fellow guest vocalists the caliber of Arthur Brown, Sebastian Bach and William Shatner (himself hard at work on his forthcoming metal album for Cleopatra Records!), and a staggering lineup that represents every era of heavy music, from Vanilla Fudge to the Kings of Thrash, via Guns N’Roses, Uriah Heep, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, UFO, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Testament, Night Ranger, the Michael Schenker Group, Yes and more.
“This record has so many metal icons playing on it,” says Chris Poland.  “It’s really a must for any metal head’s record collection.”
Track listing
1. The Prophet Of Fallout feat. Chris Poland & William Shatner
2. Devil Won’t Let Go feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Vinnie Moore, Vinny Appice, Don Airey, Steve Di Giorgio
3. Death Or Glory feat. Chris Poland, Thor, Bob Daisley, Glen Drover, Fred Aching
4. Ride The Sky feat. Chris Poland, Arthur Brown, Vinny Appice, Alan Davey
5. Dice And Thunder feat. Chris Poland, Rick Wakeman, Ronnie Romero, Bumblefoot, Steve Di Giorgio, Fred Aching
6. For Mad Men Only feat. Chris Poland, Pat Travers, Joe Lynn Turner, Alan Davey, Shawn Drover
7. Nuclear Messiah feat. Chris Poland, Lance Lopez, Greg Walker, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Vinny Appice, Don Airey
8. Look At Yourself feat. Chris Poland, Sebastian Bach, Derek Sherinian, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Carmine Appice
9. She’s So Evil feat. Chris Poland, Joel Hoekstra, David Ellefson, Don Airey, Andrew Freeman, Simon Wright
10. Black Flame feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Jonathan Cain, Phil Soussan, Glen Drover, Chris Adler
11. Electric Burn feat. Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, Joe Bouchard, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler

Finnish Fuzz Rock Quartet Heezer Return with Powerful New Single “Horse”

Great news from the Finnish fuzz rock underground: Heezer are back. The band makes a strong return to the scene with their brand-new single “Horse,” out today alongside an official music video. The track also serves as the first glimpse into Heezer’s forthcoming second album.

With “Horse,” Heezer’s direction is clear — the quartet delivers a gritty and infectious blend of desert rock and stoner energy, driven by shamelessly catchy classic rock melodies and a no-nonsense groove.

According to the band, the song came together fast and with ease.

“‘Horse’ was an exceptional song to write, because the parts and vocal melodies were basically finished in about five minutes,” says vocalist/guitarist Sami Kääriäinen. “Of course we refined it together in pre-production, but the core idea stayed the same. At the time I had a hectic project going on at work and long days, so the song is kind of a reminder to myself of what actually matters.”

However, the track’s place on the album was far from guaranteed.

“This is one those songs, where getting the groove and tempo just right is crucial — otherwise the song just doesn’t work,” drummer Ville Häsä recalls. “We had to rehearse it a lot and were already ready to shelve it completely. But once we got to the studio, we decided to give it a chance, and it turned out so well that we had no choice but to choose it as the album’s first single.”

The accompanying music video underlines the song’s theme of raw, hard work. True to the band’s twisted sense of humor, the visuals feel like a strange collision between Finnish cult comedy Kummeli and the eerie atmosphere of Twin Peaks.

“I don’t know where the idea of sawing wood and messing around in the forest work came to mind, but for some reason Kimmo Koskinen, who shot, directed and edited the video, agreed to do it! We wrote the script together and went off to buy a sled. The shoot itself went smoothly, but after weeks of freezing temperatures, it suddenly got above zero, and after spending the whole day soaked in wet snow, I ended up being sick for three weeks. Well, everything has its price”, Kääriäinen recalls.

Heezer is a band that strongly supports a professional DIY approach. They also feel they’ve taken a major leap forward in their evolution — with stronger songwriting, higher production quality, and a sharper, more confident identity shining through. Still, the core principle remains the same: making music has to stay fun, now and in the future.

Heezer line-up:
Sami Kääriäinen – vocals, guitar
Ville Räsänen – guitar
Antti Vesikko – bass
Ville Häsä – drums

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