Year: 2026

ROCKLUST Released New Single ‘Wild Crowd’

Available now on all digital platforms and accompanied by a lyric video on YouTube, ‘Wild Crowd’ is the new single from hard rockers ROCKLUST, released via Volcano Records & Promotion.

The track is a blast of electric energy, groove, and stage spirit that captures and conveys the visceral essence of raw, uncompromising rock. With influences ranging from Whitesnake to Extreme and Motörhead, Wild Crowd showcases the band’s wild and untamed soul, unfolding in a crescendo of powerful riffs, tight rhythms, and a gritty, charismatic vocal performance.

It’s an intentionally iconic track — an adrenaline-fueled anthem of passion, rebellion, and a visceral connection with the audience and the live scene. The single is the third preview from the upcoming album Smoking Wheels, due for release in April 2026, and stands as a true manifesto for those who live rock as a lifestyle and identity. The sound is rough, direct, and stripped of any frills: the band plays like they’re on a packed stage, surrounded by a wild crowd — the very image that gives this no-holds-barred track its title.

Also Watch the official video for first single ‘Smoking Wheels’: https://youtu.be/j9clBpoo998

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.instagram.com/rocklust_band

Metal regiment Barrel releases debut album Triptych

Barrel from Finland delights fans of versatile metal by releasing their debut album Triptych. The band began preparing for the album in December, when their first single Scavenger was released. The second single Sophia’s Repentance was released in January.

The metal regiment has been resolutely marching towards the album’s release, and the three-part epic has been released in its entirety last week for the enjoyment of heavy metal fans. The lead single is the massive song War, which pays tribute to a Ukrainian war hero.

“War is a legend about Vitalii Volodymyrovych Skakun. A tribute to the determination and readiness of one man and an entire nation to do what must be done. To say ‘no’ to the genocide and terror of a nihilistic Nazirota. It is a tribute to when someone is ready to defend the independence and existence of their homeland, no matter what it costs them. Never forget what the price of peace is. Never forget Vitalii. Slava Ukraini! Heroyam slava!”, the band commented.

The story of the Triptych album is brought to life through the comic book world of Juha “Wuorlock” Wuorinen. All singles are accompanied by a comic book telling the story of the song. Vuorinen has also designed the album covers and the band’s promo image.

“Collaborating with Barrel has been both extremely rewarding and challenging. Mainly because the themes of the songs are big, it’s difficult to summarize something essential on one page,” says Juha “Wuorlock” Wuorinen, a long-time tattoo artist, cartoonist and visual artist from Seinäjoki.

“Triptych is Barrel’s unholy trinity. It is a three-part painting of Satan’s metaphysics. A collection of stories about the names and meanings that man has given to primordial phenomena in himself and in the universe. The arc of the drama runs from the birth of Satan through the creation of our world and the fall of man to the end times, war and the rest of the grave. Triptych scoops from the depths and against the current. It challenges meanings and wholes in a time where the wide path leads to contentlessness and detachment,” the band paints.

Triptych track listing:
1. Cryptomnesia
2. Prelude to the Fall of Man
3. Scavenger
4. Sophia’s Repentance
5. Prelude to War
6. Signs for Kings
7. Dogma Denied
8. War
9. Ode to the Fallen

Barrel is celebrated the release of their album in Tampere at the Thrasherie bar.

The conquest of the Finnish peninsula continues this year as follows:

20.03.2026 – RockNeck, Jyväskylä (w/ Wizards Of Hazards, Cardinal Fleet)
27.03.2026 – Varjobaari, Tampere (w/ Steel Systems, Miss Vain)
15.05.2026 – Nirvana, Turku (w/ Pressure Points, Sum of Seven)
16.05.2026 – Bar 15, Seinäjoki (w/ TBA)
29.08.2026 – Toppila Klubi, Oulu (w/ Burning Point, Steel Systems)

Barrel is:
Valtteri – vocals
Vellu – bass, backing vocals, cello
Janne – guitar
Joonas – guitar
Vili – drums

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | SPOTIFY

Eva Under Fire’s music is like therapy in the form of heavy rock – New single Murder Scene out now

American band Eva Under Fire released their new single Murder Scene accompanied by a lyric video. The band, which rose from the Detroit underground music scene to become one of the most promising rising stars in the metal world, returned to the scene after a short break last October with the single Awakening. The release is by Better Noise Music.

“The song Murder Scene deals with eating disorders, body image distortion, insecurity – and how dreams can turn into nightmares when people who used to encourage you start judging you. My dream of performing on stage has put me in the spotlight, also in a bad way. I am just a body that is being judged and opinions are being made about it. The lies created by anxiety echo in my head and claim that I am not good enough. That is why I fight against it,” Eva Under Fire singer Amanda Lyberg explains the background of the song.

Lyberg’s career as a psychotherapist is also strongly present in the band’s music. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Psychology in 2018 and has since worked in the field of mental health, grief, and addiction. That same year, she lost her father to a fentanyl overdose. She says the experience has had a profound impact on her work and music.

Her story also inspired the 2023 short film My Rockstar, which featured music by Eva Under Fire on its soundtrack. The film has won over 20 awards at festivals including the Orlando Film Fest and the Toronto WILDfilm Festival.

Eva Under Fire is:
Amanda Lyberg – vocals
Rob Lyberg – guitar
Chris Slapnik – guitar
Ed Gawlik – bass
Dave Miller II – drums

EVA UNDER FIRE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

The 40th Nummirock is expanding its bill, including Stam1na, the debut concert of the new Battle Beast lineup in Finland, and Grave

Nummirock has already secured several bookings this week, and the set released last week completes the upcoming festival with new names. It was previously announced that the Nummijärvi Midsummer festivities will be joined by Stam1na, who will soon release their highly praised album, Gaerea, a Portuguese guest of cathartic black metal, one of the most popular festival performers in Finland, Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus, and Hanging Garden, masters of melodic, dark atmosphere.

The previously announced artists will now be joined by four new additions: Battle Beast, who will be performing their first Finnish gig with their new line-up together with vocalist Marina La Torraca at the legendary Midsummer festival, Grave, one of the cornerstones of Swedish death metal, and Decessus, who are coming all the way from Chile, fronted by Ignacia Fernández – a woman who also holds the Miss World Chile crown. The artists announced also include … And Oceans, who will take listeners on an escapist journey into the world of symphonic black metal.

Nummirock has already announced a bunch of artists, including Norwegian black metal legend Satyricon and French band Rise Of The Northstar, who brilliantly combine metal, hip hop and punk. The lineup is rounded out by the US acts UADA and Immortal Disfigurement. The former can be counted among the most interesting new melodic black metal acts, while the latter focuses on symphonic deathcore under the leadership of ex-Lorna Shore vocalist CJ McCreery. All of the foreign bands announced now will be performing their only shows of the summer in Finland at Nummirock.

Finnish acts of the anniversary year also include Omnium Gatherum, one of Finland’s most active touring acts worldwide and celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Moonsorrow, who are returning to Nummirock after an eight-year wait, Swallow the Sun, who won the Metalli-Emma award last year, the new wave of melancholic doom artist Kaunis Kuolematon, punk rock watchdog Nyrkkitappelu and Juvan’s gift to the industrial metal nation, Ruoska. Stoned Statues, who released their new album last year, and Kneel Before the Death, who are considered one of the most interesting new acts in Finnish extreme metal, will also be joining the fray.

Tickets for the four-day festival are now on sale. The four-day tickets currently on sale include camping as usual.

In addition to the basic tickets, there is a premium ticket on sale, which includes, among other things, a private VIP area with toilets and the opportunity to meet the bands in meet&greet sessions.

The ticket types currently on sale are:
Four-day ticket €219
Four-day premium ticket €259
Tickets: lippu.fi and Tiketti.

Other ticket types will go on sale during the spring.
The recommended age limit for Nummirock, which is age-restricted, is 16 years.

The performers announced so far for Nummirock are in alphabetical order:
… And Oceans
Battle Beast
Decessus (Chile)
Gearea (Portugal)
Grave (Sweden)
Hanging Garden
Immortal Disfigurement (USA)
Kaunis Kuolematon
Kneel Before the Death
Moonsorrow
Fist Fight
Omnium Gatherum
Rise Of The Northstar (France)
Ruoska
Satyricon (Norway)
Stam1na
Stoned Statues
Swallow the Sun
Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus
UADA (USA)

Nummirock 2026 will be held June 17–20, 2026.

www.nummirock.fi
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Feel the Thrash Intensity of NEFASTIS’ New Single “Stardust” From Dark Concept Album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” Out March 2026

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Stardust”, the brand new single by Italian symphonic death metal act Nefastis, out now on all digital platforms.

“Stardust” is the second single taken from Nefastis upcoming concept album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn“, an ambitious four-act work conceived as a continuous and immersive listening experience set in a post-apocalyptic world. Positioned within Act III: Alone, the track represents one of the album’s most direct and aggressive moments, offering a sharp contrast to the broader orchestral and progressive framework of the record.

Musically, “Stardust” stands out as the most thrash-driven and straightforward track on the album. Fast, melodic and fiercely aggressive, it delivers a concentrated burst of energy built on razor-sharp riffing, relentless rhythms and a violent yet controlled momentum. While maintaining the band’s symphonic death metal identity, the song strips the arrangement down to its most visceral core, emphasizing speed, impact, and immediacy.

Lyrically, the track portrays a lone individual drifting through the desolation of a dying world, reduced to fragments of memory and matter. “Stardust” embodies the sense of isolation that defines the album’s third act, translating existential emptiness into a raw and uncompromising sonic assault.

Commenting on the song, the band states:

“‘Stardust’ is intentionally more direct and aggressive than the other tracks. We wanted it to hit fast and hard, almost like an instinctive reaction within the album’s narrative. It represents a moment where everything is reduced to violence, speed, and survival.”

Following the atmospheric and story-setting approach of the debut single “Shadow Spell“, “Stardust” reveals another facet of “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn“, highlighting the dynamic range and compositional depth that define the album. The record unfolds as a single narrative arc where each song functions as a chapter contributing to an overarching emotional and conceptual journey.

“Stardust” further confirms Nefastis evolved artistic vision, blending thrash intensity, death metal aggression, and symphonic elements into a cohesive and distinctive extreme metal statement.

For fans of: Wintersun, Hypocrisy, Fleshgod Apocalypse.

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/ndqoyZ​

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New album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” out March 6th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”​
​https://rockshots.eu/products/nefastis-shadows-at-the-light-of-dawn-cd​

First Single – “Shadow Spell” can be heard at the following links:

Visualizer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxonu0RIApA​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://lnk.to/nfstsf​

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Track Listing:​
1. Cosmic Silence at the Edge of the New World – 2:50
2. Shadow Spell – 4:30
3. Seduced by the Beauty of the Darkness – 5:05
4. Absence of Illumination – 2:52
5. Tears of the Past – 4:29
6. Vortex of Light – 5:09
7. Lights of Dawn – 3:43
8. Alone Again – 5:57
9. Stardust – 5:05
10. Blackened Vision – 2:45
11. Collapsing Dream – 8:01
12. Flowers Swept Away by the Autumn – 5:33
Album Length: 55:58
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Nefastis Line-Up:​
Simone Colombo: Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Andrea Lenzi: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals, Orchestrations
Fulvio Manganini: Bass
Claudio Invidia: Drums
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​More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://www.instagram.com/nefastis.italy/​

​https://www.facebook.com/nefastis.italy​

BIOGRAPHY:
​Formed in 2008, Nefastis is an Italian Symphonic Death Metal band known for its strong conceptual approach and continuously evolving musical identity. From the very beginning, the band focused on original compositions, gradually shaping a sound that blends extreme metal intensity with orchestral depth and progressive structures.
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Nefastis made their recording debut in 2014 with “De Diebus Fastis, Nefastis, Infaustis”, a thrash/death metal concept album divided into four acts and conceived as a narrative work. The release earned the band recognition within the underground scene and led them to share the stage with internationally renowned acts such as Toxik, Leprous, Hirax, Onkel Tom Angelripper, and Bonded By Blood.
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Following the debut, lineup changes forced the band into a hiatus. During this period, Nefastis underwent a significant artistic transformation, redefining their sound and expanding their compositional vision. Moving away from a more direct thrash-oriented approach, the band embraced a broader and more cinematic form of symphonic death metal, characterized by orchestral arrangements, progressive songwriting, and a strong narrative dimension.
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This evolution fully materializes in “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, a four-act concept album set in a post-apocalyptic world and conceived as a continuous and immersive listening experience. Each act is introduced by an instrumental piece that establishes the atmosphere of the chapter, guiding the listener through a cohesive musical and emotional journey. The album was produced by the band, mixed by Frank Altare, and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios (Angra, Amorphis, Kreator, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Powerwolf).
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With “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, Nefastis reaffirm their commitment to ambitious songwriting and genre-crossing composition, merging death metal, orchestral music, and progressive influences into a unified and expressive soundscape.

Gothony releases new single and music video “Misery Ending”

Helsinki-based drama metal band Gothony, founded in 1993, released a new single accompanied by a music video. Their debut album came out two years ago, and in 2025 the band reissued their demo from 1995. Now it’s time to bring fresh music to the drama metal audience once again. 

“2025 was a dark year—too many close ones left us far too early. Misery Ending carries a lot of sorrow, pain, and anguish.” says Gothony’s bassist Väiski Syväoja.

“I also wanted the single to be accompanied by a music video dedicated to our dear friend and to all our loved ones who have passed away. I am very grateful that Taksu Takkunen joined the project, and huge thanks to the entire crew for making this possible.” Väiski Syväoja continues.

Gothony’s vocalist Wuohi briefly explains the lyrics: “They speak of loss, longing, and the realization of life’s limitations.”

“For Gothony, this track has an unusually fast tempo, yet we managed to weave in a touch of melancholy and hope for the future. We also received valuable input from Räihä regarding the song’s structure—thanks for that!” adds guitarist Mika Uusitalo.

Misery Ending was recorded on October 11, 2025, at Inka Studio by Juho Räihä (SoundSpiral Audio). Juho Räihä also produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the single. The music video was directed, filmed, written, and edited by Taksu Takkunen.

Streaming services:

https://push.fm/fl/gothony-misery-ending

Finnish blackened death metal band Karelian Warcry released the second single from their upcoming album

Finnish blackened death metal band Karelian Warcry releases their third album “Veripellot” on March 6th. Now they have released the second and final single “Horisontit” before their new full length.

“Horisontit” is a strong cross-section of Karelian Warcry’s music. At the heart of the track is a forward-rolling armoured train, and a mid-section rising to majestic heights observes the horizon from a bird’s-eye perspective. The lyrics are a cathartic journey to a liminal point where everything falls apart in your hands, yet there is nothing to do but keep moving forward. Vocal tracks originally intended as demo vocals remained on the final recording, dictated by death.

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

The work of Veripellot album took shape over the years 2010–2024, nearly coming to a halt following the death of the band’s founding member, vocalist-guitarist M.I. Mikkonen. Veripellot became a composite, uniting Karelian Warcry’s two different line-ups and the pandemonium of the entire timespan.

Veripellot is a study of war, grief, and the dark sides of humanity. The themes rise from the band members’ personal experiences, collective traumas, and a shared interest in the events of their home region and its war history. The album is, on one hand, a memorial writing for fallen friends, and on the other, a glimpse into the horrors of the Finnish Civil War. On Veripellot, the rough thunder of war resounds — and at times an oppressive stillness.

Veripellot consists of nine distinct tracks. Musically, the album is a step forward for the band — groovier, yet straightforwardly uncompromising. Progressive elements have also been brought into the mix.

https://linktr.ee/Karelian_Warcry

Discography:
Demo ’04 (2004)
Kylmä rautainen (Album, 2005)
Verinen taival, päättymätön tie (Album, 2010)
Minun aikani (Single, 2020)

Line-up:
A. O. Heiskanen – Drums
J. H. Järvinen – Vocals
J. T. Kousa – Guitars
S. P. Ukkonen – Bass

Finnish Dark Metal TORCHIA Unveils Video “Stygian Waters” From Upcoming Album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” Out May 2026

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Stygian Waters”, the brand new single by Finnish dark metal act Torchia.

“Stygian Waters” is taken from Torchia’s upcoming fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness,” and represents a deliberate return to the band’s early guitar-driven aggression, infused with heightened cinematic tension and dark melodic intensity. Rooted in thrash-infused melodic death metal, the track channels relentless riffing and an urgent rhythmic drive while expanding the band’s signature gothic and occult atmosphere.

Commenting on the song, the band explains: “‘Stygian Waters’ is a throwback to the early years of Torchia, built around intense riffing and an almost relentless forward momentum. When the riffs first came together, they immediately evoked the image of a raging ocean and towering waves. From there, the lyrics took shape as a story of a maritime disaster – a desperate struggle against overwhelming natural forces with the suggestion that something darker and more supernatural may also be at play.”
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Lyrically, “Stygian Waters” depicts a harrowing battle for survival where human will is tested against uncontrollable forces, blurring the line between reality and the uncanny. The song’s narrative-driven approach fits seamlessly within Torchia’s cursed fantasy universe, populated by ancient gods, dark rituals, and grim visions inspired by gothic horror traditions.

Musically, the single highlights Torchia’s evolved sound: sharp, driving guitar work remains at the core while cinematic layering and darker tonal shades add depth and dramatic weight. This balance between raw aggression and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, an album that brings the band’s storytelling to life through a murky, 19th-century gothic vision.

Expanding on the album’s direction, the band adds: “With this record, we wanted to push our sound further into darker and more cinematic territory without losing the immediacy and energy that defined our earlier work. ‘Stygian Waters’ captures that balance perfectly – it’s fast, aggressive, and vivid but still deeply tied to the world and narratives we’ve been building over the years.”
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“Stygian Waters” stands as a key chapter within “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, reaffirming Torchia’s identity as a band that merges extreme metal intensity with theatrical storytelling and a strong visual and conceptual aesthetic. Known for their explosive live performances led by masked frontman Nox, Torchia continue to carve their own path within the darker realms of the metal spectrum.

For fans of: Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, Children of Bodom

DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/6cBhhT​
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“Stygian Waters” Official Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYW-oQpl7Yo​
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New album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” out May 8th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-cd​
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​PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-lp​

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Track Listing:​
1. Nekromanteion – 4:23
2. Hellmouth – 4:08
3. Into Hell – 3:38
4. Hellstorm – 3:55
5. Die Amour – 4:12
6. The Tiamat Machine – 5:39
7. Black Cat – 3:19
8. Stygian Waters – 4:05
9. Sanguine Masquerade – 4:46
Album Length: 38:05
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​Torchia Line-Up:​
Nox: Vocals
Villemorte: Lead guitar, Vocals
Henri von Hardy: Guitar
Vulkan: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Vincent Oscar Mill: Drums

More info:

​https://www.rockshots.eu/​

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

​https://www.facebook.com/TorchiaOfficial/

About: Formed in Tampere, Finland, Torchia has steadily carved out a distinctive identity within the extreme metal scene by blending thrash-infused melodic death metal with dark fantasy, gothic horror, and cinematic atmospheres. Since their early years, the band has continuously evolved both musically and conceptually, expanding a cursed narrative universe populated by ancient gods, occult practices, and grim mythological visions.

With each release, Torchia has pushed further into darker and more theatrical territory. While their core remains firmly rooted in guitar-driven extreme metal, their sound has grown increasingly cinematic and blackened, incorporating dramatic arrangements and a heightened sense of atmosphere without sacrificing aggression or immediacy. Elements of classic heavy and power metal melody remain a key influence shaping their songwriting approach and reinforcing their dynamic, memorable structures.

Their fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, represents a defining chapter in the band’s artistic journey. Set against a bleak, 19th-century-inspired gothic backdrop, the album brings Torchia’s storytelling to life through vivid tales of horror, superstition, and doom, uniting narrative depth with relentless musical force.

Renowned for their intense and visceral live performances, Torchia have built a strong reputation as a formidable stage act. At the center of the spectacle stands masked frontman Nox, a commanding and symbolic figure who embodies the dark curse at the heart of the band’s identity, guiding audiences deep into Torchia’s shadowed world.

Romanian Folkcore DIRTY SHIRT Shares Full Live Set at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025 + Announce “Dirtylicious Decade Tour”

Dirty Shirt has released the full video of their explosive 2025 performance at Pol’and’Rock Festival, one of Europe’s largest and most iconic open‑air music events.
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The 2025 edition marked a major milestone for the Romanian folk‑metal collective: their third Pol’and’Rock appearance, placing them alongside Dubioza Kolektiv as the only non‑Polish acts to have played the festival three times.
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​Dirty Shirt’s history with Pol’and’Rock is deeply intertwined with the festival’s spirit of community, charity, and musical diversity. In 2021, the band made their Pol’and’Rock debut during the special pandemic‑restricted edition, performing for a reduced audience of 20,000. In 2022, Dirty Shirt returned triumphantly after winning the Golden Spinning Top (Złoty Bączek), the public‑voted contest that determines which artist opens the next edition of the festival. Past winners include major international names such as Clawfinger, Papa Roach, Sabaton, Anthrax, Bring Me The Horizon, Avatar, Amon Amarth, and others. And their third and most recent appearance in 2025 came as part of EERA, the Eastern European Rock Alliance, an EU‑funded cultural collaboration. Dirty Shirt was one of the flagship bands of the project, making their return to Pol’and’Rock both symbolic and artistically meaningful.

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Despite the excitement, the road to the 2025 stage was anything but easy. The band had traveled more than 16 hours from Romania to northern Poland the day before the show, arriving late at night. Show day began at 4:30 a.m. for a 6 a.m. soundcheck, with the hotel located over an hour from the festival grounds. By the time Dirty Shirt stepped on stage, it was well past midnight.
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​“Beyond the fatigue, playing at Pol’and’Rock always feels like coming alive again. The Polish audience, one of the most intense, passionate crowds we have ever played for, gives the energy back a hundredfold and reminds you why you do this in the first place,” shares the band.

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Often described as “the biggest open‑air festival in Europe,” Pol’and’Rock is a free, charity‑driven event organized as a thank‑you to the volunteers and supporters of WOSP, The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. WOSP’s annual Grand Finale raises funds for hospitals across Poland, more than $52 million USD in the most recent edition, and the festival stands as a cultural celebration of that nationwide effort.
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Beyond music, Pol’and’Rock hosts workshops, conferences, and a wide range of artistic and educational activities, making it one of Europe’s most unique cultural gatherings.
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​Dirty Shirt is once again eligible for the Golden Spinning Top contest, and fans who want to support the band’s return to Pol’and’Rock in 2026 can vote online (email confirmation required): https://polandrockfestival.pl/o-festiwalu/zloty-baczek​
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​The complete live set of their landmark third appearance at Pol’and’Rock 2025 is now available to watch online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v67KzzE6ivk

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Over their 30 years, Dirty Shirt has become one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal bands, known for their explosive fusion of modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, the group has kept its core lineup intact for three decades, evolving into a major international act with a distinctive, genre‑blending identity. Their music draws from metal, hardcore, industrial, funk, world music, and authentic regional folk influences, enhanced by the use of traditional acoustic instruments both in the studio and on stage.
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The band gained international attention after winning second place at the Wacken Metal Battle 2014 world final, followed by performances at major European festivals including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, Rockstadt Extreme Fest, Reload Festival, Dong Open Air, and many more. With more than 1000 shows across 17 countries, Dirty Shirt has shared stages with artists such as Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.
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Their albums have earned widespread critical acclaim, featured in leading publications such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, Angry Metal Guy, Hard Rock Mag, and Metalized. Known for their high‑energy, danceable live performances and cross‑genre appeal, Dirty Shirt continues to expand its international presence while redefining what modern Eastern European metal can sound like.

Recommended for anyone looking for something interesting and lively, Dirty Shirt is for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, and The Hu.

Music video – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyloBE8YbqY​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lnoKzE5unKzShIzkjlTX7​

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DIRTY SHIRT Dirtylicious Decade Tour​
Ticket Info – https://www.ambilet.ro/dirtyshirt/
​30.01.2026 – Quantic – Bucuresti
31.01.2026 – Rockstadt – Brasov
12.02.2026 – Lokal – Oradea
13.02.2026 – Form Space – Cluj Napoca
14.02.2026 – Republic Hub – Tg Mures
06.03.2026 – Art Rock Cafe – Suceava
07.03.2026 – Urbana – Iasi
08.03.2026 – Beraria Valhalla – Bacau
20.03.2026 – Teatrul National – Ploiesti
21.03.2026 – Music For Autism – Constanta
17.04.2026 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu
19.04.2026 – The Station – Petrosani
08.05.2026 – Log Out – Baia Mare
09.05.2026 – Soho Music Hall – Bistrita
22.05.2026 – Terasa Flex – Arad
23.05.2026 – In Spatele Casei – Timisoara

For more info: https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​
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HYPERSPACE METALFEST (Vancouver, BC) Announces Full 2026 Lineup w/ SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more

Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METAL FEST, is gearing up for its 7th edition after another year packed with unforgettable, high‑energy performances. Taking place at The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, and at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18, the festival has unveiled its full lineup of 2026 performers, which includes SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more.

“The full lineup for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII is here! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will be headlining night 1, which will have a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. Night two headliner Edge of Paradise will cap off a night of epic symphonic and melodic power metal! After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you’ve been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let’s rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!” adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.

Hyperspace Metal Festival VII – April 16th – 18th.​
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at http://hyperspace-vii.eventbrite.ca/​

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/858534116963447​

HMF 2026 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29rcYoWLyYXPFyN7OKdPDB?si=7Kke2MVVSyS6v_Lxe5-KSg​

HYPERSPACE METAL FESTIVAL VII​
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Day One – April 16
​Atavistia
Inpathos
Hyperstrike
Ravensun
Kayas​
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Day Two – April 17
​Edge of Paradise
The Scepter
Lycanthro
Ophelia Falling
Valley of Despair​
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Day Three – April 18
​Sanctuary – Performing Into The Mirror Black in its entirety
Owlbear – Canadian Debut
Artificial Language – Canadian Debut
Voidchaser
Witchkiller

About The Bands:

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This year’s HMF headliner, Sanctuary, will make their exclusive Canadian appearance unforgettable by performing their acclaimed 1990 album Into the Mirror Black in full.
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Formed in Seattle in 1985, Sanctuary quickly became a major force in the city’s metal scene, driven by the soaring vocals of the late Warrel Dane. Their debut, Refuge Denied (1988), produced by Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), put them on the global metal map, followed by the darker and more refined Into the Mirror Black in 1990. The rise of grunge paused the band’s momentum, leading members to form Nevermore, but Sanctuary reunited in 2011 and returned to major festival stages worldwide.
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They released The Year the Sun Died in 2014 and the archival collection Inception in 2017. After Dane’s passing later that year, the band continued with Joseph Michael on vocals, earning strong support from fans. Today’s lineup features Michael, original members Lenny Rutledge and Dave Budbill, plus bassist George Hernandez, with a second guitarist joining them live.
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Sanctuary will perform special sets of Refuge Denied and Into the Mirror Black at select 2026 festivals and is currently working on a new album, Transmutation. The band is ready to bring fresh music and a powerful new show back to Europe and beyond. See you on the road!

​https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/​

Video – Future Tense – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5NCBaPE3k0​

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Headlining the night two of HMF, Los Angeles’ Edge of Paradise arrives fresh off extensive North American touring with Delain, Xandria, and Japan’s Lovebites. Hyperspace Metal Fest in Vancouver is one of several major headline appearances for the band this year, alongside Fire It Up Festival in California and Rock in Rautheim in Germany, with more dates on the way.
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The band recently released a striking new video for “Martyr (Monster)” from last year’s hit album Prophecy, expanding their immersive sci‑fi universe and showcasing new keyboardist Alex Nasla in his first performance with the group. The video’s second act reimagines the track as an instrumental, further deepening the album’s sonic world.
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Known for their cinematic fusion of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, electronic textures, and vivid storytelling, Edge of Paradise, fronted by vocalist and visual artist Margarita Monet, has toured more than 30 countries and released acclaimed albums including Universe, The Unknown, Hologram, and now Prophecy (Napalm Records, 2025). Widely praised as their most ambitious work yet, Prophecy introduces 8‑string guitars and explores the looming “Singularity,” balancing futuristic themes with Monet’s emotional lyricism and artwork.
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The band’s expanding creative universe also includes a graphic novel series that enriches the albums’ narratives. Lead single “Death Note” has quickly become a fan favorite, accompanied by a visually rich, cinematic video directed by Monet. With their bold artistic vision, relentless touring, and multi‑dimensional storytelling, Edge of Paradise continues to push modern rock forward—inviting fans into a world where music, art, and imagination collide.

​https://www.edgeofparadiseband.com/​

Video – Martyr (Monster) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtHYeuZpXbA​

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Headlining the first night of HMF, Atavistia (HMF Alumni) is a Canadian symphonic melodic death metal band that blends aggressive riffs, cinematic orchestrations, and melancholic atmospheres. The band has built a strong international following, particularly across Europe, through consistent releases and extensive touring alongside established acts. Known for their powerful live performances and polished production, Atavistia continues to push their sound forward while remaining rooted in melodic death metal.

​https://linktr.ee/atavistia​

Video – Eternal Oceans (Reforged) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vthxzis6lzs​

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Voidchaser, a progressive metal band from Montreal and Stockholm, has rapidly gained international attention since 2023, earning praise from major outlets across the Americas and Europe. Their 2024 concept album Solace surpassed 250,000 streams and charted globally, followed by the 2025 EP Trust, which features high‑profile collaborations. In 2025, the band launched their debut international tour, performing at ProgPower Europe, the inaugural ProgStorm Festival, and sharing stages with Threshold, Kingcrow, Vulkan, Nospūn, and more.

​https://www.voidchaser.net/​

Video – Time (feat. Universe Effects) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnxaEiAmBv4​

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Owlbear, forced to cancel their 2025 HMF appearance, is now set on taking the stage in 2026. Formed in 2020 by North American metal veterans Katheryn Scary, Jeff Taft, and Leona Hayward, the band quickly evolved from a remote project into a full live act following the success of their 2023 debut Chaos to the Realm and their 2024 performance at Chicago’s sold‑out Legions of Metal festival. Drawing on classic heavy and speed metal with lyrics inspired by beloved games and fantasy worlds, Owlbear continues to build momentum with their acclaimed sophomore album, Feather & Claw

​https://www.facebook.com/OwlbearMetal​

Lyric Video – Hawkriders Of The Waste – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AXFZ3ZmF5o​

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Artificial Language is a progressive rock/metal band from Fresno, California, known for blending technical precision with a cinematic, emotionally driven sound. Since 2017, they’ve built a reputation for intricate songwriting and immersive arrangements that bridge the intensity of metal with the expansiveness of modern prog. Their evolution continues through ambitious studio work and striking visual storytelling, including their standout “Skinwalker” music video.

​https://www.artificiallanguagemusic.com/​

Video – Skinwalker – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyHudUCLQIM​

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Ophelia Falling, a Vancouver‑based symphonic metal band and HMF alumni, blends soaring vocals with driving power metal, orchestra, and choir, gaining early momentum after Chelsea Rose joined in 2015 and their explosive 2018 debut. With the lineup solidified by bassist Sylvain Maltais and drummer Chris Pallot, the band’s rise included their Savage Love EP, soundtrack placements, and performances at Wacken Battle Canada and Decimate 2.0. Their 2020 debut album, Destroyed in Delight, continues to receive global radio play, and the band is now writing new material as they prepare for their return to the stage.

​https://www.opheliafalling.com/​

Music Video – Destroyed in Delight – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksRUe2mCS5I​

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The Scepter is an Ottawa heavy metal band known for blending classic metal power with a sharp modern edge. Formed by seasoned musicians united by their love of traditional metal, the group has built a reputation for high‑energy performances and commanding, riff‑driven songwriting. With new music underway and momentum growing, The Scepter stands poised as one of Ottawa’s strongest emerging voices in the next wave of heavy metal.

​https://www.facebook.com/thesceptermetal​

Stream – Protector of the Skies – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0xp6VoWEY​

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Inpathos is a melodic death metal band from Bellingham, WA, blending Scandinavian‑inspired riffs with rhythms influenced by the founding Boulos brothers’ Lebanese heritage to create a distinct and dynamic sound. They have released an EP and three LPs, including 2025’s Apparitions, and have performed alongside acts like Be’lakor, Anciients, and Nekrogoblikon at sold‑out Pacific Northwest venues. The current lineup features Patrick Bradford, Alex Mattison, Brendan Brendible, and brothers Adonis and Nabil Reed‑Boulos.

​https://www.inpathosofficial.com/​

Music Video – Radiance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aokQVIH35EU​

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Lycanthro, an Ottawa‑based power metal force and HMF alumni, blends power, thrash, and traditional metal into a bold, cinematic sound inspired by classic horror, mythology, and genre legends like Savatage and W.A.S.P. Their acclaimed 2021 full‑length Mark of the Wolf showcased dynamic storytelling and helped propel them onto stages such as Power Metal Quest Fest and Legions of Metal. Now signed to Psychomanteum Records, the pack is hard at work on their anticipated second album, proving the howl never dies and the hunt never ends.

​https://lycanthrometal.com/​

Video – Far Beyond The Walls – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ImX4EEwjk​

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Witchkiller emerged from Ottawa’s early‑’80s metal underground as one of Canada’s standout heavy metal forces, gaining a cult following with their powerful blend of classic metal and NWOBHM‑inspired intensity. Their 1984 EP Day of the Saxons became a defining release of the era, and after disbanding in 1985, the group reignited in 2012, introducing their legacy to a new generation. Today, Witchkiller remains a celebrated name in traditional metal, their influence continuing to resonate through collectors, die‑hard fans, and the genre’s modern revival.

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064302991214​

“Day of the Saxons” LIVE Headbangers Open Air 2025 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVtxUuhRmk​

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Valley of Despair is an independent metal band from Edmonton blending modern rock, power metal, and thrash, earning national attention when their 2024 debut EP Burn At The Stake hit #1 on college radio and charted on the Earshot National Loud Chart. They toured Western Canada in 2025 with festival stops in Armstrong and Yellowknife and are now preparing their full‑length debut for release in 2026. The band features Cheryl Leia, TJ Buggins, Joel Croft, and Preston Lehoux.

​https://valleyofdespair.ca/​

Video – Burn At The Stake – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJcccWhNpUs​

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Born of “The Blade,” Seattle, WA, Hyperstrike brings action, danger, and excitement back to heavy metal. Feat. members of Xoth, Ghost Ship Octavius. Chop Daddy on Nasty Slap Bass, Brain Lord on Explosive Pipes, Siberian Claw on Ripping Guitar, and Goblin Hammer on epic drums.

​https://www.facebook.com/hyperstrikeband​

Video – Leaving You Again – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuLjvIJyz8w​
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Ravensun is a Vancouver Island-based melodic death metal band. Themes of war and brutality are the main focus of the lyrical content. Blending soaring vocals, driving riffs, and atmospheric soundscapes into a style that bridges modern metal and classic influences. Known for their dynamic live performances and emotionally charged songwriting, the band has quickly become a standout presence in the BC metal scene. With new music in development and a growing regional following, Ravensun continues to expand its sound and carve out its place in Western Canada’s heavy music landscape.

​https://www.facebook.com/ravensunmetal​

Live at Armstrong MetalFest 2024 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxPgSDlXgCs​

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Replacing the originally announced Thorsguard, who unfortunately canceled, Vancouver melodic death metal band Kayas has been asked to join the lineup. Known for blending melodic intensity with modern aggression, creating a sound that bridges classic influences and contemporary edge. Their dynamic live performances and tightly crafted songwriting have quickly earned them a growing presence in the West Coast metal scene. With new music underway and momentum building, Kayas continues to carve out their identity as one of Vancouver’s most promising rising acts.

​https://linktr.ee/kayasofficial​

Music Video – Reflections in the Water – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1VQ07Pej40​

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To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2026, please visit the following links:
​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​