Year: 2026

Whispered returns after years of silence – New single Ikikaere released today

The legendary Finnish melodic death metal act Whispered makes a long-awaited return with their epic new single ‘Ikikaere’! Fast, fierce, and rich with sweeping orchestrations and the Japanese folk influences the band is known for, the track marks a powerful comeback setting the tone for their upcoming fourth album.

Earlier this year, Whispered also joined forces with Spinefarm Records founder Riku Pääkkönen’s new label Ranka Kustannus (Blind Channel, Cyan Kicks, Kalmah) for the release of their fourth album, set to arrive this fall. Ikikaere, released today, is the band’s first new material since their 2016 album Metsutan. It’s also been ten years since Whispered and Ranka last crossed paths.

”Ranka was interested in Whispered back in 2016 when the band released their previous album. At that time, things didn’t move anywhere, but when the band contacted us about a new album, it didn’t take long to make the decision. It’s a great honor to be able to release the next album from this unique and ambitious band.” says Riku Pääkkönen.

This time around, the collaboration came together effortlessly, driven by a shared enthusiasm from the start.

”Things have felt right with Ranka from the very first meeting. Despite such a long creative break, they immediately believed in what we’re doing and gave us the opportunity to take on and complete our most ambitious and biggest project to date, Whispered’s fourth album.”

The band comments and adds about the single:

”’Ikikaere’ is the first single from the upcoming record, and it only reveals a fraction of what’s to come. Our fastest track so far delivers an intense sense of rebirth, just as the name suggests, along with a massive atmosphere.”

The visually striking music video for the track, directed by the band’s driving force Jouni Valjakka, can be watch here.

With the new release, Whispered will also return to the live stage. The band will perform throughout the year both in Finland and internationally. The run begins on May 9 at On The Rocks in Helsinki, followed by a European tour in late May and a series of summer festival appearances.

Already announced shows are:

09.05.2026 – On The Rocks, Helsinki

European tour:

23.05.2026 – Stellwerk, Hamburg
24.05.2026 – Stengade, Copenhagen
25.05.2026 – Helvete, Oberhausen
26.05.2026 – Musigburg, Aarburg
28.05.2026 – Club DVG, Kortrijk
29.05.2026 – Hellraiser, Leipzig
30.05.2026 – Subzero, Prague
31.05.2026 – Club Gwarek, Krakow

10.07.2026 – Dark River Festival, Kotka
15.08.2026 – Saarihelvetti, Tampere

“Orders to all warriors: stream the new track relentlessly and march to the shows in full force to witness the return of the shogunate. Ikikaere! – Whispered

Lineup:
Jouni Valjakka – Vocals, Guitar
Mikko Mattila – Guitar
Olli Paajanen – Bass
Filip Gäddnäs – Drums

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Whispered’s music represents True Finnish Samurai Metal – melodic death metal that blends influences from Japanese traditions with epic orchestration. The band was founded by Jouni Valjakka in 2004 out of a love for metal music and Japan, giving birth to Whispered.
Their debut album Thousand Swords (2010) introduced this distinctive fusion to the metal scene. A darker and more mature continuation followed with their second album Shogunate Macabre (2014), and their third full-length Metsutan – Songs of the Void (2016) elevated the band’s multi-layered vision to a new level.
Whispered’s music and visual identity have earned the band widespread international recognition for its cross-cultural approach to heavy music. The band has toured in Finland, across Europe, and in Japan, building a strong live reputation and a loyal fanbase. After several years on hiatus, their long-awaited next album will be released this year.

Melodic dark metal band SOULFALLEN from Finland releases the second single from their upcoming fourth album

Finland’s melodic dark metal masters SOULFALLEN return with a second single from their long-awaited upcoming fourth album, set to be released later this year. ’Flesh Unearthed’ is the shortest track of the album, representing its faster and more aggressive side.

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

”Flesh Unearthed, or FU for short, was one of the first songs we composed for the new album. It is blasting assault that grips its listener from start to finish with its tight riffs and haunting melodies. We can’t wait to unleash this beast live,” accounts vocalist-frontman Kai Leikola.

Watch the lyric video for the song: 

https://youtu.be/wbh3px-FaXM

Next live dates:

3.4.2026 Hatefeast Metal Festival, Kuopio, Finland

13.6.2026 Hard Rock Korppi, Laukaa, Finland

SOULFALLEN is:

Kai Leikola – vocals

Aapeli Kivimäki – guitars

Jari Kinnunen – guitars

Teemu Vähäkangas – bass

Aaro Lappalainen – drums

Discography:

World Expiration (2007)

Grave New World (2009)

The Promise of Hell (2012)

https://www.soulfallen.com/

https://www.facebook.com/soulfallenofficial

https://www.instagram.com/soulfallen_official/

New electronic heavy goth rock duo ORDER takes listeners into a dark yet beautiful future – ‘Terminal Phase’ debut single and video out now

A new act quietly in the making, ORDER – combining futuristic electronic elements with the darkness of heavy goth rock – releases its debut single today. ‘Terminal Phase’ was first refined together with Lauri Hämäläinen, known for his work with Poets of the Fall. The final polish was done by Stefan Brown at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Alongside this team, the duo is also working on new material with Jaani Peuhu, known for his work behind the scenes with Swallow the Sun and Lord of the Lost.

“’Terminal Phase’ dives into a situation that is, to some extent, familiar to all of us, set within the shadows of ORDER’s dystopia. The track portrays an individual’s pain and decay as they struggle under the grip of addiction and dark thoughts. It captures the moment when the inevitability of the end is understood, yet at the same time accepted,” the band explains.

Operating in a similar sonic landscape as SKYND, HEALTH, Priest, Bad Omens, and Placebo, ORDER is fronted by two familiar figures from the Finnish metal scene, who remain hidden behind pseudonyms.

“ORDER is about something bigger than our personalities or egos,” S.P. and D.V. state.

ORDER will bring strong cyberpunk visual elements to its future live shows and plans to release more music during this year. The band’s dark yet visually striking world can now also be experienced through the Terminal Phase music video, available here.

weareorder.net

Neocracy releases new single “Guilt”

German band Neocracy released new single “Guilt”. The song addresses the consequences and impact of wars and global conflicts on the people and soldiers of every side, who are always the ones who suffer, while the perpetrators usually operate far from the action. The song’s message is especially dedicated to those who return from the battlefield but never truly feel at home. Unfortunately, these issues are more relevant than ever.

In the summer of 2020 Volker Pannek, Tim Pannek (father and son) and Franziska Stolze decided to record some songs just for themselves to pass the time of the pandemic in a meaningful way.
The three are connected through various band projects and have a lot of live experience.
Their goal was to create well structured songs with a high recognition value and to maintain the organic sound of the instruments.
A name for this project was found fast. NEOCRACY, a wordplay for new democracy.
NEOCRACY was a former project of Volker which has released two albums a few years earlier.

“The drummer for our album was the former drummer of the original band.
In the first place the songs were just written for ourselves because in the current times there should be no illusions about gaining fame or an income in the music business. But in the studio something wonderful happened. Everyone of the three musicians has put so much heart and personal emotions into the songs that they maybe should be presented to a larger audience. Either way we think that music only works through emotions and personal experiences.” Says the band.

Line-Up:
Volker Pannek – Guitar
Franziska Stolze – Vocals
Tim Pannek – Bass, Vocal

Linktree

Instrumental Prog-Metal Quartet PHAETON Announces “The Cosmic Dissonance Tour” Across British Columbia in Support of New Album “Neurogenesis”

British Columbia’s all‑instrumental progressive metal force PHAETON is gearing up to hit the road for their 2026 Canadian West Coast “The Cosmic Dissonance Tour,” supporting their latest third full‑length album, “Neurogenesis,” released this past October 2025. The tour marks the band’s first extended run across the province of British Columbia since the release of their 2020 sophomore album “Between Two Worlds.” It promises a blistering showcase of their evolving, hyper‑melodic, and technically ferocious sound.
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Formed in 2017 in the mountain city of Kimberley, BC, Phaeton, Kevin Thiessen (guitars, keyboards), Daniel Airth (guitars), Ferdy Belland (bass), and Colin Righton (drums) have carved out a unique place in Canada’s metal landscape. Their fusion of neoclassical melodicism, crushing riff architecture, and cosmic prog-metal atmospherics has earned them a growing international following and stages alongside Beyond Creation, Anciients, and Bison.
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​“We’re beyond stoked to finally pull off a tour like this. We impress many people through our recordings, but live it’s a souped‑up, heavy‑hitting experience that gets in your face right before it’s melted down to the skull. We’re playing selections from all three of our albums and bringing our A‑Game. This won’t be the last time we rock across British Columbia, but we plan to make this first stint something special for everybody to remember,” says bassist Ferdy Belland.

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Phaeton 2026 Canadian West Coast Tour:​
April 4 – Cranbrook, BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ The Honeymans, Brotherhood of Lost Souls, and Garuda (Ferdy’s 55th Birthday Party) – info​
April 8 – Kamloops, BC – Blue Grotto Nightclub w/ Tortion – info​
April 9 – Kelowna, BC – Dunnenzie’s Downtown w/ Tortion – info​
April 10 – Vancouver, BC – Cobalt w/ Vaegon, Quasicosm, No Faith in Fortune (Hyperspace Metal Festival VII Pre-Party) – info​
April 11 – Mission, BC – Captain’s Cabin Pub w/ Anthem (Rush tribute), The Bifurcated – info​
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Following their acclaimed releases, self-titled (2018) and “Between Two Worlds” (2020), the band’s new and third album, “Neurogenesis,” sharpens their signature sound into something more concise, more dynamic, and more thematically unified. Inspired by concepts surrounding the technological singularity, cybernetic evolution, and the future of human identity, the album blends jazz‑fusion sensibilities with prog‑metal precision, djent‑infused heaviness, and neo‑classical melodic architecture.
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Tracks such as “Tethys Rising,” “Isochron,” “Synesthesia,” “Arachnid,” and the expansive title track “Neurogenesis” explore everything from cosmic awe to psychological phenomena to dystopian futurism, without a single lyric. Phaeton’s instrumental approach allows listeners to project their own narratives, guided only by the band’s kaleidoscopic riffs, soaring leads, and tectonic rhythmic shifts.
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Named after the mythical proto‑planet believed to have collided with primordial Earth, Phaeton channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted instrumental soundscapes. Their music draws from Dream Theater, Rush, Devin Townsend, Meshuggah, Mastodon, Gojira, and the jazz‑fusion giants of the 1970s, while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in technical virtuosity and interstellar imagination.
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The band’s writing process is a fluid, collaborative effort, with each member contributing compositions and refining arrangements as a unit. Their live performances are heavier, crunchier, and more visceral than their polished studio recordings, an unexpected duality that has become a hallmark of their reputation.

“Neurogenesis” (released Oct 24th, 2025) is available now on digital platforms via INB Music. Vinyl editions arrive later this year.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV​

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

Previous Singles:

Band Playthrough – Augmented – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy28HaTZjvY​

Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxyU0U-vSOc​

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri8wXGYJcJg​

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Track Listing:​
1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
2. Discontinuum (6:37)
3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
4. Synethesia (6:24)
5. Arachnid (4:48)
6. Augmented (4:37)
7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
Album Length: 39:19

Band Lineup:​
– Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
– Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
– Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
– Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial​

Fun facts about the band:

Bassist Ferdy Belland owns nearly 8,000 vinyl records, collects Bronze Age comics and militaria, and has a long career as a respected music journalist.
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Drummer Colin Righton is an exceptional chef and tennis fanatic, known as the “Gordon Ramsay of prog‑metal.”
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Guitarist Daniel “Danimal” Airth is the quietest member of the band despite his ferocious riff output.
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Guitarist/keyboardist Kevin Thiessen is one of BC’s top recording engineers and a die‑hard Back to the Future fan.

Blood Red Delusion Unleash Third Album “Bloodlust Awakening” – New Video Single “Now I Am” Out Now

Finnish melodic death metal act Blood Red Delusion return with full force as their third studio album, “Bloodlust Awakening”, was released March 13th. Following two previous full-length albums and over one hundred live shows, the band has evolved into a more uncompromising and focused force. The uncompromising and hard-hitting record showcases the band at their most intense yet, combining relentless aggression with sharpened songwriting and dynamic execution. Their melodic death metal is now heavier and tighter than ever, packed with aggression and explosive energy.

“Bloodlust Awakening” has been met with international attention and glowing reviews, praised for its relentless intensity, sharp songwriting, and the band’s ability to fuse crushing aggression with memorable melodic hooks.

Marking the album’s release, the band unveiled the final single “Now I Am” accompanied by a music video. According to vocalist Hannu Mikkola, the track pushes performance to the limit, while guitarist Juuso Laitinen describes it as a quintessential Blood Red Delusion piece:

“It features all the elements you’d expect from us – sheer intensity, dynamic shifts, raw energy, blazing guitar work, and gigantic chorus.”

This balance is also evident in earlier singles such as “A Cavern of Emptiness” which leans into a more atmospheric and melodic side of the band. The track highlights their ability to move beyond sheer force while maintaining their signature intensity.

Another standout cut, “Never Fading Hate” pushes the band’s technical limits even further.

“It’s easily one of the most demanding tracks on the album, both compositionally and technically,” Juuso Laitinen explains. “At times, it pushed me close to my physical limits as a player. We even considered scrapping it at one point but thankfully we didn’t. The result is a track that naturally led to darker, more aggressive lyrical themes and a fitting visual concept.”

Bloodlust Awakening tracklist:
1. To The Past
2. Devastating & Profound
3. Never Fading Hate
4. Now I Am
5. Hollow Queen
6. Wrath Of Hearts
7. Devils InOur Eyes
8. Into The Dirt
9. Conviction In Chaos
10. A Cavern Of Emptiness

Upcoming shows:
17.4 – Musta Wappu, Lappeenranta
10.7 – Dark River Festival
12.8 – Bar Loose, Helsinki (Dying Reverie, Post Pulse)
15.8 – The Van, Kotka (Dying Reverie, Post Pulse)
21–22.8 – Rock Am Sippola

Line-up:
Hannu Mikkola – vocals
Juuso Laitinen – guitar
Tomi Laitinen – guitar
Patrick Hakamäki – bass, drums

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Bloodred Hourglass, Pridian & Deathropy live at Korjaamo, Helsinki (Finland) 28.3.2026

Bloodred Hourglass brought their acclaimed We Should Be Buried Like This tour to Helsinki last Saturday, March 28th, delivering a powerful night of modern metal at Korjaamo. The evening featured two energetic opening acts: Finnish melodic death metal Deathropy and Estonian metalcore Pridian.

Deathropy, though only a few years into their career, performed with the confidence and precision of a seasoned band. Their collective live experience showed in a tight, high energy set that immediately pulled the audience in. Their melodic yet aggressive sound set the tone for the night, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic headbanging from the first riffs onward.

Pridian followed with a darker, heavier atmosphere. The Tallinn‑based quartet has carved out a distinctive identity built on crushing grooves, commanding vocals, and cinematic melodies layered with electronic textures. With their debut album Venetian Dark strengthening their international presence, the band proved they are just as compelling on stage as on record. Their performance set the room ablaze, sparking incessant circle pits.

The night culminated with Bloodred Hourglass, one of Finland’s most respected modern metal bands. Following the release of their latest album We Should Be Buried Like This on October 3, 2025, the band is touring select Finnish cities throughout spring 2026. Their Helsinki show blended fresh material from the new album with fan‑favorite tracks from earlier releases. The result was a dynamic and impactful performance that had people jumping, shaking heads, forming circle pits, and even creating “trains” throughout the venue.

From start to finish, the evening showcased the strength and diversity of the Nordic metal scene. It was a night where the music’s intensity and warmth resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, leaving fans with the kind of shared experience that lingers long after the final note.

Here is the photo reportage that Cristina Gregori put together.

Maneaters Interview

Pure energy, emotional depth, and a strong sense of identity: these are the elements that define the Maneaters, the all-female rock band revolutionizing the Italian alternative scene. Blending the grit of ’90s heavy rock with punk attitude and contemporary metal sounds, the quartet has created a sound that feels both instinctive and deeply personal.
With their latest EP, Crave, released last December, the Maneaters delve deeply into themes of desire, loss, and internal conflict, delivering songs that pulse with vulnerability and strength in equal measure. As they prepare to take their music on tour and expand beyond Italy, the band sat down with us to discuss their creative process, their influences, and what it means to navigate the world of rock as an all-female band today.

Hi girls, how are you doing?
We’re doing great, thank you! Super excited about everything that’s happening lately.

Would you mind introducing yourself and giving us some biographical hints?
We are Maneaters, an all-female rock band based in Italy. We started playing together out of a shared need to create something honest and intense, blending different influences into a sound that feels both raw and emotional. Each of us comes from slightly different musical backgrounds, which is something that really shapes our identity as a band.

Your EP “Crave” was released last December, what can you tell about its genesis and recording process?
“Crave” was born during a very intense period for all of us, both personally and creatively. Most of the songs came together quite organically, starting from riffs or emotional ideas that we developed as a band.
The recording process was very immersive—we wanted to keep the energy as real and alive as possible, so we focused on capturing the feeling of playing together rather than over-polishing everything.

What are the main themes of the songs on your latest EP?
The EP revolves around desire, loss, emotional conflict, and identity. There’s a constant tension between vulnerability and strength. We explore what it means to feel deeply, to crave connection, and to deal with absence and inner chaos.
Do you have a favorite song from this EP?
It is hard to choose, because each song represents a different part of us. But if we had to pick one, we would say “Spaces”—it is probably the most emotional track on the EP and it really captures the core of what we wanted to express.
Your influences come from alternative rock and 90s heavy rock, punk attitudes, and the sounds of contemporary metal, but which artists or bands have influenced you the most?
We have been influenced by a wide range of artists, all different because we listen to different kind of music.
But we can say that all comes from bands like : Soundgarden, Pantera a Little bit of Kyuss and why not, Nina Simone too
It is really a mix of rawness, emotional depth, and sonic experimentation.
Beside music, what are your main hobbies?
We are all quite different—some of us are into visual arts, make up and photography, tailoring other reading and writing. Sure we all love drinking and touring around. But everything we do somehow feeds back into the band creatively.
What is it like being an all-female rock band in Italy these days? Do you find any disparities compared to bands made up of men?
Things are changing, but there are still some stereotypes and biases. Sometimes you feel like you have to prove yourself a bit more.

At the same time, being an all-female band is a strong part of our identity—we don’t see it as a limitation, but as something powerful that we fully embrace.

You have some show coming up, which of these are you most looking forward to?
Honestly, every show is special to us. But we’re especially excited about the upcoming tour we are about to gig in central Italy where we’ll be presenting the EP live—there is something unique about sharing these songs face to face with people.
Any chance to see you outside of Italy?
We really hope so! Expanding outside Italy is definitely one of our goals, and we are working towards making it happen as soon as possible.
We are at the end of this interview, thank you for your time! Would you like to say something to our readers?
Thank you for listening and supporting independent music. If you connect with what we do, come see us live—it’s where everything truly comes alive.

Vanden Plas return with acoustic album “AcCult II” out on June 12

German progressive metal pioneers Vanden Plas are back with “AcCult II”, a new acoustic album set for release on June 12, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

To coincide with the announcement, the single “Far Off Grace”, along with an official video, are available now.

Andy Kuntz commented: “The single “Far Off Grace” exemplifies the unpretentious, pure, and at the same time artistic, multifaceted acoustic expression of all the songs on “AcCult II”. They say you can recognize a good song when it works even in a stripped-down version. Compared to the studio version first released in 1999, however, this interpretation opens up on top many new avenues of understanding”. 

“It allows the song’s once bombastic beauty to blossom in the virtuosic interplay between Stephan Lill’s exquisite guitar work, Alessandro Del Vecchio’s shimmering grand piano, and Kuntz’s vocals, ranging from sensitive to ecstatic – only to then be driven, by the unbridled power of an exceptional band with Andreas Lill on drums and Torsten Reichert on bass, to a hypnotically intensifying, furiously breathtaking finale”, he added. “This is far more than an acoustic version of a song; it is the ultimate reinvention of a classic in its own light.”

Watch the official video for “Far Off Grace” HERE

Pre-Order “AcCult II” HERE

“AcCult II” is the highly anticipated acoustic sequel to Vanden Plas’ 1996 landmark album “AcCult”.

Stephan Lill explained how the album came to life: “When we released our first acoustic CD, “AcCult”, in 1996, it was special to us in many ways. For this release, we arranged songs from our debut album, “Colour Temple”, into new acoustic versions. And we did the same with songs by other artists or bands that didn’t necessarily fit our usual musical style. Ever since that release, we’d always had it in the back of our minds to produce another acoustic CD at some point. But then came tours, more regular CDs, many theatre productions we were involved in, and time flew by…”

“When Frontiers approached us with the idea of another acoustic CD, we knew that we had the time needed for it, and with the right songs, it could work. And we can now say, it worked out. We sticked with the concept of the first “AcCult” CD, and so “AcCult II” once again features acoustic versions of Vanden Plas songs, as well as two cover songs: “Nothing Else Matters” (Metallica) and “Boat on the River” (Styx)”, he continued. “We are more than happy that, exactly 30 years later, we can write the next “AcCult” chapter. And all Vanden Plas fans can look forward to a truly extraordinary release.”

Building on the innovative concept that first reimagined tracks from their debut “Colour Temple” in a stripped-down, unplugged setting, this new release revisits select songs from their extensive catalog with fresh acoustic arrangements, offering fans a completely new perspective on the band’s music.

In addition to reworked originals like “Far Off Grace”, “Holes In The Sky”, “The Ghost Xperiment”, and “You Fly”, “AcCult II” features inspired interpretations of classic songs by other artists, including Styx’s “Boat On The River” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”, blending reverence for the originals with Vanden Plas’ signature emotional depth and musical sophistication.

Notably, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album’s closing track, “You Fly”, adding a unique, melodic touch to the album’s finale.

The album showcases the band’s current lineup – Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards) – whose synergy brings a nuanced warmth to each track.

With “AcCult II”, Vanden Plas demonstrates that their progressive sensibilities translate seamlessly into intimate, acoustic settings, creating a compelling experience that resonates both with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

“AcCult II” Tracklist:

1.    Far Off Grace
2.    Holes In The Sky
3.    The Ghost Experiment
4.    Boat On The River
5.    Healing Tree
6.    Postcard To God
7.    Nothing Else Matters
8.    You Fly (Ft. John Helliwell)

Line Up:
Andy Kuntz -vocals
Stephan Lill – guitars
Andreas Lill – drums
Torsten Reichert – bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards

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Canada’s Raunchiest Rock n’ Roll Carnivores SONS OF BUTCHER Release New EP “Skids” + Video ‘Denim Dreamin'”

After a decade‑long hiatus, the band behind Teletoon’s cult animated series is officially back in the butcher shop with their most polished, unhinged, and radio‑ready material to date. Canada’s raunchiest rock‑and‑roll carnivores, Sons of Butcher, have unleashed “Skids, a brand‑new four‑song EP and their first batch of fresh cuts since 2020. Released on March 27th, the EP arrives alongside the new music video for “Denim Dreamin’,” the follow‑up to their first single “Makin’ Bacon.”

Known for fusing vulgar absurdist comedy with heavy riffs and chaotic live antics, Sons of Butcher first carved out their legacy as the real‑world extension of their Teletoon animated series, building a cult following through spandex‑clad performances, pepperette‑throwing, and unapologetically ridiculous rock theatre. Forged in the grease‑splattered heart of Hamilton’s mock‑rock scene, “Skids” marks a new chapter, one that slices away from their animated origins and dives headfirst into a raw, unfiltered batch of comedy‑rock anthems.

“This EP marks the first time we’ve written songs that don’t have a direct connection to the cartoon storyline, except for Peppercorn Steak. Instead, this EP is an honest batch of comedy songs from the grease‑clogged hearts of a band of has‑been butchers,” adds frontman Ricky Butcher.
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Produced by longtime collaborator Jordon Zadorozny (Meatlantis, Rise & Fall of the Steaks) at Skylark Park in Pembroke, ON, “Skids” is a loud, unapologetic love letter to skid‑life: cheap meat, denim devotion, and the gritty charm of back‑alley ambition. The EP also features drumming by Kellii Scott of the acclaimed band Failure, a full‑circle moment for Ricky Butcher, who first discovered Zadorozny’s work through Scott’s playing.
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Musically, “Skids” pushes Sons of Butcher into their most radio‑ready territory yet, without losing the filthy heart that made them cult icons. Opening track “Denim Dreamin’” is a surprisingly wholesome, socially acceptable anthem celebrating denim as a lifestyle. Catchy, bouncy, and tailor‑made for anyone who’s ever bought a patch or band tee. “Makin’ Bacon” is a metal‑forward, riff‑heavy ode to the universal love of bacon. Chaotic, catchy, and dangerously addictive. “Steeltown Handy” is a pop‑rock earworm exposing the underbelly of Hamilton’s gritty streets, raunchy, melodic, and impossible to forget. And EP closer, “Peppercorn Steak,” is a return to classic SOB absurdity. Originally featured in an independently created third‑season pilot of the cartoon, now fully realized with soaring vocals and chunky riffage.

The EP’s cover features a live photo from the band’s first show after their ten‑year hiatus, Ricky Butcher and Doug Borski locked in a triumphant rock pose. The image has become symbolic of the band’s rebirth and renewed momentum.
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To celebrate the release of the new EP, SOB‘s newest music video brings “Denim Dreamin’” to life with a tongue‑in‑cheek celebration of denim culture, matching the track’s upbeat swagger and infectious chorus. It follows the success of the EP’s first single, “Makin’ Bacon,” which kicked off the new era of Sons of Butcher with a blast of high‑energy mock‑metal.

“This is the first clean‑cut Sons of Butcher track we have ever written! With a catchy refrain and bouncy riff, the song proudly declares that denim isn’t just a fashion choice, it’s a full‑blown way of life. Anyone who’s ever bought a patch or a band tee will feel this one in their soul,” says Ricky Butcher.
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​Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZNUtzaO8IY​

With “Skids,” the band isn’t just back, they’re carving out a new chapter in their meaty legacy.

Recommended for fans of Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, Psychostick, and Steel Panther, “Skids” is available now as of March 27th, 2026, at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/7M0suHkgLiADLzbMXegRjV​

Bandcamp (CD and Digital) – https://sonsofbutcher.bandcamp.com/album/skids​

Music Video – “Makin’ Bacon” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lnsb7uWp4g​

In additional news, Sons of Butcher are gearing up for a handful of Spring 2026 tour dates, including five shows with Hamilton’s beloved skid‑icon B.A. Johnston.

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Show Dates:​
April 2 – Honey Dip – London, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 3 – L’Hemisphere Gauche – Montreal, QC – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 4 – House of Targ – Ottawa, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 17 – The Corktown – Hamilton, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 18 – Baby G – Toronto, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston

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Track Listing:​
1. Denim Dreamin’ – (3:05)
2. Makin’ Bacon – (2:37)
3. Steeltown Handy – (2:21)
4. Peppercorn Steak – (1:42)

EP Line Up:​
Ricky Butcher – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Kellii Scott – Drums
Jordon Zadorozny – Lead Guitar
Brandon Wars – Lead Guitar

Live Band Line Up:​
Ricky Butcher – Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Crissy Stixx – Drums
Joey Salami – Lead Guitar

More Info:

​https://www.sonsofbutcher.ca/​

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

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