Year: 2026

Canadian Prog CANDOR ZEALOT (ft. ex-members of Annihilator, The Slyde) Make Their Debut w/ Single “Lie For Country”

Canadian (Ottawa, ON) progressive metal newcomers Candor Zealot are set to make their explosive debut with “Lie For Country”, the first in a series of singles to be released throughout 2026. With a sound that fuses the melodic intricacy of Rush and Dream Theater with the raw energy of Megadeth, Billy Talent, and Killswitch Engage, Candor Zealot are poised to deliver a fresh yet nostalgic take on modern progressive rock and heavy metal.
​
Formed by frontman Nate Silva after the disbandment of his previous project, The Slyde, in 2019, Candor Zealot emerged from years of creative exploration, pandemic delays, and solo ventures. Recruiting many of the same musicians from The Slyde, Silva describes the band as a “spiritual successor” to his earlier work, only this time with a sharper name and a renewed focus on honesty and intensity.
​
​“‘Lie For Country’ is our debut single, and we wanted to introduce ourselves with breakneck speed, musical intensity, and a poignant political message. There are influences of Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Billy Talent, and even System of a Down in this track, and it’s a song about being manipulated and politically indoctrinated without thinking critically. We are proud of this track, and we are pumped to release it!” – Nate Silva, Candor Zealot
​
Rather than releasing a traditional full-length album, Candor Zealot will roll out six singles across 2026, each designed to capture attention in today’s fast-paced listening culture. Fans can expect melodic hooks, technical proficiency, and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle both politics and relationships, two universal themes that resonate deeply.
​
​Candor Zealot is comprised of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Canada’s metal scene, including ex-members of Annihilator and The Slyde. Frontman Nate Silva (vocals/guitar), formerly of The Slyde, is an international touring artist and academic researcher on chiptune music. Guitarist Chris Gagnon, based in Ottawa, is a versatile performer active in eight tribute bands covering acts from Queen to Rage Against the Machine. Drummer Dino Soares, a longtime collaborator with Silva since their teenage years, continues to freelance in Kingston’s music scene. On bass, Alberto Campuzano, formerly of Annihilator, also performs with Toronto’s Metallica tribute act Sandman. Collectively, the band brings decades of experience and a proven pedigree, highlighted by Silva, Soares, and Campuzano’s performance at Wacken Open Air in Germany after winning the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada with The Slyde.
​
With “Lie For Country” as their fiery introduction, Candor Zealot plans to release five more singles throughout 2026, followed by additional recordings in 2027.

Listen to “Lie For Country” at the following links:

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/candorzealot/lie-for-country-2​

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f26f_KNVBq0​

​

For more info:

​http://candorzealot.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582854735079​

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

​https://www.tiktok.com/@candorzealot​

Finnish industrial metal pioneers Alfa Pentatonik released a new single

Alfa Pentatonik continues with new songs. Even though it has not been a year since their latest EPs, Gamma I & Gamma II, they are already releasing new music. They will now release a new single called “Sulje silmäsi maailmalta” (Close your eyes from the world), which was created at the end of 2025.

LISTEN to Sulje silmäsi maailmalta: https://push.fm/fl/alfa-pentatonik-sulje

The song is built with a clear vision. JP Immonen (Soulgrind, Walhalla, Aria of Sorrow, Iron Frost) plays the guitars, bass and synths, and is responsible for all the production and composition. Janne Partanen (Hautajaisyö, Verilehto, Paavalin Harhat & Marraskuun Lapset) wrote the lyrics and did the vocals. Sami Lindqvist, who joined the band for Gamma II, plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals. Mika Nikula (Semi) is now joining the band to play the drums.

‘Sulje silmäsi maailmalta’ is guaranteed Alfa Pentatonik. The heavy guitar riffs are brutal and the chorus will make you dance. The song is about modern-day problems. People keep their dopamine levels high and bad news is too easy to skip. Opinions change with trends, and when something makes you feel bad, you can always read an aphorism on your wall.

Alfa Pentatonik 2026:

JP Immonen: bass, guitars, synths, composition & arrangement.

Janne Partanen: vocals, lyrics & arrangement.

Sami Lindqvist: lead guitar & backing vocals.

Mika Nikula: drums.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Alfa.Pentatonik.Official
https://www.instagram.com/alfa_pentatonik
https://alfapentatonik.bandcamp.com

Basque Black Metal Force ASCHEN Signs with Wormholedeath to Unleash Debut Album

Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Aschen, a rising black metal force from the Basque Country, for the worldwide release of their debut full-length album “The Never Ending Search”.

Formed in 2022 by Mikel Telletxea (vocals, guitar, programming), Aschen originally began as a collaboration with bassist Igor Valle. Following the underground success of their self-titled 2023 demo, the lineup evolved with the addition of Atauzz (Korkut, Kurkuma, 2Sonte) on bass.

This partnership solidified the band’s vision, leading them to Atala Studios in Spain (Infest, Willis Drummond) in August 2025 to record their debut full-length. To ensure a world-class sonic assault, the album was mastered by the legendary Toni Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden—the sonic architect behind heavyweights like Dimmu Borgir, Katatonia, and Kreator.

Musically, Aschen offers a harrowing exploration of dynamic tension. While the DNA of black metal remains clear, the band naturally weaves through diverse styles, characterized by constant rhythmic shifts, moving seamlessly from suffocating doom-laden passages to relentless blast beats, devastating riffage, harmonizing raw aggression with haunting, melodic textures and emotional depth, evoking a spectrum of intensity that transcends the typical “grim” tropes of the genre.

Lyrically, Aschen carves its own path. While the band utilizes English, they also pay homage to their heritage by singing in Basque, their ancestral mother tongue.

Breaking away from traditional satanic or pagan themes, the band’s narrative explores the human psyche’s inability to confront its own internal fractures. Their poetry reflects how this individual downfall resonates through a decaying society and a suffering natural world.

aschen1.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/people/Aschen/61556623060502
www.youtube.com/@aschenband

Temptress – hear

Dallas based heavy power trio Temptress skillfully blends diverse subgeneres and influences to produce the groove laden new album entitled “hear”.
“Narrows” is the proper soundtrack for your next party in the middle of the desert as guitars march fiercely borrowing the obscure tones of doom and the raw energy of classic heavy metal to create a massive series of crushing grooves.
“Edge” is an impactful track as the alluring female vocals obviously stand out for the harmonious delivery while the heavy weight of the guitars naturally relies on gritty steady riffage.
The moody grunge essence of “Now Or Never” can certainly entertain you as guitars choose acidic tonalities to fully express a rebellious spirit well supported by the quasi chaotic rhythmic blasts.
Surrounded by a wistful atmosphere “Be Still” holds a bittersweet melodic soul as fragile guitar phrases become entwined with the bold heaviness of the rhythmic section and the catchy chorus.
The instrumental finale “Out Of” embodies the band’s mellow side as it feels like a trippy daydream made of airy melodies flowing gently through a peaceful atmospheric maze.
Full of rocking passion, “hear” demands to be played loud under a hazy sky as Temptress proudly takes another crucial step towards a personal musical evolution.

Marianas Rest – The Bereaved

Finnish melodic death metal band Marianas Rest focuses on the expression of grim emotions to depict a deeply sorrowful sonic realm on the new majestic full length “The Bereaved”.
“Thank You for the Dance” opens the album with arcane chanting but the monolithic rhythmic section swiftly builds powerful dynamics enriched by the perennial nostalgia of the delicate melodic guitar leads.
A sense of desolation constantly emerges from the convoluted melodic territories of “Divided” and a mournful atmosphere surrounds the dreary yet quite groovy rhythmic crescendos.
The elegiac style of “Again into the Night” relies on recurring wistful guitar harmonies complemented by the mellow vocal delivery while an old school melodic death metal flair eventually leads to tormented rhythmic patterns.
On “Burden” the omnipresent epic atmospheric arrangements evoke poignant feelings and the consequent emotive turmoil defines the contrast between soothing melodic waves and harsh passages.
We are staring at the snow falling on the mighty mountains as “Pity The Living” takes us far away with an overdose of frostbitten heart wrenching melodic progressions ultimately evolving into a solemn extensive guitar solo.
Throughout “The Colour of You” crispy guitars shine for the alluring melodic themes and the impeccable leads enhanced by the classic combo of clean choirs and ruthless growls.
Inspired by the icy melancholia of the Baltic sea Marianas Rest tells a profoundly personal tale with an eloquent melodic approach and solid death metal roots.

ZU – Ferrum Sidereum

Italian jazz metal trio ZU proudly refuses to follow the rules, proposing a spiritual narrative and an experimental genre bending composition to create the new album “Ferrum Sidereum”.
The uneasy atmosphere of “Golgotha” takes us to a dystopian dimension as the thrilling combo of baritone saxophone and vitriolic guitars unleashes intricate rhythmic crescendos enhanced by a complex technical prog metal flair.
“Kether” goes through a gradual evolution starting with a laid back rhythmic structure surrounded by airy synth arrangements and eventually invoking a tribal energy to reach the instrumental acme.
“La Donna Vestita Di Sole” is characterized by various sophisticated progressive rock elements adorned by cinematic atmospheric layers while the shapeshifting harsh guitars build a dramatic rhythmic tension.
The minimalist melodies of “Fuoco Saturnio” feel like an enigmatic lullaby while the gritty guitar sound and the vitriolic rhythmic rampage bear the mark of obscure underground metal.
Immersed in a futuristic atmospheric realm “The Celestial Bull and the White Lady” challenges the audience with unexpected tempo & style variations yet somber melodies can smooth out the rough edges of the chaotic rhythmic core.
Through the magic psychedelia of the title track ZU courageously wanders through uncharted musical territories consequently the rhythmic ensemble deliberately shifts from hazy prog dynamics to massive heavier cryptic sections.
You can’t really unfold the musical puzzle embodied by the multi dimensional soundscapes of “Ferrum Sidereum” where ZU successfully elaborate a mystifying instrumental approach free of any boundaries.

ANTHEA Unveils First Single “Phantom In The Masquerade” From New Album “Beyond The Dawn” Out On April

“Phantom in the Masquerade” is the first single taken from Anthea’s upcoming third full-length album, “Beyond The Dawn,” and serves as an introduction to the band’s most ambitious and theatrical chapter to date. The song explores the feeling of being invisible while surrounded by others, translating emotional isolation into a powerful and evocative musical narrative.

Commenting on the track, the band states:
​
“‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ is one of the most theatrical songs we’ve written. We wanted it to feel both catchy and haunting, with lyrics that capture the experience of being surrounded by people yet completely unseen. It sets the stage for the dramatic direction we’ve been embracing, both musically and visually.”

Musically, the single highlights Anthea’s evolved sound, blending symphonic metal foundations with strong melodic hooks, driving guitar work, and layered orchestrations. The balance between immediacy and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of “Beyond The Dawn“, an album conceived as a dynamic journey where each song offers a distinct mood while remaining part of a cohesive whole.

Expanding on the vision behind the album, the band adds:
​
“This record pushed us to explore every corner of our sound – from fast and heavy tracks to more emotional and melodic moments. ‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ introduces that range and gives listeners a clear sense of the dramatic and expressive path the album follows.”

An official music video accompanies the release, transforming the song’s themes into a symbolic visual narrative centered on identity, isolation, and transformation. Set within a masquerade ball, the video reinforces Anthea’s strong theatrical aesthetic, a defining element of both their music and live performances.

“Phantom in the Masquerade” marks the opening step toward “Beyond The Dawn“, an album shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty, and renewal, representing a significant evolution in Anthea’s songwriting and artistic vision.

For fans of: Dynazty, Kamelot, Powerwolf

DIGITAL SINGLE: https://lnk.to/sIZl8W​
​
“Phantom In The Masquerade” Official Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMxhW6gWY3g​
​
New album “Beyond The Dawn” out April 17th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “Beyond The Dawn“: https://rockshots.eu/products/anthea-beyond-the-dawn​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Beyond The Dawn – 4:13
2. Phantom in the Masquerade – 3:32
3. The Lost Soul – 3:44
4. Awakening (Song for Spring) – 4:16
5. Bygone Age (Chicxulub) – 4:03
6. From Shadows to Light – 4:40
7. Crystal Moon – 4:11
8. Wanderer’s Quell – 3:53
9. Whispers of the Heart – 4:46
10. Duality of Gaia – 4:12
11. Burnin’ in the Third Degree (Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover) – 3:38
Album Length: 45:08
​
​Anthea Line-Up:​
Diego Valadez: Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Juan Pina: Rhythm Guitars, Harsh Vocals
Marcos Mejia: Lead Guitars
Gabby Hawk: Bass
Peter Vasquez: Drums
​
The Sirens (Backing Vocals)
Mel Del Real: Backing Vocals
Astrid Anaya: Backing Vocals

Anthea is a symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, California, known for their distinctive theatrical approach and dynamic blend of symphonic, melodic, and progressive metal elements. Founded in 2015 by vocalist and keyboardist Diego Valadez, Anthea emerged from a desire to explore a more expressive and cinematic musical language combining powerful metal foundations with strong melodic sensibilities and dramatic atmospheres.
​
What began as a side project quickly evolved into a full-fledged band when Valadez joined forces with longtime collaborators from the local metal scene. Drawing from diverse influences ranging from symphonic metal and melodic death metal to musical theater and film scores, Anthea developed a sound that balances intensity and emotion, heaviness and accessibility, always placing storytelling at the core of their identity.
​
The band made their live debut at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood and steadily gained recognition for their live performances and strong visual aesthetic. Their debut album “Illusion” (2020) received widespread critical acclaim, followed by “Tales Untold” (2022), which further solidified their reputation within the international symphonic metal scene through glowing reviews and extensive media coverage.
​
In recent years, Anthea has continued to refine and expand their artistic vision. The introduction of backing vocalists known as The Sirens added rich harmonic layers and reinforced the band’s theatrical dimension, both in the studio and on stage. This evolution culminates in their upcoming third studio album, “Beyond The Dawn”, their most ambitious release to date, showcasing a broader dynamic range, heavier arrangements, and a more pronounced dramatic identity.
​
With “Beyond The Dawn”, Anthea presents a mature and confident chapter in their journey, offering a cohesive yet varied listening experience shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty, and renewal. Blending compelling melodies, powerful orchestration, and expressive songwriting, the band continues to establish itself as a distinctive voice within modern symphonic metal.

More info:​
​https://rockshots.eu​
​https://www.facebook.com/antheametal​
​https://www.instagram.com/antheametal​

SIEGE PERILOUS Unveils First Single “As the Dragon Falls” ft. Fabio Lione From the Concept Album “Becoming the Dragon” Out on March

Colorado power metal storytellers Siege Perilous ignite the next chapter of their musical saga with the release of their first single and music video, “As the Dragon Falls”, featuring legendary vocalist Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra). The track serves as the first glimpse into the band’s sweeping debut concept album, “Becoming the Dragon,” out March 27, 2026.
​
Forged from the camaraderie of live‑action roleplay and a shared love of epic storytelling, Siege Perilous has built a reputation for crafting cinematic, narrative‑driven metal that blends myth, history, and high‑fantasy adventure. Their upcoming full‑length album marks the culmination of years of collaborative writing, world‑building, and musical evolution.
​
​“As the Dragon Falls” is more than a single; it’s a milestone for the band, especially for vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, who has been a devoted Rhapsody fan since his teens.

“As the Dragon Falls represents a true heavy metal dream come true for all of us, but especially for Shaughnessy. Working with Fabio far exceeded anything we could have hoped for. His classic soaring vocals combined with Shaughnessy’s lower register create a really unique and cool power metal sound,” adds the band.
​
The song’s narrative twist, where slaying the dragon becomes a metaphor for the double‑edged nature of achieving one’s goals, adds a bittersweet emotional core to the track. Lione himself was drawn to the story and, according to the band, “really gave it his all.”
​
Musically, the single fuses Siege Perilous’ signature melodic power with the symphonic grandeur of classic Rhapsody, delivering a heroic anthem that darkens into something far more ominous by its final moments.

Watch and listen to the music video for “As the Dragon Falls” featuring Fabio Lione via its premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

Add to your Spotify Playlist – pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/siegeperilous/as-the-dragon-falls-feat-fabio-lione​

“Becoming the Dragon” is a ten‑part epic chronicling the rise, fall, and metamorphosis of the “Child of Prophecy,” a hero who must confront fate, tragedy, and ultimately his own transformation into the titular dragon. The album features guest performances from both Fabio Lione and powerhouse vocalist Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance), who also serves as McDaniel’s vocal mentor.
​
​“Creating a massive, sweeping power metal epic has been a dream since before we even formed this band. This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams as musicians,” says the band.

The record showcases the band’s evolution since their earlier EPs, with more complex arrangements, expanded vocal range, and orchestration that heightens the album’s cinematic scope. Each track stands alone as a powerful metal anthem, yet together they form a cohesive narrative journey.

Their writing process is uniquely collaborative; every member contributes to the story and the music, resulting in songs that carry the DNA of the entire band. This approach, while unconventional, has become one of their greatest strengths.

Recommended for fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden, “Becoming the Dragon” is due out on March 27, 2026 and available for pre-order / pre-save at the following link:

​https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal​

FOR MY DEMONS Celebrate Release of “Tristesse” Concept Album (Dedicated to Van Gogh) with Video Single ‘The Other Side Of Heaven’

“Tristesse”, the new concept album by Italian progressive dark metal act FOR MY DEMONS, is out now with the single “The Other Side Of Heaven”, a powerful tribute to Vincent van Gogh, now available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.

Tristesse is a profound and evocative concept album inspired by the life and emotional universe of Vincent van Gogh. Through seven immersive tracks, the band translates the torment, beauty, and sensitivity of the legendary painter into a unique sonic experience. Blending melancholy, power and complexity, Tristesse is a cohesive work where each song reflects a chapter in a broader narrative, echoing van Gogh’s search for meaning and redemption through art.

Released together with the single “The Other Side Of Heaven”, the album paints a poignant soundscape between heaven and hell, suffering and transcendence. A must-listen for fans of Katatonia, Soen, and Dream Theater.
 

Also watch their earlier videos:
‘9 Weeks’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxHt3XEkuVo
‘Shades Of Past’: https://youtu.be/MnAG3p1aT90

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.formydemons.com

Rockshots Records Signs Embrace Of Souls For New Concept Album “The Battle Of The Dead”

Rockshots Records is proud to announce its signing of Embrace Of Souls for the release of their new concept album “The Battle Of The Dead,” due out in 2026.

Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls has forged a solid identity within the Italian power metal scene by blending classic ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal foundations with epic and symphonic influences. After the releases of “The Number Of Destiny” and “Forever Part Of Me”, the band reached a natural turning point, choosing to move forward with renewed focus, strengthened artistic vision, and fresh creative energy.

This new chapter is also marked by an updated line-up compared to previous albums. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in earlier recordings, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist, joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. Their combined vocal approach broadens the band’s expressive range, reinforcing the balance between driving power metal intensity and refined symphonic elegance that defines Embrace Of Souls’ current sound.

The journey continues with “Desolate Lands”, the upcoming single taken from the new concept album “The Battle Of The Dead“.

Pre-save “Desolate Lands”: https://lnk.to/7wfF6l​

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish.

BIOGRAPHY:

Embrace Of Souls is an Italian power metal band founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, conceived with the aim of bringing together talented musicians around a shared vision rooted in collaboration, brotherhood, and a deep passion for classic metal. Initially born as a studio project, the band took shape with the release of their debut album “The Number Of Destiny” in 2021, receiving positive feedback on an international level and notable acclaim in Japan.

Drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal, as well as the epic and symphonic metal of the early 2000s, Embrace Of Souls developed a sound characterized by powerful riffs, epic atmospheres, and strong melodic sensibility. Over time, the project evolved into a full live band, allowing the group to further consolidate its artistic identity and deepen its expressive range.

In 2024, Embrace Of Souls returned with their second full-length album, “Forever Part Of Me,” marking a significant step forward in terms of maturity and songwriting. This phase also introduced important changes within the line-up, bringing renewed energy and a broader musical perspective to the band’s sound.

A key element of this evolution is the current vocal pairing. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in previous releases, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist while Martina Mazzeo, an accomplished soprano vocalist, adds a symphonic and operatic dimension to the band’s music. Together, their voices embody the duality that defines Embrace Of Souls: light and darkness, power and elegance, intensity and emotion.

Having shared the stage with renowned acts such as Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody Of Fire, Embrace Of Souls continue to refine their identity while looking toward the future. The band is now working on new material, further developing their epic and narrative-driven approach with the goal of solidifying their presence on the international power metal scene.

More info: ​
​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

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

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