Year: 2026

The rising force of metalcore Beyond Awareness to release their debut album ’Reflections’ on May 8 – Cyan Kicks featured on single ’TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’

The Finnish four-piece melodic metalcore group and Beyond Awareness will release their highly anticipated 10-track debut album ’Reflections’ on May 8. The band, known for their sharp songwriting, high-impact choruses and a polished sonic identity has been working on the album relentlessly the past couple of years and is very excited to finally release their debut.

”This album has been in the works and eagerly awaited for some years now, so we are incredibly excited to finally release this emotional outpouring. Creating the record has been a valuable journey, during which we have grown both as a band and as musicians. Musically, the album blends modern metalcore, occasionally experimental electronic production, and raw metal into one tight and cohesive whole. In particular, the way the music supports the message and emotional weight of each song feels truly unique. We’re really looking forward to the response it will receive!”

While waiting for the album, the band offers their fans one more taste: The new single ’TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is a collaborative single featuring Cyan Kicks merging together Beyond Awareness’ metallic edge and Cyan Kicks’ sleek alternative pop-rock sensibility.

”The song was called hyperpop at an early stage, as it’s a modern, fast-paced, and high-octane piece as a whole. The sound blends Beyond Awareness’ recognizable songwriting style with a more pop-driven approach, further amplified by the Cyan Kicks feature. The lyrics focus directly on emotions: restlessness, insecurity, and inner pressure, but also on perseverance and the will to fight. A fun coincidence is that the title and one particular word directly reveal a Bring Me The Horizon influence, even though the track ultimately found its final form entirely on its own terms, shaped by many other influences as well. ‘TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is our most pop-oriented release to date, while still keeping us firmly rooted in our own identity.”

 

Beyond Awareness will also hit the live stage with force this spring, starting from the band’s home country Finland. They are kicking things off at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland, on May 7, when the band will perform as the opening act for Hokka, the new band of Joel Hokka, known from Blind Channel.

Already announced shows in Finland are:
May 7 – Helsinki, Tavastia (w/ Hokka)
May 8 – Kotka, The Van
May 9 – Tampere, Olympia (album release show w/ LASTOUT)
May 13 – Kouvola, House of Rock
May 14 – Kuopio, Sawohouse Underground
May 22 – Turku, Apollo

BEYOND AWARENESS

Enigmatic Atmospheric Black Metal Project Zornhau Unveils “I” Visualizer

Atmospheric black metal project Zornhau has released the visualizer for “I,” the opening track of their forthcoming self-titled album. The track serves as a first step into a descent into darkness and inner fire, introducing listeners to a world of intensity and ritualistic atmosphere.

Rather than following a traditional narrative, Zornhau emphasizes immersion and transformation. The music unfolds as a continuous rite, demanding endurance, presence, and full engagement from the listener. “I” establishes the tone for the album’s journey, a voyage into shadow and introspection, where every note and texture draws the audience deeper into its ritualistic soundscape.

Video by: Volume Agency

zornhau1.bandcamp.com/album/zornhau
www.youtube.com/@Zornhau-o4b

Japanese Extreme Prog Metal Powerhouse BEYOND THE VEIL Signs With Wormholedeath

Wormholedeath proudly welcomes Tokyo-based progressive extreme metal band Beyond The Veil to its roster. The international lineup, featuring members from Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, has signed with the label for the release of their upcoming album “Oblivion.”

Formed in 2020 by DB Karma, Yoshihiro Yamaji, and Eric Fetterman, Beyond The Veil quickly established a distinctive identity within the extreme metal landscape. Keisuke Tsuboi joined the band in 2021 on bass and drums, and Dave Griffiths completed the current lineup on bass in 2025.

Their sound merges thrash, death metal, black metal, and blackgaze with elements of progressive rock, jazz, folk, and classical music. The result is music that moves between crushing intensity and reflective, melodic passages. Most compositions come from lead guitarist Yoshihiro Yamaji and keyboardist DB Karma, while vocalist and rhythm guitarist Eric Fetterman writes the English lyrics. DB Karma contributes the Japanese lyrics, and the rhythm section, Dave Griffiths and Keisuke Tsuboi, develops the band’s bass and drum arrangements.

Oblivion was built around a specific ambition: to drag the spirit of 1970s and ’80s progressive rock into direct collision with modern extreme metal. To do it authentically, the band reached for the instruments that defined that era — Mellotron, Moog, and Chapman Stick — giving the record a texture and warmth that sets it apart from anything currently on the heavy music landscape. The songs are long by design. Beyond The Veil was not interested in compromise, and it shows.

Their influences read like a well-worn record collection: UK and Italian prog, Nordic and Asian prog, and a deep, foundational love for thrash, death, and black metal, particularly the output from before 2010. It’s that combination, the old and the extreme, the delicate and the crushing, that gives Oblivion its character.

The band is already working on their next release, with a stated intent to evolve the format while keeping the philosophy intact: modern music made by people who genuinely revere the golden age of progressive rock.

www.beyondtheveil.jp

Only Human – Planned Obsolescence

Danish existential prog metal band Only Human proudly enters the metal scene with the apocalyptic vision of the debut album “Planned Obsolescence”.
Surrounded by an enigmatic atmosphere “Drift” highlights a mature musicianship focusing on a hypnotizing melodic ensemble with a variety of fluent crispy guitar phrases.
On “The Sun and the Moon” the poetic vocal delivery and the shimmering guitar progressions emphasize poignant melodic themes yet the rhythmic section will acquire extra heaviness & speed.
“Steep Descent” instantly showcases a modern technical progressive approach confidently blending fiery grooves, intricate guitar acrobatics and warm piano harmonies.
“Aspire” is filled with bittersweet emotions as peaceful vocals accompany melancholic guitar progressions ultimately evolving into a luminous guitar solo.
“Breach” depicts a dystopian dimension through syncopated rhythms diligently built by aggressive drumming and visceral riffage until otherworldly multilayered synths evokes wistful feelings.
Within the bleak reality of “Planned Obsolescence” Only Human present to the world their personal sonic manifesto through contemplative melodies and strong technical skills.

Varmia – lauks

For the release of the new album “lauks” Polish black metal band Varmia has prepared an obscure Baltic rite skillfully combining traditional ethnic instrumentation and relentless extreme dynamics.
As darkness descends upon us “czarne drogi Xsiężyca” constantly unleashes a malevolent force through the insane speed of the chaotic rhythmic patterns and the wrathful screams.
You cannot escape the primal blackened essence of “zwykli zmarli” as raw guitar riffs inevitably generate an oppressive mood emphasized by enigmatic chants.
“niekrwi” hits you in the face with hellish rhythmic blasts and ravenous growls until the tempo slows down dramatically to reach a lugubrious melodic momentum.
“der tot Adalbert” adds a theatrical flair to the spiteful black metal formula with quasi paranormal chanting and mournful melodic waves emerging from a ghastly limbo.
“korona” showcases a visceral classic blackened approach favoring unstoppable hostile drumming and ominous guitar tonalities enriched by cryptic tribal accents.
In the underground subversive scene Varmia continue to follow a darkened mystical pathway leading to “lauks” which delivers an audacious black metal assault and at the same time pays homage to their strong Baltic roots.

Desert Storm – Buried Under The Weight Of Reason

Hailing from Oxford, England, Desert Storm presents their monolithic blend of stoner, sludge & doom with the insane heavy weight of the new full length “Buried Under The Weight Of Reason”.
“Newfound Respect” evokes a sense of impending doom as colossal grim guitar riffs lead the way to a solid series of empowering grooves easily amplified by a thunderous vocal delivery.
Surrounded by a subtle trippy atmosphere “Shamanic Echoes” takes you to arid landscapes as the slick guitar leads emphasize an attractive ‘70s acidic mood and gradually evolve into majestic rhythmic dynamics.
“Woodsman” shows a deeply nostalgic side with warm arpeggios yet this mellow melodic ensemble will morph into a highly distorted groovy rhythmic core.
Without any hesitation “Cut Your Teeth” delivers plenty of grinding rhythmic blasts and the elaborate guitar work effortlessly shifts from vicious riffage to eloquent melodic lines.
Maintaining a higher rhythmic tension “Twelve Seasons” relies on galloping gritty riffs with the crucial support of stomping drums and reaches the acme with a flamboyant guitar solo.
With great confidence Desert Storm channel the glory of stoner/doom to fully develop a personal songwriting approach that throughout “Buried Under The Weight Of Reason” naturally generates pure heaviness but also a surprising vulnerability.

Finnish Metal band Horizon of Aeons released a doomy single ‘Until the Darkness Claims Us’ – debut album out in May

The Finnish dark metal band Horizon of Aeons are set to release their debut album, Timeless Forms of Desolation, on 29 May 2026 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Until the Darkness Claims Us’, is available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-darkness

The band comments:

“The title of the song is taken from the book written by Sarah J. Maas. The lyrics are loosely based on that story. The vow of absolute loyalty and brotherhood binds us to one another until our very last breath. The doomy atmosphere in the first part of the song is crushingly heavy, but only momentarily until the melodic relief comes. Later in the song, the heaviness returns, followed by beautiful melodies from keyboards and guitar, and the outro features three consecutive key modulations. This is something you don’t hear every day in metal music.”

BIOGRAPHY:

Horizon of Aeons is a gothic dark metal band founded in 2024, bringing together seasoned musicians from the Finnish metal scene. The band consists of Miska Lehtivuori (vocals, guitar), Ville Pekkala (guitar), Pekka Venho (bass), and Pekka Jokela (drums). These members have a rich history of playing together in various bands (Fall of the Leafe, Ablaze in Hatred, Searing Meadow, Mormânt De Snagov, Leaflet, Jackie’s Land), which laid the foundation for their cohesive and powerful sound.

Horizon of Aeons’ musical influences are as diverse as the members’ extensive backgrounds in the metal scene. Each member brings a wealth of experience from their previous bands, contributing to the band’s unique sound. Together, these musicians create a sound that is both intense and melodic, drawing from a wide array of metal subgenres. Their influences span across various styles, allowing them to craft a distinctive musical identity that is uniquely their own. This blend of experience and inspiration results in a sound that is both familiar and innovative, pushing the boundaries of gothic dark metal.

Themes and Lyrics

Horizon of Aeons’ lyrics delve deeply into the dark and complex concept of time and its relentless progression. Their songs often explore the infinite future contrasted with the finite past, creating a haunting and introspective atmosphere. The band masterfully weaves themes of existence and memory into their music, painting vivid pictures of a world where time is both a creator and a destroyer.
In addition, Horizon of Aeons touches on themes of cosmic forces, often using esoteric and mystical imagery. They explore the inherent inclinations of humanity, the seductive nature of sin, and the purifying power of darkness. This adds a layer of depth to their music, as they challenge conventional beliefs and embrace the darker aspects of existence.
Overall, the band’s lyrics are a profound exploration of time, existence, and the human condition, offering listeners a journey through the infinite and the ephemeral.

Debut Release

Horizon of Aeons’ debut album titled Timeless Forms of Desolation is set to be released through Inverse Records in 2026. Their first single, Haunting Presence, is already available on all digital platforms, showcasing a tantalizing preview of their dark, atmospheric sound through a condensed single edit.

LISTEN to the first single Kairos: https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-kairos

 

Guitar Player praises the Finnish guitarist-musician-producer Jimmy Westerlund, who joined legendary Giant

After more than 25 years of writing, producing, and shaping music for his various band projects and other artists, Jimmy Westerlund has risen to the ranks of the world’s guitar stars. The world’s leading guitar magazine, Guitar Player, has just published an extensive feature praising Westerlund’s skills and style, and has also invited the Finnish guitarist to join its masterclass video series, where Westerlund reveals the secrets behind his playing.

“When Jason Sidwell called me, I first thought it was a prank call – there’s no way Guitar Player would call me! But he was convinced that the story had to be told: how some random guy from Finland ended up in Giant,” Westerlund says.

Westerlund’s name has been gaining recognition for years through his work with major artists trough Warner Music and Sony. His latest major role is as guitarist, producer, and songwriter in the current lineup of legendary American band Giant, stepping into the shoes of Dann Huff on the album Stand and Deliver.

Westerlund has also previously appeared on Escape Music owner Khalil Turk’s solo album TURKISH DELIGHT III, alongside internationally renowned rock musicians such as Marty Friedman, Glenn Hughes, James LaBrie, Billy Sheehan, Vinny Appice, and Ian Paice.

Guitar Player’s Jason Sidwell was particularly impressed by how Westerlund’s playing captures the essence of classic ’80s guitar heroes – even more so, stylistically, than many of them today.

“This is the music I’ve lived and breathed since I was a kid, and I don’t think I would’ve been ready for this ten years ago. I also want to sincerely thank Jason for the support he’s given me through all of this.”

The Guitar Player feature explores the legacy of melodic ’80s guitar tradition, placing Westerlund alongside names like Steve Lukather and Neal Schon.

“It feels like a huge recognition to be acknowledged by such an institution in the guitar world.”

Known as a go-to producer for multiple bands, Westerlund has also ventured beyond classic melodic rock during his career. One notable example is Game On, co-written with Pitbull, which served as the mascot song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Listen Up! album featuring the track reached No. 1 on Billboard’s World Music chart in the U.S. and remained on the chart for 14 weeks. The same album included Shakira’s Waka Waka. Altogether, music written and produced by Westerlund has amassed over 200 million streams worldwide.

Looking ahead, Westerlund will continue working as a solo artist while also focusing on producing and songwriting primarily for international artists. In addition, Westerlund plans to share his expertise in melodic rock guitar through clinics, live performances, and his newly launched YouTube channel, where upcoming Guitar Player masterclass episodes will also be published.

At the same time, stepping out from behind the scenes into the spotlight as a solo artist feels both exciting and slightly surreal for Westerlund.

“I feel this is a clear turning point in my career. After decades of being ‘the other guy in the background’ – a role I’ve also truly enjoyed – creating my own music with my own voice is both a risk and exactly what I need to stay inspired,” he says.

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Smoking Snakes return with new video “Pleasure And Pain”

Swedish sleaze metallers Smoking Snakes return today with their new single and video, “Pleasure And Pain”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band commented on the new track, by saying: “The song dives into the dangerous attraction between desire and obsession. That thin line where passion turns into something a little more twisted.  Pleasure And Pain plays with the idea that sometimes the things that thrill  us the most can also be the ones that drive us insane”.

Watch the official video for “Pleasure And Pain” HERE

Stream “Pleasure And Pain” HERE

Smoking Snakes are a Gothenburg-based sleaze metal band turning heads and making waves in the rock scene. Formed in 2022 by Brett Martin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Andy Delarge (bass, backing vocals), Mackey Gee (drums, backing vocals), and Rob Raw (lead guitar, backing vocals), they are the next generation of hard-hitting, guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll.

Influenced by 80s arena rock giants like W.A.S.P, RATT, Dokken, and Kiss, Smoking Snakes deliver a fresh, modern take on classic sleaze metal — from catchy hooks to heavy riffs and powerful vocals, their sound is unmistakably their own.

Their critically acclaimed debut album, Danger Zone (2024, Frontiers Records), earned finalist status for both Album of the Year and Debut Album of the Year at the Rocknytt Prize, standing alongside some of Sweden’s biggest rock acts. In 2025, the band made their UK debut with explosive shows in London, Nottingham, and Wakefield, leaving audiences stunned and quickly securing a return visit later that year.

Currently putting the finishing touches on their second album, Smoking Snakes are ready to push boundaries, forge their own path, and take the world by storm.

Line Up:
Brett Martin – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Andy Delarge – Bass, backing vocals
Mackey Gee – Drums, backing vocals
Rob Raw – Lead guitar, backing vocals

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Norwegian metallers Triosphere share new video “Monster’s Ball”

Norwegian heavy metal band Triosphere are excited to share their new single and official lyric video, “Monster’s Ball”, the first to be released through Frontiers Music Srl.

The band stated: “The time has finally come to share some brand new music! We have been looking so much forward to this moment for so long, and the very first track we now release into the “wild”, is “Monster’s Ball”! This is a fierce tune with – in our opinion – a heavy Triosphere-signature, and lyrics about the role of echo chambers in the face of cruelty and destruction. We truly hope it will be greeted well by listeners all over the world and just stay tuned because we’ve now just started!”

Watch the official lyric video for “Monster’s Ball” HERE

Stream “Monster’s Ball” HERE

Triosphere were formed in 2004 by guitarist Marius Silver Bergesen and singer/bassist Ida Haukland. They brought in drummer Ørjan Aare Jørgensen, and guitarist Tor Ole Byberg joined the band in 2006. The band amicably parted ways with Jørgensen in 2014 and welcomed Kenneth Tårneby to fill the drummer’s chair.

Triosphere’s music moves in between hard rock, power prog and thrash metal, and presents uniquely honest and hard-hitting songs; from the heaviest to the calmest, from intricate to classic, all led by strong melodies and compelling guitarwork.

Triosphere released their debut album “Onwards” on FaceFront Records in 2006/2007. It received rave reviews, and the award “Best Metal Album” from the world’s largest independent music organization JPF’s at their annual JPF Awards in Nashville in 2009.

In 2010, the band signed with AFM Records, who released their sophomore album “The Road Less Travelled” (2010), and “The Heart Of The Matter” (2014). Both albums received huge critical acclaim worldwide and consequently a growing number of listeners.

Throughout the years, the band has had the privilege of touring with some of the truly great names within the rock and metal genre: their first tours in 2006 and 2007 was with W.A.S.P., and in the years to follow they have toured Europe with Arch Enemy, Sonata Artica, Kamelot, Timo Kotipelto, Jorn, Crimson Glory and Sirenia.

They’ve opened for Dio and Nightwish, and played festivals like Wacken Open Air, Progpower USA, 70 000 Tons of Metal, Tons of Rock and Metaldays, to name a few.

The bands’ solid quality both on record and stage have earned them a steadfast audience and listeners around the world, something that has proven to stand the test of time in the long wait for Triosphere’s 4th album. The band has been active on stage until the pandemic hit, but in the years following this the band focused their time on finishing the album.

From 2025 and onwards, Triosphere has teamed up with Frontiers Music Srl, and this new single is just a taste of what’s to come in the near future.

Line Up:
Ida Haukland – bass and vocals
Marius Bergesen – guitars
Tor Ole Byberg – guitars
Kenneth Tårneby – drums

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