Author: Crix

Finnish Memoremains: Stand Up is a full-blooded party song

Pop metal band Memoremains are looking towards their next full-length album.
The album, which will be released later this year, is the band’s third, and has already released the singles Fighter , Stuck and Toxic Girl . According to the band, the new release Stand Up is a full-blooded party song.

“We actually applied for this year’s UMK with this song – just like the previously released Fighter song. This was our number one choice. UMK will have some great artists again this year, and good luck to them for this year’s show! We’ll have fun in the home stands and be encouraged. UMK is a really cool competition anyway. In recent years, they’ve made some incredibly high-quality video productions and invested in the storytelling of the competition. It’s really appealing – it’s interesting to follow more than just the music,” says Memoremains.

Singer Johanna Ahonen, who wrote the lyrics for the song, hints that the Stand Up single is perfect for weekend get-togethers, for example.

“I think Stand Up is a full-blooded party song as a composition and I also wanted to bring a positive, uplifting vibe to the lyrics. The atmosphere is playful and a bit mischievous, just like that guy who forces you to dance just when you don’t dare to go. Everyone needs a little break sometimes, and Stand Up on a record put together offers a great opportunity for that!”

Memoremains will take to the stage in good company this spring, as the band will be supporting the German band Enemy Inside as follows:

Fri 28.3. Olympia, Tampere
Sat 29.3. On The Rocks, Helsinki

Memoremains is:

Johanna Ahonen – vocals
Mikko Kujanpää – keyboards
Aleksi Mäkelä – guitar
Aapo Timonen – bass
Eemeli Timonen – drums

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

SOULS OF DIOTIMA Announce the New Era of the Band, Enter in Studio Bohus with Oscar Nilsson This Summer for Fifth Album

Italian SOULS OF DIOTIMA have announced, after their first twenty years of career and the release of their latest single ‘Another Day in Paradise’, that they are turning over a new era of the band by officially announcing the entry into Studio Bohus of Oscar Nilsson for the production of their fifth album, which will begin their musical turnaround.

The frontwoman Claudia Barsi says:
“After these first twenty years that we absolutely do not deny, indeed we will continue to perform live all our discography, we finally decided both musically and aesthetically to create what we really are and feel inside. Our first productions, which are absolutely fantastic, always followed that classic female metal trend, perhaps following certain well-known canons, and today we have arrived at such an awareness that we are finally able to create something that is really ours and to be and present ourselves to the audience as we really are. But again, of course, we love our previous productions and we will continue to perform them live. Hence the decision, for now, to remain as the official line-up: me, Fabio and Giorgio being the main proponents of this new step. In the future, it’s not said that there will be no new entries”.

More information to be revealed soon, stay tuned!

In 2024, SOULS OF DIOTIMA released their stand-alone single for Phil Collins’ ‘Another Day In Paradise’, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their artistic career!

In case you missed it…
– WATCH THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/qK23bHuKeak – directed by Daniele Diana
– LISTEN NOW at https://sod.bfan.link/another-day-in-paradise

The single of “Another Day in Paradise” released via Diotima Records Music Management Ltd and distributed by Blood Blast Distribution, produced by Oscar Nilsson with the help of Simon Eliasson.

Souls of Diotima is a band with a unique style, characterized by recognizable elements of traditional, progressive and symphonic metal, as well as unconventional elements, woven musically in a new and highly expressive way. The band’s music engages all the senses and conveys a feeling similar to watching an epic film, creating strong visual scenes and almost tangible mental images. The defining characteristic of Souls of Diotima is its style, which recalls Mediterranean atmospheres and traditions. In fact, the band hails from Sardinia, an island in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. This makes its sound and style unique and recognizable.

The band has participated in tours and festivals abroad, headlining and sharing the stage with bands such as Obituary, Hatebreed, Stratovarius, Vision Divine, Dgm, Folkstone, Saurom and others. Souls of Diotima have also worked with many of Europe’s top producers, including Jens Bögren and Oscar Nilsson, who is their current producer. In 2017, the Souls of Diotima founded a record label in London: “Diotima Records Music Management LTD,” and the following year the band with the new label created and participated as headliners in the first edition of the “Diotima Metal Fest” held in downtown Paris in order to raise funds for Parkinson’s research. Soon the band will announce new dates and a new tour, while waiting to re-enter the studio for the production of their fifth album.

Souls of Diotima are:
Claudia Barsi – voice
Giorgio Pinna – drums
Fabio “The Black Mask” Puddu – guitars

DISCOGRAPHY
“Janas” – (January 29th, 2021) – Diotima Records/ Rockshots Records
“The Sorceress Reveals-Atlantis” – (June 10th, 2016) – Rockshots Records
“What Remains of The Day” – (June 25th, 2012) – Revalve Records
“Maitri” – (September 14th, 2011) – Copro/ Casket Records

Official website : https://soulsofdiotima.net/
Official Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/soulsofdiotima
Official Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/soulsofdiotimaofficial/
Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kSbvqCS7Tsfpr63apg175

French alternative/atmospheric metal act Self-Discipline announces debut EP, share new track “A Call to Observe”

Following the release of the debut track, “We Are One with the Universe,” Self-Discipline – a solo project that fuses Indian folk and metal influences, rooted in meditation and introspection – unveils a second offering, “A Call to Observe”—a powerful composition that delves further into themes of self-awareness and spiritual connection.

This track sets the stage for the upcoming EP, ‘Otherness’, slated for release in early 2025 via the Coups de Couteau label. With its focus on spirituality, inner freedom, and the practice of self-discipline, Otherness promises to be a profound musical exploration.

Experience “A Call to Observe” now on Bandcamp and YouTube, and join Self-Discipline on a journey of reflection and sound.

Created in 2023, Self-Discipline is a solo project, a materialization of my musical influences and my life path, materialized by the production of a first EP, ‘otherness’ to be released on Coups de
Couteau label in 2025.

My main inspirations come from Indian folk (traditional songs and instruments: tumbi, santur, dhol, tablahs, harmonium, sitar, tampura, etc.), the heaviness and aggressiveness of metal and a radical change of mindset exploited by daily meditative practices initiated by a therapeutic process.

All combined, forms a music with many influences that conveys a message of hope, love and self-love. The notion of spirituality (Oriental philosophy), sometimes underlined by certain parallels with modern science, is omnipresent in the lyrics addressing themes such as the identification of our emancipatory and liberating values, self-discipline, self-knowledgeor even inner
freedom.

Accessing these different states of consciousness leads to betterknowing oneself, overcoming one’s own limitations and cultivating an inner discipline to achieve greater clarity of mind.

Balance Breach joins forces with Hand of Juno’s vocalist: ‘Strangers In Crime’ single is merciless metalcore bombardment

Finnish Balance Breach are picking up the pace ahead of the release of their third studio album. The album, titled ‘Save Our Souls’, will be released on March 7th via Out of Line, and one more single is now being released from the album: ‘Strangers In Crime’ is a fast-paced and aggressive song, and also features Melissa Bruschi, the singer of the Italian industrial band Hand of Juno. Bruschi complements Balance Breach’s signature performance with beautiful, clean vocals and spine-tingling screams.

“Strangers In Crime is one of the last songs to be composed for the upcoming Save Our Souls album. During the writing phase, the song was almost 100% based on Terho’s harsh riffs, whose tight grip set the tone for the song for other areas as well; we needed a merciless drumming and furious thrashing for the vocals, and of course a catchy chorus! After the first vocal demos, I was sure that the guest female soloist would bring depth and sharpness to the song and the story, which she did. Luckily, Melissa came along and delivered at least some fiery vocal tracks from Italy to Southern Savo, Finland,” singer Aleksi Paasonen comments.

The lyrics of the single deal with the breakdown of a relationship.

“Regarding the lyrics, I had been thinking about themes related to a relationship between two people. The account of two people’s mental drifting apart, covered in pent-up aggression and frustration, suited the song. well, and when ‘Partners’ changed to ‘Strangers’ it started to feel like a big song was on the cards.”

The music video for the song is now available on YouTube.

Save Our Souls – Album (2025)

1. Maniacs
2. Come Undone
3. Strangers In Crime Feat. Melissa Bruschi of Hand Of Juno
4. Just To Lose It All
5. Distress
6. Save Our Souls
7. Million Miles Away
8. Antidote Feat. Philip Strand Of Normandie
9. Let The Wind Blow
10. Sing Me To Sleep (The Last Song)

Balance Breach is:

Terho Korhonen – guitar
Saku Heimonen – guitar
Joni Härkönen – bass
Antti Halonen – drums
Aleksi Paasonen – vocals

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WWW

Canadian Prog THE WRING’s New Video “Before I Disappear” Explores Mortality and Legacy Off New Album “Nemesis” Out Now

Releasing their fourth studio album “Nemesis” this past September via Wormholdeath Records, Canadian prog rockers The Wring marked a significant step in their musical journey, showcasing a more cohesive and refined sound that blends their heavy rock roots with progressive and jazz influences. With eight tracks Spanning eight tracks od just over 40 minutes, “Nemesis” adds a new, technical twist to progressive metal.

Today, The Wring is sharing their latest music video “Before I Disappear”.

Guitarist and band founder Don Dewulf adds about the track:

“At a certain point in everyone’s life, each of us will start to think about mortality and legacy. I certainly don’t dwell on these things, but I have a son who is now a young adult, and we are very close, so I often think about the overlap of the contexts of our lives. A proper moral compass is the best I can do, and the song is about that. The music has a major feel and is the most ‘pop’ of any Wring song, which I balance out with a very evil-sounding pre-chorus. The solo starts somewhat Skynyrd-esque but, of course, ends on the dark side of the street.”

Watch and listen to the video for “Before I Disappear” via its premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

Exploring themes of external and internal conflict, each song on “Nemesis” represents a different facet of our struggles. From the driving intensity of tracks like “Badlands” and “The Sword” to the melodic intricacy of “The Nail” and “Before I Disappear”, the album is a dynamic journey through the band’s musical and lyrical vision. Bassist Reggie Hache’s expanded role on vocals and keyboards brings a new depth to The Wring’s sound, while Dewulf’s guitar work continues to anchor the band’s heavy yet nuanced approach.

Throughout “Nemesis,” the playing is tight, precise, and yet still free-flowing. Each instrument complements the others and often provides a steady hand while the other players move in different directions. It’s a metal album, a prog album, a rock album, or even a pseudo-jazz affair.

Recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Opeth, and Porcupine Tree, “Nemesis” is available at the following links:

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U6DZl0​

Bandcamp – https://thewring2.bandcamp.com/album/nemesis​

Digital Album – https://orcd.co/nemesispre-save​

“The Sword” – Music Video – https://youtu.be/LLkIs2V6BWQ​

“The Nail” – Music Video – https://youtu.be/oXZmIOmkU_0​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Badlands – 5:13
2. The Nail – 5:29
3. Blur – 4:17
4. The Sword – 5:37
5. Before I Disappear – 4:39
6. Welshrats – 5:18
7. Dark Passenger – 5:20
8. Nemesis – 4:47
Total 40:40

More info: www.thewring.ca | https://www.facebook.com/thewringband | https://www.instagram.com/wringband​

Polish Cairo-Based Guitar Virtuoso ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ Unveils Pop Rock Ballad ‘When Hearts Collide’ from Upcoming Eclectic “Living Room Rockstar” Album

ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ, the acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter (previously with Down Boys Records) is set to captivate audiences with his new single, “When Hearts Collide”, from his upcoming album, “Living Room Rockstar, Part 1”, under his project CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY.

This release showcases Citowicz’s evolution, merging contemporary rock with the soulful essence of classic rock. “With ‘When Hearts Collide’ I wanted to capture the essence of a pop rock ballad that resonates with the heart”, says Citowicz. “It’s about those moments when love and life intersect in the most unexpected ways, and I believe this song really encapsulates that emotion.”

The album “Living Room Rockstar” is a musical journey through time, featuring a mix of modern rock energy with the timeless charm of classic rock. “This album is a blend of everything I’ve learned and loved about rock music”, Citowicz notes. “From the aggressive guitar riffs reminiscent of my influences to the nuanced storytelling in each track.”

Citowicz’s long-standing collaboration with bassist Patryk Szymanski continues to be a cornerstone of his music. “Patryk’s bass lines are like the heartbeat of these songs. We’ve developed a language of our own through music”, he adds, emphasizing their symbiotic creative process. As an autistic musician, Citowicz brings a distinctive perspective to his art, translating personal experiences into music that speaks universally. “Music has always been my way to communicate what words sometimes can’t”, he reflects. “Each note tells a part of my story, and I hope it connects with listeners who might feel the same.”

Citowicz’s artistry is not only in his playing but in his production techniques, blending traditional rock with innovative technology. “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can enhance the human element in music”, he states. “This album, particularly with the AI vocal techniques, is a testament to that fusion.”

“When Hearts Collide” sets the tone for “Living Room Rockstar”, an album that promises to be a testament to Citowicz’s growth as an artist and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of rock music. “I believe in evolution, not just in sound but in how we experience music”, Citowicz concludes. “This single is just the beginning of what I hope will be a transformative journey for my listeners.”

The single “When Hearts Collide” will be available on all major streaming platforms, with the full album “Living Room Rockstar” slated for release later in this year. Fans can look forward to a musical experience that honors rock’s legacy while daring to innovate for the future.

The lyric video for “When Hearts Collide” can be found on Citowicz’s YouTube channel, offering viewers a visual journey through the song’s emotional landscape: https://youtu.be/8LXEJK1GYiE?si=xuBU6DErlkIgFqcB 

“When Hearts Collide” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

As an autistic guitarist, Citowicz has leveraged his unique perspective to craft a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. His music serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing him to convey complex emotions and thoughts in a way that transcends verbal communication. By sharing his experiences and creative process, Citowicz aims to inspire and empower others on the autism spectrum, while also promoting greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the music industry.

Andrzej Citowicz’s music career has been marked by a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and cinematic elements, which has garnered him a loyal following across the globe. His critically acclaimed trilogy of instrumental albums has been praised for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and innovative storytelling. Citowicz’s music has been described as “a cinematic soundscape that transports listeners to a world of raw emotion”.

Also check out Andrzej’s earlier singles:
“Fear Poems” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAp0Etml-Is
“Bloody Mamacita” – https://youtu.be/j4Ts9XXTQuo?si=4bPYUvd32W0HondB
“Hive of Weirdness” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5TwSm_hNo
“Butterfly Effect” – https://youtu.be/jryGasne7Mg?si=BWLN4_tx7r03NgoD
“Turn To Stone” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2NT7O9Zr2M
“Anemoia” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THtiL7q90bY
“Modern Blues Riot” special demo – https://youtu.be/AEZtTuPr6bI
Special Cairo Mix ‘Midnight Thunderstorms’ – https://youtu.be/FEK8fsbHd4I
‘A Wound That’s Always Bleeding’ – https://youtu.be/clScq09DywE
‘Savagely Hungry For Love’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEgRrcmgLDY
‘Electric Heartbeat Symphony’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6IWdx0vOQQ
‘Marvelous Misadventures Of Myself’ – https://youtu.be/jsgLvfF5Wd8
‘The Long Train Journey’ – https://youtu.be/zbEgbMBGbGw
‘Never Ending Storms’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip04u1xuf4s

Connect with Andrzej Citowicz:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

Now or Neverland single by Miss Vain out now – Sempiternal Drive EP to be released in April

Finnish metal band that rocks, Miss Vain, is set to release their second EP ‘Sempiternal Drive’ on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Now or Neverland’ is released today and it’s available on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/miss-vain-now

The band comments:
“Now or Neverland is a snappy rock-/metal song with a grooving twist! It’s lyrics tell the story of a middle-aged man who is a little confused in his life… Everything is fine, better than fine! But it still often feels like the world is falling on your neck and your head is exploding under the pressure of demands! He begins to yearn for the carefree years of his youth even though he knows, that life is now and life is brilliant, as long as you don’t take it too seriously!”

The music video of first single ‘Remedy’ can be seen here: https://youtu.be/2iwgPOKHE_k

BIOGRAPHY:
Miss Vain is a five-piece rock band from Tampere, Finland, that drifts in the maelstrom of metal. Their music is a horn-driven energy and catchy melodies with a feathery delicacy.

Miss Vain was formed in 2019 as a two-man studio project. After two lighter pop /rock – songs,  we lowered our tune and in the summer of 2021 Miss Vain grew into a real band… Finally.

Miss Vain’s debut – EP Crocus Biflorus, which was fairly noticed, was released in fall 2023 on Inverse Records.

Our mission is to deliver joyful moments with new awesome songs and live shows to all who are willing to be entertained by Miss Vain’s rumbling tunes.

Miss Vain – Now or Neverland (Single 2024)

Composed & lyrics by Miss Vain

ISRC: FI3FC2588101

Single cover: Minttu Haveri

Miss Vain – Sempiternal Drive (EP 2025)

Track list:
01. Now or Neverland
02. The Alchemist
03. Remedy
04. Demon Spawn
05. Sempiternal Drive

Composed & lyrics by Miss Vain

EP cover: Minttu Haveri

Line-up:
Mikko Vilkman – Vocals
Eetu Halttunen – Bass
Kasperi Kinnunen – Guitar
Anssi Liikanen – Guitar
Sasu Haveri – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/MissVainBand
https://www.instagram.com/missvain_official
https://missvain.bandcamp.com

Smash Mouth illuminate Valentine’s Day with brilliant cover of The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights

Still unrepentant after all these years, SoCal punk legends Smash Mouth probably aren’t the first band you’d ask to serenade your Valentine. But that’s because you haven’t heard this – or maybe you have, but it didn’t sound like this.
“Blinding Lights” was a mega hit for The Weeknd back in 2020, a Single of the Year at the Juno Awards, Top Radio Song at the Billboard beanfeast, and MTV’s Video of the Year.
But what was once synth-whipped and tender is now Mach 2 mayhem, a thunderous collision of riff and rhythm that encapsulates all the emotion of the original recording, but simply dares you to deny its sincerity.
Smash Mouth’s Paul DeLisle recalls how the performance came about. “When I first started hearing ‘Blinding Lights’ on the radio all the time, several things inspired me about the song.  First of all, my 12 year-old daughter loved it – always a good sign.  And then there was The Weeknd’s voice, a wonderfully fresh and beautiful instrument.  But most of all, I heard it as a rock song.  One that could be transformed using the “quiet/loud” dynamic of a Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins song.  It’s an intense and urgent song, and I wanted to pronounce that dynamic.  I’m very pleased with the result and I hope people like it.
“Blinding Lights” is not alone in its assaultive lonesomeness, either. There’s an entire album’s worth of Valentine crunchers heading straight towards you, and Smash Mouth are just one of the two dozen-plus punk legends lining up to eat your chocolates and scratch your arms with red rose thorns.
From British originals like The Vibrators, The Members and Slaughter and the Dogs, to universal legends Iggy Pop, the New York Dolls and the Flaming Groovies; from The Dickies, The Vandals and Fear to The Ataris, Samiam and Blink-182, Punk Rock Valentines is exactly what you need to hear when you wake up on Feb 14, whether “Your Boyfriend Sucks” or you’re “Looking for a Kiss” – and Smash Mouth… ah, Smash Mouth; you’ve not heard the last of them, because their punk rock Beatle classic “Love Me Do” is here as well.
But back to “Blinding Lights” for a moment, and yes, it really is blinding.  And even Cupid is pogo-dancing while it plays.

Cradle Of Filth to release new album ‘The Screaming Of The Valkyries’ on March 21st

Cradle Of Filth are delighted to announce the release of their 14th full-length studio album ‘The Screaming Of The Valkyries’ via Napalm Records on March 21st.

Today, the first single from the album ‘To Live Deliciously’ was released, which, according to the band’s iconic frontman Dani Filth, underlines a hedonistic lifestyle:

“This song is about celebrating life. About satisfying your desires free from the demands of religion, fashion or the state. Free from guilt or limitations, as nature intended. This could also be understood as a hedonistic code of life, as long as it is not done at the expense of causing others suffering.”

Cradle Of Filth, one of the biggest names in extreme metal, is one of the most respected bands in the genre. The Grammy-nominated band has been a trendsetter for over three decades. Today, a new chapter begins in the band’s career, as the first single from the upcoming album has been released to fans.

The Screaming Of The Valkyries album track listing:

1. To Live Deliciously
2. Demagoguery
3. The Trinity Of Shadows
4. Non Omnis Moriar
5. White Hellebore
6. You Are My Nautilus
7. Malignant Perfection
8. Ex Sanguine Draculae
9. When Misery Was A Stranger

Cradle Of Filth is:
Dani Filth – vocals
Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda – guitar
Martin ‘Marthus’ Skaroupka – drums
Daniel Firth – bass
Donny Burbage – guitar
Zoe Federoff – vocals, keyboards

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

 

The new single ‘Black Flies’ from Headphone Jacks deals with themes of darkness, fear and existential exploration

Finnish Headphone Jacks is set to release their debut album ‘Discipline’ album on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Black Flies’ from the album is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/headphone-jacks-black

The band comments:
“Black Flies is about themes of darkness, fear, and existential exploration. It speaks of being born into overwhelming fear and the inevitability of existence. There is a search for meaning and purpose outside conventional norms. The imagery of a single tear in darkness and the fate of disappearing highlights a sense of sorrow and inevitability. The lyrics also touch on themes of sacrifice and rituals. Mention of black flies and the struggle to escape them adds a sense of entrapment and despair. The lyrics repeatedly call to run away and not look back emphasizing a desire for escape and liberation. Overall, the lyrics explore deep and complex emotions, painting a vivid picture of a journey through darkness and the search for meaning and freedom.”

Sonically, Headphone Jacks draws inspiration from 90’s grunge and 00’s desert rock, prog, post-punk and today’s alternative bands. Band is not simply satisfied with writing just genre-faithful pieces – they mix it up with layered backing vocals to create lush choruses setting us apart from the typical meat-and-potatoes hard rock band. Each band member contributes to arranging and bringing in riffs, melodies and ideas.

CD Pre-Orders from HERE.

LISTEN to the first single Space Ghost: https://push.fm/fl/headphone-jacks-space

Headphone Jacks – Black Flies (single 2025)

Track list:

01. Black Flies

Music and lyrics written by Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen

-ISRC-code: FI3FC2449704

Single cover by Aleksi Lappalainen

Headphone Jacks – Discipline (album 2025)

Track list:

01. Space Ghost
02. All Them Zombies
03. Lunatic
04. Black Flies
05. Pharaoh’s Cane
06. Saviour
07. Pawns
08. Discipline

All music and lyrics written by: Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen

Album cover by Aleksi Lappalainen’

Line-up:

Jaakko Anttonen (vocals, bass)
J-P Herlevi (guitar, keys, vocals)
Riku-Pekka Lappalainen (guitar, vocals)
Aleksi Lappalainen (drums, percussions, vocals)

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/headphonejacksband
https://www.instagram.com/headphonejacks_band
https://headphonejacks.bandcamp.com