Author: Crix

Solus Released New EP 4

Finnish dark‑minded heavy music gains a powerful new chapter as Solus, the Rauma‑based melodic dark/death metal outfit, unveiled their latest EP, 4. Since forming in 2020, Solus has carved out a distinctive space within Finland’s extreme music landscape, blending brooding atmospheres with sharp modern influences.

“4” is a melancholic, timeline-driven work that follows the arc from birth to the end of
everything. The songs guide the listener with delicate metaphors, yet in an easily relatable way, through the winds of life, darkness, and dangers — moving from a state of ignorance toward trials and ultimately toward accepting the end of all things. Both the lyrics and the music create a constantly shifting mental landscape, and the way of thinking evolves as the songs progress — perhaps even toward reincarnation, as suggested by the album’s cover art.
The work carries several artistically layered themes and thought patterns around which the story unfolds:
– A person and life are like a painting — everyone strives to create their own version
– A person and life are like a plant, continuously tested and shaped by the environment, and not everything can be controlled
– The work can be compared to life, a phase of life, or even relationships — from which some lyrical elements are also drawn. Each of these begins and eventually comes to an end.
Key themes of the album include carefreeness, ignorance, disappointment, dependence, letting go, surrendering and loneliness.
The EP’s title comes from several factors. Firstly, this is Solus’s fourth release, excluding singles. It is also the first release on which all four members of the band contributed to the composition and final polishing of the songs — and it shows in the result. Most importantly, the EP contains four tracks, each portraying slightly different stages of life that together form the story. Nothing more complicated than that.
“4” is an excellent showcase of what Solus is capable of after all these years. This time, the stylistic direction leans heavier and more melancholic in line with the theme, but given the band’s versatility, Solus will surely be heard in different forms in the future as well.

Tracklist:
1: First Breath (03:29)
2: Sapling (03:27)
3: Black Roses (05:55)
4: Morior Solus (03:12)

Solus (Est. 2020, Rauma, Finland):
Toni Mäkynen – vocals, guitar
Toni Nurmi – guitar
Kristian Saine – bass
Eetu Valtanen – drums
(Juuso Itänen – backing vocals)

Composing: Toni Mäkynen, Toni Nurmi, Kristian Saine, Eetu Valtanen
Lyrics: Toni Mäkynen
Production, mixing and mastering: Kristian Saine
Recording: Taboo Music
Drum recording: V.R. Studio
Cover art: Toni Mäkynen (alkup. akryylimaalaus)
Label: Taboo Music
Music video production: Jami Määttänen

www.wearesolus.com
www.taboomusic.fi

Suicide Chain Video Interview

Rising from the backwoods of Jyväskylä, Finland, Suicide Chain have carved out their own lane with a sound that’s as feral as it is focused. Their blend of raw, sweaty Hard Rock, the muscular punch of Groove Metal, and the unapologetic swagger of Rock ’n’ Roll has already earned them a reputation as one of Finland’s most reliably hard‑hitting live acts. The climb has been fast, the momentum undeniable, and after a standout performance at Tuska Festival, the band sat down with The Offering to dig into their origins, the fire behind their music, and where this runaway train is headed next.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Suicide-Chain-61566465023734/
https://www.instagram.com/suicidechainofficial/

Allt Video Interview

Allt, the progressive metalcore force formed in 2020 in Karlskoga, Sweden, have built a reputation for blending crushing riffs with cinematic melodies and orchestral depth. Their music is shaped by a collective passion for nature and film, often drawing inspiration from books, movies, and personal memories to create a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.
Following their standout performance at Finland’s Tuska Festival, Olle Nordström and Viktor Florman sat down with The Offering to discuss their upcoming album Ataraxia, set for release on July 31st. In an open and heartfelt conversation, they reflected on the creative journey behind the record, from the earliest sparks of inspiration to the writing sessions and the immersive recording process. They also shared insight into their upcoming tour, how they prepare before stepping on stage, and the moments that stay with them long after the final note fades.

https://eu.alltband.com/

Northern Krig released new single

Norwegian Black Metal band Northern Krig released their new single Return of the Elfking. The single was recorded/mixed at “Icelandic Fire Records” by Jan Reichel, and mastered at “Totenklang Studios”.
Formed in Oslo in 2021 by Morfran, Erik Lund, Mikkel Stein, and Jonar Gunnarson, Norwegian black metal force Northern Krig emerged from the ashes of “Skyrsdag”. Now fronted by Morfran (vocals/guitar), Miasma (bass/guitar), and Maikon Q. (drums), the band established their raw sound on the 2022 demo “Myrk Blóðfórn”. Key milestones include their 2024 debut “Concept of a Suicidal Journey” and the February 2026 release of their devastating full-length album “Worship Files for Anthropophagolagnia Predators” via Icelandic Fire Records, promoted by GlobMetal Promotions.

French heavy-metal outfit Parallel Minds unveiled new music video “Sekigahara”

‘French modern heavy metal outfit Parallel Minds unveil a brand new music video for their latest single “Sekigahara” — a powerful and cinematic new chapter in the band’s evolving universe.

Fusing razor-sharp precision, progressive structures, and sheer intensity, “Sekigahara” stands as one of the most striking pieces taken from their recently released album ‘Cairn’.

The track channels both violence and introspection, echoing the historical weight of its name while delivering a deeply immersive sonic experience.

With ‘Cairn’, Parallel Minds deliver their most ambitious work to date — a modern heavy metal statement driven by emotional depth, technical mastery, and a strong conceptual backbone.The album explores the human condition through themes of suffering, resilience, and reconstruction, moving seamlessly between progressive complexity, thrash aggression, and epic orchestration.

Parallel Minds is a French modern heavy metal project driven by a clear artistic direction: combining technical precision with strong emotional and conceptual depth.

Their music navigates across genres, drawing influence from the progressive structures of Symphony X, the aggressive edge of Testament, and the epic dimension of Blind Guardian — while maintaining a distinct and cohesive identity.

With Cairn, Parallel Minds expands its scope through international collaborations, reinforcing the album’s thematic focus on shared human experiences.

French cosmic death-metallers Breeding Chaos released digital exclusive new single “Legion Of The Dead”

Following the renewed international push around their debut album ‘Distant Planets‘, French modern death metal band BREEDING CHAOS are bringing one of their most overlooked tracks back into the spotlight.

Released as a stand-alone single in Spring 2025, “Legion of the Dead” largely flew under the radar.

It deserved better.

While ‘Distant Planets’ established the band’s identity through massive riffs, controlled dynamics and a sonic concept rooted in astrophysics and interstellar phenomena, “Legion of the Dead” pushes that formula beyond the album.

Dense. Groove-heavy. Atmospheric. Purposeful.

No speed saturation. No genre clichés. No unnecessary excess.

Just modern death metal built around weight, memorable structures and impact.

“Legion of the Dead” stayed under the radar the first time around. It shouldn’t stay there.

Breeding Chaos has forged a sound that sits between the melodic discipline of Dark Tranquillity and In Flames, and the rhythmic precision of Textures — with a darker, more atmospheric backbone drawn from the ambition of Blood Incantation. 

Progressive in structure, uncompromising in heaviness.

With a second album in development and the band actively building its live presence across France and Europe, now is the right moment to get ahead of what they’re becoming.

 

LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Confronts Creative Silence with New Music Video “The Blank Page”

Levinia returns with “The Blank Page,” the fourth and final single in their ambitious 2026 release cycle, a year defined by evolution, sharpened identity, and a darker cinematic edge. Following the momentum of “Bite,” “Silver Tongues,” and “The Thorn,” this new single arrives as the band’s most emotionally vulnerable and haunting offering yet, paired with a striking music video that visually amplifies its themes of isolation, creative paralysis, and inner conflict.
​
Produced by Brandon Friesen, whose credits include Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach, “The Blank Page” represents one of the most dramatic transformations in Levinia’s catalog. While vocalist Kourt Henson had already crafted the lyrical and melodic core, Friesen helped expand the track into a sweeping, cinematic experience, heightening its tension, atmosphere, and emotional payoff. The result is a single that begins in fragile stillness before erupting into one of the band’s most crushing choruses to date.

With all four singles released, Levinia closes their 2026 cycle with a powerful statement: the band is entering its most confident and defined era yet. And with new material already in development, “The Blank Page” is not an ending; it’s the beginning of what comes next.

The video for “The Blank Page” mirrors the song’s emotional weight through stark, unsettling imagery. A lone house sits in a desolate landscape, symbolizing mental confinement and the suffocating silence of creative paralysis. A burnt, ruined page becomes the central metaphor, representing ideas destroyed before they ever had the chance to exist. The visuals echo the song’s haunting atmosphere, creating a unified emotional experience between audio and imagery.

“The Blank Page may be the biggest shock. It opens in a slower, more vulnerable, and almost haunting space, which is not what some listeners may expect at first, but once the chorus hits, it erupts into something crushing. We think that contrast will make it one of the more memorable tracks emotionally,” adds vocalist Kourt Henson.

Recommended for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, and Delain, listen to “Blank Page” at the following links:

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnWntWSKHR0​

Spotify – https://hypeddit.com/levinia/theblankpage​

​

Levinia blends symphonic atmosphere, modern metal aggression, and cinematic storytelling into a sound influenced by Epica, Lacuna Coil, Sabaton, Disturbed, and Evanescence. Formed from the ashes of Los Angeles power‑metal band Aerius, the group has spent nearly a decade refining its identity into something bold, emotional, and unmistakably its own.
​
Across their 2026 singles, Levinia showcases a wide emotional and stylistic range. “The Blank Page” is a haunting exploration of writer’s block, pressure, and emotional paralysis. “Bite” is a Dracula‑inspired anthem of resilience and transformation. “Silver Tongues” is a groove‑driven warning against idol worship and blind influence. “The Thorn” is a sharp, modern metal strike at internal conflict. Each single reveals a different facet of the band’s identity, pushing their sound into heavier, more deliberate territory while preserving the cinematic drama fans have come to expect.
​
​Levinia’s writing process has evolved into a deeply collaborative effort. Guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal and vocalist Kourt Henson typically build the foundation, instrumentals, melodies, and lyrical direction before drummer Dylan Suierveld and bassist Liam Alexander shape the rhythmic and dynamic backbone. This approach has led to a more cohesive, vocal‑driven sound that balances aggression with emotional depth.
​
Working with Brandon Friesen has marked a turning point for the band. His guidance helped refine the strongest tracks from an initial pool of developing ideas, shaping them into a four‑part release that feels intentional, cinematic, and emotionally charged. Each single serves a distinct purpose, forming a cohesive narrative of Levinia’s ongoing evolution.
​
​Previous Singles:

Bite – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Uw9l0cmAA​

Silver Tongues – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqhk6j6wzKs​

The Thorn – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30EmGiQL7ug​

Levinia:​
Vocals – Kourt Henson
Guitar – Alon Mei-Tal
Bass – Liam Alexander
Drums- Dylan Suierveld

More info:

​https://www.leviniaofficial.com/​

​https://instagram.com/leviniaofficial​

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

ARTEMISIA Unveil New Single ‘Eroi Di Plastica’ – an Act of Resistance Against the Power That Crushes & Erases

“Eroi di plastica”, the new single by ArtemisiA, is available on all major digital platforms from Friday, July 17 via Volcano Records.

Direct, dark and deeply personal, the song draws from real-life experiences, but develops into a broader reflection on the power dynamics that still affect many women in oppressive workplaces ruled by arrogant, incompetent authorities unable to recognise the value of the people around them. “Eroi di plastica” explores the systematic attempt to erase individual identity, suppress independent thought and make those subjected to abuse believe they are not worthy enough. Personal experience thus becomes collective material, taking the form of a denunciation of mechanisms sustained by fear, control and constant devaluation.

Musically, the single reinforces ArtemisiA’s heavy rock and progressive metal identity through songwriting that combines energy, narrative tension and dark atmospheres. The heavier side of the band’s sound supports a highly evocative lyric in which anger, memory and the desire for redemption coexist within an intense and uncompromising narrative. In this context, the choice to sing in Italian carries particular significance. For a band released by Volcano Records, a label long recognised for its international activities and global promotional work, the Italian language is neither a limitation nor a form of geographical isolation. On the contrary, it becomes a vehicle for poetry, beauty, identity and powerful ideas, capable of conveying emotional and narrative nuances that do not need to be translated in order to feel universal.
With “Eroi di plastica”, ArtemisiA show how a song can remain firmly rooted in a specific cultural identity while still speaking to a much wider audience. The language of music, protest and dignity ultimately transcends linguistic boundaries, especially when it emerges from authentic experience.

Listen to “Eroi di plastica” on all major streaming platforms and watch the official video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3itWP5ImteM

Also check out the previous single ‘Ciò che l’acqua mi ha dato’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEFnLMeXCI4

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.artemisiaband.it

In This Moment’s new album coming next month – New single Crawl out now with music video

Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum American metal giant In This Moment is opening a new chapter in their career by announcing the release of their ninth studio album, Witch, on August 28th. The album is also the band’s first full-length album under Better Noise Music.

Along with the news, the band is releasing the album’s next single, Crawl, accompanied by a music video. The song offers everything In This Moment is known for, namely heavy riffs, a hypnotic atmosphere and singer Maria Brink’s recognizable and powerful interpretation. The song combines the band’s dark aesthetic with catchy melodies in the band’s unique style. Listen to Crawl here.

Singer Maria Brink says the song is about the abuse of power and the consequences of actions:

“Crawl is a kind of reckoning. It reminds us that those who use their power to hurt others will sooner or later face the consequences of their own actions. Those who have climbed on top of their heads may eventually end up on their knees.”

Guitarist and founding member Chris Howorth also sees a broader social message in the song:

“The song describes how those in power have oppressed those in a weaker position throughout history. It’s a raw and direct statement, but at the same time an empowering reminder that injustice can be fought back.”

The upcoming album brings together all of In This Moment’s signature elements – a balance between heavy and delicate, theatricality and strong emotional expression. The album also features several guest appearances, including Dayseeker, Kim Dracula, and Kat Von D.

“This album is my declaration of inner transformation. It’s about accepting my own duality and how pain, adversity, and being judged can be turned into strength. The album reflects both ancient trials and my own journey. To me, ‘witch’ is a creative force – a person who is connected to the world around them and creates their own reality.”

Witch track listing:
1. Shame
2. I Want To Believe (feat. Dayseeker)
3. Crawl
4. Into The Dark
5. Sleeping With The Enemy
6. Wrapped Around Your Finger
7. Heretic (feat. Kim Dracula)
8. Father
9. Without Me There’s No You
10. Another Brick In The Wall (feat. Kat Von D)
11. Something I Can Never Have

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Soulgrind released the last single ‘A Whispered Curse Upon the Gale’ from their 10th album ‘Ad Pulchram Mortem’

The legendary Finnish metal band Soulgrind, founded in 1992, is set to release its tenth album ‘Ad Pulchram Mortem’ on August 14th 2026 via Inverse Records. The last single ‘A Whispered Curse Upon the Gale’ is unleashed today and it’s available here: 

https://push.fm/fl/soulgrind-whispered-curse

The band comments:

“The lyrics are about love and loss, braided together with imagery of battle. The central tension is that love, instead of offering comfort, has become a haunting presence — “love’s specter,” “a whispered curse.” It’s a striking inversion: here, love is part of the darkness, or at least inseparable from it. The narrator is grieving while also facing a kind of metaphorical war.

The chorus is the strongest part — “In the arms of the night, I find no peace, my sorrows increase” has a clean, singable cadence.

Music-wise, the song starts with a death-metal-ish riff and grows into dark, even gothic spheres. Ms. Tanja Lilith delivers exceptional vocals. This song features Lord‘s growls, not Azhemin‘s.

Production is solid, as is the whole Ad Pulchram Mortem album.” 

WATCH music video of first single ‘Jylhä Metsämies’ https://youtu.be/aoBIyV44VOY
LISTEN to the second single ‘Tears of the Earth’ https://push.fm/fl/soulgrind-tears
LISTEN to the third single ‘Dark Water Wide’ https://push.fm/fl/soulgrind-dark-water

BIOGRAPHY:

Soulgrind is a Finnish metal band formed in 1992, known for blending gothic metal, thrash and black metal into a dark, melodic atmosphere. The band was founded by Lord Heikkinen, who has consistently contributed guitar and programming. Since 1999 Miika ‘Azhemin’ Niemelä has handled keyboards and programming, later adding harsh vocals.

Soulgrind’s music often explores themes related to the darker aspects of Finnish history and psyche, combining passion, war, and the “dark side of mind” into their lyrical content, reflecting a deep connection to Finland’s cultural and historical roots. But there has always been the bride side for the aspects as well. Classic war of love and hate.The  sound has evolved over the time, but Soulgrind has maintained a core identity rooted in metal with a dark, atmospheric edge, resisting strict genre categorization and embracing musical development freely. Freedom of metal has always been the theme. And so it shall be.

Soulgrind is recognized for their intelligent and unique approach to metal, merging melodic and dark elements to create a distinctive sound within the Finnish metal scene. Their long-standing presence since the early 90s marks them as a significant act in the gothic and black metal genres in Finland.