Author: Crix

Tuska announced the first artists of 2027: Lorna Shore and Children Of Bodom as headliners

Tuska festival set a new one-day attendance record on Friday June 26 with a sold-out opening day. 23,000 metal fans gathered in Suvilahti to enjoy the heaviest heat of the summer so far, led by Megadeth, who are on their farewell tour.

Tuska has also announced the first eight performers for summer 2027. Tuska, which will still be held in Suvilahti, will be held next year from July 2-4, 2027.

One of the headliners next summer will be American deathcore big name Lorna Shore. Founded in New Jersey in 2009, Lorna Shore has had a dizzying ride in recent years. The band’s fourth studio album, and vocalist Will Ramos’ first, “Pain Remains”, released in 2022, raised the band’s value to an unimaginable level. The tours that followed the album and finally the 2025 album “I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me” cemented Lorna Shore’s place not only as an absolute top name in extreme metal, but also as a metal machine appreciated by a wider audience.

The headliner for the second day will be the returning Finnish grim reaper squad Children Of Bodom, one of the world’s most respected metal bands. Cherishing the musical legacy of guitarist legend and founding member Alexi Laiho, who tragically passed away in 2020, Children Of Bodom hired Alex as guitarist-vocalist and good friend of the band Samy Elbanna, whose incredible guitar playing honors the memory of Alexi Laiho, who was also voted the best metal guitarist in the world. Tuska is pleased and honored to have Children Of Bodom on stage in the summer of 2027.

Other Tuska performers for next summer announced at this stage are the German Heaven Shall Burn, who combines extreme metal genres, the also German Kanonenfieber, who works on blackened death metal, the American Fox Lake, who mixes nu metal, hardcore and hip hop, the Portuguese Gaerea, who performs atmospheric and melodic black metal, the German modern metalcore group Avralize, and the American Sinizter, who relies on an unlikely combination of aggressive hip hop and extreme metal.

Confirmed Tuska 2027 performers:
Lorna Shore, Children Of Bodom
Heaven Shall Burn, Kanonenfieber
Fox Lake, Gaerea, Avralize, Sinizter

Artist performance dates to be announced later.
More performers to be announced later.

Tuska’s age limit is 18 years.

TUSKA 2.–4.7.2027
Helsinki, Suvilahti
#TuskaFestival

VICTORIA K – New Single “Take It All” From Forthcoming Album “The Pleasure of Sorrow”

Australian gothic metal act Victoria K return with their new single “Take It All”, taken from the band’s forthcoming third studio album, “The Pleasure of Sorrow“.

Following the release of “Oh So Weary”, the new track opens a darker and more vulnerable chapter in the world of “The Pleasure of Sorrow“. Seductively melancholic and deeply personal, “Take It All” moves through loss, memory, and the slow process of healing, shaping an emotional journey that feels intimate, atmospheric, and direct.

For fans of Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, and Spiritbox, Victoria K continues to evolve their gothic metal foundations through modern metalcore intensity, electronic textures, heavier dynamics, and layered sound design. The result is a sound that remains melodic and emotionally charged while pushing the band further into a darker, more contemporary space.

Speaking about the single, Victoria K explains:

“The song discusses a moment in time when a piece of yourself is taken from you. It may have been a piece of your character, of your youth, but it was a moment in time where you lost something of yourself in a way that felt as though it was out of your control.”

Written as a form of catharsis, “Take It All” unfolds like a distant memory resurfacing through sound, capturing the aftermath of loss, the uncertainty that follows, and the emotional spiral of trying to make sense of something that cannot be undone. Rooted in Victoria K’s love for gothic metal, with Evanescence as a key reference point, the track lets its atmosphere, vocal melodies, and recurring main riff carry the emotional weight, turning restraint into one of its greatest strengths.

The single arrives as part of Victoria K’s upcoming third studio album, “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”, a new chapter that sees the band expanding their gothic metal roots with darker atmospheres, modern heaviness, and subtle electronic textures. Further details regarding the album, including the release date, will be revealed in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Listen to “Take It All” here: https://lnk.to/kSaVux​

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWj5Sr_Wbko​

For fans of: Spiritbox, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil

​

VICTORIA K lineup:​
​
​Victoria Knight: Vocals
​Charlie Curnow: Extreme Vocals
​James Davies: Drums
​Ethan Collusi: Bass

BIOGRAPHY:

Emerging from the sepulchral mists and haunted landscapes of ancient myth, Victoria K cast a lengthening shadow over Australia and beyond. Leading the Australian Gothic Metal charge with soaring vocals, expansive melodies, and bombastic songwriting that draws on the resonance of the oldest tales and fresh emotion.

Victoria K first came to the notice of listeners with their single “Lacuna,” which was distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group (Australia) and was an early taste of things to come with their debut album, “Essentia“.

Soon after the release of the 2019 single “Lacuna” ahead of the band’s first album, Victoria K were invited to support Swiss Folk Metal legends Eluveitie at Melbourne’s Croxton Bandroom. Though this was Victoria K’s first live outing, they took the crowd by storm and left them chanting for more. This entry into the live scene set the stage for the release of “Essentia” perfectly.

The diversity of music across the “Essentia” album is showcased across the four single/video releases – “Essentia“, “Forsaken“, “The Haunting“, and “Matrix“. While “Forsaken” reaches into the darker corners of Victoria K’s musical palette, “Matrix,” by contrast, is a fast and uplifting song guaranteed to get the blood pumping.

Just as Victoria K was about to play their first headline show, however, the world was plunged into the throes of lockdowns and the now-infamous pandemic. Even in the face of such a challenging time for the music industry, the band remained undeterred and performed a live show streamed directly from the studio, which was later released as the DVD “Essentia – Live Isolation Concert“.

By the time the world opened up again, Victoria K were ravenous for touring and embarked upon an extensive trek across the Great Southern Land that took in capital cities and regional towns alike, from their hometown of Melbourne to Whyalla.

Even as they toured, Victoria K showed no sign of slowing down in their songwriting, and 2023 saw the release of their sophomore album “Kore“. For this release, Knight drew on her own Greek heritage to weave an enchanting interpretation of the story of Persephone, including lyrics and chants sung in Ancient Greek to truly capture the epic tale.

The lineage from such luminaries of Gothic Metal as Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, and Evanescence, as well as Prog/Power acts like Evergrey and Melbourne’s own Teramaze, to Victoria K is clear; however, with their latest release, Victoria K pays tribute to a more surprising inspiration, Madonna. In April 2024, Victoria K released their heavy rendition of the iconic 1998 ballad “Frozen“, running the gamut from heavy riffs to more dulcet moments, giving homage to the soulful and introspective nature of the song.

In addition to Knight’s majestic lead vocals, Victoria K’s current touring line-up includes Charlie Curnow tearing up the stage on harsh vocals, Ethan Colussi holding down the bottom end on bass, and the indomitable percussive machine of James Davies on drums.

Victoria K has amassed over 475,000 streams on Spotify and accumulated over 717,000 views on YouTube, averaging over 90 hours a month of watch time, with Matrix achieving over 150,000 views. They also boast over 6300 Facebook, 4000 Instagram, and 2700 TikTok followers, as well as over 6600 YouTube subscribers and 1000 monthly Spotify listeners primarily in Australia and the US.

With Victoria K leaning into epic and fantastical tales, it’s only fitting that they supported Blind Guardian at the Northcote Theatre on Friday, February 9, 2024, and Katatonia at The Croxton on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

Victoria K’s have recorded their 3rd studio album, “The Pleasure of Sorrow.” The details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

More info:
​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

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

Floor Jansen released new Run single after three years of release hiatus

Floor Jansen, who is currently the lead singer of Nightwish and solo artist, released her new single Run today, which showcases the darker and heavier side of Floor’s solo production. At the same time, the single points the way in a more straightforward and guitar-driven direction, without compromising on melody. The song’s themes deal with liberation, finding one’s own strength and, most importantly, the decision to stop shrinking yourself because of other people’s expectations.

“For me, Run is about no longer shrinking yourself to fit a mold that was never yours. It’s about taking off your mask, following your own direction and having the courage to be seen. Musically, the song is heavier and more direct than before, but still honest, melodic and completely my own,” Floor says.

The song was produced by Gordon Groothedde, with whom Jansen most recently worked on After Forever’s final studio album. After her successful solo debut Paragon and a sold-out Dutch theatre tour, her solo production has been streamed almost 150 million times on streaming services.

www.floorjansen.com

Aussie Thrash Force Decimator Return With Explosive New Single “The Gap”

Wormholedeath is pleased to announce the release of “The Gap,” the new single from Sydney thrash/heavy metal band Decimator.

Musically unrelenting but emotionally complex, “The Gap” tackles the heavy duality of human struggle. Inspired by Sydney’s infamous coastal landmark, the track explores the thin line between tragedy and survival.

“It’s a song about despair and hope,” explains guitarist Caiseal Duncan. “The Gap is a tragic place where many people have gone to end their lives. But after decades, maybe some go there and think again about their decision? Maybe there’s a force that makes them reconsider and return to their life?”

“The Gap” is the first release from Decimator’s forthcoming album and marks the debut of the band’s new lineup, with Ash Pollard now behind the kit.

Founded in January 2021 by Lance Holland-Keen and Mike Le Macchia, Decimator was forged in a shared obsession with old-school thrash and uncompromising heavy metal. The band famously battled through COVID-era restrictions and revolving line-ups before cementing their reputation as a lethal live act, debuting on stage in September 2022.

Following the success of their raw, unfiltered debut album, ’Til The Enemies Are Gone’—recorded in a single session at Powell Lane Studios and released in October 2024 via Wormholedeath—Decimator has consistently proven themselves as one of the hardest-working bands in the modern Australian metal scene. “The Gap” signals an evolution in their sound, combining their signature old-school thrash grit with a massive, modern sonic assault.

 Catch Up on Decimator’s Discography:

Debut Album: ‘Til The Enemies Are Gone’ | Digital | Physical CD

Warriors (Single): Stream

Halloween Sematary (Single): Stream

Downfallen (EP): Stream

Line UP:
Lance Holland-Keen – guitar/vox
Riley Perry – bass/vox
Caiseal Duncan – guitar/backing vox
Ashley Pollard – drums

www.facebook.com/DecimatorBandAustralia
www.instagram.com/decimatorbandaustralia
decimator1.bandcamp.com/music
www.youtube.com/@decimatorbandaustralia568

THE AUTUMN AURORA Make Their Debut with ‘Plastic Altar’ – A Darkwave-Infused Journey Through Faith, Disillusion & Inner Awakening

Available now on all digital platforms, “Plastic Altar” is the debut single from Italian post-punk/darkwave outfit THE AUTUMN AURORA, released via Volcano Records.

With this first release, the band introduces a deeply personal and emotionally charged sound, blending post-punk, darkwave and alternative rock into a dark, immersive and visceral sonic experience. “Plastic Altar” tells the story of a painful awakening — the moment when someone who has spent a lifetime kneeling before an altar, seeking miracles, answers and divine salvation, finally realizes that no one is coming to save them. The song unfolds as a reflection on faith, disillusionment and the need to stop searching outside for what must ultimately be found within. It is an invitation to reconnect with the divine as an inner force, rather than a desperate response to suffering. Musically, the track moves through suspended, twilight-soaked atmospheres, interrupted by sudden bursts of extreme fuzz-driven distortion and stripped-down minimalist passages, where delicate arpeggios carry the emotional weight of the vocals. The song constantly shifts between tension and release, building toward a central section openly inspired by doom metal, adding further depth and weight to its sonic landscape. To accompany the release, the band has also unveiled the official music video on YouTube — a visually intense and highly symbolic piece that expands on the song’s themes of alienation, conflict and transformation, fully embodying the band’s aesthetic and narrative vision.

The Autumn Aurora is an Italian post-punk/darkwave band with a distinctive and unconventional sonic identity, built around a rare lineup featuring two bass guitars, keyboards, drums and vocals. Through layered bass lines, synth-driven soundscapes and dark atmospheric textures, the band creates an immersive and magnetic world suspended between emotional tension, introspection and raw expressive power.

Listen to “Plastic Altar” on all digital platforms and watch the official video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNFdnYTSRuA

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
https://linktr.ee/theautumnauroraband

Finnish one-man metal band Rare Elements have released a new single called ‘Under the Iron Sky’

Under the Iron Sky is a slow, heavy, groove-driven track with progressive influences, built around two parallel layers of conflict: an internal psychological struggle and an external, war-like landscape. Rather than simply depicting conflict, the song captures a state where resistance becomes an unavoidable condition of existence.

The track paints a world where movement grows increasingly difficult. With lead in the feet and iron in the sky, the environment becomes suffocating and oppressive, turning every step into an act that feels like resisting gravity itself. Forward motion is no longer instinctive—it becomes deliberate, draining, and painfully slow.

At the same time, Under the Iron Sky dives into deep internal exhaustion. The battlefield is not only physical, but also a mental space. External reality and inner experience begin to merge, blurring the line between what is real and what is perceived. The recurring question “How did it come to this?” distills the emotional core of the track: confusion, fatigue, and a growing sense of inevitability.

The chorus expands this tension into a multidirectional threat—pressure closing in from above, ahead, and behind. The central figure is not only confronted by external forces, but gradually worn down by their own weakness and exhaustion. In the end, the struggle is no longer directed at a single enemy, but becomes a total, immersive condition where internal and external forces are inseparable.

Musically, the track combines heavy, groove-based riffing with progressive structures, the crushing weight of slow death metal, and dark shades of doom metal. A cinematic approach shapes the arrangement, allowing the song to unfold like a soundscape—layered, immersive, and gradually intensifying toward a suffocating climax. Minimalistic and direct lyricism reinforces the atmosphere, leaving space for interpretation.

Under the Iron Sky is not just about conflict—it captures the moment when struggle itself becomes inevitable.

LISTEN to ‘Under the Iron Sky’ on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/rare-elements-under

Line-up:

Harri Sarpavaara – vocals, guitars, bass, synths, drum programming

https://www.facebook.com/rareelementsrock

https://www.instagram.com/harrisarpavaara

Alternative band Blame Me! returns with emotional single Time by Time – new album also on the way

Finnish alternative band Blame Me! made it onto the playlists of several radio stations a few years ago with their singles Fire, Fuel and Scars and Fear’s Don’t Matter, as well as a cover of All The Things She Said. The band was signed to the German label Out of Line, but in recent years the band has been somewhat quiet. The band describes the twists and turns like this:

“Life happened, and with an unplanned two-year hiatus, Blame Me! had to reinvent itself. Over the past year, we’ve been creating new songs with new sounds and a completely new rhythm, brought to life by new drummer Maiju Mäki.”

Blame Me! is now releasing a new song, Time by Time, which was inspired by a failed relationship.

“We believe that everyone has at least one relationship in their life that they have done everything they can to build and put their whole heart into, but whose inevitable end cannot be prevented. Despite this, they try to hold on to the good memories and forget the bad ones. In the end, the only option is to let go.”

The music video for the song Time by Time showcases a renewed Blame Me! and fresh energy.

The band also reveals that a new album is on the way early this year, and more singles are expected in the near future. Blame Me! can be seen at the following gigs:

4.9. Nirvana, Turku (+ Crimson Sun, Without Warning)

5.9. Skenesali, Vantaa (+ Crimson Sun, Without Warning)

Blame Me! is:

Bini Silvennoinen – vocals

Jesse Lindstedt – guitar

Juho Jokimies – bass

Maiju Mäki – drums

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Finnish Fuzz Rock Quartet Heezer Unveils Darker Side of Upcoming Album “Stereolith” With New Single “Let It Burn”

Finnish fuzz rock quartet Heezer is preparing for the release of its sophomore full-length album Stereolith, due out on August 13. The self-released record has already been previewed with the gritty groove of “Horse” and the energetic “This Town”, which surprised listeners with melodic hooks borrowed from pop punk. Pre-orders for the album are now available through Levykauppa Äx, with both CD and vinyl editions on offer.
Now, the spotlight turns to the darker and heavier side of the album as Heezer hasreleased “Let It Burn”, accompanied by a striking animated music video.

“We originally planned to make a simple lyric video, but somehow the song felt like it deserved a proper visual story,” recalls bassist Antti Vesikko. “I came up with the idea of telling the song’s dark narrative through a comic without speech bubbles. At one point, with other work stuff piling up and no free time, I started building the project with AI. Thankfully, I came to my senses, scrapped the whole thing and decided it still wasn’t time to let artificial intelligence take the wheel. We brought in Amet Komik Studio to illustrate the story, and I edited the video to follow the dynamics and structure of the song. The result turned out beautifully and fits ‘Let It Burn’ perfectly.”

“We’ve always included slow and heavy songs on our releases, and ‘Let It Burn’ showcases that side of the new album really well,” says drummer Ville Häsä. “The demo was recorded in my home studio. Sami played through the structure on guitar while shouting cues for section changes on the fly. We had the demo together after just a couple of takes, but I didn’t yet realize the full picture. Once the bass and vocals were added, I understood what a great and wonderfully dark song it was. It ended up sounding very close to what you hear on the album. Personally, I love the Soundgarden-inspired bridge section.”
Singer-guitarist Sami Kääriäinen adds:

“The verses, written by Antti, deal with mental struggles and the twists and turns of the mind, while the choruses offer a rather straightforward solution: let it all burn. The lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, though. Once again, Heikki Pöyhiä delivered some absolutely brilliant backing vocals.”

“Stereolith” tracklist:
1.  Horse
2.  This Town
3.  Stone I Am
4.  Let It Burn
5.  Moonshine
6.  Mountain
7.  Crazy
8.  The Van
9.  Desert

Heezer stand firmly behind their professional DIY mindset and they’ve taken major steps forward in their evolution – from stronger songwriting to a higher production level. The band’s sharpened approach shines through in a powerful and distinctive result. Still, their main principle remains unchanged: making music has to stay fun, now and in the future.

Heezer have been steadily winning over audiences both on streaming platforms and on stage. See band live this summer:

17.7. Stereolith-album pre-listening party, Kuluma Pub, Imatra (+ live-stream)
7.8. Patruuna Fest, Imatra
14.8. Nirvana, Turku

Heezer line-up:
Sami Kääriäinen – vocals, guitar
Ville Räsänen – guitar
Antti Vesikko – bass
Ville Häsä – drums

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Tuska Festival 26-27-28.6.2026, Helsinki (Finland)

Tuska, the biggest metal festival in Finland and the largest in Northern Europe, returned once again to Helsinki’s Suvilahti on 26–28 June. Across four stages, 60 bands delivered a weekend of relentless energy, with major international acts such as Megadeth, Bad Omens, and Bring Me The Horizon among the most anticipated. Tuska 2026 sold out both Friday and Saturday, ultimately setting a new attendance record with 66,000 visitors over three days.

Day 1:

The festival launched with explosive energy as American death‑metal outfit Gatecreeper opened the Karhu Main Stage. Fans were already pressed against the barriers early in the day, setting the tone for a weekend defined by relentless enthusiasm.

Finnish post‑hardcore band Awake Again turned the Radio City stage into a party with hits like Saturday Night (I Am Alive), while Lost Society delivered a sharp main‑stage performance built around their latest album Hell Is a State of Mind.

Japanese heavy‑metal legends Loudness continued their 45th Anniversary World Tour with a powerful Radio City Stage set, followed by Swedish industrial metal powerhouse Pain, who unleashed crowd‑pleasers Shut Your Mouth and Party In My Head.

Finnish favorites Bloodred Hourglass delivered one of the day’s standout performances, while Italian progressive melodic death metal band Lunarsea made a historic Finland debut.

The night culminated in a monumental headline performance by Megadeth. Their set drew a single day record of 23,000 attendees, marking a deeply emotional home country debut for guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari, who received thunderous chants from the Finnish crowd. Even a heavy summer downpour only amplified the intensity of the mosh pits, sealing Day 1 as a defining chapter in Tuska history.

Day 2:

Saturday ignited with Australian metalcore outfit Melrose Avenue, whose explosive Radio City Stage set translated their studio darkness into a tightly executed live assault.

One of the day’s most anticipated moments came from HOKKA, performing only their fourth live show ever, but on the Main Stage. Their set, built around debut album Via Miseria IV, included a stunning metal cover of Seal’s Kiss From a Rose.

Despiser performance marked the band’s very first outdoor festival weekend appearance in their history. The crowd packed into Tiivistämö early in the afternoon to witness the new wave of Northern metal energy. The emotional peak arrived when guest vocalist Sara Strömmer, eight months pregnant, joined them for Weakness, powering through the performance with inspiring strength.

Atlanta’s theatrical emo‑rock outfit The Funeral Portrait delivered their first Finnish “Devotion Ceremony,” while P.O.D. finally performed in Finland for the first time in their three‑decade career; an unforgettable bucket‑list moment for thousands of millennial fans like us.

Swiss deathcore titans Paleface Swiss unleashed one of the festival’s most chaotic sets, and Trivium proved once again why they are masters of the modern metal festival stage.

Late in the evening, Caskets delivered a deeply atmospheric performance, setting the emotional tone for the night’s grand finale.

Tuska Saturday closed with a long‑awaited performance: Bad Omens. After cancelling their European tour two years earlier, their 2026 appearance fueled a second consecutive sold‑out crowd of 23,000. Noah Sebastian commanded the massive audience with extraordinary vocal versatility, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally charged set. Due to restrictions, photographers were not permitted to shoot, leaving fans with memories instead of images.

Day 3:

Sunday began with Pikku‑Tuska, the festival’s beloved family concept. From 14:00 to 18:00, children aged 0–12 entered free with an adult, enjoying colorful attractions like the Kids Factory mini‑train and child‑friendly challenges hosted by Wera Tools. At 18:00, the grounds returned to 18+ as the evening’s heavy program began.

Swedish progressive metalcore outfit Allt opened the final day with a cinematic, orchestral‑infused performance that captivated early crowds. Gothenburg legends Soilwork followed with an emotionally charged set honoring the late guitarist David Andersson, whose final creative works shaped Övergivenheten.

A historic milestone arrived as Queensrÿche performed at Tuska for the first time in their four‑decade career, delivering a masterclass in progressive metal precision.

Finnish icons Amorphis anchored the evening with a stunning sub‑headline performance, embodying the atmospheric depth and cultural identity of Finnish metal.

Sheffield heavyweights Malevolence earned immense respect by performing despite frontman Alex Taylor’s emergency surgery, pressing on with fill‑in vocalists and delivering one of the weekend’s most powerful sets.

Tuska 2026 closed with a monumental headline performance by Bring Me The Horizon. Oliver Sykes and the band transformed the Karhu Main Stage into a cinematic spectacle, delivering a grand finale worthy of the festival’s historic attendance record.

Tuska 2026 will be remembered as one of the festival’s most significant editions, defined by emotional homecomings, long‑awaited debuts, theatrical surprises, and a record‑breaking 66,000 attendees. Across three days, Suvilahti became a living monument to heavy music’s power, community, and evolution.

Here the photo gallery from the 3‑day festival by Cristina Gregori.

Bloody Falls Video Interview

Bloody Falls, the metal quintet formed in 2017 in Valkeakoski, Finland, just released their fourth studio album, “IV,” via Art Gates Records. The album delves into classic metal territory, drawing on themes ranging from the horsemen of the Apocalypse to the rise of the devil and the darker sides of humanity. The band considers “IV” a decisive step in their evolution, with the final sound shaped by producer Max Morton, known for his work with Jinjer, and evocative cover art by Jesus Lhysta (The Rotted Artist). Collaborating with this creative team has helped Bloody Falls hone their identity and perfect their style.
We at The Offering had the opportunity to sit down with guitarist and founding member Stavros Mathios to discuss the making of “IV.” In this interview, we explore the album’s writing and recording process, relive their releaseshow at Bar Kotelo in Tampere on June 13, and take a look at the band’s upcoming shows around Finland.

https://artgatesrecords.com/linktree/bloody-falls