Author: Crix

Legendary heavy metallers Stryper share new video “Unforgivable” from their latest album ‘When We Were Kings’ out now

The Legendary STRYPER is sharing a fresh track called “Unforgivable” along with a new music video, available below. The track appears on their 2024 epic album, ‘When We Were Kings,’ available via Frontiers Music Srl.

Michael Sweet comments on the track:

“’Unforgivable’ is the song that went under the radar, yet many fans responded and said it was one of their favorites. It has a groove like no other, and we’re very excited to be able to release it as a single/video. We can’t thank you all enough for supporting all the new music and helping the band achieve 40+ years of success.”

STRYPER’s current lineup includes original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, and Oz Fox, along with bassist Perry Richardson. Their latest album, ‘When We Were Kings,’ shows the band creating their finest and most powerful music yet.


About the album, ‘When We Were Kings,’ Sweet adds:

“I feel that it really captures our classic sound, but also captures our most recent sound. We’ve definitely grown as a band and evolved quite a bit so it’s important to have both.”

Looking ahead, STRYPER is also working on a Kickstarter-funded documentary film directed by Chris Atkins. With career album sales exceeding 10 million worldwide and a history of Billboard Top 40 hits, STRYPER continues to record, tour, and perform for devoted fans globally.

Order ‘When We Were Kings’ HERE

‘When We Were Kings’ Track List:

1. End Of Days
2. Unforgivable
3. When We Were Kings
4. Betrayed By Love
5. Loves Symphony
6. Trinity
7. Rhyme Of Time
8. Raptured
9. Grateful
10. Divided By Design
11. Imperfect World

STRYPER are:
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals/Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums & Percussion
Oz Fox – Vocals/Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Perry Richardson – Vocals/Bass

Paul McNamara – Organ, Keys, Moog
Additional Background Vocals: Charles Foley & Keith Pittman

Produced by: Michael Sweet
Studio: Spirithouse Recording Studio
Recorded by: Danny Bernini
Additional engineering and editing: Kenny Lewis / Mixed Emotions Music
Mixed by: Danny Bernini
Mastered by: Alex Saltz

All songs written by: Michael Sweet

FOLLOW STRYPER:
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EXPECT ACTION WHEN THE MIGHTY THOR MEETS MERV GRIFFIN

Long ago and far away, an aspiring young Canadian rocker named John Thor was performing at Las Vegas’s newly refurbished Aladdin Hotel, in the Bicentennial-themed Red Hot and Blue show… the Strongman Star, they called him, and with good reason.
A champion body builder, becloaked and be-glittered, exploding hot water bottles with his breath alone, wielding a hammer and bathed in pyrotechnics, even veteran rock fans (and yes, that includes the KISS army) had never seen anything like Thor.
And neither had America at large, at least until this vision in muscle and mayhem turned up on the Merv Griffin show in June 1976, to perform a cover of a recent single by UK glam rockers The Sweet that itself might have been written for him.  It was called “Action,” and it was killer.
Thor recalls, “Merv saw me perform at the Aladdin Hotel and invited me to appear on his show, live from Caesars Palace.”
It was a stunning appearance, although Thor acknowledges that things did not go quite to plan. For the last few years he had been touring with fellow Canadians The Imps – so-called, he says, because they were “small characters. During the show, I would hold Frank Soda up with one hand and dance while he played his lead guitar break midway through ’Action,’ which was our signature tune.”  (Another crowd pleaser was when Thor would have bricks broken on his chest with a sledgehammer.)

Although Thor performed without the band in Vegas, he requested that The Imps also appear on the Griffin show. “I would fly them out from Canada. But Merv said an emphatic ‘no,’ as he felt the band was too heavy for prime time. So the Mort Lindsey Orchestra backed me up instead.”
Another misfortune, however, proved most providential.  “I was set to wear my white sequined jacket for the Griffin show, an Elvis-looking outfit which was popular in Vegas at the time. But just before the show, the jacket went missing. Possibly stolen, so I switched over to my unique stars and stripes glam superhero outfit, complete with hammer and cape. And I’m glad I did, because it established and represented the Thor character I was developing. It got showcased on national TV.”
So yes, long ago and far away. But “Action” not only retains its place in Thor’s heart, it also opens his new album Rock The Universe, and it’s his latest single as well.  Which is great news for everyone because the accompanying video – you guessed it!  
Clips from the Griffin show are cut throughout the video, but so is footage of today’s Thor taking another step back into the past by reuniting with Frank Soda.  “It’s an opportunity to make things right, many years later. It imagines that Frank and the Imps appear in Las Vegas and join me on stage, this time to see what it might have been like had we done this back in 1976.”
As for Rock The Universe itself, the action does not end with “Action.”  Eleven tracks, all covers, range across the the classic rock spectrum, from an impassioned take on Eric Burdon’s epic “Sky Pilot” and The Doors’ “Love Me Two Times,” to a spellbinding medley of Deep Purple’s “Highway Star” and “Black Night,” and a raucously riffing take on The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full Of Soul.”  
“In the 1970s I toured extensively, over 300 days a year across North America, and Rock The Universe is chock-full of songs from that era. These are favorite songs of mine that we played each night, and thus enabled myself and the band to become seasoned performers.
“It also gave me the opportunity, almost 50 years later, to join forces again with Frank Soda to lay down those magical tracks we played live from yesteryear, that would fuel our tours. Songs by our heroes.”  Kevin Stuart Swain (who also produced the album), Al Harlow (Prism) and Ray Roper (Stonebolt) complete the line-up, and when Thor describes their performances as “stellar,” it’s not hyperbole.
A thunderous take on The Beatles’s “Back In The USSR” is as fab as the foursome that performed the original; and, in case anyone should need a break from the mayhem,Thor also takes on one of the most underrated ballads in Ray Davies’s entire Kinky kanon, the 1966 b-side “I’m Not Like Everybody Else.”
Another one, incidentally, that could have been written for him. “Since I was a child, I was never looked at by others as being normal. I loved Superheroes and would wear a Superman costume underneath my regular clothes at school. And change into Superman at recess. I also loved monsters and I would scare my nieces and nephews as I would transform myself into Frankenstein. Through my life, I was always regarded as “different”.
“During my whole life walking the earth, I never followed the beaten path. I was always defiant, non-conforming and plainly different from the rest. I have always seemed to find my own individual identity. So “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” is my anthem.
“After all how many of those classmates from school still wear Superhero costumes and put out albums at 72 years old?”

Finnish melodic death/doom metal band Shadecrown released the second single ‘Tear-blind’ from the upcoming fourth album 0

Finnish Viitasaari based melodic death/doom metal band Shadecrown is set to release their fourth studio album 0 on July 25th 2025 via Inverse Records. 

The second single ‘Tear-Blind’ featuring Sheila Bernal on guest vocals and Vilma Peltokangas on Cello is released today.

The band comments single:
“Tear-blind is the story of a man reaching the end of his life, wishing that his last days would not be filled with the sorrow and pain of his loved ones. His last wish is to try to enjoy the moments we share while he is still here.”  

LISTEN to Tear-Blind single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/shadecrown-tear-blind

Biography:
The Finnish Shadecrown is a versatile melodic death metal band founded in Viitasaari in 2012, whose melancholic melodies and lyrics tell stories about the dark side of life. The band has released three full-length albums so far: Agonia 2016, Riven 2019, Solitarian 2021. The fourth album 0 will be released in 2025.

WATCH music video of first single ‘The Art of Grieving’ https://youtu.be/pPIwGDcOgRQ

Line-up:

Jari Hokka – Vocals
Joonas Vesamäki – Guitar
Tomi Tikka – Guitar
Saku Tammelin – Keyboards
Janne Salmelin – Bass & clean vocals
Kalle Varonen – Drums

Guest female vocals: Sheila Bernal
Guest Cello: Vilma Peltokangas

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/shadecrownband
https://www.instagram.com/shadecrownband
https://shadecrown.bandcamp.com

Ramonda announce debut album “The Walls Are Crumbling Down” set for release on July 18th

Argentinian singer Santiago Ramonda is pleased to announce the release of his debut album “The Walls Are Crumbling Down”, out on July 18th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The first single, “Gone”, is out now, offering a taste of the upcoming record.

 

Pre-Order “The Walls Are Crumbling Down” HERE

Talking about the first single, Santiago Ramonda commented: “I think this song is a deep reflection on the importance of living in the present and taking advantage of the opportunities that come our way. The lyrics are emotional and resonant, and the melody is catchy and memorable. I like how the song invites us not to wait too long to do what we want, and not to let fear or uncertainty hold us back from making decisions and enjoying life. The song has a powerful and relevant message for anyone looking to live more authentically and fully”.

Describing the album, Ramonda added: “This album is a battle cry for all those who love rock and refuse to let it die. With this album, we want to keep the flame of classic hard rock alive and take it to new places. For all those fighting to keep the spirit of rock alive, this album is a message of hope and resilience. And to see my name on that banner is a dream fulfilled, an honor that drives me forward with passion and dedication. I especially want to thank having had the opportunity to work with Alessandro Del Vecchio, a great honor for me that has enriched this project in an invaluable way. We will keep on rocking, and with you, we will take it to the top again!”

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to present the upcoming debut album from Ramonda, the first solo release by the brilliant Argentinian singer Santiago Ramonda.

Ramonda already caught the attention of the melodic hard rock scene with Stormwarning’s debut album and he’s here again, under the direction of Serafino Perugino, president of Frontiers Records, to prove his immense vocal talent, crafting an album of melodic rock gems!

Santiago started as a guitarist and then became a singer, developing his skill primarily through practice and self-knowledge. Although he has received valuable advice and guidance from some experts, including Iván Sencion, his growth as an artist has been largely self-directed.

In 2020, as a result of a cover of Joe Lynn Turner’s “Prelude/Endlessly” published on his YouTube channel, Santiago began to catch the attention of some players in the global melodic rock scene. Guitarist Stuart Smith (Heaven & Earth), whom the label has a long relationship with, shared Santiago’s YouTube videos with the label.

“The Walls Are Crumbling Down” is a solid album, showcasing songs with big choruses, a wide range of vocal arrangements, Santiago’s tone is the perfect balance between vocal extension and a warm bluesy digression (“Blue Heart Of Stone” is a clear example) and an amazing guitar work by Suraz Sun, guitar player from Girish And The Chronicles.

Songs like “The Walls Are Crumbling Down” and “Don’t Look For Love” are just a mention in between all the great tracks featured in the album!

“The Walls Are Crumbling Down” Tracklist:

1.    Under The Moonlight
2.    The Walls Are Crumbling Down
3.    Don’t Look For Love
4.    Fight Fire With Fire
5.    Blue Heart Of Stone
6.    Without Love
7.    High Voltage Hearts
8.    Gone
9.    Bad Girl
10.    The One To Blame
11.    World’s Gone Crazy

Line Up:
Santiago Ramonda – Vocals
Suraz Sun – Guitars
Silvia Pistolesi – Bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio – Keyboards, additional guitars
Nicholas Papapicco – Drums

Follow RAMONDA:
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Chris Adler (Lamb of God) Joins Forces with TONIC BREED For Explosive New Single “Anew”

Tonic Breed, the metal project led by Norwegian musician Patrik K. Svendsen, is gearing up to release “Anew” on June 19th, 2025, a crushing new single featuring none other than legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth).

“I was quite curious when I got an email — and some riffs — from Patrik,” says Adler. “Clearly he’s done some cool shit and I was flattered to be on his radar… I researched it for a minute and agreed.”

Patrik originally sent over a rough demo of the song, a storm of riffs strung together with placeholder drums and a suggested structure. “Chris was actually on board right away,” Patrik explains. “We worked together on a new structure for the song, and Chris took the lead on shaping it into something far more unique and effective than my original draft.”

“His riffs are fucking sick,” Adler continues. “We did have to take a minute to both feel good about what this would be — meaning I beat up his song like a fucking Rocky movie — but I knew it had the parts and strength.”

The final version of “Anew” is a precision-crafted, high-energy track that fuses Patrik’s Norwegian riff work with Adler’s unmistakable rhythmic drive. “To me, this is the most Lamb of God-style drumming I’ve heard from Chris since he was in Lamb of God,” Patrik says. “I’m sure some metal guitarists would kill to hear Chris Adler’s drumming behind their riffs — I’ve been lucky enough to experience that firsthand.”

By the end of the collaboration, Adler described the finished product as “sounding like an action movie that’s fun to watch,” a nod to the song’s explosive dynamics and cinematic flow.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Patrik,” Adler says. “Humbling. You’ll know what I mean when you hear it.”

The track was mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Machine, who also handled Lamb of God’s Ashes of the Wake and Sacrament. “The sound is brilliant,” says Patrik. “Machine absolutely nailed it.”

“Anew” will drop June 19th, 2025 as a stand-alone single and is also set to appear on the next full-length Tonic Breed album. The new release continues the project’s series of high-profile collaborations, which already include Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam), and Björn Strid (Soilwork).

Until “Anew” is released, check out Tonic Breed‘s latest collaboration with Flotsam and Jetsam guitarist Michael Gilbert for a guest solo on the new single “The Die Is Cast”.

Straight to the point. No fluff, no filler, “The Die Is Cast” is pure, hard-hitting thrash from start to finish, with a touch of melody woven in. The song is about a powerful war machine that lies broken and abandoned, surrounded by the wreckage of others like it. Its silence feels heavy, as if it’s aware of the destruction it once brought and the emptiness that followed.

“The Die Is Cast” was performed, written, and produced by Patrik K. Svendsen with mixing by Adrian Bjerketvedt in Sarpsborg, Norway, and mastered by Steve Kitch.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/2AM7LfoyoTUL0VlZLYpXyE​

For more info:​
​https://tonicbreed.com​
​https://facebook.com/tonicbreed​
​https://instagram.com/tonicbreed​

About: Tonic Breed is a Norwegian thrash and heavy metal one-man music project by Patrik K. Svendsen. Until 2019, Tonic Breed was originally a four-piece band, established in Sarpsborg, Norway, in 2006. As of 2022, Tonic Breed has released three albums and one EP. Today, Tonic Breed is constantly reinventing itself in songwriting and guest collaborations.

Discography:​
– 2025 – The Die Is Cast (single)
(ft. guest guitar solo Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam)
– 2025 – The Charge (single w/ Darkroot)
– 2024 – Outsold – LP – 10th Anniversary Edition
– 2022 – Fuel the Fire – EP
(ft. guests Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Bernt Jansen (Artch/Wig Wam),
Björn Strid (Soilwork), Martin Skriubakken (Endezzma), Oliver Palotai (Kamelot)
– 2018 – Install Memory – LP
– 2014 – Outsold – LP
– 2010 – On the Brink of Destruction

DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW LEGEND JOE LYNN TURNER JOINS GUITAR VIRTUOSO MARCUS NAND FOR COVER OF BLUES IMAGE CLASSIC

Joe Lynn Turner needs no introduction. Long before he launched his solo career in 1985, his years fronting Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow (Difficult To Cure, Straight Between The Eyes, Bent Out of Shape) established him among the most dynamic vocalists on the metal scene, an accolade that was only amplified by stints with Deep Purple (Slaves and Masters) and Yngwie Malmsteen (Odyssey).
Clearly, Turner knows a great guitarist when he hears one, and Marcus Nand is no exception. Born in Spain and a student of flamenco guitar along with blues and rock, Nand has incorporated his diverse influences on such projects as the Los Angeles-based metal band Freak Of Nature, which featured White Lion singer Mike Tramp, and the world music-influenced rock band Ziroq with famed David Bowie bassist Carmine Rojas!
His first solo album, 2024’s The Traveler, was described by Forgotten-Scroll.net as “a PERFECT album” for anyone enjoying “sweet, harmonious, exceptional rock music.” Foo Fighters keyboardist Rami Jaffee raves, “Marcus knows how to write a song that feels truly rock and at the same time, truly worldly”; Alice In Chains’  Mike Inez continues, “He is a great example of a dedicated musician carrying the torch of his genre well into the future.”
And still “Ride Captain Ride,” the mighty fruit of this devastating partnership, leads both players into a whole new arena. According to the late songwriter Mike Pinera, the song was written “in about 15 minutes [and] we cut it right that day.”  It lifted his band Blues Image to international fame and, with close to 25 million Spotify plays to its credit, it remains one of the greatest rock standards of all time.
And one of the greatest Yacht Rock classics as well, which is what makes Turner and Nand’s treatment of the song so fascinating, as it preludes one of Cleopatra Records’ most highly-anticipated albums of the year, Yacht Metal – Yacht Rock Goes Heavier & Louder.
Nand has always loved the number.  “I’ve been a big fan of Joe Lynn Turner for years, so getting the chance to play on this track was a real thrill. It was also a lot of fun to revisit ‘Ride Captain Ride’ – such a classic! I wanted to stay true to the spirit of the original while giving it a heavier edge without losing what made it special in the first place.” 
Turner continues, “It was 1970 and ‘Ride Captain Ride’ was the big song…it went to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart but was forever engraved in our lives.  I played it in my cover band a thousand times.
“It was a real joy to do a new version for Cleopatra…a fun tune with a positive message…hope you enjoy it as much as I still do!”
Because, if you do, you’re going to love Yacht Metal, too. Featuring contributions from Thor, Vinnie Moore, BulletBoys, Cherie Currie, Uriah Heep veteran Mick Box, Megadeth’s Chris Poland, Ross The Boss, Britt Lightning and another Rainbow alumnus Graham Bonnet, Yacht Metal is guaranteed to uproot everything you have ever thought you knew about both the genre and the songs that sail on it.  A line-up that also includes “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “Just The Two Of Us” and “You Can Do Magic.”
Well, Turner and Nand have already done some magic here, but just to whet the appetite further, here’s Mike Pinera again, speaking about the super-weird coincidence that has also established ”Ride Captain Ride” in the annals of rock’s most Fortean favorites.
He wrote the song on a Model 73 Rhodes piano, and the song’s opening rhyme riffed on that number… “73 men sailed out from the San Francisco Bay….”
“Now, here is the weird thing that happened.  It got released, it was in the Top Ten, #1 in a lot of regional markets, and my manager gets a call from the Pentagon, wanting to know how I, as the writer of those words, knew about the secret spy ship USS Pueblo?  My manager goes ‘what are you talking about?  I don’t think Mike knows anything about that stuff.  Ask him about the latest Gibson guitar and he’ll know, but he doesn’t know anything about secret spy ships.’ Which I didn’t.  
“But it turned out that I had written a song that coincided with an incident that had not yet happened; it took place after the song was released; and here’s what made it so freaky. There were seventy-three men on board who sailed out from the San Francisco Bay on this secret spy mission that nobody was supposed to know about, and they got in trouble out there on the ocean, they were captured and taken prisoner.  Seventy-three men sailed off into history.  As far as I was concerned, those lyrics were free form flow of consciousness stuff, but then you get to the third verse…
“At one of my concerts years later, I met the radio guy from the USS Pueblo who told me something I didn’t know about that third verse, that while they were actually being captured, it was during a massive storm and they couldn’t get the word out that they needed help because the bad weather was blocking the radio transmission.”
 
But no one heard them callin’, no one came at all
‘Cause they were too busy watchin’ those old raindrops fall
As THE storm was blowin’ out on the peaceful sea
Seventy-three men sailed off to history

Laguna announce debut album “The Ghost Of Katrina” out July 11th

Melodic hard rockers Laguna are excited to announce the release of their debut album, titled “The Ghost Of Katrina” and scheduled for July 11th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band share also the first single and accompanying video “Ghost Behind The Mask”, available now.

 

Pre-Order “The Ghost Of Katrina” HERE

Vocalist Andrés Espada described the new single by saying: “Ghost Behind The Mask” is a song with a dark aura. Exploring that insidious part of our minds that sows doubt and fuels insecurity, whispering criticism and messages of inadequacy. The song captures the internal struggle against those thoughts that tell us we’re not good enough, that we’re not worthy of love or success. It’s a reminder that often, the toughest battle we face is the one waged within our own minds”.

Hailing from the northern part of Mexico, from the arid desert of Torreón, Coahuila, Laguna is a five-piece hard rock band ready to take the world by storm with their debut album, “The Ghost Of Katrina”.

Drawing from the European and Scandinavian melodic hard rock scene, Laguna’s sound is an electrifying blend of powerful production, anthemic choruses, and in-your-face guitar riffs, with influences from the likes of One Desire, H.E.A.T., and other renowned acts from the scene.

The album, produced by Jimmy Westerlund (known for his work with One Desire and more recently Giant), perfectly captures Laguna’s high-energy and dynamic style, bringing to life a heavy yet melodic sound that’s both thrilling and emotionally charged. The songs feature strong hooks, vibrant instrumentation, and an intensity that reflects the band’s unrelenting passion for hard rock.

Formed in 2018 by a group of hard rock and heavy metal enthusiasts, Laguna’s sound is rooted in hard rock but with a distinctive modern twist. Their music is crafted to make listeners scream at the top of their lungs and throw their fists into the air – a perfect soundtrack for anyone who craves a high-octane, fist-pumping experience.

Laguna’s meteoric rise is a testament to their tireless dedication to their craft. Over the years, they have built a solid reputation in the North and Latin American rock circuits, performing at major festivals like Hell and Heaven Fest (one of Latin America’s biggest rock festivals) and the infamous KnotFest. The band has had the privilege of opening for iconic acts such as W.A.S.P., Timo Tolkki, and The Warning, further solidifying their place in the international rock scene.

Laguna’s music is a reflection of the barren desert from which they hail – a place where resilience and tenacity are born out of hardship. As guitarist José Mesta explains, “Long before it was a desert, it was a lagoon, but dried out thousands of years ago, leaving nothing but snakes and rats, yet deep down beneath the surface, water flows through the caverns of this great desert”. This metaphor speaks to the essence of Laguna – a band born from the depths of hardship, yet ready to rise with the power and energy that only hard rock can bring.

Laguna is set to make waves across the global rock scene. Their blend of melodic hooks, heavy riffs, and explosive energy will leave listeners craving more. This is only the beginning for Laguna, and they are poised to continue proving that Mexicans can indeed rock!

“The Ghost Of Katrina” Tracklist:

1.    Intro – Katrina
2.    Ghost Behind The Mask
3.    Living On The Line
4.    Punk Boy (ft. Jimmy Westerlund)
5.    Wildfire
6.    These Chains
7.    Electric High
8.    My Syndrome
9.    Bring Me To Life
10.    Sinner Of Tomorrow

Line Up:
Andrés Espada – Lead Vocals
José Mesta – Lead Guitars
Firio Verástegui – Rhythm Guitars
Daniel Mesta – Bass
Sergio Mtz – Drums

Follow LAGUNA:
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Solence announces new album Angels Calling to be released this year – Where Were You..? single out now

Los Angeles-based Swedish pop band Solence has made a huge comeback with their party metal in recent years.

Now Solence has announced that they will release their next album this year. The release campaign of the upcoming album “Angels Calling” just begun with the release of the single “Where Were You..?”. The song proves that the band, known for party metal and humorous songs, can also handle heavier topics.

“Where Were You..? is about a situation where a friend is not there when you need them most. However, the song keeps the tempo high and the beat big, as is typical for Solence!”, says guitarist David Strääf.

Solence has also updated its visual appearance and sound, combining the best aspects of its past, while looking towards the future.
“For some reason I’ve always had the feeling that my time on earth is limited, as if I’m going to die young. Our music is about making the most of life, relationships and passion before heaven calls us home,” says vocalist Markus Videsäter.

Angels Calling album tracklist:
1. Angels Calling
2. Monsters In My Head
3. Where Were You..?
4. MESS
5. <alive
6. Dead_Alive
7. Wish You The Worst
8. Dangerous To Love
9. All of the Pain Must Go
10. Angels vs Demons

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Metalcore band Adept makes long-awaited return with new music

Swedish metalcore pioneers Adept are back – and louder than ever! After almost nine years of silence, the band makes their long-awaited return today with their new single “Heaven”. Released by Napalm Records, “Heaven” is a raw and cathartic dive into guilt, loss and the constant persecution of personal demons. Powered by fast-paced riffs, dark melodies and a crushing breakdown, the song offers listeners exactly what Adept fans have been waiting for for years.

The single Heaven is released today as a music video only. The cinematic video features strong themes and a modern aesthetic that showcase emotional depth and provide a real visual treat. The song will arrive on streaming services at midnight.

“Heaven is a dark and emotional song about carrying old scars into the present and facing them. The composition is built around heavy riffs, a massive chorus and a raw emotional state. The lyrics are about being stuck in the unresolved issues of life, but also about the strength to overcome them and move on,” says the band’s vocalist Robert Ljung.

Formed in the early 2000s, Adept helped shape the sound of the European metalcore scene in its early years, and the band quickly rose to fame. Adept headed out on international tours and shared stages with the genre’s biggest names, such as A Day To Remember, Underoath and Bring Me The Horizon. The band made an impressive return to the live scene at last year’s Core Fest in Stuttgart, Germany, which created huge anticipation among fans. Now, at the dawn of a new era, Adept is ready to take over the metalcore scene once again.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

French symphonic metallers Fairyland share new video “Karma” from upcoming album “The Story Remains” out June 13th

French symphonic power metal band Fairyland are pleased to share their new single and official video “Karma”, taken from their new studio album “The Story Remains”, scheduled for June 13th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Pre-Order “The Story Remains” HERE

Bassist Willdric Lievin described the new single: “Karma is a song about the type of people who like using others. It’s a song about a selfish, egoistic, self-centered individual who only wants to please himself, without any consideration for other people. His hallmark: empty words, broken promises, words that are not followed by actions. He doesn’t know that by living like this, he hurts people around him. He doesn’t know that “what goes around comes around”. Musically it’s one of the most beautiful gems that Phil Giordana ever made. The majestic, epic, rich orchestrations make this song unique”.

Talking about the new record, Lievin stated: “After the passing of the Fairyland’s founder and mastermind Phil Giordana, we faced the challenge to finish the fifth album. Phil left plenty of material, but it required a lot of further work. It wasn’t easy but in the face of adversity we excelled and managed to complete the album. This, along with a new lineup, starts a new chapter in the history of Fairyland. It continues the symphonic, power metal quality that Fairyland is known for, but we decided to add some new elements to this musical landscape”.

“The Story Remains is richer and more versatile than previous albums, and we are exploring new musical and lyrical territory for the band. We are happy and proud of this new album, and we hope that listening to it will give you a lot of delight. Welcome back to Fairyland”, he continued.

French Symphonic Masters Fairyland are back with the long-awaited album “The Story Remains”. The band is a well-known name in the symphonic metal scene, appreciated and with a specific trademark made of majestic orchestration able to bring the listeners in their fantasy world.

Fairyland was formed in 1998 as Fantasia by Philippe Giordana and Willdric Lievin. Both musicians shared the same passion for epic and symphonic heavy metal. Fantasia recruited guitarist Anthony Parker and entered Wizard Studio in February 2002. During the recording, they found Elisa C. Martin, already known for her work with the power metal band Dark Moor.

At this time, the band’s name was changed to Fairyland. They signed a contract with NTS (now Replica Records). “Of Wars In Osyrhia” was released in April 2003. Shortly after, the band toured with Sonata Arctica and performed at the Swedish Rock Festival.

The second album “The Fall Of An Empire”, was recorded with: P. Giordana, A. Parker,  Max Leclerqc , Pierre-Emmanuel “Piwee” Desfray and Thomas “Tom” Cesario, and was released in 2006. A European tour with Kamelot and Leaves’ Eyes followed.

After the tour, the band split up. While working on the new material, Philippe decided to use the services of guest musicians for his next album. “Score To A New Beginning” was released in 2009, also marking the return of Willdric Lievin.

The fourth album “Osyrhianta” was released in 2020 (line-up: Philippe Giordana, Willdric Lievin, Francesco Cavalieri, JB Pol, and Sylvain Cohen).

Philippe Giordana passed away on October 21, 2022. In March 2023 Archie Caine was announced as the band’s new lead singer. In 2024 the line up was completed with Gideon Ricardo, Brieuc De Groof and J.B Pol.

“The Story Remains” perfectly incarnates the band’s trademark sound, and songs like “A New Dawn” or “Karma” are a perfect example of the amazing album that will make every symphonic metal freak’s heart beat with excitement!

“The Story Remains” Tracklist:

1.    Downfall
2.    To Stars And Beyond
3.    Karma
4.    A New Dawn
5.    We Shall Hunt The Sun
6.    Hopeless Still
7.    Samsara
8.    Unity
9.    Council Of The Gods
10.    The Chosen Ones
11.    Unbreakable
12.    Postscript
13.    Suffering Ages (Feat. Elisa C. Martin)

Line Up:
Archie Caine – Vocals
Willdric Lievin – Guitars, bass, backing vocals
Gideon Ricardo – Keyboards
Brieuc De Groof – Guitars
JB Pol – Drums

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