Author: Crix

Avantasia’s new single ‘Against The Wind’ features H.E.A.T’s Kenny Leckremo

Melodic metal fans got some good news in December when Avantasia, led by Tobias Sammet, announced that they would be releasing their tenth studio album, ‘Here be Dragons’, on February 28th. The album will be released by Napalm Records. The first taste of the album was given in December when the single ‘Creepshow’ was released, accompanied by a hilarious horror-themed music video.

Now, the album’s second single, ‘Against The Wind‘, is being released, and will be accompanied by a lyric video. The up-tempo power metal song features a guest appearance by H.E.A.T singer Kenny Leckermo.

“Against The Wind is full of speed and powerful melodies. This song attacks you with full force, and tears you along to a better place. This is an empowering song that encourages you to stay true to yourself, and to show the middle finger to those who try to limit you,” Sammet says and continues:
“This is quite a demanding song, especially the singer has to have the full power metal singer’s toolbox. I knew that H.E.A.T’s Kenny Leckermo would have the vocal range needed, and he would be able to handle this task with ease. In all my modesty, I dare say that we sound absolutely fantastic together. I love this song!”

Here Be Dragons track listing:
1. Creepshow
2. Here Be Dragons
3. The Moorlands At Twilight
4. The Witch
5. Phantasmagoria
6. Bring On The Night
7. Unleash The Kraken
8. Avalon
9. Against The Wind
10. Everybody’s Here Until The End

Avantasia’s successful career has resulted in hundreds of millions of streams, awards, number one singles, sold-out arena tours and headline performances at the biggest festivals, cementing the band’s place at the top of the international metal scene. The band’s tenth studio album is sure to surprise old and new fans alike, and the Here Be Dragons tour that follows the album will bring their biggest and most spectacular show to European arenas to date.

“I’m full of energy and can’t wait to perform the songs from the new album live! After the release, we’re heading out on a big European tour with a completely new show. In addition to new material and classics, there will be some rarities, and the whole spectacle will be served with the most amazing stage show in Avantasia’s history,” Tobias Sammet enthuses.


WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Funky grooves, improvised solos and a little buzz of doom – Finnish prog trio Pujus Of Jukra released their debut album

The long-awaited debut album “Tree Wishes” by the Finnish progrock trio Pujus of Jukra has been released today.

The album is the result of years of work, with each member of the band leaving their own handprint. The end result sounds a bit heavier, more complex and more “Pujus” than on the band’s eponymous 2018 debut EP. The songs took final shape as a result of jamming and tight collaborative playing.

“It’s hard to categorize the album because the songs are so different from each other. The album has funky grooves, improvised soloing and doomy grooves. There’s a nice amount of chaos and prog in the background. It’s part of our style. I like to write different songs and it shows in this album”, says guitarist-singer Tuomas Riekkinen.

“Tree Wishes” was recorded at Tonehave studio in Lievestuore, Finland and was mixed by Tom Brooke. The mastering was done by Janne Hakanen.

Listen to “Tree Wishes” on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer etc): https://push.fm/fl/pujusofjukra-treewishes

Tree Wishes (2025)

01. Sunbathing with trees – FI3FC2463801
02. Close enough – FI3FC2463802
03. Out of time – FI3FC2463803
04. Loser – FI3FC2463804
05. Femme – FI3FC2463805
06. Two Flamingos – FI3FC2463806
07. Declaration of principles – FI3FC2463807
08. Last breath of a unicorn – FI3FC2463808

Line-up:
Tuomas Riekkinen – guitar & vocals
Sasu Tammelin – bass
Jonne Turunen – drums

https://www.instagram.com/pujusofjukra
https://www.facebook.com/pujusofjukra

 Ten songs of northern melancholy – Finnish death metal youngsters Pestilent Scars have released their debut album “Meadows of Misfortune”

Pestilent Scars is a five-piece melodic death metal band from Oulu. All the members are between 18 and 19 years old. The band’s central themes focus on melodic songwriting, pure emotion, tight gigs and overall the old school way of getting around.

The band released their debut album ‘Meadows of Misfortune‘ on January 17th 2025 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to the album: https://push.fm/fl/pestilent-scars-meadows

The band comments:
“Well, here it is.
We’ve been waiting for this moment like the rising sun, and we’re more than happy to finally let you all listen to our day’s work!
We’re talking of course about our just released debut album entitled ‘Meadows Of Misfortune’. A collection of raw, young emotion scattered across 10 songs that showcase northern melancholy, rage and loss through fast riffs, blast beats and horrid screams.
We really hope you enjoy the album and maybe find something you can relate to!”

WATCH earlier released Golden Maiden music video: https://youtu.be/_Up67XRlgsk

BIOGRAPHY:
Pestilent Scars was born in the winter of 2022/2023. The band has had the same line-up for almost its entire existence. Pestilent Scars released their first single “Deceitful Phoenix” in the summer of 2023. The single was a relative success. Deceitful Phoenix” was followed by “All On My Own” in the autumn of the same year.

The band played several live shows in 2023 and 2024, which were energetic and showcased the band’s overall idea. At their last gig the band performed their forthcoming album “Meadows Of Misfortune”. The album will be released in early 2025.

Strictly limited CD available on HERE

Pestilent Scars – Meadows of Misfortune (Album 2025)

01. Into The Meadows
02. Internal Torment
03. Golden Maiden
04. Deceitful Phoenix
05. Unreality
06. A Reaching Hand
07. Democide
08. All On My Own
09. In Search Of Reason
10. False MessiahAlbum cover by Topi Ilmola

Line-up:
Pasi Matinolli – Vocals
Elias Vierimaa – Guitars
Artturi Kauppi – Drums
Sampo Jylhä – Bass
Topi Ilmola – Guitars

Links: 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564947165481
https://www.instagram.com/pestilentscars
https://www.tiktok.com/@pestilentscars
https://pestilentscars.bandcamp.com

One Morning Left aims for Eurovision with brand new single & video Puppy

Finnish metalcore veterans One Morning Left unveil their brand new single and video ‘Puppy’. The song has been selected to compete at UMK, Finland’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The UMK song ‘Puppy’ is exactly what the name suggests. It is, very simply, about a puppy. 

The band describes themselves as a hyperactive, boundary-pushing feel-good act. Their unique sense of humor sets them apart from other Nordic metal bands. 

“Musically, we rely on the 80s and 90s, and we do not take ourselves too seriously. Sometimes, people look at you in a funny way if you mess around too much. You can dance to the beat of our music, and that’s fantastic,” vocalist Leevi Luoto says. 

The band had been planning to apply for UMK for a long time. 

“We already spoke with our previous drummer that UMK would be a great experience. After meeting Kiro, who produced ‘Cha Cha Cha’ for Käärijä, we began to think about making an UMK song with him,” singer and founder Mika Lahti reveals. Käärijä placed second in 2023’s Eurovision Song Contest.  

One Morning Left has been making music for 16 years, and consists of five members from different parts of Finland. The founder and lead vocalist of the band is Mika Lahti, second lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Leevi Luoto, bass player and background vocalist Miska Sipiläinen, drummer Dennis Hallbäck and songwriter, guitarist and background vocalist Juuso Turkki. The story of the band began when Lahti met Teemu Rautiainen from Jyväskylä in early Finnish social media. They had a similar taste in music, which led them to found One Morning Left in 2008. 

The band’s first EP was released in 2008, and the following year they went on their first European tour. In 2010, the band signed a recording contract with Spinefarm Records and the following year released their first full-length album, ‘The Bree-Teenz. Metalcore Superstars’, which was released in 2016, featured the hit song ‘You’re Dead, Let’s Disco’. The song became particularly popular in Japan, and the band’s gigs in Tokyo sold out. 

In 2022, One Morning Left toured Europe with UMK winner Blind Channel and the German band Electric Callboy. Today, the band makes music under the German record company Arising Empire. 

Two weeks until The Night Flight Orchestra’s album release – The last sneak peek, the album’s title track Give Us The Moon continues the band’s stylish line

The Night Flight Orchestra, the most daring airline in the AOR nation, will release their studio album ‘Give Us The Moon’ on January 31st, and today the Swedish orchestra takes listeners into the mood of the album’s title track. The song, which will be released with a lyric video, is guaranteed TNFO-quality.

“Give Us The Moon is not only the title track of the album, but also a star that glides through the dance floor towards the night. The song delves into human needs and the longing to be somewhere else – without forgetting the idea that something bigger, more rewarding and mysterious is somewhere far away,” the band formulates.

The orchestra itself is heading towards the album’s release with satisfaction:

“We’ve never worked harder on an album before, and what a journey it’s been! We feel like we’ve squeezed everything we have into this album, and we couldn’t have done it better. The album captures an explosive atmosphere of emotions and cinematic landscapes, where you are thrown into space and land back in the shelter of your home. It is paradise and a great escape all in one package.”

The band, who have received Grammy nominations throughout their career, are heading on an extensive tour with the album’s release, which will begin in the Netherlands on the eve of the album.

The album’s sound themes, which boldly mix different genres, echo the 1980s in many songs. The album was produced together with the band by Sebastian Forslund, who is also responsible for mixing the album. Mastering was done by Plec Johansson of The Panic Room Studios.

Track-list:

1. Final Call (Intro)
2. Stratus
3. Shooting Velvet
4. Like The Beating Of A Heart
5. Melbourne, May I?
6. Miraculous
7. Paloma
8. Cosmic Tide
9. Give Us The Moon
10. A Paris Point Of View
11. Runaways
12. Way To Spend The Night
13. Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)

The Night Flight Orchestra is:
Björn Strid – Vocals
Sharlee D’Angelo – Bass
Jonas Källsbäck – Drums
Sebastian Forslund – Guitar, Percussions
John Lönnmyr – Keys
Rasmus Ehrnborn – Guitar
Anna Brygard – Backing Vocals
Åsa Lundman – Backing Vocals

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY

SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION Release New Single and Video ‘Spezza Le Catene’ – Does Hard Rock Speak Italian?

Is it possible to create pure and genuine hard rock song in Italian? SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION respond with power through their new single, ‘Spezza Le Catene’, available today on all digital platforms via Volcano Records.

This track is a cry for freedom and rebellion, an anthem to uncompromising creativity. Its captivating melodies and powerful lyrics invite listeners to break every chain, follow their inner vision, and rediscover the rebellious passion that lies within each of us. Super Severance Evolution combine the experience of established musicians with the energy of fresh talent from the Italian rock scene, creating a unique project capable of inspiring and moving audiences.

Composed and arranged by Massimo Iannantuono, Walter Bertolo, Stefano Tessaro, and Francesco Cannavale. Mixed and mastered by Enrico Bulla and Massimo Iannantuono.

The official music video for SPEZZA LE CATENE is available at https://youtu.be/RYK7YPm6_rs?si=8IKfmd8FBKkpHC7C

Line-up:
Max Iannantuono: Drums and percussion
Riccardo Fontanarosa: Bass
Stefano Dallas: Vocals
Jack Palmieri: Guitars

For more info:
www.volcanopromotion.com

Luminous Mind, who conjure up atmospheric progressive rock, released new single ‘Borderline’

Luminous Mind is a quintet from Tampere, Finland, that plays atmospheric, progressive rock. In addition to atmospherics, the band’s music also has a rockier edge and a suitable amount of meandering. The band’s EP ‘The Reverie’s Lament’ , which will be released in February, will present the first songs featuring the band’s new soloist Topi Aalto. Finding a new singer took some time, but now the band’s lineup is in place, and Luminous Mind is ready to put a new gear in its sights.

The first single from the EP, the ten-minute prog epic ‘Waking Dreams’, was released last December. Today, we have the EP’s next single, ‘Borderline’, which also clocks in at a whopping 8 minutes and 52 seconds.

“Borderline is the culmination of years of creativity and dedication. It is a true masterpiece of our band, combining subtle elements and versatile instrumental parts in an inspiring way. We’ve been honing this song for a long time and now we’ve finally brought it to the form it was always intended to be,” the band says

‘The Reverie’s Lament’, which will be released on February 27th, is a four-song story that explores the nuanced emotions and experiences of falling asleep and dreaming. This whole thing takes the listener on a journey where dreams and reality mix, and waking up is not a given. The songs combine elements of progressive rock and metal, creating a soundscape that reflects the chaos and beauty of being on the border between sleep and wakefulness.

With the new EP, you can also witness the band heading to the gig stage at the band’s home ground in Tampere, Bar Kotelo, on February 22nd. An evening full of progressive music is promised, as the gig is part of Rioghan’s Kept Spring Tour 2025. In addition to Luminous Mind and Rioghan, Tampere-based Indistinct will also be on stage.

Luminous Mind is:
Topi Aalto – vocals
Antti Soini – guitar
Aleksi Korkee – keyboards
Sami Kepsu – bass
Touko Lehto – drums & backing vocals

LUMINOUS MIND | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Cardinal Fleet’s third single is a story about people who pay the highest price from the choices of very few

”The Sound of a Dying Breed” is the third single from Finnish modern metal band Cardinal Fleet’s upcoming EP ”Surfaces” to be released this spring. Compared to the previous releases, the song takes steps toward harsher soundscape, still not forgetting catchy riffs and sharp melody hooks.


”The Sound of a Dying Breed” is a story about people who pay the highest price from the choices of very few. About people whose questions are answered solely with lies or silence.

”Why do you shatter the skies above me? Why do you crumble the ground beneath me? Is this cracking noise around me the sound of a dying breed?”

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/cardinalfleet-tsoadb

Cardinal Fleet:
Samuli Rasmus – Bass & vocals
Tatu Latvala – Guitar
Joni-Antti Haveri – Guitar
Ville Jyrkkä – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/cardinalfleet
https://www.instagram.com/cardinalfleet 

Vanguardian, one of Finland’s most extreme bands, is on its way to releasing its album with the powerful single Peripherals

Vanguardian, who combine punk, rock’n’roll, extreme sludge, metal and hazy spices into a whole with their own sound, is starting the new year with a bang. The Finnish quartet, who paved the way for their upcoming studio album with the single ‘Demolition Hour’ at the end of last autumn, now releases the song ‘Peripherals’, which delves into a very topical topic: the idea behind the song is the interconnection of the human body and technology. With technology, humanity is freed from the limitations of humanity, but at the same time gives up the power of decision-making for a better tomorrow.

“Technological development is creeping deeper into people’s lives; we are constantly reachable, we live our reality through smart devices and the integration between machines and people is deepening at an accelerating pace. We throw out the idea; has a human being, made up of biological building blocks, reached the end of his life? Will the next great leaps in the human era only come when we accept that we are no longer enough as biological beings to take this world to the next stage?”, the band ponders.

Vanguardian‘s fundamental pillars include making and performing music based on the basics: nothing more is needed than drums, bass, guitar and screamed vocals, and this concept has been one of the most captivating, especially live.

Formed five years ago in the aftermath of the burial of thrash metal band Inkvisitor, Vanguardian has evolved year by year towards a more menacing and brutal essence, both musically and visually. A certain ruthlessness and surprise were already evident on their 2021 debut EP ‘I: The Witchhammer’, and now the band is preparing to release their debut album this year. The official release date of the upcoming studio album will be announced later.

Vanguardian is:
Markus Martinmäki – vocals
Tino Jäntti – drums
Mikko Saviranta – guitar
Sakari Soisalo – bass

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Finnish Melodic Death Metal band Defiled Serenity released a stunning Rihanna cover Unfaithful – featuring songstress Karisma

Finnish melodic death metal band Defiled Serenity is set to release their long-awaited debut album Within the Slumber of the Mind on February 21st 2025 via Inverse Records.
The third single is Rihanna cover ‘Unfaithful’ and this track also features Karisma on vocals.

WATCH Unfaithful video: https://youtu.be/gdX5VsLCrVM

Vocalist Paavo Laapotti comments:
”I’ve always loved making cover songs and especially when you do a metal cover of a pop song. I heard this song when I was younger and the melody got stuck in my head. This song is very suitable as a melodeath cover and I got the vision for it pretty quickly. We also got a very talented singer Sonja Lindberg to do a feature for this track. I met her while filming The Voice Of Finland program. She did an excellent job and I really like her unique sound a lot.”

LISTEN to ‘Unfaithful” on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/defiled-serenity-unfaithful

BIOGRAPHY: 
Defiled Serenity is a melodic death metal band from Loimaa, Finland. It was founded by the vocalist and Before The Dawn frontman Paavo Laapotti in 2021. The band’s music is for the fans of old In Flames, Amorphis, Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquillity etc. Their sound relies heavily on the 90’s melodeath sound, but with modern twists. The songs are filled with low growls, chunky guitars, beautiful melodies and tight rhythm sections.

They released their first stand-alone single ”Voices from the Void” in 2022 and it has reached over 25,000 streams on Spotify alone. Since then, the band has been writing new material and now it’s time to unleash their long-awaited debut album!

LISTEN to the first single ‘Your Worst Enemy’ on streaming https://push.fm/fl/defiled-serenity-your-worst-enemy

LISTEN to the second single ‘Exiled to Infinity” on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/defiled-serenity-exiled

Defiled Serenity CD/VINYL/MERCH Pre-Orders from HERE

Defiled Serenity – Within the Slumber of the Mind (album 2025)

Track list:

1. Alkutaival (feat. Juha Tapio)
2. Voices from the Void

3. Exiled to Infinity

4. Death

5. Mortal

6. Within the Slumber of the Mind

7. Through the Chaos

8. Your Worst Enemy

9. Tears of Black

10. Unfaithful (Rihanna cover) (feat. Karisma)

• Recorded & mixed by Lauri Seppälä
• Mastered by Juho Räihä / SoundSpiral Audio

Album cover by Nikos Stavridakis / VisionBlack

Line-up:

Paavo Laapotti – Vocals
Jarkko Mäkelä – Lead guitar
Lauri Seppälä – Rhythm Guitar
Mikko Sormunen – Bass
Arttu Airo – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/defiledserenity
https://www.instagram.com/defiledserenity
https://www.tiktok.com/@defiled.serenity
https://defiledserenity.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Tc6Fx3eJPc9XKqgBxnh7p?si=qK4J0_ljR-WlSitHQvsRwQ