Author: Crix

A Haunting Call from Beyond – “A Voice in the Dark” by Near Death Experience

As we await the long-anticipated CD release of Near Death Experience’s critically acclaimed debut album, Brief Is The Light, on May 30th, 2025, the French gothic doom metal ensemble reignites the shadows with a haunting re-release of their lyric video for “A Voice in the Dark.” This mesmerizing music video is a journey through life, death, and the yearning to return.

“A Voice in the Dark” is a melancholic yet powerful exploration of the fragile line between existence and oblivion. With ethereal melodies, crushing riffs, and haunting vocals, Near Death Experience creates a captivating narrative of love, loss, and the desperate desire to escape the shadows: “The waves crash, the sand shifts beneath weary feet—will they find their way back, or remain lost in the dark forever?”

Originally a solo instrumental project by Mathieu Bonfardin (drums) during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Near Death Experience (NDE) was fully formed as a band in Nantes, France, in May 2022. NDE blends gothic, melancholic doom metal with clean, lyrical female vocals. Influenced by bands like Paradise Lost, The Gathering, Draconian, Katatonia, Black Sabbath, Moonspell, and Metallica, NDE explores the dark and compelling theme of near-death experiences.

Their LP, Brief Is The Light, is a concept album telling the story of a woman, a victim of domestic violence, now in a coma and experiencing near-death visions. As she recalls her past life, she yearns to return to reality, despite the suffering and uncertainty.

Will you press ‘play’ and journey with her? Don’t worry—the light will shine at the end.

linktr.ee/ndemusic

Dead End Irony releases the final single from the new album to be releases in the end of May

Catch My Soul is 5th and the last single from the Dead End Irony upcoming album Battles and Brotherhood to be released on end of May via Inverse Records. The song is a heavy metal ballad with a chorus bigger than the Imatra rapids. Verse comes with acoustic guitars, rhythm section is solid and guitar leads fits perfectly in the song with the powerful vocals.


The song is written by the band and it’s produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Ginger Evil, Marianas Rest).

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/dei-catchmysoul

“The song’s story about a father languishing in a prison camp and a son he never met is not only tragic but also unfortunately timely. It creates a charge in the song but also offers hope amidst the sorrow. We wanted both catchiness and a heavier rhythm in the song, and we succeeded in this with Teemu Aalto” says the band’s singer and the song’s co-lyricist, Vesa Winberg.

Dead End Irony:
Vesa Winberg – Vocals
Simo Jokela – Solo Guitar
Kristian Valkama – Guitar
Antti Vainio – Bass
Antti Pekonen – Drums

https://www.deadendirony.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DeadEndIrony
https://deadendirony.bandcamp.com/

Heavy Metal Project Ampicore Releases Lyric Video for “Hoplites and Barbarians”

Ampicore unveils the second chapter of March Up Country—The Rock Opera with “Hoplites and Barbarians,” a thunderous track that narrates the moment Persian satrap Cyrus the Younger enlists 10,000 Greek mercenaries to pursue imperial ambitions.

Hoplites and Barbarians” takes listeners on a journey back to ancient history, recounting the moment Persian satrap Cyrus the Younger recruits 10,000 Greek mercenaries to advance his imperial ambitions. The song delivers a potent blend of rock, metal, and cinematic storytelling, showcasing Ampicore’s unique style.

Credits
Music & Lyrics: Frederic Frees
Vocals: Jamie Jordan
Guitar: Mauricio Mirapalheta
Drums: Maikon Queiroz
Bass: Marco Toba
Lead Guitar: Miguel Esparzapro

Check out the new version of the “The Broken Busts of Hermes” video: youtu.be/1z2Wd1i0O6c

With March Up Country – The Rock Opera, Frederic Frees brings his lifelong passion for music and history, creating a dynamic and introspective work that merges epic rock with deep historical themes.

The upcoming album features a powerful narrative, combining sweeping musical arrangements with compelling lyrics that tell the story of war, survival, and the intricacies of human ambition.

March Up Country – The Rock Opera is set to release soon via Wormholedeath.

www.youtube.com/@Ampicore
marchupcountry.com
x.com/FredericofFrees
ampicore.bandcamp.com/album/march-up-country-the-rock-opera

Canada’s VULTURES AT DAWN Unleash Debut Single “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) – A Dust-Kicked Anthem For The Modern Desperado

Under the scorching sun of the sonic badlands, queer-fronted desert rock outfit Vultures At Dawn emerge from the shimmer with their debut single “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold); it isn’t just music, it’s the campfire confession of vagabonds with one eye on the horizon and one hand on their weapon. It’s the sound of survival on society’s edges, where victory isn’t measured in gold but in living to see another blood-red sunset. The band shares their excitement:

“‘Outlaws’ was the 2nd song that we wrote. Buck wrote the lyrics after escaping from the cops while on horseback, barely making it out alive. They wrote the song the night they got back, and turned the exhilaration of surviving into a song. It’s our first publicly available song, and we have at least 5 other songs we play live, and a couple others in the process of being written.”

Recorded within the hallowed walls of a historic church, the band infiltrated under the cover of night, “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) captures the raw, untamed spirit that has made Vultures At Dawn the soundtrack for modern-day desperados. The single sears with soulful vocals from Buck Summers, backed by the thunderous heartbeat of Raven Steel’s guitar work, Sebastian Black’s rumbling basslines, Dallas McCoy’s haunting oboe, and the relentless percussion of Doc.

The band, notorious for their theatrical live shows that incorporate sounds from life on the lam, continues to build their loyal following of self-described outcasts, their ‘volt’ of vultures who flock to experience the band’s mystical, witchy energy and bone-rattling riffs. “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) offers passage into a world where the rules are written in sand and washed away with whiskey. It is recommended for fans of Kyuss, Black Sabbath, and Queen.

Listen to “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) at the following links:

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3EtBwfQ​

YouTube – https://youtu.be/X6d4dIOGTKM​

​

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/VulturesAtDawn | https://www.instagram.com/vulturesatdawn

Swiss rockers Shakra unveil new video “Burning Heart” out now

Swiss hard rock band Shakra are excited to unveil their new single and official lyric video, “Burning Heart”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

“Burning Heart” is a special track that was originally recorded during the sessions for the “Invincible” album. The session files were lost for years and rediscovered by accident during the band’s 30th anniversary preparations. The track is now the first official release on Frontiers Music.


Stream “Burning Heart” HERE

The band commented on the new single: “We had written it off – lost in the digital void. And then suddenly it reappeared, as if the message was meant to manifest itself”.

Lead singer Mark Fox added: “All my life, people have tried in different ways to separate me from what I do with all my heart and soul: making music. But no one has succeeded – and no one ever will”.

“Burning Heart, to me, is a picture of that inner fire that drives you. When you burn for
something, you don’t do it for fame or success – you do it because it’s part of who you are”, stated Thomas Muster.

Shakra is about to celebrate their impressive 30th anniversary, showing why they are a solid force in the world of rock and metal. Walking the fine line between hard rock and heavy metal, they have crafted a sound over the last three decades that captivates both rock fans and metalheads alike.

Despite lineup changes and shifting trends in the rock and metal scene, every challenge has only made the band stronger, solidifying their ability to stay true to their style. Today, Shakra is more experienced, versatile, and enduring than ever before.

Looking far back is important, but the future must not be forgotten – this is far from the end. Shakra is ready to open a new chapter, bigger and more powerful than ever. The foundation they stand on has been built with sweat, blood, and tears – 30 years of dedication and relentless effort.

Their music has been the soundtrack to the lives of countless fans – songs that have sparked memories and accompanied generations. Shakra delivers a live experience that perfectly captures the raw energy and passion of these genres. Their stage presence and commitment guarantee a show that will leave a lasting impression.

Line Up:
Mark Fox
Roger Tanner
Cyril Montavon
Thomas Muster
Thom Blunier

Follow SHAKRA:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
X

Industrial giants Die Krupps to join Ministry on 2025 North American tour

Post-industrial provocateurs Die Krupps are set to ignite stages across North America this summer as direct support for the legendary Ministry on their highly anticipated 2025 tour.
The bill also includes performances from My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and Nitzer Ebb, and Die Kruups founder Jurgen Engler describes it as “The tour we have been awaiting for a long time.
“It’s the perfect package, a great line-up of bands, which for sure is exciting for the U.S. and Canadian fanbase, and for us! We have all met before in the past, so it will be like a one big happy family going out together.
“Also, Die Krupps haven’t done a full blown U.S/Canada tour in almost three decades. Now is the time for us to reconnect with our fans and show them that this band is far from retired! Hope to see you all soon, to the hilt!!!”
Just ahead of hitting the road, the band has unleashed their hypnotic new single, “Cinnamon Girl” — a dark, dirge-like homage to the sonic spirits of Neil Young (whose own “Cinnamon Girl” sounds nothing like this!) and Type O Negative.
Dripping in noir atmosphere and analog melancholy, the track also introduces the enigmatic Cinnamon Babe, a fast-rising star in the dark-pop underground whose voice floats through the song like smoke in a dim-lit motel room.
“‘Cinnamon Girl’​is about memory, obsession, and the soft tragedy of stardom,” Engler continues. “We wanted it to feel like a furious version of that famous Blue Velvet backroom scene where Dennis Hopper is listening to ‘The Candy-Colored Clown Called The Sandman’.”
 
For more than four decades, Die Krupps have carved out a distinctive space in the modern underground. Originating from the same hometown as fellow robots Kraftwerk, blending brooding synths, jagged guitars, and dystopian visual aesthetics, their signature sound fuses electronic attacks with the visceral punch of Industrial Metal — a style critics have described as “what would happen if Bowie scored a horror film produced by Trent Reznor, if he was from Dusseldorf!
And, as “Cinnamon Girl” hits streaming platforms and Die Krupps take the stage with Ministry, fans can expect a thunderous live set soaked in high tension, lots of sweat, the notorious steelophone and electrified doom. Don’t miss it!

MINISTRY + DIE KRUPPS — 2025 TOUR DATES

Apr 29 Tue
The Van Buren @ 7:00 Pm
Phoenix, AZ, United States
Apr 30 Wed
Revel @ 7:00 Pm
Albuquerque, NM, United States
May 2 Fri
Emo’s Austin @ 7:00 Pm
Austin, TX, United States
May 3 Sat
House Of Blues Houston @ 7:00 Pm
Houston, TX, United States
May 4 Sun
The Factory In Deep Ellum @ 7:00 Pm
Dallas, TX, United States
May 6 Tue
The Eastern @ 7:00 Pm
Atlanta, Ga, United States
May 8 Thu
Sonic Temple Festival @ 12:00 Pm
Columbus, OH, United States
May 9 Fri
Riviera Theatre @ 7:00 Pm
Chicago, IL, United States
May 10 Sat
Masonic Temple Theatre @ 7:00 Pm
Detroit, MI, United States
May 12 Mon
Soundstage Presents @ 7:00 Pm
Baltimore, MD, United States
May 13 Tue
Franklin Music Hall @ 7:00 Pm
Philadelphia, PA, United States
May 14 Wed
Roadrunner @ 7:00 Pm
Boston, MA, United States
May 16 Fri
Brooklyn Paramount @ 7:00 Pm
Brooklyn, NY, United States
May 17 Sat
Mtelus @ 7:00 Pm
Montreal, QC, Canada
May 18 Sun
History @ 7:00 Pm
Toronto, ON, Canada
May 20 Tue
Palace Theatre @ 7:00 Pm
Saint Paul, MN, United States
May 21 Wed
Burton Cummings Theatre @ 7:00 Pm
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
May 23 Fri
Midway @ 7:00 Pm
Edmonton, AB, Canada
May 24 Sat
The Palace Theatre @ 7:00 Pm
Calgary, AB, Canada
May 26 Mon
Commodore Ballroom @ 7:00 Pm
Vancouver, BC, Canada
May 27 Tue
Commodore Ballroom @ 7:00 Pm
Vancouver, BC, Canada
May 28 Wed
Showbox Sodo @ 7:00 Pm
Seattle, WA, United States
May 29 Thu
Spokane Live @ 7:00 Pm
Airway Heights, WA, United States
May 31 Sat
Mission Ballroom @ 7:00 Pm
Denver, CO, United States
Jun 1 Sun
The Union Event Center @ 7:00 Pm
Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Jun 3 Tue
The Warfield @ 7:00 Pm
San Francisco, CA, United States
Jun 4 Wed
Hollywood Palladium @ 7:00 Pm
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Jun 5 Thu
House Of Blues Las Vegas @ 7:00 Pm
Las Vegas, NV, United States

Oddland share new video “Freefall” out now via Frontiers Music Srl

Finnish progressive metal band Oddland are thrilled to share their new single and official music video, “Freefall”, available today via Frontiers Music Srl.

Stream “Freefall” HERE

The band commented on the new single: “Freefall” paints a picture of a repeating nightmare in sleep paralysis that feels like you are forever falling, without a way out. Like a broken record, you are forced to relive it again and again, but with the difference that you can’t get up and change it. Hopefully people will find this song a pleasant ‘nightmare’ that you really don’t mind listening to again and again!”

The song was mixed and mastered by the Grammy nominated producers Carson Slovak & Grant McFarland from Atrium Audio (August Burns Red, Lorna Shore, Candlebox). The video for the song was shot by the band in various cities during Oddland’s European tour with Soen in October/November 2024, with additional cinematography during the tour’s last concert in Gdansk, Poland by Dariusz Feluz, who did an amazing job capturing the intense atmosphere on camera. The final editing and special effects were added by the band’s drummer Ville Viitanen.

Founded in 2003 in Turku, Finland, Oddland’s forward-thinking delivery melds aggressive tones, spacious textures, and glorious melodies into a seamless and cohesive entity. Following a string of successful demos, the band was signed to Century Media for the 2012 debut album, “The Treachery Of Senses”.

Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö, the record was greeted with a barrage of critical acclaim, including praise from top-tier publications like Rock Tribune, Metal Hammer, Inferno, and many others, and praised as the best prog-metal record ever recorded in Finland.

Oddland recorded the magnificent follow-up album “Origin” at Fantom Studios (Insomnium, Korpiklaani, Oranssi Pazuzu) after which it was mixed and mastered by Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir) and release worldwide through Sensory Records in 2016.

Containing a bit more than forty-five minutes of music, the album bears a theme which ties deeply into the lyrics and extensive artwork, with a separate piece of art being created for each of the nine songs, by Egyptian artist Mohammed Essam.

Oddland have performed at several festivals including FME, Tuska, Headway, Næstved metalfest and Progpower Europe, been touring Europe three times, both as support act for Persefone, for Manticora and as split headliner, in addition to many shows alongside the likes of established acts including Soen, Leprous, Swallow the Sun and Omnium Gatherum. It’s a great live band that leaves nothing to be desired.

In February 2022, the band signed with the brand-new German label Uprising! Records (a sub-label of Target Group) and released their third album, “Vermilion”. With an insanely amazing production that takes the listener into the universe of Tool and mixes that super production with a perfect blend of musical twists that would startle any Leprous, Pain Of Salvation or even Faith No More fan, you just can’t go wrong with these Finnish masters of Prog.

“Vermilion” is nothing short of a production-wise masterpiece that combines all that prog-lovers love about prog. Mixed and mastered by Carson Slovak and Grant Mcfarland (Black Crown Initiate, Rivers Of Nihil, a.o.), with an eerie artwork, created by drummer/multi-talent Ville Viitanen, this album sees Oddland lifted to higher levels within the world of Heavy Metal.

Line Up:
Sakari Ojanen – Vocals, guitars
Joni Palmroth – Bass
Ville Viitanen – Drums
Jussi Poikonen – guitars

Follow ODDLAND:
Website
Facebook
YouTube

Melodic Death Metal Prodigy Rickert G. Unveils Lyric Video For “Singularity”

Rickert G. delivers a searing dose of melodic death metal with the lyric video for “Singularity”, taken from the album Endless Thoughts, out now via Wormholedeath.

A brutal odyssey through darkness, destruction, and defiance, “Singularity” is a relentless battle against oblivion. Torn apart, betrayed, and buried—yet rising stronger each time—this track channels raw intensity, catapulting listeners into the abyss where cosmic weight meets unbreakable will. Will you escape, or will you be consumed?

Born from the depths of trauma, Endless Thoughts is more than an album—it’s catharsis. A harrowing yet empowering narrative of descent and resilience, its eight evocative scenes paint a visceral portrait of struggle and survival.

Musically, Rickert G. fuses the crushing intensity of melodic death metal with a profound artistic vision. Fans of Hypocrisy, Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquillity, Opeth, At the Gates, and In Flames will feel right at home in this sonic maelstrom.

Stream the album: orcd.co/endlessthoughtsalbum

A multi-instrumentalist and composer, Rickert G. blends the raw aggression of metal with the depth of academic composition. Armed with a background in piano, audio production, and composition, his music is a visceral expression of pain, power, and perseverance.

rickertg.com
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564838172150
www.instagram.com/rickertgvt
x.com/rickertgvt
www.youtube.com/@rickertgvt
www.tiktok.com/@rickert.g
rickertg.bandcamp.com

Female fronted Gore infested Crusty Death Metallers Küntsquäd Release Lyric Video ‘Eat Your Entrails’

Crust death metal band Küntsquäd has unleashed a lyric video for their single, Eat Your Entrails. This single was recorded in 2024-25 exclusively for the Imperative Music Compilation #18, which has limited worldwide distribution. Other bands featured on this compilation include God Dethroned and Deicide.

Eat Your Entrails is released as a limited-edition CD (100 copies only). The physical copy is only available at live shows; the digital copy is on Bandcamp here. An alternate version of this tune will be included on the upcoming Satans Cock album – worldwide release by Wormholedeath Records is expected for mid-2025.

Küntsquäd use the opportunity to engage with their fans Australia-wide and tour Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Adelaide this autumn and early winter. These are the dates – get yourself ready!

Küntsquäd – Eat Your Entrails Tour 2025

19 April Marrickville Bowling Club – Sydney
26 April Bendigo Hotel – Melbourne MUDU
7 June PFR Lounge – Brisbane
8 June Mo’s Desert Clubhouse – Gold Coast
14 June Tia – Adelaide Blood Sacrifice II

www.facebook.com/kuntsquad666
www.youtube.com/@Kuntsquad666
www.instagram.com/kuntsquad_cdmetal
kuntsquad.bandcamp.com/track/eat-your-entrails-limited-edition-single
Black-Roos Entertainment: black-roos.com

LUNA KILLS Video Interview

Last year, alternative metal band LUNA KILLS became the first Finnish band to sign a recording contract with the American label SharpTone Records, which specializes in modern metal, and their highly anticipated album DEATHMATCH was released on April 4th. The band is currently touring Finland, but will embark on their first European tour next month. We had the opportunity to meet the frontwoman Lotta Ruutiainen and talk about their debut album, touring, music videos, songwriting and more.

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