Author: Crix

WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces Band Submissions For 2027 Battles! One Band To Conquer Them All! And Play Wacken Open Air 2027

One band to conquer them all! WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA announces that band submissions for 2027 battles across the country to send one unsigned and independent American to play the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festival, Wacken Open Air, from October 1st and run until December 1st, 2026.

WMBU organizer Eric Dow (Fatal Illness Management, Helsott, M-Theory Audio) comments on the upcoming 2027 battles:

“I am very excited and motivated for the 2027 Battle. I am always looking for ways to grow the team and improve in general. This year, the National Final will be held at the Tampa Metal Meeting fest hosted by me and Jerry from Piox Promotions. I have added several new city promoters, including Ty from Mad With Power Fest, who will be adding Madison for the first time in US Battle history. We have added Omar from The Metal Mixtape as the new social media manager and new Seattle promoter. Omar from Ghost Cult Magazine was behind the scenes last year but will now take over as the New York promoter. Same with Jersey from Andromeda Productions…he was helping last year with Atlanta and will now take over as the main promoter. Adding the new additions to our already amazing team, the future for the Wacken Metal Battle USA is brighter than ever!”

American bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select the United States as your country)

This year’s battles will be hosted across the United States in the following areas listed below:

The National Final will be held on June 19th, 2027, as part of the Tampa Metal Meeting 2027 Fest at The Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida.
​
​Southwest Region:​
Los Angeles, California
Orange County, California
Inland Empire, California
Bay Area, California
Sacramento, California
Las Vegas, Nevada
​
​Pacific Northwest Region:​
Portland, Oregon
Seattle, Washington
​
​Midwest Region:​
Madison, Wisconsin
​
​Northeast Region:​
New York, New York
Wilmington, Delaware
​
​Southeast Region:​
Atlanta, Georgia
Central Florida
​
​Texas Region:
​Austin, Texas
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Dallas, Texas

For the past eight years of battles (2017–2019, 2022–2026), Wacken Metal Battle USA has held nationwide rounds to crown one independent metal band and send them to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. The festival marked its 30th anniversary in 2019, with the 2020 and 2021 editions canceled due to COVID. As the global metal community continues to surge, Wacken Open Air 2027 will celebrate its 36th edition from July 28–31, and is already sold out. More than 50 bands have been announced, including Electric Callboy, Five Finger Death Punch, Helloween, Heaven Shall Burn, Halestorm, DragonForce, Napalm Death, Jinjer, Knocked Loose, Kanonenfieber, Belphegor, Dethklok, and Blue Medusa, among others. Full details here.

Live Video – 2026 WMBU Champion – Gannondorf at Wacken Open Air – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Ez7OcFleQ​

Previous WMBU national winners: Gannondorf (2026 – San Diego), Mourning High (2025 – Southern California / Arizona), Cascade Effect (2024 – San Diego), Fadrait (2023 – San Diego), Mythraeum (2022 – San Diego), Monarch (2019 – San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 – Anaheim), and Corpse Hoarder (2017 – Philadelphia).

The 2027 WMBU champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2027 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition in which bands from across the country battled for the chance to join more than 30 other national champions and represent the USA in a global clash of rising talent at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival, Wacken Open Air. For over a decade, these battles have been hosted at the festival, giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their power on an international stage and compete for multiple prizes.

How it works:​
​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will advance to perform at Wacken Open Air 2027 and compete against the winners of international bands from around the globe in a major international battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

About the 2026 National:

WMBU National 2026 – Gannondorf

Photo Credit – C.Huerta.Photos​

One band had conquered them all. Wacken Metal Battle USA proudly crowned San Diego’s GANNONDORF as the 2026 champions. The band seized a coveted performance slot at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s most iconic and influential metal festivals, and advanced to the international Wacken Metal Battle, where rising bands from across the globe unleashed their headbanging, mosh‑ready power before a massive sea of metalheads gathered from every corner of the world.

The Wacken Metal Battle USA 2026 National Final brought together the top six bands from across the country after months of battles in cities nationwide. Representing the fiercest underground metal the United States has to offer, the final contenders were FATE DEFINED (Spokane, WA), NEMESIS (Houston, TX), GANNONDORF (San Diego, CA), RAMTHA (St. Petersburg, FL), THE VICTORIOUS DEAD (New York, NY), and THROUGH THE OCULUS (Apple Valley, CA).

After taking the stage on June 13th at Brick By Brick in San Diego, CA, before a crowd of metal‑hungry fans and a panel of industry judges including Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music), Martin Koller (Prophecy Productions / SPKR Media), and Kelly McLauchlin (Pessimist), only one band could claim the title of WMBU 2026 Champion. GANNONDORF delivered with unrelenting fury, winning over both judges and fans to seize the crown.

Listen to all the USA national final bands on the WMBU 2026 Final Spotify Playlist:

​https://open.spotify.com/playlist/14751T41YocZkJCVUJWcjL​

More info:​
​Metal-Battle.com​
​MetalBattleUSA.com​
​Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​.official​
​X.com/MetalBattleUSA​
​Instagram.com/wmbusa.official​

STEFANIA SISTU Releases New Single & Lyric Video ‘Illusion’

STEFANIA SISTU releases her new single “Illusion” via Volcano Records, accompanied by the official lyric video.

Intense and deeply personal, the song explores the emotional aftermath of injustice, betrayal and disappointment — the kind of wounds that can shake our trust in others and, in moments of greater vulnerability, profoundly affect the way we experience relationships. “Illusion” comes from the need to move through that pain and turn it into a new awareness. Rather than shutting the world out, the song ultimately points toward the importance of putting your own well-being first, learning to rely on your own strength and gradually freeing yourself from the weight of other people’s judgment. Musically, the single moves between rock and metal, creating a powerful and emotionally charged atmosphere that mirrors the introspective nature of the lyrics. The music was written by Daniele Pireddu, musician and composer whose artistic partnership with Stefania Sistu has played a central role in shaping this new project.

A professional singer, songwriter and vocal coach with years of experience in the music industry, Stefania Sistu opens a new chapter in her artistic journey with a project in which rock and metal become a vehicle for exploring emotion, vulnerability and the search for renewed inner strength. The official lyric video for “Illusion” accompanies the release by bringing the song’s words to the forefront and offering a direct way into the emotional core of its story.

Watch the official lyric video for “Illusion”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffSYJY5sb3E

Also watch the earlier singles:
“Surbile”: https://youtu.be/bBpDx-RmbxU
“Passengers of a Timeless Place”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hF1H6uSYQE

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/stefania.sistu

The Finnish death metal band (Psychoparalysis) released the last single ‘Metacognitive Failure’ from the forthcoming second album

The Finnish death metal band (Psychoparalysis) released their second single ‘Metacognitive Failure’ on September 23rd 2026. The track is taken from the forthcoming second album ‘Spectrum of Suffering’ which is set to be released on November 20th 2026 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to the single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/psychoparalysis-metacognitive-failure

This track resembles an evolution in the band’s sound, where they continue to explore their twisted mix of death metal madness with progressive influences but heading to even heavier depths than before.

Relentless as ever, the lyrical themes delve deep in the human consciousness and it’s various forms. (Psychoparalysis) has refused to follow a certain path, but to forge their own which they call a dynamic death metal. It resembles the key elements of unnaturally natural sounding time signatures and dynamic changes combined with twisted melodic textures. For those who want something unorthodox in the world of death metal one should be aware of what (Psychoparalysis) has to offer.

BIOGRAPHY:

(Psychoparalysis) is a Finnish dynamic death metal band formed in Vantaa in 2009. Combining crushing death metal riffs, punishing grooves, haunting melodies and progressive structures, the band creates an uncompromising sound that is as unpredictable as it is aggressive.

Influenced by Death, Bolt Thrower, early Amorphis and Edge of Sanity, (Psychoparalysis) refuses to be confined by traditional genre boundaries. Brutality and melody collide with progressive songwriting and atmospheric passages, creating a sound that constantly shifts between crushing heaviness and darker, more intricate territory.

After releasing three demos, the band unleashed its debut full-length Human Disposition in 2013 through BWK Records. Further releases followed, including Voracious (2017) and Alethophobia (2019).

After a lengthy hiatus from the stage, (Psychoparalysis) returned in 2026 with a new chapter underway. The band’s second full-length album, Spectrum of Suffering, will be released on 20 November 2026 via Inverse Records, delivering a darker, heavier and more progressive evolution of the band’s distinctive dynamic death metal.

Line-up:
AK – Vocals & guitar
Sami Eskola – Guitar
Arttu Kantola-Guttorm – Bass
Oskari Tarvainen – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/psychoparalysis
https://www.instagram.com/psychoparalysis
https://psychoparalysis.bandcamp.com

Vocalist JOHNNY RAY (The Mourning, 3 Headed Snake) Debuts Solo Single “Free My Soul”

Florida vocalist, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist Johnny Ray, known for his work with progressive metal force The Mourning (featuring members of Helion Prime, Levinia, Edge of Paradise) and heavy metal outfit 3 Headed Snake, which features two-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Sin Quirin (formerly of Ministry), steps into a new chapter with the release of his debut solo single “Free My Soul” and its accompanying music video.
​
Built on heavy, melodic foundations and emotionally charged storytelling, Ray’s solo work offers a more intimate lens into the internal battles people face when life begins to wear them down. His new single marks the beginning of a project that exists entirely under his own name, one defined by honesty, vulnerability, and the fight to reclaim one’s identity.

The track originated from a collaboration with Shane Madere and Lance Jarreau, both former vocal coaching students of Ray’s. After hearing an early version of the instrumental for the song, Ray immediately felt compelled to be part of it.
​
​“I loved it so much that I basically told them, I have to sing on this,” says Ray.
​
From that point forward, the trio built the track around Ray’s creative vision, crafting a piece that hits hard, heavy, melodic, emotional, honest, and undeniably dynamic. At its heart, “Free My Soul” captures the breaking point where survival mode stops sustaining you. The song dives into the quiet collapse that happens when you drift through life on autopilot, pushing forward while neglecting yourself, until the subconscious finally starts screaming for attention.
​
Ray describes the song as a conversation between two parts of the self, the subconscious, exhausted and pleading: “Where the hell were you? I’ve been sounding the alarm this entire time,” and the conscious mind finally waking up and responding, “You’re right. I’m here now. I’ll take it from here.”
​
​“Free my soul means stepping out of survival mode and reclaiming your life, choosing to live with intention rather than simply getting through the day,” Ray adds.
​
While Ray continues to front The Mourning (vocals, keys) and 3 Headed Snake (vocals), this release marks the first time he is presenting music simply as Johnny Ray.
​
​“I wanted something that could exist under my own name and be a little more personal. ‘Free My Soul’ felt like the right song to start with.”

Listen to “Free My Soul” at the following links:

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OROtxf72II​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/6FLZzWeC0Wdr5ZJImAaEIM​

​

Single Lineup:​
Johnny Ray – vocals, lyrics, vocal production, creative direction
Shane Madere – composition, production
Lance Jarreau – composition

For more info:

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

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

​https://www.tiktok.com/@themourningmusic​

Extreme Metal Act ALA Unleash The Single & Official Music Video for “Kill for Satan”

Serbian extreme metal force ALA have released the official music video for “Kill for Satan,” the second single taken from their debut album, “The Dragon’s Return”, set for release on October 23, 2026, via Wormholedeath.

A dark and confrontational warning, “Kill for Satan” aims at those who willingly embrace and defend the world around them, portrayed in the song as a prison created by a false and deceptive god. The track delivers ALA’s uncompromising blend of blackened thrash, traditional heavy metal, and oppressive atmosphere, driven by savage riffs, relentless speed, and a raw old-school intensity. Beneath its violent imagery lies a clear message of rebellion: ALA return as a force determined to destroy the children of the false god and ultimately bring down the Demiurge, the creator of this metaphorical prison.

The accompanying music video reinforces the track’s dark and confrontational character, translating its themes of rebellion, destruction, and defiance into a visual statement that matches ALA’s uncompromising aesthetic.

Founded by Damir Mirojević (Omadan IX / “O.”) during his time with Serbian black metal band KOLAC, ALA was created to bring together the diverse influences that have shaped his musical journey—from the hypnotic atmosphere of 1970s krautrock and psychedelic rock to the raw aggression of black metal. The result is a sound that is both ferocious and immersive, rooted in darkness while refusing stylistic boundaries.

Written throughout 2025, “The Dragon’s Return” introduces ALA with a record that embraces the spirit of classic extreme metal while forging its own identity. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts including Slayer, Motörhead, Mercyful Fate, Sarcófago, Dissection, Nifelheim, Destroyer 666, and Watain, the album combines razor-sharp riffs, relentless speed, memorable hooks, psychedelic guitar textures, and haunting ambient passages into an uncompromising listening experience.

Lyrically, the album explores rebellion, instinct, and transcendence, celebrating those who reject imposed limits in pursuit of their own path. Every song reflects ALA’s commitment to artistic freedom, honesty, and uncompromising expression.

The current lineup features O. (vocals, guitar), M. (guitar), G. (bass), and R. (drums), musicians whose backgrounds include KOLAC, Terrorhammer, Pustoš, Atomski Rat, Chaoist, Egzekutor, and Armburst.

Named after the Serbian word for a mythical serpent-like dragon of immense destructive power, ALA stands ready to carve its place in the international metal underground with a debut that is both savage and atmospheric. Devoratrix Mundi Omega Draconis.

www.facebook.com/share/1EKUgB8uPU
www.instagram.com/ala666band
www.threads.com/@ala666band
www.youtube.com/@Ala666band

Kai Hahto Video Interview

Kai Hahto is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drummers in the metal world. This year marks his 35th anniversary as a professional musician, a milestone that will be celebrated with the special Kai Hahto – 35 Years of Music concert at Helsinki’s Kulttuuritalo on October 23.
The event will see Hahto perform with several of his past and present bands, including Wintersun, Rotten Sound, Kai Hahto and friends plays Iron Maiden, Wings, Max On The Rox, and Misantropia. The evening will also feature opening performances from Diabolisher and Humming Whale.
We had the opportunity to speak with Hahto about the anniversary concert, his remarkable career, his work as a drum and ergonomics instructor, and the many experiences and insights he has gathered throughout life on the road.

Volucrine Video Interview

Volucrine is a Finnish alternative metal collective that released its debut album in 2011. Four albums, two EPs, and countless live shows later, the band has refined its distinctive sound to a new level, while continuing to push the boundaries of the genre through fearless experimentation.
A strong emphasis on lyrical depth remains at the core of Volucrine’s identity. Drawing from deeply personal experiences, the band’s lyrics give their music an authentic and unmistakably human voice.
Following the release of the acclaimed ETNA LP, which garnered widespread attention and praise around the world, the band is now ready to unveil new material from its fifth studio album, Chapter V: Renewal, released on September 25 through Inverse Records.
The band opened up about the new album in an in-depth conversation with The Offering, diving into the themes, creative process, and personal experiences that shaped the record.

https://www.facebook.com/volucrineband
https://www.instagram.com/volucrineofficial
https://volucrine.bandcamp.com

Omnivortex & Solus live at Meara Klubi, Pori (Finland) 26.9.2026

Another Meara Kulubi event took place on September 26th in the Finnish city of Pori. This time, two talented bands took the stage: Omnivortex and Solus.

Solus represents an interesting and distinctive addition to the Finnish heavy music scene. Formed in 2020 in Rauma, this energetic band delivers a melodic dark/death metal sound, drawing inspiration from metalcore and djent as well. Their performance was unique; appearing as a trio, without a bassist, they still managed to instantly fire up the crowd and put on an impressive show.

Hailing from Helsinki’s underground death metal scene, Omnivortex is rapidly rising through the ranks of the music landscape. Blending elements ranging from thrash and technical death metal to dissonant black metal, Omnivortex creates music defined by frenetic, shifting rhythms that are utterly engaging. Alternating between clean melodies and raw, brutal sounds, they offer a comprehensive and varied repertoire. Their performance was explosive, combining technical prowess with the frontman’s witty banter with the audience.

Despite a few minor technical audio issues, the evening was a success.

Photoreport by Cristina Gregori.

BREEDING CHAOS unveil new single “Cradle of New Suns” — first taste of their upcoming album, out December 18 via Great Dane Records

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

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

It deserved better.

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

Dense. Groove-heavy. Atmospheric. Purposeful.

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

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

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

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

Progressive in structure, uncompromising in heaviness.

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

 

DIRTY SHIRT Celebrates 30 Years w/ The Ultimate Live Best Of Album “Dirty Thirty Live”

Celebrating 30 years as one of Eastern Europe’s most distinctive and genre‑defying metal bands, the champions of folkcore, Dirty Shirt, are sharing the ultimate live best-of album, “Dirty Thirty Live”. The live album features 30 songs selected from 11 of the most important performances in the Romanian band’s history. The album is available on a double-CD digipack, deluxe double vinyl, and digital streaming.

“DIRTY THIRTY LIVE is a journey through some of the biggest and most important shows of our career. From FolkCore Detour to Wacken, from Hellfest and Rockstadt Extreme Fest to the incredible crowds of Pol’and’Rock, these recordings capture the energy, madness, and emotion that we’ve shared with you onstage throughout the years,” says Mihai Tivadar.

The live album follows Dirty Shirt‘s other celebratory record, “Dirty Thirty (The Best Of),” released this past June on digital platforms, as a limited double‑CD digipak, and on vinyl.

“Dirty Thirty Live” features live recordings from their performances at the following events:

FolkCore Detour – 2017
Wacken Open Air – 2019
25 Years: Pandemic Special – 2020
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2021
Maximum Rock Festival – 2021
Hellfest – 2022
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2022
WOŚP Grand Finale – 2023
Electric Castle – 2025
Rockstadt Extreme Fest – 2025
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2025

​

Track Listing:​
​
​CD 1:​
1. Rapsodia Română – Ciocârlia (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour 2017)
2. Put It On (Hellfest, 2022)
3. Fake (Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
4. Nem Loptam (Pol’and’Rock, 2021)
5. Când s-o-mpărțit norocu’ (Part 1, Electric Castle, 2025)
6. Ride (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
7. Freak Show (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
8. Hora Lentă (Wacken, 2019)
9. Moneyocracy (Maximum Rock Festival, 2021)
10. Bun îi vinul ghiughiuliu – Dulce-i vinu’ (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
11. Cobzar (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
12. Dope-A-Min (WOŚP Grand Finale, 2023)
13. FOMO / Fear of Missing Out (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)
14. Geamparalele (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
15. Rapapara (feat. Łydka Grubasa, Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
​
​CD 2:​
16. Căluşarii (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour 2017)
17. Pretty Faces (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)
18. Hot for Summer (Hellfest, 2022)
19. Nice Song (Pol’and’Rock, 2021)
20. Away (25 Years Pandemic Special, 2020)
21. New Conspiracy (Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
22. Manifest (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
23. Ungarische Tänze No. 5 – Mental Csárdás (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
24. Ciuleandra – Hoții (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
25. Büntető (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
26. Dirtylicious (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
27. Maramu’ (Wacken, 2019)
28. Săracă inima me (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
29. Bad Apples (Wacken, 2019)
30. Pălinca – Latcho Drom (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)

“Dirty Thirty Live” double-CD digipak, deluxe double vinyl, and digital streaming are available at the following links:

​https://www.dirty-merch.com/​

​https://dirtyshirt.bandcamp.com/​

Digital – https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​

For more info: https://dirty-shirt.com/​
​
​About Dirty Shirt:​
For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse, fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more, and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 600 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.