Author: Crix

Cinematic prog metal master Elding opens the game with the over seven-minute single Solace in Oblivion – the full EP will be released on March 14th

Guitarist Finn Windsval’s Elding project, which started in 2017, has been nurtured with reverence over the years, and in March the band will finally be able to release their debut EP The Encroaching Malice Part I. The taster single Solace in Oblivion leads listeners into the band’s mystical and multidimensional world.

The Helsinki-based metal band also draws on classical music and film soundtracks – not forgetting game music. Spirituality, mysticism and a connection to nature are also strongly present in the song released today and throughout the debut EP, which will be released on March 14th.

“Our goal is to make music resonate in people’s hearts and gently move their souls; awakening comfort, clarity and also in an empowering way,” the band describes itself and adds:

“In addition to entertaining, the goal is to instill in listeners the desire to consider different perspectives, values ​​and practices that could help all of humanity to foster a better future – both individually and collectively.”

Based on Windsval’s strong vision, the band’s studio sessions have featured a fantastic array of metal experts over the years; including Matias Kupiainen (Stratovarius), Mika Tyyskä (Mr. Fastfinger), Tuomas Yli-Jaskari (Tracedawn), Rolf Pilve (Stratovarius), Mathias Lillmåns (Finntroll, Magenta Harvest) and Tommy Tuovinen (MyGrain, Crownshift).

Now the band has its permanent members, and in addition to Finn, the Elding line-up includes Aleksi Kärkkäinen from Reignited, Thomas Tunkkari, who played in Dark Sarah, and new additions bassist-vocalist Tony Helander, and most recently guitarist John Emslie, who originally came to Finland from Australia.

“It’s an incredible honor to work with such world-class musicians and great friends. I can’t wait to bring epic sagas to life through fascinating music for the whole world to experience,” says Emslie.

Elding consists of:
Aleksi Kärkkäinen | Vocals
Finn Windsval | Guitar
John Emslie | Guitar
Tony Helander | Bass and vocals
Thomas Tunkkari | Drums

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Swallow the Sun drummer Juuso Raatikainen’s project Sounds Of Delusion releases new song – A tale of toxic people blessing everyone with their presence

Juuso Raatikainen‘s (Swallow the Sun, Hedonihil) Sounds Of Delusion releasing second, heavier track The Walking Cancer. With Okko Solanterä (Horizon Ignited, I Am the Night) on vocals the band introduces it’s sludgy side, telling the tale of toxic people blessing everyone with their presence. All hail the narcissist alphas, sometimes found in the mirror.
 

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

https://soundsofdelusion.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/soundsofdelusion

https://www.instagram.com/soundsofdelusion/

Muse’s hit song is newborn – Without Warning interprets the classic with a modern metal twist

The promising Finnish modern metal band Without Warning has released a new single which covers the Muse classic “Time Is Running Out” with an electronic metal twist. The original hit song got a fresh breeze of metal air without losing its familiar elements, which we all recognize. Without Warning has made sure to incorporate their compelling bass rhythms and strong vocals, which has become a noticeable element in their production. 

LISTEN to the single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/ww-time

Without Warning is known for their capability to combine the harshness of metal with modern fusion and interpretation. With the new single the band proves yet again, that rules are meant to be broken and the band is always curious to go beyond the limits.

– We had been thinking about doing a cover song for a while and we didn’t want to choose something mainstream. Muse is a well known band with a unique sound and they’ve made many hits along the way. Personally I’ve always liked their production. The choice felt right from the beginning and bringing it to life in our style came easily. The cover respects the original song as intended, but with a heavy influence of our metal sound, says producer and bassist Aleksi Rintala.

“Time Is Running Out” can now be found on all general streaming services.
The band has also released an official visualizer on their YouTube-channel.

SPRING LIVE SHOWS:
4.4.2025 METAL VISIONS, Skenesali Vantaa
Numento, Egres & Without Warning

16.5.2025 CYAN KICKS X IKINÄ mini-tour, Apollo Turku
Cyan Kicks & Ikinä + Without Warning

WITHOUT WARNING
Exploring the rough and dark sonic possibilities, Without Warning combines inspiration from various metal and electronic sub-genres. Creating a fusion that both shakes you with heavy modern features and soft melodic finishes. Without Warning continues to grow as they take their place in the modern metal scene, creating an exclusive brand beyond music. Dive into the world of electronic illusion, sink into the depths of darkness.
Become one – with Without Warning.

Without Warning – Time is Running Out (Single 2025)

Composers: Bellamy Matthew James, Howard Dominic James, Wolstenholme Christopher Tony

Text: Bellamy Matthew James

Arrangement: Aleksi Rintala
Production: Aleksi Rintala

Mixing: Aleksi Rintala

Mastering: Aleksi Rintala

ISRC: FI3FC2589501

Single picture by Michaela Tuomenoksa

Line-up:
Vocals: Michaela Tuomenoksa
Bass: Aleksi Rintala
Guitar: Juuso Javanainen
Drums: Lauri Tuomenoksa

Links: 
https://www.withoutwarningofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/withoutw4rning
http://www.instagram.com/withoutwarningband
https://withoutw4rning.bandcamp.com

 

QUIESCENT MANTIS To Perform On Cancer Benefit MOSHIGAN Presented By Michigan Metal Fest & Q106FM

Exitus Stratagem Records is proud to announce that Tennessee thrashers Quiescent Mantis will perform on MOSHIGAN 2025, the first annual cancer benefit event presented by Michigan Metal Fest and Q106 FM and hosted at The Music Factory in Battle Creek, Michigan on Saturday, May 3rd.

All of the proceeds from this event will go directly to a selected 2025 beneficiary. This inaugural Moshigan begins a planned annual event to benefit cancer patients in the surrounding areas.

Tickets – https://shop.michiganmetalfest.net/michiganmetalfest/moshigan2025/​

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE https://tinyurl.com/2vsuue44 THAT GO DIRECTLY TO THE RECIPIENT!

More info – https://www.facebook.com/events/667082205645888/​

​

Moshigan 2025 Lineup:
Nailbite
Traverse the Abyss
Quiescent Mantis
Demsfightinwords
Killcrown

​SPONSORS:​
Q106
Exitus Stratagem Records
Wayward Tattoo
Solve Design Create
Bloodlust Media
Pixel Paige Photography
Territorial Brewing Company
American Mosh Pits
My Merch Guy

Quiescent Mantis‘ debut album “Here Comes The Swarm” was produced by Yanic Bercier (Quo Vadis, Gone In April) at WaveTransform Recording Studio and unleashed in July 2024 on Exitus Stratagem Records. The genre-defying release blends elements of hardcore, thrash, death, and metalcore into a whirlwind of relentless aggression.

Formed during the tumultuous COVID-19 lockdown, Quiescent Mantis emerged from the fusion of former scientists Chris Trainor, Jordan McKenzie, and Johnny Mejia. Previously employed by the enigmatic Sub-atomic Weight Of Acceleration Research Mechanics (S.W.A.R.M.), the trio embarked on a musical journey after inadvertently opening a doorway to the mantis homeworld during a particle collision experiment, exposing themselves to a mind-altering pheromone. Thus, the Chapter 1 demo was born in 2021.

Inspired by a love for old science fiction movies and thrash metal, Quiescent Mantis presents a unique, aggressive, groovy, heavy, and relentless sound that blends old-school metal techniques with new-school innovations. The band aims to provide listeners with a groundbreaking experience, combining elements of classic and contemporary metal in a manner never before heard. They are recommended for fans of Orbit Culture, Havok, and Power Trip.

“With this album, it truly shows not only how we come together as musicians but as storytellers. This album is all the best elements of thrash metal and science fiction horror movies put into one single package. ‘Here Comes The Swarm’ is the sound we created to release the swarm to the world.”

Album order for “Here Comes The Swarm” are available at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-quiescent-mantis-here-come-the-swarm​

Music Video – “Primal Form of Aggression” – https://youtu.be/IIYyMydy8sM​

Bass Playthrough / Music Video – “P.R.E.Y.” – https://youtu.be/7mbCOb4Aysk​

Digital (Spotify) – https://linktr.ee/QuiescentMantis​

Quiescent Mantis is:
Chris Trainor – Guitarist / Backup Vocals
Jordan Mckenzie – Bass and Vocals
Johnny Mejia – Drums

More info: Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/QuiescentMantis | Instagram.com/quiescent_mantis

Big-chorus rock newcomer Star Crossed tackles the pitfalls of a twisted relationship with their single “Heal Me”

Finnish rock newcomer Star Crossed, who gave a storm warning with their single Star Crossed Lovers late last year, now releases the heaviest song of their career so far, Heal Me. The song’s subject matter is also heavy:

“Heal Me is the band’s musically heaviest work, the subject of which deals with an abusive and twisted relationship, where the narrator is not bothered by lies or pain, because he believes in the healing effect of the other person despite them,” the band says.

The band’s trademark has become a combo of catchy melodies and very tragic love stories. The band, which mixes elements of 2000s alternative rock with modern metal, has also set the guidelines on which their upcoming debut album will be built.

If the previous single was a melancholic and beautiful song, now there is also conscious playfulness in addition to heavy melodies. The song was once again produced by producer-co-writer Ben Varon, and the mixing and mastering were done by Lauri Hämäläinen.

“It works both on record and live, and it turned out well,” the band says with satisfaction.

Star Crossed will next be seen live at Bar Loose in Helsinki on February 27th.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Alternative band LUNA KILLS to embark on their first European tour

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 will release their highly anticipated album DEATHMATCH on April 4. The band recently released the third single from the upcoming album, LEECH, which has given the band even more momentum: the song has garnered radio play on the prestigious Radio BBC1 as well as on Finnish and international rock radio stations, and its stylish music video has become the band’s most popular. Now, the band has revealed that the album promotion tour will continue not only in Finland but also abroad: LUNA KILLS will embark on their first European tour in May.

“This is our first European tour and we are visiting many countries for the very first time, so we are extremely excited about the tour! We are also really looking forward to the release of the album, and it will be cool to be able to perform new songs live,” the band comments.

In Finland, LUNA KILLS will next be seen live next week at the MARS festival in Seinäjoki, and more gig dates have also been added to the extensive album release tour.

LUNA KILLS live 2025:

13.2. MARS Festival, Bar15, Seinäjoki
14.2. 6 Feet Underground, Kannusali, Espoo
4.4. Z Rock, Kempele
5.4. On The Rocks, Helsinki (album release gig)
11.4. Olympia, Tampere (+ Balance Breach, Beyond Awareness)
12.4. House of Rock, Kouvola
17.4. Monttu, Pori (+ Awake Again)
18.4. Brummi, Rauma (+ Awake Again)
25.4. Kulttuuritalo Tempo, Mikkeli (+ Balance Breach)
8.5. U&F Turmzimmer, Hamburg, Germany
9.5. Iduna, Drachten, Netherlands
10.5. Cafe The Jack, Eindhoven, Netherlands
11.5. Club Hell, Diest, Belgium
12.5. MTC, Cologne, Germany
14.5. The Black Heart, London, UK
18.5. X-Tra Musikcafé, Zurich, Switzerland
20.5. Kranhalle, Munich, Germany
22.5. B72, Vienna, Austria
23.5. Chapeau Rouge, Prague, Czech Republic
5.6. Mystic Festival, Poland
26.7.2025 Qstock, Oulu
8.-9.8.2025 Hellsinki Metal Festival

LUNA KILLS is:

Lotta Ruutiainen – vocals
Samuli Paasineva – guitar
Lassi Peltonen – bass
Jimi Kinnunen – drums

WWW | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

Finnish old school death metal project Minuutti Hulluuteen to release debut mini-album featuring Mathias Lillmåns on guest vocals

Minuutti Hulluutteen is Lasse Laihola‘s (ex-MindMirror, Hauras) solo project and a sign of his love for heavy music. In music you are able to sense a mix of old school death metal, black metal and even more modern expression. Mathias Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans, etc.) is featured as a guest vocalist on the mini-album named ‘Uni’ which will be released on March 13th 2025 via Inverse Records. The first and only single ‘Palava Portti’ was unleashed on February 5th and is available on all major streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/mh-palava

“Uni” contains eight songs and each song takes you to different levels of nightmare. The album songs are mixed together and they create a story that takes you to the darkest place. The solo project waited for a moment before implementation, looking for its complete form of expression. The result is a delicious piece of music that moves from one mood to another.

Minuutti Hulluuteen – Uni (mini-album 2025)

Track list:

1. Uni vai Painajainen

2.  Vajoan

3. Painajainen

4. Synkkä Illuusio

5. Minä olen pimeys

6. Palava Portti

7. Tyhjyys

8. Loppu

Recorded, mixed & mastered by Vesa Viitanen / Napalm to thy Face Prod.

Album cover by Bjp PhotoGraphy

Minuutti Hulluuteen – Palava Portti (Single 2025)

Music & lyrics: Lasse Laihola

ISRC: FI3FC2590102

Single cover by Bjp PhotoGraphy

Line-up:

Lasse Laihola – Guitar, drums, bass & vocals
Mathias Lillmåns – Featuring vocals

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

Finnish 90’s rooted melodic death metal band Northvoid will release a new EP Ember Remains – first single Wilderness out now

Finnish metal band Northvoid is set to release a new EP ‘Ember Remains’ on April 25th 2025 via Inverse Records. The first single ‘Wilderness’ aims to transport the listener to the quiet, wilderness-like landscape.

LISTEN to the single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/northvoid-wilderness

“The lyrics of the single Wilderness are related to the wilderness and landscape of Eastern Finland. We also find a source for our music from these hidden places in the forests,” the band states.

“The wilderness is an endless source of inspiration, which we bring out with metallic verses,” continues the band’s drummer and lyricist Timo Korkalainen.

The first version of Wilderness was completed in the summer of 2022. The song was played in rehearsals and took its final form after several rounds of arrangements.

According to the band’s guitarist and composer Markus Heikkinen, “Wilderness is a great example of mixing different genres into our style of music.

We start with a faster and more intense tempo and visit the surroundings of a black metal. The middle section takes on a slightly calmer, painterly atmosphere, before returning to the pace of the beginning. The keyboards emphasize the atmosphere throughout the song, gluing it together as a whole.”

BIOGRAPHY:
Forged in North Karelia in January 2020, Northvoid delivers a musical assault rooted in the melodic death metal of the 90’s. With a bond forged in childhood, our members now channel the raw, untamed energy of the past & present into every note.

Our music is a fusion of melodic heaviness and groove, inspired by the harsh environment and wilderness of the north. Experience the power and versatility of our music, which broadly covers different elements of metal music, guided by the attitude of the frost-bitten north. Northvoid isn’t just music – it’s a journey into the heart of coldness and wilderness.

Join us and feel the fury!

Northvoid – Ember Remains (EP 2025)

Track list:

1. Northern Breeze

2. Wilderness

3. Sun & Moon

4. Entrusted

5. The Ember

Mix & Master: Heikki Marttila/Guru Studio, Joensuu

EP picture by Timo Korkalainen, cover artwork Markus Heikkinen

Northvoid – Wilderness (Single 2025)

Composed by Markus Heikkinen
Lyrics by Timo Korkalainen

ISRC: FI3FC2589802

Single picture by Kimmo Timonen, cover artwork Markus Heikkinen

Line-up:
Markus Heikkinen: guitars
Timo Korkalainen: drums
Kimmo Timonen: vocals
Risto Aittola: bass

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/northvoid
https://www.instagram.com/northvoid.band
https://northvoid.bandcamp.com

SHE WANTS REVENGE Vocalist Justin Warfield Announces His First Solo Project

Justin Warfield, lyricist and frontman of Goth Rock luminaries She Wants Revenge drops his first proper solo release since co-founding the legacy Dark Alternative band in 2004. 
Yes, he’s released various side projects and one-offs over the years (and who can forget his guest appearance with Bomb The Bass way back when? Or the dancefloors he packed with “Live From The Opium Den”?). 
But WARFIELD, he says, “is the only recording and touring project I’ve helmed outside of SWR.”
A first-listen hook-filled high-octane party anthem, “All The Fun (Kiss, Kiss, Kiss)” is the frenetic first single from Deathrock Devotionals Vol I, the upcoming EP out on Black Heathers/Cleopatra Records.  The song blends the descriptive storytelling Warfield is known for along with future goth energy, and a touch of throwback to the classic 80s Deathrock born of his hometown Los Angeles.
The accompanying video, too, is riotously exuberant, smash cut imagery slicing through a characteristically energetic live performance, within and around which the song’s subtitle is enacted by couple after couple – and why not, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner? 
The release will also be accompanied by a robust social media and digital marketing campaign.
This will include: 
  • Servicing to College, Specialty, Commercial and non-Comm radio (specifically fans and early-adopters of his past work).
  • A DJ “ take-over” with Flood FM/Live 105 DJ Aaron Axelsen.
  • Multiple podcast appearances.
  • Visualizers and short form teasers.
  • A micro-influencer TikToK campaign built around a “challenge” from the video, and multiple ads running on Meta and YouTube.
  • Servicing Twitch and online DJs in the Goth and Dark Music community.
  • Outreach to Goth and Deathrock influencers in the Drag, Makeup, Black/Afro-Goth, and Fashion communities.
  • Justin will also be available for interviews and podcast appearances.
On the live front, WARFIELD will play their first ever live show at an EP release party in Echo Park, Los Angeles on March 29th, as well as launching a full European/UK tour in June, and North American tours in the Summer and Fall.
Additionally,  Justin will be fronting She Wants Revenge at Los Angeles’ famed Cruel World Festival on May 17th, and Forever Now, the sister festival in Milton Keynes, UK.

Vulvarine, who exude fierce, punk energy, signed to Napalm Records – The first single from the upcoming album Fool is now out

Vulvarine, a band that generates raw rock, punk and catchy choruses, was announced this week as the latest addition to Napalm Records. The band, which hails from Vienna, Austria, has been attracting attention in music circles with their attitude since 2019. Their 2020 debut album ‘Unleashed’ brought the band to international prominence.

The band announced their upcoming album ‘Fast Lane’, which will be released on March 28th. The first single from the new album ‘Fool’ was released with a spectacular music video.

“Fool is about the pressure to live up to expectations and the struggle to find one’s own identity. The song questions societal norms that define success through career and achievement, and push people into a ‘work until you die’ mindset. This theme was brought to life in the song’s music video. We got to work with a dedicated camera crew who captured the tension between external pressure and personal freedom beautifully,” the band comments.

Vulvarine cites bands like Girlschool, The Runaways and The Donnas as their influences. The music, which the band calls vulvarock, combines energetic rock ‘n’ roll and glam with elements of punk and blues. These elements are also at the heart of the upcoming aöbum ‘Fast Lane’.

“Fast Lane captures the whirlwind of creativity and energy that has driven us as a band. The album process was intense and exciting. We pushed our limits and got to work with some incredible people. Signing with Napalm Records is a huge milestone. We’re ready to jump into the fast lane and dive headfirst into this new adventure,” Vulvarine says.

Fast Lane album track-list:

1. The Drugs, the Love and the Pain
2. Ancient Soul
3. Heads Held High
4. Demons
5. Alright Tonight
6. Equal, Not the Same
7. Fool
8. Polly the Trucker
9. Dark Red
10. Cheri Cheri Lady (feat. Filippa Nässil)
11. She’ll Come Around

Vulvarine is:
Bea Heartbeat – drums
Robin Redbreast – bass
Sandy Dee – guitar
Suzy Q – vocals

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY