Author: Crix

Polish Cairo-Based Guitar Virtuoso ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ Unveils Pop Rock Ballad ‘When Hearts Collide’ from Upcoming Eclectic “Living Room Rockstar” Album

ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ, the acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter (previously with Down Boys Records) is set to captivate audiences with his new single, “When Hearts Collide”, from his upcoming album, “Living Room Rockstar, Part 1”, under his project CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY.

This release showcases Citowicz’s evolution, merging contemporary rock with the soulful essence of classic rock. “With ‘When Hearts Collide’ I wanted to capture the essence of a pop rock ballad that resonates with the heart”, says Citowicz. “It’s about those moments when love and life intersect in the most unexpected ways, and I believe this song really encapsulates that emotion.”

The album “Living Room Rockstar” is a musical journey through time, featuring a mix of modern rock energy with the timeless charm of classic rock. “This album is a blend of everything I’ve learned and loved about rock music”, Citowicz notes. “From the aggressive guitar riffs reminiscent of my influences to the nuanced storytelling in each track.”

Citowicz’s long-standing collaboration with bassist Patryk Szymanski continues to be a cornerstone of his music. “Patryk’s bass lines are like the heartbeat of these songs. We’ve developed a language of our own through music”, he adds, emphasizing their symbiotic creative process. As an autistic musician, Citowicz brings a distinctive perspective to his art, translating personal experiences into music that speaks universally. “Music has always been my way to communicate what words sometimes can’t”, he reflects. “Each note tells a part of my story, and I hope it connects with listeners who might feel the same.”

Citowicz’s artistry is not only in his playing but in his production techniques, blending traditional rock with innovative technology. “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can enhance the human element in music”, he states. “This album, particularly with the AI vocal techniques, is a testament to that fusion.”

“When Hearts Collide” sets the tone for “Living Room Rockstar”, an album that promises to be a testament to Citowicz’s growth as an artist and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of rock music. “I believe in evolution, not just in sound but in how we experience music”, Citowicz concludes. “This single is just the beginning of what I hope will be a transformative journey for my listeners.”

The single “When Hearts Collide” will be available on all major streaming platforms, with the full album “Living Room Rockstar” slated for release later in this year. Fans can look forward to a musical experience that honors rock’s legacy while daring to innovate for the future.

The lyric video for “When Hearts Collide” can be found on Citowicz’s YouTube channel, offering viewers a visual journey through the song’s emotional landscape: https://youtu.be/8LXEJK1GYiE?si=xuBU6DErlkIgFqcB 

“When Hearts Collide” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

As an autistic guitarist, Citowicz has leveraged his unique perspective to craft a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. His music serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing him to convey complex emotions and thoughts in a way that transcends verbal communication. By sharing his experiences and creative process, Citowicz aims to inspire and empower others on the autism spectrum, while also promoting greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the music industry.

Andrzej Citowicz’s music career has been marked by a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and cinematic elements, which has garnered him a loyal following across the globe. His critically acclaimed trilogy of instrumental albums has been praised for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and innovative storytelling. Citowicz’s music has been described as “a cinematic soundscape that transports listeners to a world of raw emotion”.

Also check out Andrzej’s earlier singles:
“Fear Poems” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAp0Etml-Is
“Bloody Mamacita” – https://youtu.be/j4Ts9XXTQuo?si=4bPYUvd32W0HondB
“Hive of Weirdness” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5TwSm_hNo
“Butterfly Effect” – https://youtu.be/jryGasne7Mg?si=BWLN4_tx7r03NgoD
“Turn To Stone” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2NT7O9Zr2M
“Anemoia” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THtiL7q90bY
“Modern Blues Riot” special demo – https://youtu.be/AEZtTuPr6bI
Special Cairo Mix ‘Midnight Thunderstorms’ – https://youtu.be/FEK8fsbHd4I
‘A Wound That’s Always Bleeding’ – https://youtu.be/clScq09DywE
‘Savagely Hungry For Love’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEgRrcmgLDY
‘Electric Heartbeat Symphony’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6IWdx0vOQQ
‘Marvelous Misadventures Of Myself’ – https://youtu.be/jsgLvfF5Wd8
‘The Long Train Journey’ – https://youtu.be/zbEgbMBGbGw
‘Never Ending Storms’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip04u1xuf4s

Connect with Andrzej Citowicz:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

Now or Neverland single by Miss Vain out now – Sempiternal Drive EP to be released in April

Finnish metal band that rocks, Miss Vain, is set to release their second EP ‘Sempiternal Drive’ on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Now or Neverland’ is released today and it’s available on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/miss-vain-now

The band comments:
“Now or Neverland is a snappy rock-/metal song with a grooving twist! It’s lyrics tell the story of a middle-aged man who is a little confused in his life… Everything is fine, better than fine! But it still often feels like the world is falling on your neck and your head is exploding under the pressure of demands! He begins to yearn for the carefree years of his youth even though he knows, that life is now and life is brilliant, as long as you don’t take it too seriously!”

The music video of first single ‘Remedy’ can be seen here: https://youtu.be/2iwgPOKHE_k

BIOGRAPHY:
Miss Vain is a five-piece rock band from Tampere, Finland, that drifts in the maelstrom of metal. Their music is a horn-driven energy and catchy melodies with a feathery delicacy.

Miss Vain was formed in 2019 as a two-man studio project. After two lighter pop /rock – songs,  we lowered our tune and in the summer of 2021 Miss Vain grew into a real band… Finally.

Miss Vain’s debut – EP Crocus Biflorus, which was fairly noticed, was released in fall 2023 on Inverse Records.

Our mission is to deliver joyful moments with new awesome songs and live shows to all who are willing to be entertained by Miss Vain’s rumbling tunes.

Miss Vain – Now or Neverland (Single 2024)

Composed & lyrics by Miss Vain

ISRC: FI3FC2588101

Single cover: Minttu Haveri

Miss Vain – Sempiternal Drive (EP 2025)

Track list:
01. Now or Neverland
02. The Alchemist
03. Remedy
04. Demon Spawn
05. Sempiternal Drive

Composed & lyrics by Miss Vain

EP cover: Minttu Haveri

Line-up:
Mikko Vilkman – Vocals
Eetu Halttunen – Bass
Kasperi Kinnunen – Guitar
Anssi Liikanen – Guitar
Sasu Haveri – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/MissVainBand
https://www.instagram.com/missvain_official
https://missvain.bandcamp.com

Smash Mouth illuminate Valentine’s Day with brilliant cover of The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights

Still unrepentant after all these years, SoCal punk legends Smash Mouth probably aren’t the first band you’d ask to serenade your Valentine. But that’s because you haven’t heard this – or maybe you have, but it didn’t sound like this.
“Blinding Lights” was a mega hit for The Weeknd back in 2020, a Single of the Year at the Juno Awards, Top Radio Song at the Billboard beanfeast, and MTV’s Video of the Year.
But what was once synth-whipped and tender is now Mach 2 mayhem, a thunderous collision of riff and rhythm that encapsulates all the emotion of the original recording, but simply dares you to deny its sincerity.
Smash Mouth’s Paul DeLisle recalls how the performance came about. “When I first started hearing ‘Blinding Lights’ on the radio all the time, several things inspired me about the song.  First of all, my 12 year-old daughter loved it – always a good sign.  And then there was The Weeknd’s voice, a wonderfully fresh and beautiful instrument.  But most of all, I heard it as a rock song.  One that could be transformed using the “quiet/loud” dynamic of a Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins song.  It’s an intense and urgent song, and I wanted to pronounce that dynamic.  I’m very pleased with the result and I hope people like it.
“Blinding Lights” is not alone in its assaultive lonesomeness, either. There’s an entire album’s worth of Valentine crunchers heading straight towards you, and Smash Mouth are just one of the two dozen-plus punk legends lining up to eat your chocolates and scratch your arms with red rose thorns.
From British originals like The Vibrators, The Members and Slaughter and the Dogs, to universal legends Iggy Pop, the New York Dolls and the Flaming Groovies; from The Dickies, The Vandals and Fear to The Ataris, Samiam and Blink-182, Punk Rock Valentines is exactly what you need to hear when you wake up on Feb 14, whether “Your Boyfriend Sucks” or you’re “Looking for a Kiss” – and Smash Mouth… ah, Smash Mouth; you’ve not heard the last of them, because their punk rock Beatle classic “Love Me Do” is here as well.
But back to “Blinding Lights” for a moment, and yes, it really is blinding.  And even Cupid is pogo-dancing while it plays.

Cradle Of Filth to release new album ‘The Screaming Of The Valkyries’ on March 21st

Cradle Of Filth are delighted to announce the release of their 14th full-length studio album ‘The Screaming Of The Valkyries’ via Napalm Records on March 21st.

Today, the first single from the album ‘To Live Deliciously’ was released, which, according to the band’s iconic frontman Dani Filth, underlines a hedonistic lifestyle:

“This song is about celebrating life. About satisfying your desires free from the demands of religion, fashion or the state. Free from guilt or limitations, as nature intended. This could also be understood as a hedonistic code of life, as long as it is not done at the expense of causing others suffering.”

Cradle Of Filth, one of the biggest names in extreme metal, is one of the most respected bands in the genre. The Grammy-nominated band has been a trendsetter for over three decades. Today, a new chapter begins in the band’s career, as the first single from the upcoming album has been released to fans.

The Screaming Of The Valkyries album track listing:

1. To Live Deliciously
2. Demagoguery
3. The Trinity Of Shadows
4. Non Omnis Moriar
5. White Hellebore
6. You Are My Nautilus
7. Malignant Perfection
8. Ex Sanguine Draculae
9. When Misery Was A Stranger

Cradle Of Filth is:
Dani Filth – vocals
Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda – guitar
Martin ‘Marthus’ Skaroupka – drums
Daniel Firth – bass
Donny Burbage – guitar
Zoe Federoff – vocals, keyboards

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

 

The new single ‘Black Flies’ from Headphone Jacks deals with themes of darkness, fear and existential exploration

Finnish Headphone Jacks is set to release their debut album ‘Discipline’ album on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Black Flies’ from the album is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/headphone-jacks-black

The band comments:
“Black Flies is about themes of darkness, fear, and existential exploration. It speaks of being born into overwhelming fear and the inevitability of existence. There is a search for meaning and purpose outside conventional norms. The imagery of a single tear in darkness and the fate of disappearing highlights a sense of sorrow and inevitability. The lyrics also touch on themes of sacrifice and rituals. Mention of black flies and the struggle to escape them adds a sense of entrapment and despair. The lyrics repeatedly call to run away and not look back emphasizing a desire for escape and liberation. Overall, the lyrics explore deep and complex emotions, painting a vivid picture of a journey through darkness and the search for meaning and freedom.”

Sonically, Headphone Jacks draws inspiration from 90’s grunge and 00’s desert rock, prog, post-punk and today’s alternative bands. Band is not simply satisfied with writing just genre-faithful pieces – they mix it up with layered backing vocals to create lush choruses setting us apart from the typical meat-and-potatoes hard rock band. Each band member contributes to arranging and bringing in riffs, melodies and ideas.

CD Pre-Orders from HERE.

LISTEN to the first single Space Ghost: https://push.fm/fl/headphone-jacks-space

Headphone Jacks – Black Flies (single 2025)

Track list:

01. Black Flies

Music and lyrics written by Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen

-ISRC-code: FI3FC2449704

Single cover by Aleksi Lappalainen

Headphone Jacks – Discipline (album 2025)

Track list:

01. Space Ghost
02. All Them Zombies
03. Lunatic
04. Black Flies
05. Pharaoh’s Cane
06. Saviour
07. Pawns
08. Discipline

All music and lyrics written by: Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen

Album cover by Aleksi Lappalainen’

Line-up:

Jaakko Anttonen (vocals, bass)
J-P Herlevi (guitar, keys, vocals)
Riku-Pekka Lappalainen (guitar, vocals)
Aleksi Lappalainen (drums, percussions, vocals)

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/headphonejacksband
https://www.instagram.com/headphonejacks_band
https://headphonejacks.bandcamp.com

HYPERSPACE METALFEST Adds GREYHAWK, THE ASTRAL PROPHETS To 2025 Lineup w/ ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, GLYPH, CRIMSON SHADOWS, LUNAR, OWLBEAR, RED CAIN and more

Returning for its 6th edition after another year of crowd-pleasing epic fun in Vancouver, B.C., Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival HYPERSPACE METAL FEST announces the addition of headliner GREYHAWK along with The Astral Prophets to their 2025 lineup to replace the unfortunate cancelations of Planeswalker and support from Heyoka’s Mirror.

Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:

“There has been a shakeup in the Hyperspace lineup for this year. Planeswalker and Heyoka’s Mirror have had to cancel their appearances this April. We’re hoping that we’ll be able to have them at the fest in the future, we’re going to keep trying for next year. For this year please welcome newcomers The Astral Prophets and for the Friday night headliner, we have the mighty Greyhawk stepping up to play once again! Anyone who’s seen them at Hyperspace before knows that they are going to tear the roof off!”

Being hosted at The Cobalt (April 10 &11th) and the Rickshaw Theatre (April 12th), Hyperspace Metal Fest’s 2025 lineup features headliners ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, along with Crimson Shadows, Lunar, Owlbear, Tower Hill, Solarus, Red Cain, Tylor Dory Trio, Serpent Rider, Luminator, and Crüzer.

Headlining Saturday, April 12th at The Rickshaw Theatre, Sweden’s ENFORCER have proved themselves both live and on record, they stake their place amongst the world’s most renowned heavy metal bands since first forming in 2005. They have toured the world over, playing the biggest festivals and garnering a global fanbase. Their latest sixth studio album Nostalgia (released May 2023 – Nuclear Blast), features 13 heavy metal anthems and throws ENFORCER back to their speed metal roots. Fusing extreme guitar riffing with catchy stadium choruses, ENFORCER is out to conquer the world. Music Video – Nostalgia – https://youtu.be/XhfrJAPbOCY​

Supporting ENFORCER on the closing night lineup will be Comedy Metal Kings PSYCHOSTICK. These humorcore titans bring forth a nostalgic escapade of sing-alongs and moshing fun with iconic titles such as “Beer!”, “Numbers (I Can Only Count to Four)”, “Dogs Like Socks”, “Obey The Beard!”, “Boobs”, and their latest single “Ultra Mega Fast” – https://youtu.be/kaqeizvxefM​

The Saturday night lineup will also witness the return of the formidable force that is Toronto’s Crimson Shadows bringing forth tales of fantasy and warfare in their fierce melodic power and death metal imbued sound. Thundering across the icy Canadian mountains, Crimson Shadows has awoken after five years away. The band has emerged from the dark and is preparing to forge its own path in this next stage of its journey. Across their defiant career stretching almost two decades, to date notable highlights of Crimson Shadows‘ journey include the band’s appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany in mid-2013 and subsequent victory in obtaining the title of International Wacken Battle Champions. Alongside international performances, Crimson Shadows has ventured across the length and breadth of their homeland delivering brutality, technical prowess, and unyielding intensity in their melding of power and death. Music Video – Guardians – https://youtu.be/W9BKYvGYeCM​

Headlining Friday, April 11th at The Cobalt and returning for their third time at HMF is Seattle’s Greyhawk. This will be the band’s first time headlining along with performing with new vocalist Anthony Corso. They are supporting their latest album “Thunderheart” released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music. Band playthrough – Spellstone – https://youtu.be/65ySwth-LKo​

The second night of the festival will also unleash the first-ever live performance of Lunar, a progressive metal project from California that features members from Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, and Double Vision. Founded by drummer Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) and Ryan Erwin who passed away in 2018, LUNAR continues in his memory. This fourth full-length “Tempora Mutantur” out on January 31st via Saibot Reigns Records follows 2023’s “The Illusionist” and features a fresh lineup with the addition of guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist) and Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse). Music Video – Watch The Weather Change – https://youtu.be/WKdnZD_DJsE​

Meant to perform on the 2024 lineup, but forced to cancel, Tylor Dory Trio returns for 2025, they are a monstrous progressive metal unit and beloved by many in Western Canada. This live performance on Friday, April 11th, will be their first following a nearly seven-year layoff. Music Video – The Waitress – https://youtu.be/nh9MxcSqlOE​

Also added to the Friday lineup and opening the night is The Astral Prophets, a psychedelic rock/metal band from Calgary, AB featuring Apprentice, Lycanthro, and Scythia members. This is the band’s first time on the fest although some members have played the fest before in previous groups. They will be supporting their latest 2023 EP “Anywhere But Here”. EP Stream – https://youtu.be/255g8CZX2F8​

Opening night of the festival, Thursday, April 10th at The Cobalt, will showcase the Pacific Northwest’s Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album “Honor, Power, Glory” released this past March. Music Video – March of the Northern Clan – https://youtu.be/htSyUb25wD4​

Traveling from Edmonton, AB, Tower Hill delivers premium old-school heavy metal inspired by bands like Running Wild, Riot, Judas Priest, early Blind Guardian, and Helloween. Forging the best of the late 80s and early 90s German, British, and US metal scenes into a new blend of shimmering steel, Tower Hill’s riff-driven, hook-laden traditional metal will have you banging your head and singing along. Lyric Video – Deathstalker – https://youtu.be/IGybnd-HZRU​

Replacing the originally announced Lost Nebula, Calgary’s RED CAIN has been imported to perform their power-prog storytelling with Eastern European roots for the masses. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums “Kindred: Act I”, “Kindred: Act II” and “NÄE’BLISS”. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with the latest singles “Firestarter” and “Demons II”. Music Video – Demons II – https://youtu.be/7VViLOrFfQ8​

Hyperspace Metal Festival VI – April 10th – 12th.​
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hyperspace-metal-festival-vi-tickets-1000996957847​

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/1637280440385808​

Thursday, April 10th – The Cobalt​
Glyph
Tower Hill
Red Cain
Serpent Rider
Crüzer
​
​Friday, April 11th – The Cobalt​
Greyhawk
Lunar
Solarus
Tylor Dory Trio
The Astral Prophets
​
​Saturday, April 12th – The Rickshaw Theatre​
Enforcer
Psychostick
Crimson Shadows
Owlbear
Luminator

To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2024, please visit the following links:
​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​

Festival Press Materials Dropbox HERE.

Over the five editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Into Eternity, Witherfall, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.

Danish rough doom metal Katla released their single Taurus with music video

Danish trio Katla are set to hit the European metal scene with a bang this year with their debut album. The Napalm Records-signed band will release their ‘Scandinavian Pain’ album on March 21st. Having carefully honed their colossal sound, the band offers a merciless mix of raw emotion, gritty riffs and seismic excavation.

The ‘Scandinavian Pain’ album is also the debut of Katla’s new bassist Theis Thorgersen. The band says that Theis’s joining has breathed new energy into the band itself as well as the new songs. Today Katla releases the new fruit of their new collaboration, the first single from their upcoming album, ‘Taurus’. The song features a guest appearance by Danish musician Ole Luk, who is also featured in the music video for the single.

“Taurus was the first song we wrote after our former bassist left. We had no payment agreement or any other plan for our career. Taurus was the first step towards Katla’s new sound. We picked up the tempo and aimed for a much harder and more rugged sound. When Theis came along, the song found its shape and at the same time cemented our vision for the upcoming album proposal,” the band says.

Katla, who has been a hit in Danish underground circles, has also raised their spirits at the Copenhell festival. Next, the band will head out on a long European tour as part of the 1914’s tour.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Royal Sorrow released catchy new single and video “Evergreen”

Royal Sorrow, who received a lot of attention with their debut single “Metrograve” late last year, are starting the new year with the single “Evergreen”. The new release continues the band’s powerful songs on the waves of progressive melodic metal, following the path blazed by VOLA, Sleep Token, Leprous and Tesseract, among others.

Evergreen‘s lyrics explore themes of feelings of control and mastery. How much is too much?

“It is very common for us humans to stubbornly try to control situations, relationships and events to such an extent that they eventually become toxic and harmful. The feeling of control brings security in our own insecurity, but it can also lead to complete collapse. The title of the song Evergreen reflects healing from our own destructive behavior patterns. Water must flow”, the band formulates.

A spectacular music video for “Evergreen” was also released today, directed by Altti Heinilä.

Royal Sorrow creates a sound that is characteristic of the band for Evergreen; a hypnotic mix of heavy riffs and catchy melodies. The song was very different when Eero brought it to others.

“Evergreen started out as a very different, soulful pop song that Eero co-wrote with Helsinki musician Aino Tikkanen. The song had a lot of potential for a heavier arrangement and the band’s handling of the song gave it a new life. The end result was a successful mix of ethereal atmosphere and heavy prog rock riffs!”

Royal Sorrow signed an international recording deal with InsideOutMusic, part of the Sony Music label family, last year, and the band is heading to international stages with British concert sales company Atonal Music Agency. In Finland, the band’s concerts are sold by Nem Agency.

Royal Sorrow is:
Markus Hentunen – Vocals, Guitars
Eero Maijala – Bass
Janne Mieskonen – Drums
Juha Rapanen – Guitars

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

California Power Metal NIVIANE Unleashes Powerful New Video for “Tomorrow’s A New Day” Off New Album “Queen of Phantoms” Out March 2025

Sacramento, California Niviane, the powerhouse of American power metal is unveiling their latest single “Tomorrow’s a New Day”, accompanied by an official video. Taken from their upcoming album “Queen of Phantoms” —set for release on March 7th, 2025—this track showcases the band’s signature blend of soaring melodies, intense riffs, and emotional depth while exploring a profound and deeply personal theme.

Unlike the other songs on the album, “Tomorrow’s a New Day” was a spontaneous creation that originated during a live-streamed writing session in the midst of the COVID lockdowns. Initially conceived as a demonstration of the band’s songwriting process, the track’s impact was undeniable, leading Niviane to keep it and ultimately include it on the album.

Lyrically, the song delves into mental health struggles, touching on themes of depression, drug abuse, and emotional turmoil. Sung from the perspective of a friend or family member witnessing a loved one spiral downward, the track delivers a powerful and poignant message. As the band explains, “We decided to touch on some deeper subject matter on a few songs for this album, and this track was definitely one of those”.

Musically, the song delivers everything fans of Judas Priest, Queensrÿche, Primal Fear and Nevermore crave—blistering guitars, commanding vocals, and anthemic power metal energy—all wrapped in a poignant and cinematic atmosphere.

With its gripping narrative and powerful composition, “Tomorrow’s a New Day” stands out as one of the most emotionally charged tracks in “Queen of Phantoms”. The official video further amplifies its message, bringing the song’s raw emotions to life.

LISTEN TO “Tomorrow’s a New Day” – http://lnk.to/0PeUts​
​OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvsYzy3h2WI​

First single “12 BC: Legions” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/PTB6RGW0v-E​

​Spotify​

CD pre-order (Out March 7th, 2025) – https://rockshots.eu/products/niviane-queen-of-phantoms-cd​

​

Tracklist:
1. Queen of Phantoms
2. 12 BC: Legions
3. 12 BC: Germania
4. Beacon In The Darkness
5. Some Wounds… Never Heal
6. All Debts Repaid
7. Tomorrow’s A New Day
8. Event Horizon
9. Our Maze
10. Gunslingers & Graves
11. Under Black Flags
​
Band line up
Aaron Robitsch: Keys & Orchestration
Gary Tarplee: Guitars
Isaiah AR: Drums
Mark Miner: Guitars
Norman Skinner: Vocals
Tyler Satterlee: Bass

More info: ​
​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

​https://www.niviane.com/​

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

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

​https://x.com/nivianeofficial​
​

About:

Niviane is an American metal band formed in 2015 hailing from Sacramento California. The band melds together their collective influences of classic heavy metal, thrash, and power metal.

The line-up consists of guitarists Mark Miner & Gary Tarplee, bassist Tyler Satterlee (Blessed Curse), Drummer Isaiah AR, Keyboardist Aaron Robitsch (Grave Shadow, Crepuscle) & vocalist Norman Skinner (Forbidden, ex-Imagika).

Niviane has toured and performed with such bands as Amon Amarth, Testament, Warrant, Hammerfall, Primal Fear, Angra, Delain, Soulfly, Rhapsody, Amorphis, Butcher Babies & more.

The band has released 2 studio albums “The Druid King” in 2017 & “The Ruthless Divine” in 2020 including 3 spectacular music videos for their songs “The Berserker”, “Fires In The Sky” & “Psychomanteum”. A 3rd album “Queen of Phantoms” is completed and scheduled to be released in 2025.

HIGHWAY QUEEN’s New EP “Extendead Play” and Music Video “Lies” out now

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of Highway Queen’s new EP, “Extendead Play”, a fresh chapter in the Finnish rockers’ journey through melodic hard rock and metal-infused soundscapes. The EP is available on all major platforms.

“Extendead Play” continues to showcase Highway Queen’s signature style, blending 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, powerful riffs, and dynamic rhythms. This new collection of songs dives deeper into the band’s ability to tell stories through music, with lyrics that explore themes of anger, lust, bitterness, and longing. The EP captures the brutality of life, both good and bad. An official music video for the track “Lies” is out today adding a visual dimension to the band’s compelling storytelling.

Since their formation in late 2019, Highway Queen has been a rising force in the melodic hard rock scene. After the successful release of their debut album, “Bitter Soul” in 2022, the band has continued to evolve and refine their sound. The songs on “Extendead Play” like those on “Bitter Soul” were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, who has also worked with bands such as Waltari and Before The Dawn. Their music is recommended for fans of melodic hard rock, heavy rock, and the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).

With “Extendead Play” Highway Queen reaffirms their position as torchbearers of melodic rock with a modern edge, delivering music that resonates with the heart and soul. Prepare to turn up the volume and join the ride as Highway Queen takes you on another electrifying musical journey.
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​LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF​

WATCH “Lies” at https://youtu.be/Lb-DQVPGPuk​

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Track Listing:​​
1. Lies
2. I Will Take You To Hell
3. Come To Me
4. I’m Calling You
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​Album Credits:​​
All songs written by
– Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
– Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
– Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
– Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
– Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
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​Highway Queen are:
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Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
Henri Backman: drums

For more info:​
​www.rockshots.eu​
​www.highwayqueenband.com​
​www facebook.com/highwayqueenband​
​www.instagram.com/highwayqueenband​