Author: Crix

CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY Release New Album “For The Hawk” & Lyric Video ‘I Don’t Have To Hide’

Some albums are planned. Some are demanded — by grief, by love, by the kind of loss that leaves a silence so wide you have no choice but to fill it with the only thing you know.

“For The Hawk” is the new release from Citovitz and The Fireflies of February — the recording project of Polish-born guitarist, composer, and songwriter Andrzej Citowicz, based in Cairo, Egypt. It is available now on all major streaming platforms worldwide. And it arrives on a date that was never truly a coincidence. The official lyric video for ‘I Don’t Have To Hide’ — released also today with the album premiere, May 4th — is available now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/id41xCN6u8Y?si=KxZJTsx1GD8yoU6l

May 4th. Star Wars Day. The day the world celebrates the Light Side of the Force.

He was always Light Side. Not once. Not ever, did he choose anything else.

THE HAWK
His name is not printed here. Those who knew him need no introduction. Those who didn’t will understand everything they need to know from the music itself.

He was a friend. A mentor. A father figure to both Andrzej and his wife Shereen Shoukry Citowicz. He stood quietly in the background for years — never asking for recognition, never needing applause — and made everything around him better simply by being present. He was the kind of person who would die for the people he loved without hesitation, and never once mention it afterward. The kind of person the world produces rarely and loses too soon.

He was also a devoted Star Wars fan. A Light Side soul in every sense of that phrase — not as metaphor, but as lived practice. He chose good not because it was easy or rewarded or noticed, but because that was simply who he was.

“He stood in the background so we could stand at all. He never asked for anything. He gave everything. Love was not something he spoke about — it was something he did. Every single day.” — Andrzej Citowicz

When he was gone, Andrzej and Shereen faced what so many have faced before them — the impossible task of responding to an absence that language cannot adequately address. They did what they have always done. They turned to music.

A BLESSING, A CURSE, AND THE WEIGHT OF FRIENDSHIP
For The Hawk did not begin as an album. It began as a song — Love Is All We Need — written in the spirit of Bon Jovi, warm and wide open and completely unapologetic in its belief that love is the hardest, strongest, most load-bearing thing a human being can carry. Shereen wrote the lyrics as a tribute. As his message, returned to the world in the only form she and Andrzej knew how to give it.

Then the grief kept arriving. And the songs kept coming with it.

This Is One’s For the Hawk. We Are The Good Guys. I Don’t Have To Hide. Love Is All We Need. Each track arrived from the same source — the specific, irreplaceable ache of losing someone who shaped you. Someone whose guidance you did not fully appreciate until the guidance was no longer there. Someone whose friendship was so present, so reliable, so quietly foundational, that you only began to understand its full weight when it was no longer something you could reach for.

“Music is all I can give back. If there is any paying back for his love, his friendship, his heart held out for both of us — for me and for Shereen — then this is it. Every note. Every lyric. Every song on this record.” — Andrzej Citowicz

“For The Hawk” is not a grief project. It is a friendship project. It is a record about the people who stand in the background and hold everything together — unseen, unrewarded, irreplaceable. About the loyalty that does not announce itself. About the loss that does not diminish but deepens everything it touches.

Andrzej and Shereen have faced much in recent years. Loss upon loss. The kind of accumulation that would silence many artists. Instead, it has done the opposite — driving both of them deeper into the work, further into the honesty that has always defined Citovitz and The Fireflies of February at their best.

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH HIM
The choice of May 4th as the release date arrived with the particular logic of things that feel inevitable in retrospect. Star Wars Day. The day the galaxy celebrates the Light Side. The Jedi. The ones who chose good because it was right, not because it was easy — who stood in the fire and did not become it.

He was exactly that.

“I told myself it was coincidence. I know now that it was not. He was always Light Side. This was always his day.” — Andrzej Citowicz

On the day of the album’s premiere, a special official lyrics video was released for I Don’t Have To Hide — one of the most intimate tracks on the record. A song about the freedom that comes from being fully known and fully accepted by another person. The kind of freedom H gave to everyone around him, simply by being who he was.

THE MUSIC: CITOWICZ WITH GUITAR IN HAND
Musically, For The Hawk is unmistakably Andrzej Citowicz. The guitar is first. It is always first. Modern technology surrounds it — the home studio in Cairo, the production, the arrangements — but the heart of every track beats with the same pulse it always has: a guitarist who grew up in Wałbrzych, Poland, absorbing Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Desmond Child, and the great power ballad tradition of the late 1980s and early 1990s as if his life depended on it.

Because in some ways, it did.

That DNA runs through every track on this album — the melodic hooks, the emotional guitar work, the cinematic arrangements that make vulnerability feel enormous rather than small. Phil Collen’s harmonized leads. The Bon Jovi warmth that turns a love song into a declaration. The Def Leppard wall of sound that makes a chorus feel like the world opening up.

But For The Hawk is not nostalgia. It is a man with a guitar and fifty years of scars, writing songs for someone who mattered, in the only musical language that has ever felt completely honest to him.

“The guitar is always first. Modern technology helps me build what I hear. But what I hear — I have been hearing since the early 90s. That has never changed. And with this album, more than any before it, I did not want it to change.” — Andrzej Citowicz

SHEREEN: THE LYRICAL SOUL
Shereen Shoukry Citowicz is not a supporting presence on this record. She is one of its two central voices. Her lyrics — on Love Is All We Need and throughout the album’s emotional architecture — carry the particular honesty of someone who has processed grief not as a subject but as a lived experience, and found a way to transform it into something that reaches far beyond the personal.

After nearly 18 years of marriage, Andrzej and Shereen have built a creative partnership that continues to deepen and surprise. She gives him words he could not find alone. He gives her music that carries those words further than either of them could go separately. For The Hawk is their most unified and most personal collaboration to date.

“Without her — there would be nothing. Not the music. Not the courage to finish it. Not the reason to begin again every time the silence got too heavy. She is not just the person I come home to. She is the reason the guitar sounds the way it does.” — Andrzej Citowicz

AVAILABLE NOW
For The Hawk is available now on all major streaming platforms worldwide. The official lyric video for ‘I Don’t Have To Hide’ — released on the day of the album premiere, May 4th, 2026 — is available now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/id41xCN6u8Y?si=KxZJTsx1GD8yoU6l

This is independent music in the truest sense. No label. No industry machine. Just a home studio in Cairo, a guitar, a marriage built partly on music, and the memory of a man who deserved to be honoured in the only way Andrzej and Shereen know how.

“May the Force be with him. It always was. Light Side. Forever.” — Andrzej Citowicz

TRACK CREDITS
Music & Guitars: Andrzej Citowicz
Lyrics: Andrzej Citowicz / Shereen Shoukry Citowicz
Recorded & Arranged: 2026
Premiere Lyrics Video: I Don’t Have To Hide — May 4th, 2026
Artist: Citovitz and The Fireflies of February
Dedicated to: H — Light Side. Forever. 🦅

STREAM & WATCH
ARTIST CONTACTS & LINKS:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aIeg5DyI7xwkYLsBgJNWf
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

France’s KINGCROWN Unveils Single “Lost Horizon” From New Album “Moonfall” Out September 2026

French melodic heavy/power metal band Kingcrown return with “Lost Horizon“, the first single taken from their forthcoming album “Moonfall“, due for release on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Following the strong reception of “Nova Atlantis“, the band opens a new chapter with a track that immediately reinforces their identity while expanding the narrative framework introduced in previous releases.

“Lost Horizon” serves as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey“, continuing a storyline rooted in time distortion and speculative fiction. The track follows a WWII B-17 pilot suddenly caught in a temporal vortex and propelled into the year 2045, merging amazing storytelling with a tightly constructed heavy/power metal framework.

Musically, the single is driven by fast-paced riffing, dynamic vocal delivery, and an anthemic, hook-oriented chorus, balancing immediacy with structural precision. The band’s approach remains firmly grounded in the European heavy/power metal tradition. At the same time, the production handled by Kingcrown and refined through mixing and mastering by Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio) delivers clarity, weight, and definition across the entire sonic spectrum.

Founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, Kingcrown have progressively built a cohesive and recognizable identity within the European metal landscape. The current lineup – Jo Amore, David Amore, Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – continues to operate with a strong sense of continuity, a key factor in the band’s increasingly focused sound.

With “Moonfall“, Kingcrown further develops a conceptual direction centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and the fragility of human existence. Within this context, “Lost Horizon” stands as a fundamental entry point – introducing both the narrative scope and the sonic approach that define the album.

For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Powerwolf

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/4mhjvC​
​VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjlw2AZuPs​

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ALBUM PRE ORDER / PRE SAVE – https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd​

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Kingcrown Line Up:

Joe Amore: Vocals
​Ced Legger: Guitars
​Bob Saliba:Guitars
​Seb Chabot: Bass Guitars
​David Amore: Drums
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​More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off​

About:

Kingcrown is a French melodic heavy/power metal band founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), both former members of Nightmare.

The project traces its origins back to 2015 with the band Öblivïon, formed following their departure from Nightmare. After the release of Resilience, the group adopted the name Kingcrown in 2018, marking the beginning of a more defined artistic direction rooted in the European heavy/power metal tradition.

From the outset, Kingcrown established a sound built on strong melodic structures, dynamic riffing, and a clear emphasis on songwriting effectiveness. Drawing from the legacy of bands such as Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Gamma Ray, the band combines classic influences with a modern production approach, resulting in a sound that is both accessible and structurally solid.

Following the release of “A Perfect World” (2019) and “Wake Up Call” (2022), Kingcrown entered a new phase with “Nova Atlantis” (2024), released via Rockshots Records. The album marked a clear step forward in terms of cohesion, production quality and conceptual direction, receiving strong feedback from both audiences and specialized media.

Building on this momentum, the band continues its collaboration with Rockshots Records for “Moonfall“, scheduled for release in 2026. The new album further develops Kingcrown’s identity through a more focused songwriting approach and a broader conceptual framework centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and temporal dislocation.

The first single, “Lost Horizon“, expands the narrative universe introduced in “Nova Atlantis“, acting as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey” and introducing a time-travel storyline in which a WWII B-17 pilot is propelled into the year 2045. This approach reflects the band’s growing interest in combining structured songwriting with narrative continuity.

Kingcrown’s current lineup – Jo Amore (vocals), David Amore (drums), Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – has remained stable across recent releases, contributing to a consistent and cohesive musical direction.

With a steadily evolving discography and a clear artistic vision, Kingcrown has established itself as a credible presence within the European metal scene, balancing melodic immediacy, conceptual depth, and production precision.

Hell in the Club unveil new video “The Ocean”

Italian/Swedish hard rock/heavy metal band Hell in the Club have unveiled today a new single, “The Ocean”, along with an official video, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The track was originally featured on the band’s latest album, “Joker In The Pack”, released in November.

The band commented: “When you can see the immensity, the charm, the mystery, and the magic of the ocean within someone’s eyes… This single is the album’s ballad. A melancholy and touching song that, in its simplicity, captures strong emotions and deep human feelings. Now, close your eyes and dream.”

Watch the official video for “The Ocean” HERE

Stream “The Ocean” HERE

Order “Joker In The Pack” HERE

Hell in the Club, a killer hard rock band with a style rooted in the classic ‘80s sound and its own modern identity, were founded by Andrea “Andy” Buratto (Secret Sphere), Dave “Damna” Moras (Elvenking) and Andrea “Picco” Piccardi.

The band has carved out a solid reputation through six acclaimed studio albums, extensive European touring with acts like Crashdïet, Jettblack, and Crucified Barbara, and appearances at major festivals including Sonisphere, Basin Fire Fest, and Heineken Jammin’ Festival.

After signing to Frontiers Records in 2017 and releasing “See You On The Other Side”, Hell in the Club followed with “Hell Of Fame” (2020), the “Kamikaze” EP (2020, celebrating their 10th anniversary), and their sixth album “F.U.B.A.R.” (2022), a straight-up hard rock record hailed as one of their strongest to date.

Following the departure of founding vocalist Dave Moras, the band faced a turning point. Instead of replacing him with a similar voice, bassist Andy proposed a bold shift: introducing a female singer. Enter Terese “Tezzi” Persson (Infinite & Divine, Venus 5), a powerhouse vocalist from Sweden with a voice perfectly suited to the band’s raw, high-energy style. After a single rehearsal, the choice was clear.

In April 2024, Tezzi officially joined the band, debuting with the single Carolina Reaper. Momentum quickly built toward the creation of their seventh album: “Joker In The Pack”, released last November.

“Joker In The Pack” is the first with Tezzi fronting the band – and it captures Hell in the Club at their fiercest. Ten tracks of pure adrenaline, from the fiery opener “The Devil Won’t Forget Me” to the emotional closer “When The Veil Of Night Falls”.

Line Up:
Andrea “Andy” Buratto – Bass
Terese “Tezzi” Persson – Voice
Andrea “Picco” Piccardi – Guitar
Marco “Mark” Lazzarini – Drums

Follow HELL IN THE CLUB:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

NYC Thrashers ANOTHER DEMON Announces New Show Dates – Supporting Vicious Rumors on Sept 11th in Hamden, CT

Another Demon has announced two upcoming live performances, including a September 11th show supporting Vicious Rumors at The Cellar On Treadwell in Hamden, CT, and another on May 9th in Peekskill, NY, continuing their push across the Northeast metal circuit as momentum builds behind their latest release.

Show Dates:

May 9 – Peeksill, NY – Slainte – w/ Assault, Shatterhand, Avari

Sept 11 – Hamden, CT – w/ Vicious Rumors, The Unknown, Mutant – info​

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These shows arrive as the rising thrash force celebrates the official re‑release of their debut EP “As Above So Below,” out now as of April 18th, 2026, via Ragebreed Records, with global digital distribution through Earache Records. Originally issued independently, the EP now returns with expanded reach and renewed visibility, further cementing the band’s fast‑growing presence in the modern thrash landscape.
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The re‑release also highlights one of the EP’s defining moments: a guest appearance by legendary guitarist James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) on the track “Drawn and Quartered.” Murphy’s contribution adds a historic stamp of extreme‑metal pedigree to the band’s already razor‑sharp sound.
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​Another Demon defines their sonic identity in five words: Powerful, Fast, Aggressive, Thrashing, Evil. The band believes the EP’s wider release will resonate strongly with new listeners.

“Those who haven’t heard it yet will feel instantly familiar with what we do, and instantly want more,” says guitarist Frank Tosi.
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Crafted from years of dormant ideas and revived creative drive, “As Above So Below” blends classic thrash roots with atmospheric tension, horror‑driven storytelling, and a modern edge. The six tracks form a cohesive descent into horror, dystopia, and spiritual unraveling. From the frantic Evil Dead-inspired chaos of “Reduced to Ash” to the crushing crisis‑of‑faith intensity of “Deaf Gods,” the EP moves through relentless riff‑driven aggression with “Skull Vessel.” Its standout moment, “Drawn and Quartered,” features Murphy’s blistering guest performance. The atmosphere then shifts into ominous, cinematic territory with “War March,” before the title track “As Above So Below” ties the record together through themes of duality, chaos, and spiritual inversion.
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Formed in 2023, Another Demon is built from decades of collective experience across the NY/NJ/CT heavy‑music scene. Max Capshaw (Bass/Vocals) brings a hardcore pedigree from Sick of It All, H2O, Murphy’s Law, Burn, and more. Frank Tosi (Lead Guitar) is the primary songwriter, shaping the band’s tight, riff‑forward thrash identity. Jun Takeshita (Lead Guitar) blends 80s thrash with Japanese punk/metal intensity, expanding the band’s melodic and technical range. Dave English (Drums) delivers precision, power, and dynamic rhythmic control.
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​“The more we’ve played together, the deeper our musical bond has grown. We’ve become a unit that knows how to read each other extremely well,” adds Tosi.
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With the EP’s global re‑release and new shows on the horizon, Another Demon is preparing to push further into the U.S. metal circuit. Their next full‑length album is already in development, promising an even broader and more collaborative expression of the band’s identity.
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​“We write these songs to satisfy our personal tastes and hope the fans appreciate that. The full‑length will show even more of our mutual personality and the best of our brand,” adds Tosi.
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Recommended for fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, and Immortal, “As Above So Below” (released April 18th, 2026) is available now on all major platforms.

Single Stream – Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7m8elmZ2H8​

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Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kNaNyl0Lcp2NffXJUwjT6?si=SbY0-uwdTE6jlNyjTIRDJA​

Bandcamp – https://anotherdemon.bandcamp.com/album/as-above-so-below​

Ragebreed Online Store – https://www.ragebreedstore.net/​

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Track Listing:​
1. Reduced To Ash – 3:13
2. Deaf Gods – 3:05
3. Skull Vessel – 1:49
4. Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) – 5:42
5. War March – 5:44
6. As Above So Below – 5:45
EP Length: 25:20

EP Band Line Up:​
Max Capshaw – Vocals / Bass
Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
Frank Vaturina – Session Drums

Live Band Line Up:​
Max Capshaw – Vocals
Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
Fred Romer – Bass Guitar
Dave English – Drums

More info: https://linktr.ee/another_demon_official​

EXTREMA Unleash “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” – A 30-Year Thrash Milestone Captured in Full Force

Italian thrash metal pioneers EXTREMA are set to release “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club”, a high-impact live document celebrating the 30th anniversary of their legendary debut “Tension At The Seams”. The performance was recorded at Slaughter Club in Paderno Dugnano (Milan) on October 7th, 2023 – exactly three decades after the album that helped redefine the sonic and cultural framework of Italian metal.

The full show will be rolled out as an episodic live video series on the band’s official YouTube channel, alongside a digital release across all major streaming platforms.
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​Subscribe and follow the full series here: https://bit.ly/ExtremaLive​

Released in 1993, “Tension At The Seams” stands as a cornerstone of European thrash: a record built on razor-sharp riffing, percussive precision, and an uncompromising compositional approach that pushed beyond genre orthodoxy. Its impact extended well beyond the Italian scene, setting new benchmarks in terms of arrangement density, production clarity, and expressive aggression.

To mark its 30th anniversary, EXTREMA returned to the stage with a purpose-built show engineered for maximum impact – conceived as a full-contact, no-compromise live assault. The setlist moves with surgical intent: a dominant portion of the debut album performed with renewed intensity, seamlessly integrated with key tracks from across the band’s catalog, culminating in material from their latest release, “Headbanging Forever”.

“Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” captures that performance in its entirety – preserving the raw kinetic energy of the band’s live delivery while enhancing it through a modern visual production pipeline.

Beginning April 29th, all 16 tracks from the show will be released on a weekly schedule via the band’s official YouTube channel with three videos dropping per week – structuring the release as a sustained content cycle designed to maintain engagement and narrative continuity.

Filming and direction were handled by Daniele Farina, with the production delivered in 4K. The visual language combines tight shot sequencing, dynamic camera movement, and performance-focused editing, resulting in a final product that translates the physical intensity of the live set into a sharp, high-definition audiovisual experience.

Subscribe to EXTREMA’s official YouTube channel to follow the full release schedule:
​https://www.youtube.com/@Extrema_Official​

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Line-up​
Tommy Massara – Guitars
Tiziano “Titian” Spigno – Vocals
Marco Cassone – Guitars
Gabri Giovanna – Bass
Francesco “Frullo” La Rosa– Drums

For more info:​
​https://rockshots.eu/
EXTREMA:
​https://www.extremateam.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/extrema.official/​

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

BIOGRAPHY:

Extrema is an Italian thrash metal band formed in Milan in 1986. Known as pioneers of the thrash metal scene in Italy, they have carved out a reputation for their aggressive sound and relentless energy, both in the studio and on stage.

The band’s original lineup included guitarist Tommy Massara, vocalist/guitarist Andrea Boria, bassist Luca Varisco, and drummer Stefano Bullegas. Their debut EP, “We Fuckin’ Care” (1987), marked the beginning of their journey, selling 3,000 copies mainly through word of mouth and cementing their presence in the underground metal scene.

Despite challenges in gaining widespread recognition in Italy during their early years, Extrema gained credibility by opening for international heavyweights like Slayer, D.R.I., and Corrosion of Conformity. By 1993, the band underwent significant lineup changes, featuring Gianluca Perotti on vocals, Mattia Bigi on bass, and Chris Dalla Pellegrina on drums. With this lineup, they released their first full-length album, “Tension at the Seams“, which brought them to international festivals and stages, supporting acts such as Megadeth, The Cult, Suicidal Tendencies, and even Metallica.

In 1995, Extrema released their second album, “The Positive Pressure (Of Injustice)“, showcasing a more groove-oriented thrash sound influenced by contemporaries like Pantera and Machine Head. Although the late ’90s saw a decline in thrash metal’s popularity, the band remained active, producing albums like “Better Mad Than Dead” (2001) and “Set the World on Fire” (2005).

The band released their “Pound for Pound” (2009), followed by “The Seed of Foolishness” (2013). Their ability to adapt while staying true to their thrash roots kept them relevant in a rapidly changing metal landscape.

Their last studio album, “Headbanging Forever” (2019), released through Rockshots Records, marks a triumphant return blending their signature thrash grooves with a modern edge.

In October 2023, Extrema celebrated the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, “Tension at the Seams“, with the release of a special 30th Anniversary Boxset Edition, also under Rockshots Records. The box set includes a remastered version of the album from the original tapes, available in three formats: Blue Vinyl, Cassette, and Digital Download.

When Worlds Collide – Powerman 5000 Meet Die Krupps In A Shattering Remix Of The 1999 Monster Hit

When Powerman 5000 broke through in 1999, with their third album Tonight The Stars Revolt! and the single “When World’s Collide,” the Boston band was already close to celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Now they’re bearing down on the fortieth, but Powerman 5000 continue living up to their name, with a further dozen albums to their credit, and some of the most instantly appealing album titles in music history – from The Blood-Splat Rating System to Somewhere On The Other Side of Nowhere, and on to the still-resonant Anyone For Doomsday, Powerman 5000’s nomenclatural ingenuity is just one more reason to love this band.
Now another of their titular triumphs prepares to come back beneath the microscope as Cleopatra Records prepare a very special reissue of The Noble Rot, the ever-adventurous industrial metal mavericks’ much-praised 2020 album, and one that is already loaded down with major hits… a spellbinding rerecording of “When Worlds Collide” made for a very well-chosen bonus track, but elsewhere on the disc, a dark reimagining of The GoGo’s “We Got The Beat!” joined the band’s own classics-in-waiting “Black Lipstick” and “Cannibal Killers That Kill Everyone”
Streeting on May 29, this new edition of the album includes two further tumultuous tracks, as German industrial legends Die Krupps deliver fresh, dynamic remixes of both “When Worlds Collide” and “Black Lipstick.”
“Black Lipstick” premiered a few weeks back, but today sees the one we’ve all been waiting for, as “When Worlds Collide (Die Krupps Remix)” spin off as Powerman 5000’s latest single.  The biggest song in Powerman’s repertoire is now among their most powerful, as well.
Track listing
1. Cannibal Killers That Kill Everyone
2. Brave New World
3. Play God Or Play Dead
4. Black Lipstick
5. Special Effects
6. Let The Insects Rule
7. Movie Blood
8. Strange People Doing Strange Things
9. We Got The Beat
10. VHS
Bonus tracks
11. Black Lipstick (Die Krupps Remix)
12. When Worlds Collide (Die Krupps Remix)

French heavy-metal outfit Parallel Minds unveiled new music video “Sekigahara”

French modern heavy metal outfit Parallel Minds unveil a brand new music video for their latest single “Sekigahara” — a powerful and cinematic new chapter in the band’s evolving universe.

Fusing razor-sharp precision, progressive structures, and sheer intensity, “Sekigahara” stands as one of the most striking pieces taken from their recently released album ‘Cairn’.

The track channels both violence and introspection, echoing the historical weight of its name while delivering a deeply immersive sonic experience.

With ‘Cairn’, Parallel Minds deliver their most ambitious work to date — a modern heavy metal statement driven by emotional depth, technical mastery, and a strong conceptual backbone.

The album explores the human condition through themes of suffering, resilience, and reconstruction, moving seamlessly between progressive complexity, thrash aggression, and epic orchestration.

Parallel Minds is a French modern heavy metal project driven by a clear artistic direction: combining technical precision with strong emotional and conceptual depth.

Their music navigates across genres, drawing influence from the progressive structures of Symphony X, the aggressive edge of Testament, and the epic dimension of Blind Guardian — while maintaining a distinct and cohesive identity.

With Cairn, Parallel Minds expands its scope through international collaborations, reinforcing the album’s thematic focus on shared human experiences.

Finnish melodic death/black metal band Se, Josta Ei Puhuta released the last single from their forthcoming fourth album

The Finnish melodic death/black metal band Se, Josta Ei Puhuta are set to release their fourth studio album, Syvyyden portit on saatava auki, on 29 May 2026 via Inverse Records. The third single ‘Muinaiset jumalat kuuntelevat’ was just unleashed and its accompanying music video can be seen here: https://youtu.be/-nYlC4QHaNg 

The band comments:
“When the shadows grow, they light your path, but too close their radiance will blind you. Ancient gods will hear when you are ready. Great masters will see if you are ready.

Muinaiset jumalat kuuntelevat is a call and a trial. It is a song where darkness is no longer something to escape, but something to kneel before. Where Varis proclaims and warns, this song takes it one step further, into the moment where the listener stands alone and is forced to answer.

The song builds layer by layer, mid-tempo and oppressive, like a ritual tightening its grip. Heavier surges and breathing spaces alternate until everything is pressed into a single movement that cannot be stepped away from. The atmosphere does not explode, it presses down and lingers.

In this world, liberation is not gentle. It demands sacrifice, marks carved into the skin, and a decision that cannot be undone. Ancient forces do not guide, they watch, they listen, and they wait. And when the moment comes, they take what is theirs.

Muinaiset jumalat kuuntelevat is a song about surrender. About the moment when you realize the question is no longer whether you want in, but whether you are ready.” 

LISTEN to Muinaiset jumalat kuuntelevat single on streaming services: 

https://push.fm/fl/sjep-jumalat

BIOGRAPHY:

Se, josta ei puhuta is a metal band from Iisalmi. The band was founded in 2007.

That same year, the band recorded a four-track demo titled Se, josta ei puhuta and signed a recording contract with the Sound of Finland label in the spring of 2010. The album Ne, joista ei puhuta was released in May 2010.

In the spring of 2011, the band recorded their second studio album, Musta, kylmä, syvä ja samea (Black, cold, deep and murky), which was released by Spinefarm Records in November 2011.

In 2010 and 2011, Se, josta ei puhuta toured actively across Finnish venues. The band began preparations for a third album, which was, however, put on hold during the production phase in late 2012.

In 2022, as a result of the band’s rebirth, the third album Gehenna was completed and released through Inverse Records. The lineup, which had remained unchanged until then, saw its first change when Jimi Myöhänen was chosen as the drummer following the release of the new album.

The band finished recording their fourth album Syvyyden portit on saatava auki-  in the fall of 2025, and the album is scheduled to be released during 2026.

Over the years, the rawness of the band’s early HC punk and death metal has evolved into a more complex, black metal-influenced death metal, while still proudly maintaining the edginess of their early days.

WATCH music video of first single ‘Kuolemaa ei ole’: https://youtu.be/T7tHrBma1YU
WATCH music video of second single ‘Varis’: https://youtu.be/xO47SsCQUJA

Line-up:

Samu Männikkö – Vocals

Harri Granqvist – Guitar

Heikki Matero – Guitar

Juho-Pekka Lappalainen – Bass

Jimi Myöhänen – Drums

Links: 

https://linktr.ee/sejostaeipuhutaofficial
http://www.facebook.com/sejostaeipuhuta
https://www.instagram.com/sejostaeipuhutaofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@sejostaeipuhuta
https://sejostaeipuhuta.bandcamp.com

 

Prepare For “The Battle of The Dead” – The Title Track From EMBRACE OF SOULS’ New Concept Album Out May 2026

After crossing the 100,000 views mark with the official video for “Desolate Lands”, Italian symphonic power metal band Embrace Of Souls return with “The Battle Of The Dead”, a new single accompanied by an official music video, which is the title track of their upcoming album set for release on May 22, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

A fundamental moment within the album’s narrative, “The Battle Of The Dead,” brings the story to its most critical stage. Set in a medieval world ravaged by a mysterious plague that corrupts human souls, the track captures the escalation of a conflict that inevitably leads to war between the living and the dead, exploring themes of power, sacrifice, and destiny.

“This song represents the core of the entire album. It’s where everything converges – the story, the emotions, the conflict. We wanted it to feel powerful, dramatic, and meaningful, both musically and narratively.”

Musically, the band consolidates its identity within the European symphonic power metal tradition. Driving rhythmic structures and precise double-kick patterns intertwine with Edward De Rosa’s melodic guitar work, while Davide Baldelli’s layered keyboards and choral elements enrich the arrangements, shaping a sound that balances impact and atmosphere with clarity and direction. Xavier Rota’s bass work reinforces the overall sonic framework, adding depth and cohesion. The contrast between Giacomo Rossi’s direct heavy metal vocals and Martina Mazzeo’s operatic voice further defines the band’s sonic signature, enhancing both depth and dynamic range.

The official music video expands the narrative dimension of the track, visually reinforcing the album’s concept and strengthening the connection between storytelling and musical development.

“The Battle Of The Dead” builds on the path introduced by “Desolate Lands”, confirming the band’s evolution toward a more cohesive and concept-driven approach. Together, the two singles offer a clear perspective on the scope of the upcoming album, conceived as a unified listening experience where each track contributes to the overall storyline.

Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls began as a studio project designed to bring together different musicians within a shared creative vision, before evolving into a fully realized band. Over the years, they have shared the stage with Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, and Rhapsody Of Fire, steadily strengthening their presence within the European metal scene.

The upcoming album “The Battle Of The Dead” will feature 11 tracks, further developing the band’s blend of classic power metal, symphonic elements and narrative ambition.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UivMmjBSIY​
​Listen: https://lnk.to/O3GJCQ​

“The Battle Of The Dead” will be released on May 22nd, 2026, in digital format and digipak CD edition, and will be available for pre-order at the following link: https://rockshots.eu/products/embrace-of-souls-the-battle-of-the-dead-cd​
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​OFFICIAL MERCH: https://embraceofsoulsband.bigcartel.com/​

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish.

RELEASE PARTY: MAY 30, 2026
​Embrace Of Souls will present The Battle Of The Dead live at La Cripta Club (Cusano Milanino, Italy), alongside Derdian, Drakkar, and Axe Blade.

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Track Listing:​
1. The Battle Of The Dead
2. Eversun
3. The Plague
4. The Gathering
5. Spine
6. Who Can Save Us
7. Betrayal
8. The Dark Lord
9. The War (feat. Morby)
10. Sacrifice
11. Desolate Lands
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​Line-up:​
Giacomo Rossi – Vocals
Martina Mazzeo – Vocals
Edward De Rosa – Guitars
Xavier Rota – Bass
Davide Baldelli – Keyboards
Michele Olmi – Drums

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

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

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

BIOGRAPHY:

Embrace Of Souls is an Italian power metal band founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, conceived with the aim of bringing together talented musicians around a shared vision rooted in collaboration, brotherhood, and a deep passion for classic metal. Initially born as a studio project, the band took shape with the release of their debut album “The Number Of Destiny” in 2021, receiving positive feedback on an international level and notable acclaim in Japan.

Drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal, as well as the epic and symphonic metal of the early 2000s, Embrace Of Souls developed a sound characterized by powerful riffs, epic atmospheres, and strong melodic sensibility. Over time, the project evolved into a full live band, allowing the group to further consolidate its artistic identity and deepen its expressive range.

In 2024, Embrace Of Souls returned with their second full-length album, “Forever Part Of Me,” marking a significant step forward in terms of maturity and songwriting. This phase also introduced important changes within the line-up, bringing renewed energy and a broader musical perspective to the band’s sound.

A key element of this evolution is the current vocal pairing. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in previous releases, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist while Martina Mazzeo, an accomplished soprano vocalist, adds a symphonic and operatic dimension to the band’s music. Together, their voices embody the duality that defines Embrace Of Souls: light and darkness, power and elegance, intensity and emotion.

Having shared the stage with renowned acts such as Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, and Rhapsody Of Fire, Embrace Of Souls continue to refine their identity while looking toward the future. The band is now working on new material, further developing their epic and narrative-driven approach to solidify their presence on the international power metal scene.

Montreal Cult Heavy‑Rock PARADISE Erupts Back In 2026 w/ “Queen of Mars”, A First Taste of New Music Since 2020

After years of silence, speculation, and simmering creative energy, Montreal’s cult heavy‑rock outfit Paradise erupts back onto the scene with their first new music since their 2020 self‑titled album. The band announces their long‑awaited return with the upcoming single and music video “Queen of Mars,” marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in their cosmic, riff‑driven mythology.
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Formed in 2002 during a lightning‑strike moment of inspiration, Paradise built their identity on what they call “volcanic rock”, a molten blend of heavy rock, classic metal, and stoner‑rock undertones. Their early albums “Rock Anthropologists on the Kon‑Tiki Voyage” (2002) and “Hotel” (2005) became underground favorites, fueled by wild creativity, tongue‑in‑cheek concept worlds, and collaborations with icons like Voivod’s Michel “Away” Langevin and the late Denis “Piggy” D’Amour.​
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Their 2020 self‑titled comeback album re‑established the band with a harder, sharper edge. Now, in 2026, Paradise resurfaces once more, this time with a fully realized retro‑futuristic vision inspired by the sci‑fi imagery of the ’60s and ’70s.
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The band’s new single, “Queen of Mars,” introduces listeners to a cinematic, hypnotic space‑rock sound that expands Paradise’s sonic universe while staying rooted in their heavy‑rock DNA.
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The track paints a vivid portrait of a timeless, wandering figure, the Queen of Mars, who embodies freedom, resilience, and cosmic sovereignty. Moving through a desert of memory and isolation, she becomes a mythic symbol of transformation and inner power. Musically, the song blends atmospheric guitars, ritualistic rhythms, and poetic, controlled vocals, landing somewhere between Hawkwind’s cosmic rock, Dozer’s desert‑space textures, and the dramatic sweep of Muse.
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​“It’s been a while since we’ve put something out, so I know some fans have been waiting. We’re close to the sound of our last record, but there are surprises. We used ’60s and ’70s sci‑fi imagery to inspire us, sounds and moods from far beyond,” says guitarist Frank Kelly.
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Kelly remains the band’s primary music writer, working closely with vocalist R.L. Black on lyrics and melodies. For this new material, they also brought in Luc Bourgeois (Sandveiss) to elevate the songwriting even further.
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​“We just let it go, whichever song was ready first. We’re doing this for fun and to keep the creativity going. We hope people get it, but honestly, we’re having a blast,” adds Kelly.
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​Paradise has 8–9 new songs in the pipeline, all shaped by their signature approach: naming tracks early in the writing process to set the tone and guide the lyrical world. This time, that world is drenched in analog futures, cosmic psychedelia, and B‑movie sci‑fi charm, a natural evolution of the band’s long‑standing love for heavy music, from Judas Priest and Dio to Kyuss and Fu Manchu.
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​Paradise’s live reputation remains intact: high‑energy, high‑intensity, and unapologetically fun.
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“We’re a party band. Just five guys having a blast. So many bands take this too seriously; it takes the fun out of it,” comments Kelly.
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With their return, fans can expect a renewed sense of adventure, a deeper dive into their cosmic aesthetic, and a sound that continues to evolve without losing the volcanic spark that defined them from day one.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Queen of Mars” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xu3W8ZyA0I​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/6aF3AuOrjBMl4vcs6xDoV4​

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More info:

​https://paradiserockband.com/​

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

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

About: Born in Montreal in 2002, Paradise emerged from a whirlwind of creativity that led to their debut Rock Anthropologists on the Kon‑Tiki Voyage, followed by Hotel (2005). After a long hiatus, the band returned in 2020 with their self‑titled third album, blending hard rock and heavy metal with razor‑sharp riffs and soaring melodies. Now, in 2026, Paradise reclaims their place in the heavy‑rock cosmos with a new sci‑fi–inspired chapter and the upcoming single “Queen of Mars.”