Author: Crix

What Awaits Us – Redshift

What Awaits Us continues its distinctive style with the release of their new album, Redshift, where overwhelming heaviness and sweeping melodies blend harmoniously. This full-length album contains nine songs, each with its own unique character.
“Etched In Concrete” bursts open without a moment of hesitation. The track launches straight into a hammering tempo, the screamed vocals hit with real force—raw. Despite its speed and aggression, the song keeps a strong melodic thread running through it, giving the chaos a sense of direction and emotional weight.
“Disinhibition” wraps the listener in a slightly mystical atmosphere right from the start. The screamed vocals cut through with real power, yet the track never loses its melodic backbone. The guitar lines weave in perfectly, adding texture and movement. When the chorus hits, the layered backing vocals elevate everything, making the song feel fuller and more immersive. And that final section—absolutely wild, the kind of ending that leaves an imprint.
“Everchanger” opens with a melodic intro that quickly evolves into a faster, driving rhythm. The transition feels natural yet energizing, pulling you deeper into the track. The interplay between the guitars is especially striking—tight, intricate, and nicely braided together. Beneath it all, the rhythmic section goes absolutely off the rails in the best way, delivering a level of precision and intensity that pushes the whole song to another level.
“Burning Cloud” immediately stands out thanks to its impressive drum work—tight, forceful, and constantly pushing the track forward. Midway through, the song slips into a slower, melodic bridge that opens up the atmosphere and sets the stage for a shift into a more mid‑tempo groove. Then the chorus comes crashing back in with renewed impact.
“Amygdala” leans into a more progressive sound without sacrificing any of its heaviness. It is instantly catchy, with an interesting blend of technical guitar work that keeps the ear engaged. The breakdown hits hard, adding weight and contrast, while the slower section dips almost into doom‑metal territory, giving the track a darker, more atmospheric edge.
“Mirage” opens with a blend of keyboards and guitar that immediately sets an almost otherworldly tone. When the drums enter, they do so with a complex, nuanced touch that adds depth without overwhelming the mood. The vocals create a perfect contrast—raw emotion cutting through the smooth instrumental layers. What follows is a beautifully crafted melodeath track, one that feels both powerful and deeply emotional.
“Vanish Into Gray,” released in 2025 and featuring Aleksi Rautiainen from Split Iris, is a deeply melodic track built around an important message about mental health. The interplay between the two voices is seamless, each one amplifying the emotion of the other. It’s a song where the feelings run so strong that the listener can sense both the pain and the flicker of hope woven through it. The only real flaw is that it ends too soon—music carrying this much weight deserves to linger longer.
“…Event Horizon” is a remake of the track originally released on their 2015 album, and it hits even harder with the evolved line‑up behind it. The song is fierce and unhinged in all the right ways—a strong, almost chaotic burst of energy. The keyboards offer brief moments of breathing space, creating contrast before the tempo surges forward again. The pre‑chorus builds beautifully, stacking tension and suspense, and the whole track showcases an impressive level of technical precision.
“Hell Above,” released as a single in 2024, is a fast, powerful, absolutely kick‑ass track. The guitars lock into a driving groove that contrasts sharply with the rhythmic patterns and vocal delivery, creating a tense atmosphere. It is one of those songs that hits hard from the first second and never lets up.
The album delivers a modern, polished production, commanding choruses, and an intense surge of energy that together shape a powerful and contemporary sound.
Recommended for anyone who loves melodic death metal and deathcore with modern undertones.

https://linktr.ee/whatawaitsus

 

 

VOV unveils dramatic new symphonic metal single: “Drunk At The Opera

Finnish symphonic metal band VOV returns with Drunk At The Opera, a theatrical and emotionally charged new single that blends operatic grandeur with darkly elegant storytelling. The song draws the listener into a decadent final performance, where tragedy, memory, and defiance take center stage beneath the glow of chandeliers and fading applause.

Musically, Drunk At The Opera unfolds as a cinematic composition, combining sweeping orchestration, melodic metal foundations, and classically inspired vocals. The arrangement moves fluidly between restraint and excess, allowing the drama to breathe while building toward moments of overwhelming intensity. Each listen reveals new details in the layered instrumentation, reinforcing the song’s operatic character and immersive atmosphere.

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

Vocalist Karoliina McLoud, classically trained in opera, delivers a commanding and expressive performance that anchors the song’s narrative. Her voice carries both elegance and fracture, embodying the role of a fallen diva facing the final curtain. Guitarist Teemu Harjunen balances melodic precision with dramatic weight, while Sami Halinen expands the sonic scope through deep bass lines and symphonic keyboard textures. Drummer Juha-Tapio Anttonen delivers a powerful and dynamic performance, providing a solid yet expressive foundation that carries the song through its shifting emotional landscapes.

Lyrically, Drunk At The Opera tells the story of an aging diva offering her last performance to death itself. The song moves through irony, bitterness, and self-awareness, blurring the line between grandeur and collapse. Humor and sorrow intertwine as the protagonist raises a glass to lost love, shattered dignity, and the theatricality of her own downfall. The opera becomes both refuge and reckoning—a place where every failure is sung as an aria, and every silence speaks louder than applause.

Commenting on the release, the band states: “Drunk At The Opera is a song about performance, pride, and letting go. It is dramatic and self-aware, tragic and theatrical at the same time. We wanted to embrace the excess of opera while allowing the human fragility beneath it to remain visible.”

VOV is a Finnish symphonic metal band known for combining classical influences with melodic metal and narrative-driven songwriting. Their music explores themes of identity, loss, dignity, and existential conflict, often framed through cinematic and mythic imagery.

Line-up on the single: 

Vocals: Karoliina McLoud

Guitar: Teemu Harjunen

Bass, Keyboards & Backing vocals: Sami Halinen

Drums: Juha-Tapio Anttonen

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vovmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VovmusicOfficial

Contact: vovmusic@outlook.com

Finnish melodic death metal band Deadvoid Inc. released their debut album ‘Chapters’

Finnish melodic death metal band Deadvoid Inc. released their debut album Chapters on March 13, 2026 via Inverse Records. Operating across the Mikkeli–Jyväskylä–Helsinki region, the band was formed in early 2025.

The band’s debut album combines heavy riffs, melancholic melodies, and technical musicianship into an intense musical experience. Chapters dives into the darker layers of the human psyche while still leaving room for a glimmer of hope.

LISTEN to the album on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/deadvoid-inc-chapters

Guitarist Tuomas Torikka describes the album as follows:

“Chapters takes the listener on a journey through tragic mental landscapes and human destinies. The music evokes a wide range of emotions — aggression, deep hatred, and also moments that  may bring tears to the eyes. At the same time, a small spark of hope remains present. Each song has been carefully composed, forming a multidimensional soundscape where melancholy and beauty intertwine with aggressive power. The lyrics leave room for identification and personal interpretation.”

Vocalist Jonne “Monni” Saarinen says the lyrics are largely based on the band members’ personal experiences:

“The lyrics mainly revolve around our own life experiences. At times we deal with painful 

memories from childhood, and in the next moment we move into themes of adult self-reflection. The subjects are heavy, but we also wanted to include the small spark of hope that Tuomas mentioned.”

With Chapters, Deadvoid Inc. delivers an intense and emotional debut that combines a heavy sound with strong emotional depth.

Deadvoid Inc. – Upcoming Shows

• March 28, 2026 – Wilhelm Public House, Mikkeli (Album Release Show)

• April 18, 2026 – Bar Base, Helsinki

• June 13, 2026 – Bar Lepakkomies, Helsinki

Deadvoid Inc. is a Finnish melodic death metal band that blends elements ranging from classical music to extreme metal, creating an energetic, technically skilled, and 

completely distinctive musical entity.

D-inc was formed in early 2025 when longtime acquaintances Jonne Saarinen (vocals) and Tuomas Torikka (composition & guitar) decided to build something new in the midst of everything old. The album was completed in its entirety, and prior to its release, guitarist Jami Honkala and bassist Ville Heino—both heavily involved in the making

of the record—joined the band.

This lineup of seasoned professionals in their field brings a fresh new subgenre to the airwaves, unlike anything you’ve heard before. Energetic songs, catchy grand melodies, furious riffs, and heart-wrenching slow sections are here to show everyone what Deadvoid Inc. is all about.

The band released their debut album Chapters in March 2026.

Line-up:

Vocals: Jonne Saarinen
Guitars: Tuomas Torikka
Bass: Ville Mikkola
Drums: Tino Jäntti

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

RAVENMOCKER Deliver Second Single of 2026 with The Native American Lore of “Where The Raven Flies”

Southern California melodic death metal newcomers Ravenmocker have unleashed their second single, “Where The Raven Flies,” in 2026, following the strong reception of their debut track, “Infallible.” The new single continues building the band’s identity: soaring melody, cultural storytelling, and a modern take on the melodic death metal spirit once championed by acts like Children of Bodom, Insomnium, and Kalmah.

Formed in 2025 by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney after departing Thrown Into Exile, Ravenmocker was born from a desire to create music that honored Tierney’s Native American heritage while embracing the emotional depth and melodic aggression he had been writing for years.

“I wanted to forge my own path with songs that didn’t have a home yet. Ravenmocker became the vessel for that—something cultural, melodic, and meaningful,” says Tierney.

“Where The Raven Flies” is an anthemic, cinematic track that tells the origin story of the Raven Mocker, a cryptid from Adirondack and Cherokee lore. Known as a harbinger of death, the Raven Mocker feeds on the sick and dying, stealing the remaining years of its victims’ lives. The single paints vivid imagery of the creature soaring over forests and villages, acting as both reaper and omen.

The single’s artwork mirrors this mythology: a raven perched on a branch beneath a rising moon, its eyes glowing with supernatural intensity as a flock circles overhead. The visual directly reflects the music video filmed in Angeles National Forest, captured by Darkslate Media.

“Kim and Andrew took the song’s visceral, lofty feel and turned it into visual art. It’s beautiful, eerie, and exactly what the track needed,” explains Tierney.

Compared to “Infallible,” the band describes the new single as “loftier, more epic, and meant to feel like gliding over mountains and trees while still hitting hard.”

Ravenmocker’s lineup brings together musicians from across the Southern California metal scene: vocalist and guitarist Tom Tierney (formerly Thrown Into Exile), guitarist George Patmas (ex‑Dianthus), drummer Dylan Suierveld (Levinia), and bassist Will Buckley (Levinia, Anubis).

Their combined influences, melodic death metal, blues, prog, jazz, funk, and even classic country, shape a sound that is intricate yet accessible, emotional yet aggressive.

“We want to write songs people can sing with us at shows. Melodies that stick with you. Emotion you can feel,” adds Tierney.

The band’s writing process is collaborative and evolving. While Tierney brought the foundation of the first EP, the new material is shaped by all members. “Where The Raven Flies” itself features a key change and expanded structure suggested by drummer Dylan, an example of the band’s open, exploratory approach.

Ravenmocker’s first single, “Infallible,” quickly gained traction online, with early clips surpassing 75,000 views and drawing praise for its melodic hooks and nostalgic energy reminiscent of early 2000s melodic death metal. Fans have responded to the band’s blend of modern production, emotional lyricism, and classic melodic sensibilities.

“We want to give the scene something familiar enough to feel nostalgic, but unique enough to be refreshing. There’s beauty in simplicity and melody, and we’re leaning into that,” adds Tierney.

With “Where The Raven Flies” marking the second release of 2026, Ravenmocker is preparing to introduce their full debut EP later this year. The band promises a wide emotional and musical range, from thrashy aggression to ballad‑like atmosphere, crafted to resonate with fans of melodic death metal’s golden era while carving out a new identity of their own.

“We’re just getting started. These songs were years in the making. Now we finally get to share them,” comments Tierney.

“Where The Raven Flies” can be heard along with its music video premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Spotify pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ravenmocker/where-the-raven-flies/​

​

Formed in Southern California in 2025, Ravenmocker is a melodic death metal band founded by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney (formerly of Thrown Into Exile). Joined by George Patmas (guitar), Dylan Suierveld (drums), and Will Buckley (bass), the band blends soaring melody with raw aggression, drawing influence from melodic death metal giants while infusing elements of country, jazz, blues, funk, and classical orchestration.
​
Their music explores personal struggle, emotional catharsis, cultural identity, and the resilience found in confronting darkness head‑on.
​
In 2026, Ravenmocker will introduce themselves to the global metal community with their debut singles “Infallible” and “Where the Raven Flies,” leading into their first EP.

​https://www.ravenmocker.net/​

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

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

​https://www.tiktok.com/ravenmockerofficial​

Frontiers Records announce 30th Anniversary Compilation out May 22

Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the upcoming release of the “XXX Anniversary Compilation”, a special project celebrating 30 years of passion, creativity, and unforgettable music. The record is set for release on May 22, 2026, and will be only available on CD, on the label’s webstore.

To coincide with the announcement, Frontiers shares the new single “Down From The Mountain”, featuring Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Aries Descendant). Originally recorded by Allen/Lande, the song is reborn through Sonne’s powerful vocal performance, delivering a dynamic reinterpretation of the melodic rock classic.

The single follows the previously released anniversary renditions of “Little Drops Of Heaven” featuring Robin McAuley and “Viva La Victoria” featuring Dyan Mair, both offering fresh takes on beloved songs from the Frontiers catalogue.

Nicklas Sonne said: “Allen & Lande have both always been a huge inspiration. Recording ‘Down From the Mountain’ was a real honour, and I tried to bring my own voice to a song I’ve admired for years.”

Watch the official visualizer for “Down From The Mountain” HERE

Pre-Order “XXX Anniversary Compilation” HERE

Starting from an Idea of Serafino Perugino, the “XXX Anniversary Compilation” brings together some of the greatest melodies and voices from the world of melodic rock. This special release celebrates the label’s rich legacy by revisiting iconic tracks from the Frontiers catalogue, reimagined with dynamic new performances from an extraordinary lineup of guest vocalists.

Each track has been recorded exclusively for this anniversary project and showcases the powerful reinterpretation of beloved Frontiers classics through the voices of today’s standout rock artists.

Aldo Lonobile, Head Of A&R Europe at Frontiers Label Group and producer of the record, commented:

“Producing the 30th anniversary record for Frontiers Records has been both a honour and a responsibility. This label has built a legacy on passion and vision and, with this album, we wanted to celebrate that history in a meaningful way, having a mix of established and new generation of Frontiers artists reinterpret the iconic tracks that shaped our identity is more than a tribute – it’s a bridge between eras”. 

“With a tracklist discussed together with the Frontiers President Serafino Perugino, this record is a celebration of where we come from, and a powerful statement of where we’re headed”, he continued.

Under the expert production of Lonobile – who also performs part of the guitars on the album – the performances are backed by a stellar lineup of musicians: Alessandro Mammola (guitar), Andrea Arcangeli (bass), Cristian Timpanaro (bass), the keyboards team – Alessio Lucatti & Antonio Agate, Alfonso Mocerino and  Fortunato Grillo  on drums, delivering powerful new arrangements that bring renewed energy to these fan-favorite tracks.

The “XXX Anniversary Compilation” isn’t just a compilation – it’s a tribute to 30 years of rock excellence, a heartfelt thank you to the artists, fans, and collaborators who have been part of the Frontiers Records story.

Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or discovering these songs for the first time, this album delivers powerful performances, soaring melodies, and the unmistakable spirit of Frontiers.

“XXX Anniversary Compilation” Tracklist:

1.    Separate Ways (Feat James Robledo)
2.    Watch The Fire (Feat Cassidy Paris)
3.    Weight Of The World (Feat Karmen Klinc)
4.    Viva La Victoria (Feat Dyan Mair)
5.    Hypocrisy (Feat Stina Girs)
6.    Edge Of Tomorrow (Feat Ronnie Romero)
7.    Love Will Set You Free (Feat Santiago Ramonda)
8.    Songs That Night Sings (Feat Tezzi Persson)
9.    My Guardian Angel (Feat Fabio Caldeira)
10.    When The Heartache Has Gone (Feat Mattias Olofsson)
11.    No More Hell To Pay (Feat Giorgia Colleluori)
12.    Down From The Mountain (Feat Nicklas Sonne)
13.    Little Drops Of Heaven (Feat Robin McAuley)

“Down From The Mountain” Line Up:
Nicklas Sonne – vocals
Alessandro Mammola – guitar
Andrea Arcangeli – bass
Alessio Lucatti – keyboards
Alfonso Mocerino – drums

Follow FRONTIERS MUSIC SRL:
Website
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CITOVITZ AND FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY Release ‘The Demon Was Once an Angel’ — Final Lyric Video from “My Revenge” EP

CITOVITZ AND FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY have released the official lyric video for “The Demon Was Once an Angel” — the fifth and final track from the “My Revenge” EP, released on Andrzej Citowicz’s 50th birthday, February 10th, 2026. With this release, the EP’s lyric video cycle is complete: five songs documented, five chapters closed, five truths placed permanently on record.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE FALLEN

The song was written by Shereen Citowicz — the same lyricist behind “My Revenge”, the EP’s title track. Where that song burns with defiance, “The Demon Was Once an Angel” asks a harder, quieter question: not how did we survive, but what did surviving cost us?
“Demons weren’t born demons. They were angels who fell. Good things that got broken. Innocent souls who learned the world doesn’t reward innocence. My wife Shereen wrote these words about transformation we never asked for. About how pain changes you into something different — not necessarily worse, just harder, less trusting, more guarded.”

The song’s central thesis — that the fallen were once innocent — carries enormous compassion within what could easily become a statement of despair. Shereen’s words refuse to judge the changed. They seek instead to remember what was there before the breaking. To acknowledge that the hardness people carry was once softness that the world refused to protect.

Watch the lyric video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPa5Fn9MQek

MEMORY AS SALVATION

The lyric video presents the song’s most profound insight plainly: if you have become something harder, something more guarded, something the world might call a demon — you were likely an angel once. And that memory, however faint, is not defeat. It is a thread. It is what keeps a person from losing themselves entirely.

“If you’ve become a demon, maybe you were an angel once. And remembering where you came from — that’s what keeps you from being completely lost.”
This is grief literature written as rock music. It is the kind of truth that doesn’t announce itself loudly but settles slowly — in the chest, in the memory, in the quiet moments when a person sits with what they have become and tries to find the version of themselves that existed before the damage.

MUSICAL APPROACH: WINGER’S LEGACY, CARRIED FORWARD

Musically, “The Demon Was Once an Angel” draws from the tradition established by Winger and Kip Winger — technical without being cold, intricate without losing emotion. It is rock that thinks as it feels, that constructs carefully even as it speaks from an unguarded place.

Bassist Patryk Szymański — Andrzej’s collaborator of over a decade, a brother in every meaningful sense of the word — delivers bass work that does more than anchor the rhythm. It speaks. It carries its own narrative thread through the song, responding to and deepening the lyrical content rather than simply supporting it.

“Patryk’s bass doesn’t just support — it speaks its own truth. When you’ve been creating with someone for over ten years, there’s a musical intelligence that develops between you that can’t be faked. On this track especially, he understood exactly what these words needed.”

THE END OF MY REVENGE: FIVE SONGS FOR FIFTY YEARS

The “My Revenge” EP was conceived as a statement of survival — five tracks for fifty years of living, released as a 50th birthday declaration. Each song carries a different dimension of that survival: defiance, brotherhood, the theft of time, grief transformed into dignity, and now — the memory of innocence in the face of everything that has hardened.

The five tracks span two lyricists and one sustained emotional vision: Andrzej wrote “You’re Not My Friend — You’re My Brother, My Friend,” “Time Is a Thief,” and “I Am a Gentleman Tempered by Grief.” Shereen wrote “My Revenge” and “The Demon Was Once an Angel.” Together, they form a complete arc — not a tidy resolution, but an honest accounting.

“This is the final song from ‘My Revenge.’ Five songs for fifty years. Five pieces of survival turned into sound. Thank you for walking this journey with us. From the first song to this last one. You made my revenge complete.”

THE LYRIC VIDEO SERIES: WORDS MADE VISIBLE

The decision to document each track from “My Revenge” with its own lyric video reflects a consistent artistic philosophy: words this personal deserve to be seen, not just heard. Lyrics that emerge from lived experience — from grief, from loss, from the long work of remaining human — carry meaning that the ear alone cannot always hold. The lyric video format allows listeners to sit with the words, return to specific lines, and find themselves in the text.
With this final release, that documentation is complete. Every word Shereen and Andrzej put into this EP now has a visual home. The record is permanent.

STREAM & WATCH

YouTube lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPa5Fn9MQek
The complete “My Revenge” EP is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and all major streaming platforms.

Andrzej Citowicz is an acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter currently based in Cairo, Egypt. As a former recording artist for DownBoys Records, he has built a reputation for emotionally resonant songwriting and distinctive guitar work. His music combines classic rock influences with contemporary production, creating a sound that bridges generational and cultural gaps while maintaining artistic authenticity. His YouTube channel has garnered over 70,000 views from an international audience.

Connect with Andrzej Citowicz:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aIeg5DyI7xwkYLsBgJNWf
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

MonoMassive Spring Edition 7.3.2026, Pori (Finland)

MonoMassive is back, the festival dedicated to the heaviest metal held for the third time as the main event of the spring in Satakunta on March 7, 2026 at the Winston in Pori.
Four bands performed: Cumbeast, Sewer Altar, Unborn Generation and Whisper.
Crawling from the depths of Helsinki, WHISPER plays old-school death metal, spiced with prog and melodic death metal, offering a fresh yet gritty take on a genre that has been rotting for decades. Founded in 2023, the band’s EPs Xenogenesis and Gravemind have garnered praise for their brutal yet multi-dimensional approach. The band’s sound combines the atmosphere of early Finnish death metal, Finnish prog and the most modern cosmic influences. Despite being an emerging band, they performed with impressive confidence and technical skill.
UNBORN GENERATION has been delivering dirty grindcrust since 2002. The music combines the ruthless expression of grind, the energy of crust, and a hint of northern gloom in the form of melodies. The trio delivered the shortest set of the night — a tight, 30‑minute burst of pure energy.
SEWER ALTAR, a viscous entity of blistering grind, grimy breakdowns, and d-beat human tornados. The band delves into death metal themes of defilement and horror, intertwining them with the pervasive malaise of sociopolitical inequality. Jumping in as last‑minute substitutes for Unknown Subject, the trio rose to the occasion with a tight, well‑performed set.
CUMBEAST – brutal and grooving led metal from Turku since 2005. The band is known for its unique style: Heavy and grooving guitar riffs and strange tricks with a fretless bass combine with funky and pounding drums and inhuman, visceral vocals in an inexplicably tickling way. The green glow of Cumbeast’s RGB LEDs has illuminated festival and gig stages all over Europe and the ridiculously brutal energy of the gigs and the hit songs have infected the audience time and time again to mosh, dance and laugh. With their stage presence, audience engagement, technical skill, and sheer passion for performing, Cumbeast truly delivers the complete experience.
Here are a few shots from the night, captured by Cristina Gregori.

Stam1na – Apnea

Finnish band Stam1na returns with their eleventh album, Apnea, a work that touches the deepest chords of the soul, perfectly balancing the band’s signature sound with experimentation.
The album opens with the intro Pohjoinen lehto, a short but incisive 1:53 track that immediately establishes a melodic and progressive tone. The song moves quickly, almost breathlessly, just when you think you have figured out where it is going, the finale takes a surprising turn, ending abruptly.
Opas bursts in with deliciously intricate guitar work and a fast, driving tempo that is unmistakably Stam1na. The harsh vocals hit with full force, then give way to a melodic passage carried by a calm, clean voice before the intensity surges back again. The chorus has this almost otherworldly lift — a melody that transports you somewhere else entirely. Subtle wind‑like orchestration in the background adds an unexpected atmospheric layer that deepens the whole experience.
Golem is the album’s first single and is already considered a hit. It is classic Stam1na through and through: tight, energetic, and unmistakably Stam1na’s signature style. The chorus is incredibly catchy, the kind that gets stuck in your head after just one listen and practically makes the entire audience want to sing along.
Satiiri opens with a dark atmosphere, then suddenly accelerates into lightning-fast riffs, very thrash metal. The vocals are mostly shouted, raw, and abrasive. Occasional trumpet lines cut through the distortion, creating a surreal, satirical atmosphere, as if the song was commenting on itself; the bass line towards the end is also enjoyable.
Käärmeennyrkki, released as the second single from the album is clearly more experimental than the first, demonstrating the band’s willingness to push boundaries. Despite the heavier, more progressive elements, the chorus opens up into something surprisingly melodic that serves as a solid anchor for the song’s structure. The keyboard work stands out: unusual textures, clever layering, perhaps even unexpected tones. The song blends aggression and complexity without losing coherence; thrash energy meets progressive experimentation, resulting in a piece that feels both adventurous and well-structured.
Easily one of the album’s strongest tracks, perhaps even my favorite, Lahja leaves a deep emotional impression without ever feeling heavy. The clean vocals bring a warm touch and create a beautiful contrast with the sharper, more aggressive elements surrounding it. The guitars cut through with a shattering style, the harshness makes the melodic parts shine even brighter. There is a moment where the keyboards veer into a subtle “synth-wave” vibe. The chorus opens up into something heartfelt and memorable. The structure evolves naturally, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish, for almost six minutes, yet it feels like it passes in a heartbeat.
Anna minun olla heikoin lenkki returns to the band’s signature fast-paced style: the riffs are sharp and engaging, the chorus is memorable and melodic, and the wild and technically impressive guitar solo becomes one of the song’s highlights. It includes a short but very cool bass highlight. The keyboards also have their moment, adding color to the whole track.
Begins with a moody, spacious intro that sets a reflective tone, Toivonkipinä snaps into high speed almost without warning, the contrast gives the track a jolt of energy and unpredictability. The tempo changes several times, keeping the song lively and progressive. The vocals shift from clean to raspy in a powerful and expressive way. There is a beautifully crafted melodic section that draws on progressive influences. The final moments fade into something enigmatic and evocative, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of wonder.
Apnea serves as the album’s closing track and absolutely feels like a final chapter, enveloping the entire journey in a calm yet emotionally charged atmosphere. It moves at a slow tempo, allowing every sound to breathe. The clean vocals are soft, expressive, and deeply moving. Keyboards are central: lush textures, delicate melodies, perhaps even subtle pads. The drums feel big and cinematic, adding depth without breaking the calm.
This album is certainly one of the band’s finest works; Stam1na aren’t afraid to experiment while maintaining their trademark.

https://stam1na.com/

 

Finnish Dark Metal TORCHIA Unveils New Video “Nekromanteion” From Upcoming Album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” Out May 2026

Finnish extreme metal force Torchia unveil the official video for “Nekromanteion”, premiering today via Metal Insider. The single has been released worldwide on all digital platforms today.

Following the first single “Stygian Waters”, which introduced listeners to the darker sonic direction of the band’s upcoming album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, “Nekromanteion” pushes further into the occult themes and shadowed mythology that define Torchia’s evolving artistic vision.

Hailing from Tampere, Finland, Torchia have steadily refined a distinctive style rooted in thrash-infused melodic death metal while expanding their sound with darker tonal layers and a stronger emphasis on atmosphere and narrative depth. Across their discography, the band has gradually shaped a fictional realm inhabited by old gods, arcane rituals and practitioners of forbidden arts, blending extreme metal intensity with the imagery of gothic horror.

Musically, “Nekromanteion” reveals another dimension of that evolution. Driven by ominous arrangements and a growing sense of tension, the track places greater weight on mood and atmosphere while retaining the band’s trademark guitar-driven aggression. The title refers to the ancient Greek Nekromanteion, a temple believed to serve as an oracle of the dead. In the song’s narrative, a necromancer attempts to cross into the realm of the dead, risking the perilous passage across the waters of Styx.
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As the opening track of the album, “Nekromanteion” sets the tone for the record’s overall direction: a synthesis of memorable songwriting, technical intensity, and darker sonic textures supporting the album’s gothic horror narrative.

With “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, Torchia further expands the cursed world introduced throughout their previous releases, pushing their sound toward a darker and more blackened dimension while preserving the melodic sensibility and guitar-driven foundations that have defined the band since their early years.

Fans of Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, and Children of Bodom will find in Torchia a band capable of merging extreme metal ferocity with dark storytelling and memorable melodic hooks.

The official video for “Nekromanteion” is now streaming via Metal Insider HERE.

The single is available on all digital platforms from March 11th.

 https://lnk.to/uRuBjc​

For fans of: Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, Children of Bodom

New album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” out on May 8th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-cd​
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​PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-lp​

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Track Listing:​
1. Nekromanteion – 4:23
2. Hellmouth – 4:08
3. Into Hell – 3:38
4. Hellstorm – 3:55
5. Die Amour – 4:12
6. The Tiamat Machine – 5:39
7. Black Cat – 3:19
8. Stygian Waters – 4:05
9. Sanguine Masquerade – 4:46
Album Length: 38:05
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​Torchia Line-Up:​
Nox: Vocals
Villemorte: Lead guitar, Vocals
Henri von Hardy: Guitar
Vulkan: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Vincent Oscar Mill: Drums

Formed in Tampere, Finland, Torchia has steadily carved out a distinctive identity within the extreme metal scene by blending thrash-infused melodic death metal with dark fantasy, gothic horror, and cinematic atmospheres. Since their early years, the band has continuously evolved both musically and conceptually, expanding a cursed narrative universe populated by ancient gods, occult practices, and grim mythological visions.

With each release, Torchia has pushed further into darker and more theatrical territory. While their core remains firmly rooted in guitar-driven extreme metal, their sound has grown increasingly cinematic and blackened, incorporating dramatic arrangements and a heightened sense of atmosphere without sacrificing aggression or immediacy. Elements of classic heavy and power metal melody remain a key influence shaping their songwriting approach and reinforcing their dynamic, memorable structures.

Their fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, represents a defining chapter in the band’s artistic journey. Set against a bleak, 19th-century-inspired gothic backdrop, the album brings Torchia’s storytelling to life through vivid tales of horror, superstition, and doom, uniting narrative depth with relentless musical force.

Renowned for their intense and visceral live performances, Torchia have built a strong reputation as a formidable stage act. At the center of the spectacle stands masked frontman Nox, a commanding and symbolic figure who embodies the dark curse at the heart of the band’s identity, guiding audiences deep into Torchia’s shadowed world.

​https://www.rockshots.eu/​

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

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

Canada’s IRON KINGDOM Announces 6th Studio Album “Shadows and Dust”; Reveal Album Artwork and Teaser

Canadian traditional heavy metal torchbearers Iron Kingdom will release their sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” on June 6, 2026, marking a powerful milestone in the band’s history. The date aligns with the group’s 15th anniversary when they formed in June 2011, and the 82nd anniversary of D‑Day, a coincidence the band describes as “the planets aligned… but we will let the music speak for itself.”​
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Alongside the announcement, Iron Kingdom has revealed the album’s striking cover artwork by Alan Lathwell and a first-look teaser, offering fans a glimpse into their darkest and most ambitious record yet.

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Recorded entirely in the band’s newly completed home studio, another first in their career, “Shadows and Dust” explores themes of death, hardship, impermanence, and resilience, wrapped in the band’s signature blend of classic heavy metal, power metal, and NWOBHM influences.
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​“A fantastic collection of songs that will really open up our live sets… it comes from a little bit more of a rock n’ roll edge overall, but there are so many elements hidden within, and I think it will be a real journey to experience it front to back. Lyrically, the album plays in quite a dark realm of topics… but I also think that’s exactly what will make this album accessible to people going through tougher times, and hopefully a place of hope, and to help them see that they are not alone,”​ adds frontman Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar).
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Bassist Leighton Holmes also comments:

“The newly unveiled cover art draws directly from the song “Blood and Steel”, depicting an army marching across a brutal, unforgiving landscape, some soldiers falling to the elements as others push forward. The imagery was inspired by the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson. Many die, many lose hope, and many don’t understand why they do what they do… Life is often like this: we have to go through things that are uncomfortable, even dangerous, to reach the position we need to be to accomplish what it is we are trying to do.” ​
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To celebrate the release, Iron Kingdom will headline their biggest hometown show to date at Vancouver’s iconic Rickshaw Theatre on Friday, June 5, 2026, a significant milestone for the band. For more info, please visit https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127​
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​“It is the same venue we got to open for headlining bands such as HammerFall, Angra, Sanctuary… and to feel in some way that we have worked our way up to headline a venue of that size is very exciting.”

In addition to the album launch festivities, Iron Kingdom will also appear at the 2026 editions of Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, bringing their new material to one of Western Canada’s premier heavy metal gatherings. These performances will mark some incredible highlights for the year to come.

Formed in Vancouver in 2011, Iron Kingdom has spent 15 years championing the classic heavy metal spirit of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, and the Scorpions. Known for their high-energy stage presence, intricate melodies, and raw, no‑backing‑tracks live performances, the band has toured across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with Night Demon, Blaze Bayley, HammerFall, Angra, and more.
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Their discography includes Curse of the Voodoo Queen (2011), Gates of Eternity (2013), Ride for Glory (2015), On the Hunt (2019), and The Blood of Creation (2022). “Shadows and Dust” marks their sixth full-length album.

Album pre-order (release date June 6th, 2026) available at the following links:

Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop​
Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music​

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​https://www.iron-kingdom.com​
​https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial​
​https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom​