Author: Crix

VANDERLUST’s New Sci-Fi Metal Opera “The Human Farm”

Following the release of their new concept album “The Human Farm“, Italian metal band Vanderlust presents the official music video for “Viral Escape”, one of the record’s most intense and representative tracks.

Built on high-speed momentum and sharp, dynamic arrangements, “Viral Escape” captures a crucial turning point within the album’s narrative. As the rebellion against the Coelacanth spreads across multiple planets, the track mirrors the urgency and scale of a coordinated uprising, where communication becomes the catalyst for collective action. The escape plan, encoded under the name “The Cave”, propagates across worlds, transforming isolated resistance into a unified movement toward freedom.

Musically, the track stands as one of the album’s most powerful statements, blending the band’s melodic metal foundation with intricate structures, progressive nuances, and a strong sense of forward drive. It is a defining example of Vanderlust’s evolving identity: energetic yet controlled, refined yet aggressive, always serving the narrative arc of the concept.

Taken from “The Human Farm“, a sci-fi concept album exploring the tension between protection and freedom, “Viral Escape” highlights the band’s ability to merge storytelling and composition into a cohesive listening experience. The album unfolds as a continuous journey, where each track contributes to a broader narrative shaped by philosophical questions and dystopian scenarios.

With the release of the official music video, Vanderlust offers listeners a deeper insight into the storyline behind the track, emphasizing the thematic core of the album while reinforcing the connection between music and narrative.

Music Video – “Viral Escape” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWWgrSg8EDU​

“The Human Farm” is out now as of April 17, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

CD – https://rockshots.eu/products/vanderlust-the-human-farm​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1egDAUCkQQNRBm8kh0rx8D​

Lyric Video – Golden Shackles” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0udWN7m7Y​

Track Listing:
​1. Humanity 2.0 – The Human Farm
2. Golden Shackles
3. The Turning Point
4. Connection Failed
5. Viral Escape
6. … Find Them!
7. Battlefield
8. From The Cave – Fuga
9. Drive
10. Reborn … Again
11. Humanity 3.0: The New Canaan
​
​Line-up:​
Ricca “ZP” Morello: Vocals
Francesco “Franz” Romeggini: Guitars, Backing Vocals
David Cantina: Bass
Giacomo Mezzetti: Drums, Backing Vocals

More info:
​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

BIOGRAPHY:

Vanderlust was born from a precise artistic vision: to tell science fiction stories through the language of melodic/progressive metal. What began as an ambitious concept soon evolved into a fully developed identity, where traditional heavy and power metal foundations merge with progressive structures, intricate riffing, and atmospheric textures shaped by a futuristic imagination.

At the creative core stands guitarist Francesco Romeggini, whose compositional direction defines the band’s sonic architecture. His ideas, later refined collectively by the band, result in a dynamic balance between technical detail and emotional depth. The members bring experience from previous acts such as S91, Dreal, and Speed Kills, combining classic metal roots with a forward-looking approach.

Vanderlust’s sound can be described as energetic, refined, and intricate, yet always driven by narrative purpose. Melodic power metal emerges strongly in the vocal phrasing, while progressive elements influence structures and rhythmic patterns rather than sheer song length. Sci-fi atmospheres surface not only through thematic choices but also through electronic layers and occasional orchestral arrangements, reinforcing the cinematic scale of their storytelling without losing the grit of traditional metal.

With “The Human Farm“, the band reaches a clear stage of maturation. Expanding beyond the more traditional framework of their debut, Vanderlust intensifies their progressive edge and strengthens the conceptual dimension of their work. The album unfolds as a cohesive narrative journey, exploring themes of freedom, control, and existential choice delivered through high-energy tracks, dynamic contrasts, and emotionally charged moments.

On stage, the band translates complexity into impact. Rather than focusing solely on instrumental execution, Vanderlust aims for a powerful, engaging live presence, ensuring that the emotional force of their music connects directly with the audience.

Vanderlust stands at the intersection of classic melodic metal and progressive sci-fi – a band committed to building worlds, not just songs.

LA Symphonic Metal ANTHEA’s New Album “Beyond The Dawn” + Video “Wanderer’s Quell”

Los Angeles symphonic metal act Anthea celebrates the release of their highly anticipated third studio album “Beyond The Dawn” via Rockshots Records with the unveiling of the lyric video for “Wanderer’s Quell”, one of the record’s most intense and emotionally charged tracks.

Positioned as the eighth track on the album, “Wanderer’s Quell” represents a darker and more aggressive facet of Anthea’s evolving sound, introducing more extreme-leaning dynamics and heightened rhythmic intensity while preserving the band’s trademark orchestral depth and layered songwriting. The track stands out for its dynamic structure, combining rapid-fire riffing, intricate melodic interplay and a striking contrast between clean vocal passages and powerful, harsh vocals, reinforcing the song’s emotional weight and narrative drive.

Lyrically, “Wanderer’s Quell” explores themes of liberation, self-reconstruction and emotional resilience. The song captures the moment of breaking free from toxic bonds and confronting personal truths, ultimately leading to renewal and inner strength. As the band explains, the track embodies “that moment when you finally break free from something that’s been holding you down… escaping, healing, and moving forward”.

The release of the lyric video coincides with the full unveiling of “Beyond The Dawn”, a record that marks a significant step forward in Anthea’s artistic trajectory. Expanding on the foundations of their previous works, the album delivers a broad and cohesive listening experience, shifting between high-energy compositions, heavier passages, melodic highlights and atmospheric arrangements, all tied together by a strong sense of flow and identity.

Entirely produced, mixed, and mastered by Diego Valadez at DreamVale Studios, the album showcases a refined and confident approach to songwriting and production, with enhanced attention to dynamics, orchestration, and vocal layering. The introduction of “The Sirens” further enriches the sonic palette, adding depth and texture to the band’s already distinctive sound.

With “Wanderer’s Quell”, Anthea delivers one of the most compelling moments of “Beyond The Dawn”, highlighting their ability to balance intensity and melody while reinforcing the thematic core of the album: growth, transformation and the relentless pursuit of a new beginning.

For fans of: Dynazty, Kamelot, Powerwolf.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Wanderer’s Quell” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKUiifjMcAk​

“Beyond The Dawn” is out now via Rockshots Records on CD / VINYL / DIGITAL

“Beyond The Dawn“: https://rockshots.eu/products/anthea-beyond-the-dawn​

Add your tour Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/4NggqAJBzEmINZNPKPcDCN​

Music Video – “Phantom In The Masquerade” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMxhW6gWY3g​

Lyric Video – “Awakening (Song for Spring)” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3rGiF4EMBI​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Beyond The Dawn – 4:13
2. Phantom in the Masquerade – 3:32
3. The Lost Soul – 3:44
4. Awakening (Song for Spring) – 4:16
5. Bygone Age (Chicxulub) – 4:03
6. From Shadows to Light – 4:40
7. Crystal Moon – 4:11
8. Wanderer’s Quell – 3:53
9. Whispers of the Heart – 4:46
10. Duality of Gaia – 4:12
11. Burnin’ in the Third Degree (Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover) – 3:38
Album Length: 45:08
​
​Anthea Line-Up:​
Diego Valadez: Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Juan Pina: Rhythm Guitars, Harsh Vocals
Marcos Mejia: Lead Guitars
Gabby Hawk: Bass
Peter Vasquez: Drums
​
The Sirens (Backing Vocals)
Mel Del Real: Backing Vocals
Astrid Anaya: Backing Vocals

More info:​
​https://rockshots.eu​
​https://www.facebook.com/antheametal​
​https://www.instagram.com/antheametal​

BIOGRAPHY:​
Anthea is a symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, California, known for their distinctive theatrical approach and dynamic blend of symphonic, melodic, and progressive metal elements. Founded in 2015 by vocalist and keyboardist Diego Valadez, Anthea emerged from a desire to explore a more expressive and cinematic musical language combining powerful metal foundations with strong melodic sensibilities and dramatic atmospheres.
​
What began as a side project quickly evolved into a full-fledged band when Valadez joined forces with longtime collaborators from the local metal scene. Drawing from diverse influences ranging from symphonic metal and melodic death metal to musical theater and film scores, Anthea developed a sound that balances intensity and emotion, heaviness and accessibility, always placing storytelling at the core of their identity.
​
The band made their live debut at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood and steadily gained recognition for their live performances and strong visual aesthetic. Their debut album “Illusion” (2020) received widespread critical acclaim, followed by “Tales Untold” (2022), which further solidified their reputation within the international symphonic metal scene through glowing reviews and extensive media coverage.
​
In recent years, Anthea has continued to refine and expand their artistic vision. The introduction of backing vocalists known as The Sirens added rich harmonic layers and reinforced the band’s theatrical dimension, both in the studio and on stage. This evolution culminates in their upcoming third studio album, “Beyond The Dawn”, their most ambitious release to date, showcasing a broader dynamic range, heavier arrangements, and a more pronounced dramatic identity.
​
With “Beyond The Dawn”, Anthea presents a mature and confident chapter in their journey, offering a cohesive yet varied listening experience shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty, and renewal. Blending compelling melodies, powerful orchestration, and expressive songwriting, the band continues to establish itself as a distinctive voice within modern symphonic metal.

NYC Thrashers ANOTHER DEMON EP “As Above So Below” ft. guest James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary)

NYC’s rising thrash force Another Demon has announced 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 momentum, cementing the band’s fast‑growing presence in the modern thrash landscape.
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The re‑release also spotlights a major highlight from the original EP: 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.
​
​Another Demon describes 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,” comments guitarist Frank Tosi.
​
Crafted through 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 band’s goal is to give fans a listening experience that connects both on the surface and on a deeper, more cathartic level.
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The six tracks on “As Above So Below” form a cohesive descent into horror, dystopia, and spiritual unraveling, each offering a different facet of the band’s dark, aggressive vision. 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” before hitting its standout moment, “Drawn and Quartered,” featuring a blistering guest performance from metal icon James Murphy. The atmosphere shifts into ominous, cinematic territory with “War March,” a ritualistic march into looming destruction, before the title track “As Above So Below” ties the record together through themes of duality, chaos, and spiritual inversion.
​
Formed in 2023, Another Demon is built from decades of collective experience across the NY/NJ/CT heavy‑music scene. Max Capshaw (Bass/Vocals) is known for his work with Sick of It All, H2O, Murphy’s Law, Burn, and more. Max brings a hardcore pedigree and commanding vocal presence. Frank Tosi (Lead Guitar) is the primary songwriter for the EP, 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), the engine of the band, delivers precision, power, and dynamic rhythmic control.
​
​“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.
​
With the EP’s global re‑release, 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.
​
​“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,” says Tosi.
​
Recommended for fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, and Immortal, “As Above So Below” is available on the following platforms.

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

​

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/​

Show Dates:​
April 18 – Hudson Valley Thrash Bash – Rock Fantasy – Middletown, NY (EP Release Show)

​

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​

Get Ready To “Bleed For It” with THUNDEROR’s New Rock‑Opera Album

Canadian heavy metal force THUNDEROR proudly announces the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Bleed For It,” available now on April 17, 2026, through Boonsdale Records. The album marks a major creative leap for the band, expanding their signature blend of heavy metal, hair metal, and rock‑opera theatrics into a full‑scale concept experience.
​
Formed in 2020 by multi‑JUNO‑nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta (both known for their work in Skull Fist), THUNDEROR quickly rose to prominence with their debut “Fire It Up” (2022), which hit #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart. Extensive touring across Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America followed, with the band sharing stages with Airbourne, U.D.O., Enforcer, Night Demon, and more.
​
The release of “Bleed For It” arrives during a busy year for THUNDEROR. The band will be hitting the road this April for an Eastern Canadian tour supporting Switzerland’s Burning Witches (Napalm Records). They were also scheduled for a European tour with Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.), which was unfortunately cancelled recently due to Holmes’ health issues, but the band notes that more EU dates will be announced when possible.

Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches​
​April 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC
April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere – Quebec City, QC
April 22 – Rainbow Bistro – Ottawa, ON
April 23 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON
​
​“Bleed For It” serves as the official soundtrack to “Thunderor The Musical,” which first premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. The album tells a sweeping story set in an alternate 1992, where adventure, danger, and romance collide.
​
The narrative follows Bowen, a washed‑up musician and biker who takes one last shot at glory, joined by his best friends Kenzie and Sheenah, and a local friar. Their journey pits them against a rival biker leader and thrusts them into a whirlwind of love triangles, rebellion, and self‑discovery.
​
​“I hope this album inspires listeners to follow their dreams. Let it be the soundtrack to your unbridled life adventures,” says drummer, vocalist, and primary songwriter JJ Tartaglia.

Musically, “Bleed For It” dives deeper into Thunderor’s arena rock‑opera heavy metal identity, anthemic, melodic, emotional, and built for big stages.

“The vocals have improved drastically, and the songwriting has matured. There’s more emotion in the music, and the choruses are bigger than ever,” says Tartaglia.

That energy fuels a narrative‑driven tracklist that mirrors the spirit of “Thunderor The Musical,” from the adrenaline‑charged opener “Pump Up The Volume” and the anthemic title track, to the road‑trip camaraderie of “Take Me To The Show” and the wrestling‑inspired punch of “Get ’Em Counted.” The album shifts into heartfelt territory with “Cape Breton Home,” erupts into revolution on “Streets Of Fire,” and leans into romance on the heavier “One Chance.” The cinematic “DreamQuest” sets the stage for the finale, “In The Fire O’ The Heat,” a powerful closer about heartbreak, betrayal, resilience, and hope.

The release of “Bleed For It” also follows a wave of momentum for the band. Their 2024 single “Get ’Em Counted” surpassed 230K YouTube views, and the debut of Thunderor The Musical in 2025 introduced fans to a new theatrical dimension of the band’s identity.
​​
“Many of these songs began with vocal melodies. I handled the melodies, arrangements, and drums, while Jonny Nesta wrote the guitar parts. It’s a true collaboration, but the story and emotion drive everything,” adds Tartaglia.
​
With influences ranging from Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Night Flight Orchestra, Skull Fist, Ghost, and The Darkness, Thunderor’s sound is a modern revival of the arena‑rock spirit, uplifting, dramatic, and built for escape.

Now available as of April 17th, 2026, from Boonsdale Records, “Bleed For It” is available at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/4NQDtVArMSioduoVenAJSS​

Vinyl – CAN/ Worldwide – https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/​

Europe – LP/CD – https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/​

Music Video – Get ‘Em Counted – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYe5hnY4xz0​

Music Video – One Chance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnajB7jTY_Q​

Music Video – Pump Up The Volume – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfEG-0n0iz4​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Pump Up The Volume (3:42)
2. Bleed For It (4:06)
3. Take Me To The Show (4:09)
4. Get ‘Em Counted (3:19)
5. Cape Breton Home (3:33)
6. Streets Of Fire (4:16)
7. One Chance (3:40)
8. DreamQuest (1:29)
9. In The Fire O’ The Heat (4:19)
Total: 33:11

Album and Live Band Line Up:​
JJ Tartaglia – Vocals, Drums, Keys
Jonny Nesta – Guitar
Brycen Gunn – Bass

For more info:

​https://boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor/​

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

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

Melodic metalcore newcomer Lust For Lily kicks off a new era with the massive single and video “Deathbeds”

Two years after turning heads in the music scene with their first singles, Lust For Lily is starting this year strong. The band has now signed a deal with Ranka Kustannus – the label that has also propelled acts like Blind Channel and Cyan Kicks onto the international stage – and Lust For Lily now released the first single of their new era, “Deathbeds,” accompanied by a striking music video.

Already known for skillfully blending dark atmospheres with raw energy, the band has grown significantly over the past two years. The quartet is clearly aware of this evolution, and “Deathbeds,” which explores themes of despair, detachment, and finality, sets the direction for what’s to come on a larger scale as well. The track was co-produced by Cyan Kicks songwriter-producer Niila Perkkiö.

“We wanted a new but natural direction, and came to the conclusion that we needed to start with something dystopian and big. As a natural continuation of that vision, the story of ‘Deathbeds’ emerged around acceptance. The single came together quickly, and at the same time we realized what we want to do in the future too,” the band explains.

Building their sound on emotional intensity and modern heavy production, the young group represents a new wave of metalcore unafraid of broad expression. The full spectrum of their style is also reflected in the video, directed by Pekka Keränen.

“During the shoot, we got to dive underwater and experience for the first time what a professional music video production is really like. From the very beginning, the whole project had an amazing vibe, and this is exactly how we want to present ourselves as this new chapter begins,” the band sums up.

Lust For Lily is:
Aku Olli – vocals, rhythm guitar
Oskari Hyökyvaara – lead guitar
Aaro Kankaanpää – bass
Verneri Hyökyvaara – drums

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

From Ashes To New released their new album Reflections

From Ashes To New, an American band that combines modern rock and metal with rap, released their new album Reflections. The publisher is Better Noise Music. In conjunction with the release, the band also presents a music video for the album’s lead single, “Forever.” On “Forever,” calm, atmospheric verses are combined with explosive choruses and heavy breakdowns. The band made the music video in collaboration with director Orie McGuinness.

The band’s singer Matt Brandyberry says that the song “Forever” was created at the very end of the album’s making process:

“Forever was created at the very end of the album, as if it was waiting for everything else to fall into place first. The song has a kind of finality – like standing in the middle of something that can no longer be fixed, and realizing too late where everything went wrong. It describes that feeling when regret won’t let go.”

According to Brandyberry, the band has approached the album with a bolder attitude than before:

“This time we pushed ourselves further than ever. We made choices that felt uncomfortable, but that’s what made this different for us. The intention was not to play it safe, but to evolve and make something that will haunt us. This is not exactly a concept album, but it has one feeling: like you’re stuck in some kind of in-between state. You see something better in front of you, but something always pulls you back down.”

The band had originally made demos of no less than 16 songs to form the basis of the new album, but unexpectedly decided to scrap all the material and start from scratch. Only two songs from the original demos ended up on the final album.

Reflections track listing:

1. Drag Me
2. Forever
3. Villain
4. Die For You
5. Black Hearts
6. Upside Down
7. (Not) Psycho
8. Parasite
9. New Disease
10. Darkside
11. Falling From Heaven
12. Your Ghost

From Ashes To New is:

Danny Case – vocals
Matt Brandyberry – vocals
Lance Dowdle – guitar
Maty Madiro – drums
Jimmy Bennett – guitar

FROM ASHES TO NEW | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ

Finnish alternative metal band Rare Elements released a new single Insincere

Rare Elements have self-released their new single “Insincere”, a modern metal track that combines the power of groove metal with the complexity of progressive metal.

“Insincere” is an intense and carefully crafted composition driven by strong riffs, tight rhythmic precision, and dynamic arrangement. The track blends heavy grooves with progressive structures, creating a sound that is both powerful and atmospheric.

The single was created by Harri Sarpavaara and Joel Kuortti. Sarpavaara is responsible for the composition, arrangement, instrumentation, vocals, and the entire production process, including recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. The lyrics were written by Kuortti, adding depth and meaning to the track.

“Insincere” was recorded at RE Studio in March 2026. The result is a polished and contemporary metal production that highlights Rare Elements’ evolving sound and artistic direction.

LISTEN to Insincere on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/rare-elements-insincere

Line-up:

Harri Sarpavaara – vocals, guitars, bass, synths, drum programming

https://www.facebook.com/rareelementsrock

https://www.instagram.com/harrisarpavaara

SIEGE PERILOUS’ New Video “Ancient Rite” Is A Power Metal Quest To Conquer Fear and Destiny

Colorado power metal storytellers Siege Perilous have released the brand‑new lyric video for “Ancient Rite,” the second chapter in their sweeping 2026 concept album “Becoming the Dragon.” The track introduces listeners to the prophecy that binds the album’s protagonist, setting the stage for the epic, ten‑part saga that follows.
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“Ancient Rite begins with a somber, almost foreboding tone. It’s the moment where the world of the prophecy opens up, and the listener steps into the story. It’s airy, it’s ominous, and it lays the foundation for everything that comes after,” says vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel.
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The lyric video arrives as the band continues to roll out material from “Becoming the Dragon,” following the acclaimed singles “As the Dragon Falls” (feat. Fabio Lione) and “Echoes of Home” ft. Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) and the album’s thunderous title track.

“Becoming the Dragon” is a fully realized narrative concept album chronicling the rise, fall, and transformation of the “Child of Prophecy.” “Ancient Rite” serves as the album’s first true narrative step after the orchestral overture, introducing the mythic forces that shape the hero’s destiny.
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The track’s somber, spacious atmosphere, driven by a steady, commanding verse, reflects the uncertainty and weight of prophecy. It’s the calm before the storm that erupts in later tracks like “As the Dragon Falls,” “Chieftain,” and “Eschaton.”

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Ancient Rite” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKSsUhIQt-E​
​
Formed in Colorado by longtime friends and LARP companions Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums), Siege Perilous grew from a shared passion for fantasy storytelling and the electrifying inspiration of seeing Unleash the Archers live in 2021. Joined by Eric Fischer (bass) and later Ryan Flanagan, the band has evolved into a fully collaborative creative unit. Every track on “Becoming the Dragon” was shaped collectively, with each member contributing to the story beats, arrangements, and narrative flow. The result is a unified musical saga with each chapter standing strong as an individual song.

“We could not possibly be more excited to share Becoming the Dragon. This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams as musicians. Getting to collaborate with Fabio and Kristin, two artists who inspired us long before this band existed, has been surreal. We can’t wait for people to hear the full story,” adds McDaniel.

Epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story‑driven, Siege Perilous is recommended for fans of Battle Beast, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia.

“Becoming the Dragon” (released March 27th) is available via Crunchtronic Records on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:

CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12″ Vinyl in Draconic Red) – https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/2ij7lZIEXDFMn4I65Slc87​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal​

Küntsquäd Release Provocative Video “Piss and Purge”

Melbourne’s premier purveyors of crust-infused death metal, Küntsquäd, are back with the release of their shocking new music video, “Piss and Purge.” The track is taken from their critically acclaimed album Satan’s Cock, out now via Wormholedeath.

Piss and Purge is a song … challenging the ideology around the normalisation of humanity’s excesses and its obsessions with disposable consumerism, which manifests both on a personal and broader level. The visuals particularly highlight the humour around the end results of rockstar like consumption of drugs of choice or other ‘fast’ consumables. The visuals also highlight how this greed manifests more broadly, asking the questions around the disposability of human life through classist warfare, and how the acquisition (consumption) of goods or territory is steadfastly sold as a necessary evil, always resulting in the death or genocide (purging) of human life. In short, it’s a satirical foray into the monstrous absurdity of what this may actually look like through the eyes of a passive observer.

Following their 2022 self-titled debut, which sold out multiple pressings and carved a cult following across the underground, KÜNTSQUÄD (pronounced Kountskard) double down on everything grotesque, unholy, and deliberately absurd. There are no genre walls here—only a relentless descent into sonic madness.

With the album “Satans Cock”, the band delivers a grotesque yet calculated assault—layering blast-beaten fury, apocalyptic riffs, and sneering satire into a weaponized soundscape for the damned.

KÜNTSQUÄD (pron. Kountskard) is a crusty death metal band from Melbourne blending guttural vocals, down-tuned riffs, and blackened chaos. Their 2022 self-titled debut on Wormholedeath Records earned global acclaim and sold-out pressings. Raw, extreme, and satirically twisted—this is metal with no genre boundaries.

www.facebook.com/kuntsquad666
www.youtube.com/@Kuntsquad666
www.instagram.com/kuntsquad_cdmetal
kuntsquad.bandcamp.com/track/eat-your-entrails-limited-edition-single

Enter The Dark with HEAVENFALL’s New Video “No Candelight” From Upcoming Album “Thorn” Out May 2026

Italian heavy metal act Heavenfall unveil their new single “No Candlelight”, taken from the forthcoming album “Thorn“, set for release on May 15th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.
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With “No Candlelight”, the band sharpens the direction introduced by the previous singles, moving deeper into darker and more introspective territory where classic heavy metal foundations intersect with progressive structures and a brooding tonal palette. The track unfolds with precision, shifting between tension-driven riffing and carefully structured melodic passages while maintaining a clear and controlled trajectory.
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At its core, “No Candlelight” conveys a persistent sense of displacement and inner unrest. The lyrics revolve around the search for belonging, addressing not only younger generations but anyone confronting uncertainty in purpose and identity. Rather than offering resolution, the song embraces that instability, turning it into a central emotional driver.
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This perspective aligns with the broader framework of “Thorn“, conceived as a cohesive exploration of human fragility. The album draws on melancholic textures and introspective themes, resulting in a listening experience that is both emotionally charged and structurally deliberate.
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Written by Giovanni Sorrentino and Mattia Pavanello with lyrics by Andrea Mereghetti, “No Candlelight” reflects the band’s collaborative songwriting approach, where musical and lyrical elements develop in parallel rather than as separate layers.
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From a production standpoint, “Thorn” maintains a defined and balanced sonic identity: produced by the band with drums recorded by Maurizio Cardullo at Crono Sound Factory and mixed and mastered by Davide Tavecchia at Twilight Studio, the album achieves clarity without sacrificing weight, supporting its dynamic arrangements with restraint and focus.
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Formed in 2003, Heavenfall has steadily refined a sound rooted in classic heavy metal while integrating more personal and introspective elements over time. With “Thorn“, the band consolidates that evolution into their most coherent and self-aware release to date, avoiding nostalgia in favor of a more deliberate and contemporary expression of their identity.

Watch the official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMqJJAZaQDE​
​Digital: https://lnk.to/CTxB1D​

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New album “Thorn” out May 15th, 2026

CD PRE ORDER “Thorn“: https://rockshots.eu/products/heavenfall-thorn-cd​

Lyric Video – Squall-led – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGYWX5blAUQ​

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Track Listing:​
1. Squall-led – 3:37
2. Sudden Zenith – 4:04
3. No Candlelight – 4:13
4. This Illusion – 3:51
5. Left Apart – 4:23
6. Lingering Under The Acid Rain – 4:43
7. Midwinter In July – 4:45
8. Ora Pro Nemine – 4:53
9. Midnightingale – 5:41
10. The Wind Chimes Garden – 4:55
11. Stramonium – 8:10
Album Length: 53:15
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​Album Line-up​
Dest: Vocals
Pave: Guitars
Giò: Guitars
Nick: Bass
Panta: Drums
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Current Lineup:​
Dest: Vocals
Pave: Guitars
Simo: Guitars
Stefano: Bass
Marco: Drums

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/heavenfallmetal/ | https://www.facebook.com/Heavenfallmetal/​

ABOUT:
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Heavenfall was formed in 2003 by four teenage friends united by a shared urgency to express themselves through heavy music. What started as a raw and instinctive project, built with limited means but strong determination, gradually evolved into a defined artistic identity rooted in classic heavy and thrash metal, enriched by darker and more introspective elements. From the outset, the band focused on developing a personal sound rather than adhering strictly to genre conventions.

Following years of rehearsals, songwriting, and live activity, Heavenfall released their debut full-length “Falling From Heaven” in 2012, receiving positive feedback from both audiences and specialized press. The 2017 EP “The Besiders” confirmed the band’s steady growth, highlighting a more mature compositional approach and a stronger inclination toward introspective and emotionally layered songwriting.

A consistent live presence has played a key role in the band’s development. Heavenfall is known for delivering intense and engaging performances, built on direct interaction with the audience. Over the years, they have shared the stage with established acts such as Q5, Domine, Elvenking, and Crying Steel, strengthening their position within the European heavy metal circuit.

In 2026, the band will release their new full-length album “Thorn” via Rockshots Records, marking a further step in their artistic evolution. The record reflects a natural progression toward a heavier, more introspective and structurally refined sound, consistent with the trajectory the band has been shaping since its early years.

Now active for over two decades, Heavenfall stands as a cohesive and experienced act whose path has been defined by continuity, stylistic coherence, and a clear commitment to their own vision of heavy metal.
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