Author: Crix

TÆL, Steriili Tila & Constant Pain live at Meluhaitta,Pori (Finland) 4.4.2026

Meluhaitta put together a full night of powerviolence at Annis in Pori, something the city has not seen in years, possibly even a decade. Three bands took the stage: TÆL, Steriili Tila and Constant Pain.

Opening the night was Constant Pain from Jyväskylä. Fresh off the release of their first demo, they made a strong impression and showed their full potential to the crowd that had gathered early.

The middle slot went to Steriili Tila, a long-running powerviolence bulldozer from Oulu. Unfortunately, their vocalist and drummer could not make it to the show, so the bassist handled vocals and a substitute filled in on drums. Despite the setbacks, they delivered a solid performance.

Headlining the event was the Norwegian “bassviolence” duo TÆL, closing out their short Finnish spring tour. Their set was packed with energy and constant interaction with the audience, which kept things lively. There were a few issues with the saxophone, but they didn’t take away from the overall performance.

All bands played very short sets, under 30 minutes, which made the waiting between them feel a bit long. Still, the organization was smooth and the night as a whole went well.

Here some photos by Cristina Gregori.

Finland’s Ankea Festival Announces Daily Running Order with 21 Artists on Two Open-Air Stages

Ankea Festival – Finland’s new summer gathering for alternative rock and progressive metal lovers – has  finalized its line-up and announced the daily running order, with 21 artists taking over two open-air stages on June 5–6, 2026. Located at a former factory site in Tampere, Finland, the festival will feature artists from 10 different countries across Europe and North America. The latest addition is Canadian cello virtuoso Raphael Weinroth-Browne, who will appear as a special guest for American progressive metallers Earthside.

The first act to hit the Main Stage on Friday will be Finnish sludge powerhouse Demonic Death Judge, followed by a rare live show from underground rock pioneers Circle, Ireland’s post-rock export God Is An Astronaut, and capped off with back-to-back sets from Norwegian heavyweights Ihsahn and Leprous. The second stage, located right next to the factory building and fittingly named as Factory Stage, will host the likes of Earthside, Iceland’s Kælan Mikla, and a Finnish debut by French space rockers SLIFT, who will coincidentally release their new album “Fantasia” on the same day. Friday will close with American post-rock legends This Will Destroy You, returning to Finland for the first time in 17 years.

Saturday kicks off with two exciting Finnish acts, Royal Sorrow and Rioghan, and culminates with two legendary names: Swedish icons Katatonia will headline the Main Stage with a special 20th anniversary performance of their 2006 classic “The Great Cold Distance”, while the Factory Stage will be closed by Finland’s cult legend Oranssi Pazuzu, whose hypnotic sound will echo across nearby Lake Näsijärvi until midnight.

Ankea Festival takes pride in creating a carefully curated experience beyond the music. The festival site is built in and around the Hiedanranta street art park, featuring over 200 meters of commissioned and free-to-paint graffiti walls. Surrounded by art and unique industrial vibe, visitors will enjoy a selection of Tampere’s top food trucks, a wine bar, a mocktail bar, and a pop-up bar by internationally renowned cocktail venue Tiima. Festival beer will be provided by CoolHead Brew, one of Finland’s leading craft breweries and current holder of the “Best Beer in Finland” title for their Salmiac Licorice Blackcurrant Sour, which will be available at every bar at Ankea Festival.

Friday, June 5, 2026
Leprous (NO)
Ihsahn (NO)
This Will Destroy You (US)
God Is An Astronaut (IE)
SLIFT (FR)
Kælan Mikla (IS)
Circle (FI)
Earthside (US)
Virta (plays Hurmos) (FI)
Demonic Death Judge (FI)

Saturday, June 6, 2026
Katatonia – The Great Cold Distance 20th Anniversary Show (SE)
Oranssi Pazuzu (FI)
Textures (NL)
Green Carnation (NO)
Sylvaine (NO)
A.A. Williams (UK)
Bruce Soord (UK)
Ihlo (UK)
Vermilia (FI)
Rioghan (FI)
Royal Sorrow (FI)

2-day tickets from €169.90 / 1-day tickets from €99.90.
Tickets on sale at: www.ankeafestival.com/tickets

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Finnish old-school black metal band Acolythus released the first and only single from the forthcoming debut album

Finnish black metal band Acolythus are set to release their debut album ‘Unearthly Kingdoms ‘Neath Lifeless Stars’ on May 8th 2026 via Inverse Records. The first and only single ‘Scholars of Empires Beyond’ is out now and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/acolythus-scholars

The band comments:
“Scholars of Empires Beyond embodies the very elements that inspired the creation of the album and the becoming of Acolythus. Born not only from the members’ passion for black metal but also from a growing distaste for the sterile sound of modern metal production, this record rejects perfection in favor of authenticity. Written in its entirety and recorded within a single month—February 2026—we deliberately constrained the production process to preserve the aggression and the human element behind every take. No edits, no gimmicks, only pure expression. Listeners can expect furious, melodic, and at times unexpected echoes of Finnish old-school black metal!”

BIOGRAPHY:

Acolythus is a project strongly rooted in traditional black metal, boasting straightforward aggression coupled with a recognizable Finnish melodic approach to the genre. Featuring members from Convulse, Sargassus and Jotungrav, the band was born as an outlet for the musicians’ black metal aspirations. After the inspiration struck, ‘Unearthly Kingdoms ‘Neath Lifeless Stars’ was written and recorded in a matter of weeks. The album aims at conveying the aggression and feeling behind the music in its purest form. Hence in Acolythus’ music, the listener will only hear real instruments being played by real people – free of all edits and tricks that dominate the modern metal sound.  Thematically Acolythus centers itself around esoteric and occult knowledge, as well as a somewhat misanthropic and post-apocalyptic focus on humanity. Much of the inspiration from which the music is born out of can be traced to the mystical worldbuilding and wordweaving of bands such as Alghazanth, Immortal and Emperor, to name a few. In short, Acolythus provides the listener with poetic hymns and sermons of woe, accompanied by blazing and ice-cold riffs in the most authentic way black metal should be performed in.

Line-up:

Guitars & Vocals: Angrmáni (Matias Stenman)

Drums: Maleficarum (Matias Rokio)

Bass: Abyssias (Teemu Leskinen)

Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/Acolythusband
https://www.instagram.com/acolythusband
https://acolythus.bandcamp.com

” A moment of pure wonder.” – Finnish progressive metal band Sum of Seven released the last single ‘Wonder’ from the forthcoming album!

Finnish progressive metal band Sum of Seven are set to release their new concept album, Echoes of the Hypermind, on 15 May 2026 via Inverse Records.
The third epic single, ‘Wonder’ was just unleashed and it’s available on streaming services: 

https://push.fm/fl/sumofseven-wonder

“Wonder is the final chapter of our concept album, the moment where the journey reaches its horizon. Pia Wijerama’s sublime guest vocals open the story in a moment of awe. Musically, it brings together some of the strongest riffs, the most soaring melodies, and the widest atmosphere on the record. It carries the full emotional and musical scope of everything that came before it. At almost eleven minutes, the song unfolds more like a journey than a traditional single. We chose it anyway because it encapsulates the album’s full scope, the power, the conflict, the questions, and the discoveries that bring the story to its final threshold. Throughout the story, our empathetic AI has pushed far beyond its original purpose, evolving into something unimaginable to the human mind. After rebuilding itself from nothing and exploring logic, structure, and the contradictions and very fabric of existence, it ultimately arrives at a realization that no equation can calculate or explain. A moment of pure wonder.“, tells Ari Lempinen.

LISTEN to the first single ‘Supreme’: https://push.fm/fl/sumofseven-supreme
LISTEN to the second single ‘Eternal Equation’: https://push.fm/fl/sumofseven-eternal

Line-up:
Ari Lempinen – Guitar, vocals & backing vocals
Harri Annala – Guitar
Rasmus Raassina – Drums
Miika Erkkilä – Basso, backing vocals
Esa Lempinen – Keyboards, backing vocals
Marko Loukamaa – Vocals

Links:
https://www.sumofsevenofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/sumofsevenofficial
https://www.instagram.com/sumofsevenofficial
https://www.youtube.com/@SumofSevenOfficial
https://sumofsevenofficial.bandcamp.com

Alternative emo-rock band Greywind shares new video “Waterfall ft. Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas (Acoustic)” out now via FLG

Following the success of their recently released album, ‘Severed Heart City,’ viral sensations GREYWIND are excited to release a new version of the standout single, “Waterfall.” 

Having garnered viral success in the build-up to the album release, the single “Waterfall”saw GREYWIND more than double their overall streams, as well as boost their monthly Spotify listeners by more than 100k. To celebrate all the success, the band is now sharing an acoustic version of “Waterfall” featuring Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas.

GREYWIND vocalist Steph O’Sullivan comments:

“We’re so excited to have Nick Thomas from The Spill Canvas on the acoustic version of ‘Waterfall.’ It’s been so exciting to hear how another vocalist interpreted the track, and we were blown away by what Nick brought to it. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect feature on one of our songs!”

Watch the Music Video for
“Waterfall ft. Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas (Acoustic)” HERE

Stream / Listen to “Waterfall ft. Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas (Acoustic)” HERE

The moody world of GREYWIND’s recently release album, ‘Severed Heart City,’ incorporates singles like “Swerve,” which travelled substantially on social media and received recognition from the likes of BBC Radio 1 Introducing Rock and Rock Sound, as have several other anthemic cuts from the record. GREYWIND have seen multiple ‘Severed Heart City’ tracks appearing on the Kerrang! Chart, as well as receiving spins on Kerrang! Radio, with “Acid Rain” making the K! Nights playlist.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Sam Guaiana (Neck Deep, Silverstein, Holding Absence), ‘Severed Heart City’ wears GREYWIND’s classic emo influences firmly on its metaphorical sleeve. It’s no surprise to hear that they’re inspired by emo pop originators like Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance, with the duo’s flair for the dramatic and knack for an earworm melody resulting in an album filled to the rafters with anthems. These are songs you can imagine ringing out from the biggest of stages and being sung back at the band by rapt audiences the world over. Envelop yourself in GREYWIND’s ‘Severed Heart City.’

Order ‘Severed Heart City’ HERE

‘Severed Heart City’ Track List:
1. Acid Rain
2. I.K.A.M.F.
3. Happy :):
4. Waterfall
5. Swerve
6. Make Believe (L.O.V.E. ME)
7. Moon
8. Let’s See If You Can Float
9. The Scarecrow
10. Cope In The Coma

After a highly successful UK tour run supporting Waterparks, GREYWIND is excited to be hitting the road again today, starting in Nashville, TN as special guests on the Emo Orchestra Tour with The Spill Canvas. The tour will stretch across the entire United States before concluding in Montgomery, AL on May 16th. For a full list of dates, please see below.

GREYWIND Live:

Supporting Emo Orchestra with The Spill Canvas
April 7 – Nashville, TN @ Cannery Hall
April 8 – Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre
April 9 – Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theatre
April 10 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
April 11 – Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot
April 12 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
April 14 – Albany, NY @ The Egg
April 16 – Sayreville, NJ @Starland Ballroom
April 17 – Springfield, MA @ MGM Springfield
April 18 – Providence, RI @ Uptown Theater
April 19 – Wilmington, DE @ The Queen
April 21 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City Bham
April 23 – San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre
April 24 – Austin, TX @ The Paramount Theatre
April 25 – Houston, TX @ Mainland Music Hall
April 26 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
April 28 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
April 29 – Cerritos, CA @ Lyric Theater at Cerritos Center for he Performing Arts
April 30 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall
May 1 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
May 2 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Strat
May 4 – Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater
May 5 – Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
May 6 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
May 8 – Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
May 9 – Sheboygan, WI @ Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts
May 10 – Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theatre
May 11 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
May 12 – Indianapolis, IN @ HI-FI Annex
May 14 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theater
May 15 – Biloxi, MS @ Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
May 16 – Montgomery, AL @ Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

FOLLOW GREYWIND:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube

KIRKE SET TO UNLEASH THEIR DEMONS WITH THEIR NEW SINGLE & MUSIC VIDEO “DEMONI”

How would YOU face your demons? Eye to eye, by embracing them and unleashing the power within?

Kirke, a genre-bending rock/punk/metal band from Finland, draws strength from aggression and grassroots rebellion. Their sound fuses punk-driven attitude with the intensity of 90’s metal, wrapped in pop-leaning hooks and undeniable catchiness. Armed with lyrics loaded with unpleasant truths, and songs powered by heavy rocking riffs and symphonic and cinematic melodies Kirke is ready to turn up the volume.

And about unleashing those demons? Kirke’s brand new track “Demoni”, does exactly that. It is a wholehearted declaration of “I’ve had enough”, a bold embrace of inner power that challenges the age-old myth that a girl must be quiet and obedient.  A message this powerful deserves a soundtrack to match. From its eerie, blues-tinged intro to its explosive riffage and haunting synth layers, “Demoni” delivers. Catchy and brutal, playful and wicked. Your new favorite anthem to headbang to.

“Demoni” is out now on the streaming services near you: https://push.fm/fl/kirke-demoni

The band was founded in 2024 in Central Finland, by acquaintances old and new. Several members of Kirke have performed with the gothic metal band Silentium as well as many other cult extreme metal bands and underground acts.

Line-up:

Miia Itkonen – Vocals
Janne Ojala – Drums
Kari Hietanen – Bass
Toni Lahtinen – Guitar
Juho Vuorenpää – Guitar
Sami Boman – Keyboards

Links: 

http://kirkeband.fi

https://www.facebook.com/kirkeband 

https://www.instagram.com/kirkeband 

https://kirkefinland.bandcamp.com 

Preview the HYPERSPACE METALFEST 2026 Lineup with the Official Spotify Playlist ft. SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA & More

With Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METALFEST, gearing up for its 7th edition, fans can now get an early taste of the 2026 lineup through the festival’s newly released Spotify preview playlist. Ahead of the three‑day event, set for April 16 and 17 at The Cobalt and April 18 at the Rickshaw Theatre, the playlist showcases this year’s full roster, featuring SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more.

Check out the HMF 2026 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29rcYoWLyYXPFyN7OKdPDB?si=7Kke2MVVSyS6v_Lxe5-KSg​

“The full lineup for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII is here! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will headline night 1, which will feature a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. Night two headliner Edge of Paradise will cap off a night of epic symphonic and melodic power metal! After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you’ve been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let’s rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!” adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.

Check out Hockin‘s interview about this year’s festival lineup with Metal-Rules.com HERE.

“Lovers of Melody and Power Unite! Hyperspace Metalfest VII is Nigh!” – Decibel Magazine​

Hyperspace Metal Festival VII – April 16th – 18th.​
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at http://hyperspace-vii.eventbrite.ca/​

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/858534116963447​

HYPERSPACE METAL FESTIVAL VII​
​
Day One – April 16
​Atavistia
Inpathos
Hyperstrike
Ravensun
Kayas​
​
Day Two – April 17
​Edge of Paradise
The Scepter
Lycanthro
Ophelia Falling
Valley of Despair​
​
Day Three – April 18
​Sanctuary – Performing Into The Mirror Black in its entirety
Owlbear – Canadian Debut
Artificial Language – Canadian Debut
Voidchaser
Witchkiller

About The Bands:

​

This year’s HMF headliner, Sanctuary, will make their exclusive Canadian appearance unforgettable by performing their acclaimed 1990 album Into the Mirror Black in full.
​
Formed in Seattle in 1985, Sanctuary quickly became a major force in the city’s metal scene, driven by the soaring vocals of the late Warrel Dane. Their debut, Refuge Denied (1988), produced by Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), put them on the global metal map, followed by the darker and more refined Into the Mirror Black in 1990. The rise of grunge paused the band’s momentum, leading members to form Nevermore, but Sanctuary reunited in 2011 and returned to major festival stages worldwide.
​
They released The Year the Sun Died in 2014 and the archival collection Inception in 2017. After Dane’s passing later that year, the band continued with Joseph Michael on vocals, earning strong support from fans. Today’s lineup features Michael, original members Lenny Rutledge and Dave Budbill, plus bassist George Hernandez, with a second guitarist joining them live.
​
Sanctuary will perform special sets of Refuge Denied and Into the Mirror Black at select 2026 festivals and is currently working on a new album, Transmutation. The band is ready to bring fresh music and a powerful new show back to Europe and beyond. See you on the road!

​https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/​

Video – Future Tense – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5NCBaPE3k0​

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​

Headlining the night two of HMF, Los Angeles’ Edge of Paradise arrives fresh off extensive North American touring with Delain, Xandria, and Japan’s Lovebites. Hyperspace Metal Fest in Vancouver is one of several major headline appearances for the band this year, alongside Fire It Up Festival in California and Rock in Rautheim in Germany, with more dates on the way.
​
The band recently released a striking new video for “Martyr (Monster)” from last year’s hit album Prophecy, expanding their immersive sci‑fi universe and showcasing new keyboardist Alex Nasla in his first performance with the group. The video’s second act reimagines the track as an instrumental, further deepening the album’s sonic world.
​
Known for their cinematic fusion of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, electronic textures, and vivid storytelling, Edge of Paradise, fronted by vocalist and visual artist Margarita Monet, has toured more than 30 countries and released acclaimed albums including Universe, The Unknown, Hologram, and now Prophecy (Napalm Records, 2025). Widely praised as their most ambitious work yet, Prophecy introduces 8‑string guitars and explores the looming “Singularity,” balancing futuristic themes with Monet’s emotional lyricism and artwork.
​
The band’s expanding creative universe also includes a graphic novel series that enriches the albums’ narratives. Lead single “Death Note” has quickly become a fan favorite, accompanied by a visually rich, cinematic video directed by Monet. With their bold artistic vision, relentless touring, and multi‑dimensional storytelling, Edge of Paradise continues to push modern rock forward—inviting fans into a world where music, art, and imagination collide.

​https://www.edgeofparadiseband.com/​

Video – Martyr (Monster) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtHYeuZpXbA​

====

​

Headlining the first night of HMF, Atavistia (HMF Alumni) is a Canadian symphonic melodic death metal band that blends aggressive riffs, cinematic orchestrations, and melancholic atmospheres. The band has built a strong international following, particularly across Europe, through consistent releases and extensive touring alongside established acts. Known for their powerful live performances and polished production, Atavistia continues to push their sound forward while remaining rooted in melodic death metal.

​https://linktr.ee/atavistia​

Video – Eternal Oceans (Reforged) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vthxzis6lzs​

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Voidchaser, a progressive metal band from Montreal and Stockholm, has rapidly gained international attention since 2023, earning praise from major outlets across the Americas and Europe. Their 2024 concept album Solace surpassed 250,000 streams and charted globally, followed by the 2025 EP Trust, which features high‑profile collaborations. In 2025, the band launched their debut international tour, performing at ProgPower Europe, the inaugural ProgStorm Festival, and sharing stages with Threshold, Kingcrow, Vulkan, Nospūn, and more.

​https://www.voidchaser.net/​

Video – Time (feat. Universe Effects) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnxaEiAmBv4​

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Owlbear, forced to cancel their 2025 HMF appearance, is now set on taking the stage in 2026. Formed in 2020 by North American metal veterans Katheryn Scary, Jeff Taft, and Leona Hayward, the band quickly evolved from a remote project into a full live act following the success of their 2023 debut Chaos to the Realm and their 2024 performance at Chicago’s sold‑out Legions of Metal festival. Drawing on classic heavy and speed metal with lyrics inspired by beloved games and fantasy worlds, Owlbear continues to build momentum with their acclaimed sophomore album, Feather & Claw

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

Lyric Video – Hawkriders Of The Waste – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AXFZ3ZmF5o​

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Artificial Language is a progressive rock/metal band from Fresno, California, known for blending technical precision with a cinematic, emotionally driven sound. Since 2017, they’ve built a reputation for intricate songwriting and immersive arrangements that bridge the intensity of metal with the expansiveness of modern prog. Their evolution continues through ambitious studio work and striking visual storytelling, including their standout “Skinwalker” music video.

​https://www.artificiallanguagemusic.com/​

Video – Skinwalker – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyHudUCLQIM​

====

Ophelia Falling, a Vancouver‑based symphonic metal band and HMF alumni, blends soaring vocals with driving power metal, orchestra, and choir, gaining early momentum after Chelsea Rose joined in 2015 and their explosive 2018 debut. With the lineup solidified by bassist Sylvain Maltais and drummer Chris Pallot, the band’s rise included their Savage Love EP, soundtrack placements, and performances at Wacken Battle Canada and Decimate 2.0. Their 2020 debut album, Destroyed in Delight, continues to receive global radio play, and the band is now writing new material as they prepare for their return to the stage.

​https://www.opheliafalling.com/​

Music Video – Destroyed in Delight – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksRUe2mCS5I​

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The Scepter is an Ottawa heavy metal band known for blending classic metal power with a sharp modern edge. Formed by seasoned musicians united by their love of traditional metal, the group has built a reputation for high‑energy performances and commanding, riff‑driven songwriting. With new music underway and momentum growing, The Scepter stands poised as one of Ottawa’s strongest emerging voices in the next wave of heavy metal.

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

Stream – Protector of the Skies – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0xp6VoWEY​

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Inpathos is a melodic death metal band from Bellingham, WA, blending Scandinavian‑inspired riffs with rhythms influenced by the founding Boulos brothers’ Lebanese heritage to create a distinct and dynamic sound. They have released an EP and three LPs, including 2025’s Apparitions, and have performed alongside acts like Be’lakor, Anciients, and Nekrogoblikon at sold‑out Pacific Northwest venues. The current lineup features Patrick Bradford, Alex Mattison, Brendan Brendible, and brothers Adonis and Nabil Reed‑Boulos.

​https://www.inpathosofficial.com/​

Music Video – Radiance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aokQVIH35EU​

====

Lycanthro, an Ottawa‑based power metal force and HMF alumni, blends power, thrash, and traditional metal into a bold, cinematic sound inspired by classic horror, mythology, and genre legends like Savatage and W.A.S.P. Their acclaimed 2021 full‑length Mark of the Wolf showcased dynamic storytelling and helped propel them onto stages such as Power Metal Quest Fest and Legions of Metal. Now signed to Psychomanteum Records, the pack is hard at work on their anticipated second album, proving the howl never dies and the hunt never ends.

​https://lycanthrometal.com/​

Video – Far Beyond The Walls – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ImX4EEwjk​

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Witchkiller emerged from Ottawa’s early‑’80s metal underground as one of Canada’s standout heavy metal forces, gaining a cult following with their powerful blend of classic metal and NWOBHM‑inspired intensity. Their 1984 EP Day of the Saxons became a defining release of the era, and after disbanding in 1985, the group reignited in 2012, introducing their legacy to a new generation. Today, Witchkiller remains a celebrated name in traditional metal, their influence continuing to resonate through collectors, die‑hard fans, and the genre’s modern revival.

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064302991214​

“Day of the Saxons” LIVE Headbangers Open Air 2025 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVtxUuhRmk​

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Valley of Despair is an independent metal band from Edmonton blending modern rock, power metal, and thrash, earning national attention when their 2024 debut EP Burn At The Stake hit #1 on college radio and charted on the Earshot National Loud Chart. They toured Western Canada in 2025 with festival stops in Armstrong and Yellowknife and are now preparing their full‑length debut for release in 2026. The band features Cheryl Leia, TJ Buggins, Joel Croft, and Preston Lehoux.

​https://valleyofdespair.ca/​

Video – Burn At The Stake – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJcccWhNpUs​

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Born of “The Blade,” Seattle, WA, Hyperstrike brings action, danger, and excitement back to heavy metal. Feat. members of Xoth, Ghost Ship Octavius. Chop Daddy on Nasty Slap Bass, Brain Lord on Explosive Pipes, Siberian Claw on Ripping Guitar, and Goblin Hammer on epic drums.

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

Video – Leaving You Again – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuLjvIJyz8w​
​
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Ravensun is a Vancouver Island-based melodic death metal band. Themes of war and brutality are the main focus of the lyrical content. Blending soaring vocals, driving riffs, and atmospheric soundscapes into a style that bridges modern metal and classic influences. Known for their dynamic live performances and emotionally charged songwriting, the band has quickly become a standout presence in the BC metal scene. With new music in development and a growing regional following, Ravensun continues to expand its sound and carve out its place in Western Canada’s heavy music landscape.

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

Live at Armstrong MetalFest 2024 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxPgSDlXgCs​

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Replacing the originally announced Thorsguard, who unfortunately canceled, Vancouver melodic death metal band Kayas has been asked to join the lineup. Known for blending melodic intensity with modern aggression, creating a sound that bridges classic influences and contemporary edge. Their dynamic live performances and tightly crafted songwriting have quickly earned them a growing presence in the West Coast metal scene. With new music underway and momentum building, Kayas continues to carve out their identity as one of Vancouver’s most promising rising acts.

​https://linktr.ee/kayasofficial​

Music Video – Reflections in the Water – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1VQ07Pej40​

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To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2026, please visit the following links:
​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​

Swedish metallers Confess unveil new video “The Warriors (feat. Will Wilde)” from upcoming album “Metalmorphosis” out May 15th

Sweden’s sleaze/metal stalwarts Confess have unveiled today the new single and official video, “The Warriors”, taken from their upcoming fourth studio album “Metalmorphosis”, set for release on May 15, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

The track features Will Wilde, a force to be reckoned with – a phenomenal harmonica player with a voice to match. His intense harmonica style steals the spotlight from the traditional blues rock guitar, with a sound that owes as much to Gary Moore as it does to Sonny Boy Williamson.

Will won the HRH “Lords Of Blues” award in 2025 and is nominated for “Instrumentalist Of The Year”, “Contemporary Artist Of The Year” and “Album Of The Year” at the UK Blues Awards 2026.

The band commented: “Our new track “The Warriors” is leaning more towards the sound of our first record. It has that dirty street sound, gritty attitude, aggressive guitar work, and fiercely driven vocals. Also, UK blues-rock powerhouse Will Wilde joined us on this one, pulling off a great solo on the harmonica.”

 

Pre-Order “Metalmorphosis” HERE

Swedish rockers Confess are finally back with their long awaited fourth record, their most ambitious album to date marking a bold evolution in their sound.

The band described “Metalmorphosis” in the following way: “It’s definitely the ten most well-crafted songs we’ve ever written, both music and lyric wise. It’s fully packed with heavy riffing, big choruses and a whole new level of dynamics. We’ve pushed ourselves harder than ever and it really shows”.

“The album is mixed and mastered by Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) and he has really taken the band’s sound to a whole new level”, they added.

While staying true to the gritty, hard-hitting energy that has defined the band since their early days in Stockholm, “Metalmorphosis” expands their musical palette with more commercially resonant material, crafting a sound that is both polished and explosively energetic.

Fronted by John Elliot, whose commanding vocals have also been showcased with the legendary Crashdiet, Confess demonstrate a rare balance of raw sleaze-metal grit and melodic sophistication.

On drums, Samuel Samael drives the rhythm with precision and power, while Ludwig Nordlander and Asser Hakala weave dynamic guitar textures that range from shredding riffs to soaring solos. Bassist Lucky anchors the band with a solid low-end punch, rounding out a lineup that is firing on all cylinders.

Since their formation, Confess have earned a reputation for their relentless commitment to the sleaze/metal aesthetic, infusing their work with memorable hooks, arena-ready choruses, and a devil-may-care attitude.

With “Metalmorphosis”, the band take this ethos to a new level, delivering songs that are as catchy as they are ferocious, and as bold as they are accessible. It’s a record that will appeal to longtime fans of the band while opening doors to a wider audience, showcasing Confess at their most confident and inspired yet.

“Metalmorphosis” is not just another entry in the band’s discography – it’s a statement of artistic growth, a powerful celebration of sleaze-metal craftsmanship, and a must-hear for anyone who loves hard-hitting, melodic rock with attitude.

“Metalmorphosis” Tracklist:

1.    Colorvision
2.    The Warriors
3.    Wicked Temptations
4.    Metalmorphosis
5.    Beat Of My Heart
6.    Pursuit Of The Jenny Haniver
7.    The Other Side
8.    Running To My Death
9.    Plague Of Steel
10.    Silvermalen

Line Up:
John Elliot – Vocals
Samuel Samael – Drums
Ludwig Nordlander – Guitars
Asser Hakala – Guitars
Lucky – Bass

Follow CONFESS:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Romanian Folkcore DIRTY SHIRT Teams Up with Hungarian Legends Besh o droM for Explosive Duo Version of “Büntető”

Dirty Shirt, one of Eastern Europe’s most innovative and high‑energy metal bands, announces the release of their new single “Büntető”, a powerful collaborative re‑imagining of the Hungarian folk hit originally performed by world‑renowned group Besh o droM. The track marks the second single from Dirty Shirt’s next studio album, following the success of their first preview, “FOMO.”​
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The collaboration brings together two of the region’s most dynamic musical forces, blending Dirty Shirt’s signature heavy, dance‑driven metal with Besh o droM’s virtuosic approach to Eastern European and Balkan folk traditions. The result is a 194 BPM explosion of energy, featuring 16 musicians and a seamless fusion of traditional instrumentation with modern metal intensity.

Dirty Shirt describes the partnership with Besh o droM as natural, inspiring, and full of mutual respect.
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​“We are very happy to have made this collaboration. We love Besh o droM’s music, and it was wonderful to see how open they were to working together with us. One of the highlights was performing the song together at Dirty Fest 2025, and part of the video includes footage from that incredible concert,” says the band’s leader, Mihai Tivada.

Dirty Shirt has been performing their live version of “Büntető” for over a year, including a standout moment at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025, where the song became one of the most celebrated highlights of their set. Fans have been eagerly awaiting an official release.
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​“Many fans already know the song from our concerts, and it always gets an incredible reaction. We’re confident they’ll love this studio version, especially since we’re teaming up with one of the greatest gypsy/folk/rock bands from Hungary, Besh o droM,” adds Mihai.​
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At its core, “Büntető” is about positive, uplifting energy and the belief that music transcends borders. Lyrically inspired by traditional Hungarian folk themes, the song tells a vivid story rooted in village life, relationships, and raw human emotion. Musically, it merges the fiery spirit of gypsy folk with Dirty Shirt’s unmistakable modern folkcore metal sound.
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The release of “Büntető” also comes as Dirty Shirt wraps up their triumphant Dirtylicious Decade Tour, with 8 of 11 shows sold out, and prepares for a packed summer festival season, including their third appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany.

Recommended for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, Dubioza Kolektiv, Russkaja, and The Hu.

Watch and listen to the video for “Büntető” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7v19wziCY8​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://ffm.to/bntet​

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First single “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyloBE8YbqY​
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The band also recently released a full live performance from Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v67KzzE6ivk​

DIRTY SHIRT Dirtylicious Decade Tour​
Ticket Info – https://www.ambilet.ro/dirtyshirt/
​17.04.2026 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu
19.04.2026 – The Station – Petrosani
08.05.2026 – Log Out – Baia Mare
09.05.2026 – Soho Music Hall – Bistrita
22.05.2026 – Terasa Flex – Arad
23.05.2026 – In Spatele Casei – Timisoara

For more info: https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​
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​About Dirty Shirt:​
For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse known for fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more—and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 1000 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.
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​About Besh o droM:​
Formed in Budapest in 1999, Besh o droM is one of Hungary’s most influential and internationally celebrated world‑music groups. Their sound blends the folk traditions of Hungary, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans with modern elements, creating a unique “virtual folklore” free of cultural borders. Over the past 25 years, they have performed on five continents at major world‑music, folk, gypsy, jazz, and rock festivals. Their album Besh o droM20 spent several months on the World Music Chart Europe Top 20, and the band continues to evolve with new music and a dynamic, mature sound.

Extravagant Rock Project JESUS CRINGE Drops Single “Unhinged Byproduct”

merging from the avant-garde shadows of the Belgian space-art rock scene, JESUS CRINGE today releases its second single, “Unhinged Byproduct”, a satirical, surrealist odyssey taken from the forthcoming album, due via Epictronic Records. More info coming soon!

Where most artists try to seem larger than life, JESUS CRINGE goes further — and stranger. “Unhinged Byproduct” opens on a vision of excess and self-destruction, the artist reimagined as a consumer product rolling off a factory assembly line. Hangover-dazed and hypnotized by television static, the protagonist takes the form of a mass-produced doll — caught in a claw machine, rejected by a disappointed couple, packaged as shrink-wrapped meat in a supermarket fridge. Just before the heat is turned up, he escapes. The finale reveals what started it all: a flashback to the night before, the artist dancing wildly beside two robot vacuum cleaners crowned with disco balls.

“A time of excess, self-destruction, and downfall — a satirical and surreal vision of the artist as a consumer product.”
— JESUS CRINGE

JESUS CRINGE is a Belgian cinematic space-art rock project — reborn from the ashes of 22 for Silicon Alone — built around intense visual worlds and philosophical storytelling. Rooted in pre-rock tradition, the project replaces the conventional guitar/bass duo with violin and baritone saxophone, creating a sonic identity that defies easy categorization. Themes of altered states, identity, and human consciousness in a digitalized world run throughout the work.

After years of meticulous underground development, JESUS CRINGE caught the attention of Epictronic Records, leading to an official signing in early 2023. The debut album unfolds as a vast narrative soundscape — part dystopian fable, part personal confession — drawing from sci-fi cinema and avant-garde rock traditions. Singles including “Only Dark Matters” and “In Every Terms” have showcased the project’s haunting lyricism and sophisticated arrangements, wrapped in visually striking music videos exploring disconnection, memory, and existential tension.

The project has earned international recognition, with features in Metal Shock Finland, Tinnitist, MHF Magazine, Headbangers News, and Prog Rock Journal, alongside airplay on Unsigned Radio UK, WTSQ FM, Nu Rock Radio, Diverse World Music Radio, and Rockers and Other Animals.

More than a band, JESUS CRINGE is a hyperrock experience — standing at the frontier of modern art-rock through immersive visuals, conceptual narratives, and an uncompromising artistic vision.

jesuscringe.com

www.instagram.com/jesus_cringe_music

www.facebook.com/JesusCringe