Author: Crix

Silence The Echo showcases their straighter, faster and heavier side with their new single “Stand Your Ground”

Style-conscious modern metallers Silence The Echo continue their strong release streak with the new single Stand Your Ground. The song follows the band’s January release of their debut album Liberation, which has already racked up over 750,000 streams. After a year of intensive album work, five singles and four music videos, Silence The Echo quickly moved on to the next creative phase.

Stand Your Ground represents a more direct, faster and heavier expression. The band says they are looking forward to performing the song live, as it will bring a whole new kind of energy to their shows.

“The song deals with a broadly relatable topic of facing inner demons. Instead of approaching the topic as a personal story, we decided to approach it on a more general level, visualizing these inner conflicts as a game-like world,” the band says.

In the RPG-inspired, cyberpunk-inspired visual world of the Stand Your Ground single, the story follows the main character as he fights against the manifestations of his mind. The abstract theme is formed into a visually strong and cinematic whole. The song will also be accompanied by a music video drawing from this world, which will be released next month.

Like the Liberation album, Stand Your Ground was recorded by the band themselves in their home studios and at Lightcrest Studio in Lahti. It was produced by Katja and Jani Stefanovic. The song was mixed and mastered by respected producer Thomas “Plec” Johansson at Studio Bohus.

Silence The Echo was formed in 2022 in Lahti as a collaboration between singer Katja Stefanovic and composer Jani Stefanovic (ex-Solution .45, Miseration). The band’s sound combines the intensity and rage of modern metal and metalcore, electronic elements and melodic hooks. In 2024, the line-up expanded to full size, with guitarist Teemu Rautiainen (ex-One Morning Left), drummer Nikke Karaksela and bassist Tommi Huuskonen joining.

Upcoming gigs:
2.5 Bar Loose, Helsinki
13.5 Suistoklubi, Hämeenlinna
16.5 Haitaritehdas, Kouvola

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Dyecrest’s Defying Gravity Out Now – the ensemble, spiced with Impressive melodies, is completed with the Enceladus single

Dyecrest has released the fifth studio album. The Defying Gravity album redefines not only the laws of gravity, but also a band that has taken quite a leap in a new direction. The newly released Defying Gravity is not only the first studio album with the gorgeously voiced Heidi Aaltonen, who joined the band a couple of years ago, but also the first full-length under the protection of their new label partner, Art Gates Records.

The roots of the band from Ristiina, which combines power metal, traditional heavy metal and progressive flavors, date back to 2004, but along the way they also took a ten-year break between 2008 and 2018. According to the band, the newly released Defying Gravity is the most cohesive whole in Dyecrest’s career to date, which has included four studio albums and a tour with W.A.S.P. around Europe.

“This album has both the heaviest and lightest material that Dyecrest has ever done. Heidi’s touching and emotional interpretation and the band’s powerful sound create a whole that simply worked,” the band says.

The soundscape of the Defying Gravity album was completed by the duo Miitri Aaltonen – Mika Jussila, one of the country’s top names. The traces of their skilled sound hands can also be heard on the Enceladus single from the album, whose music video was directed and written by Sami Romppainen.

“The lyrics of the song immediately brought to mind a lot of visual imagery, and intuition led us to choose this kind of ‘playing with shadows’ as the style,” says Romppainen.

There was something special about the song even when Henri Arola brought it to the attention of others. However, it took a while to find the right direction.

“Gradually, piece by piece, it grew into a powerful and finished whole, which I think is one of the best songs on the upcoming album. The atmosphere of the song is floating and infinite, like drifting on the edge of the unknown, where the infinity of the mind, longing and quiet, tenacious hope echo. It takes the listener towards something unknown but fascinating. The end result is powerful and captivating”, says Pirkka Ohlis.

Guitarist-composer Henri Arola adds that the keyboard-based arrangement and the forward cadence of the verses are an important element in the song’s tension.

“The guitars were deliberately left more stripped down in places, and it creates space for dynamics and the beautiful vocal melodies that are Heidi’s handiwork. Of course, an honest guitar solo had to be included! On the scale of Dyecrest, Enceladus perhaps represents a slightly more straightforward, easily approachable expression. In other words, in Finnish: It’s a hit song”, Arola sums up.

Dyecrest is celebrating the album today in Lappeenranta with an album release gig, and other upcoming performances announced now are:

24.04.2026, Lappeenranta, Bar Totem, w/ Deathropy
25.04.2026, Mikkeli, Kulttuuritalo Tempo, Dinosaurock Club, w/ Diablo
22.05.2026, Helsinki, Lepakkomies, w/ Memoira
05.06.2026, Joensuu, TBA
04.07.2026, Ristiina, Varkaantaipale, w/ Deathropy
08.08.2026, Imatra, Patruunafest

Dyecrest is:
Heidi Aaltonen: Vocals
Matti Pasanen: Guitar, vocals
Henri Arola: Guitar, vocals
Pirkka Ohlis: Keyboards, vocals
Jukka Matilainen: Bass
Niko Takala: Drums

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Finnish modern metalcore band Ashes of Perishing released a new single and music video Rapture

Ashes of Perishing, a Helsinki-based modern metalcore group released the single “Rapture” along with a music video. The track was released by Inverse Records.

LISTEN to Rapture on streaming services: 

https://push.fm/fl/ashes-of-perishing-rapture

“Rapture is a journey deeper into the Void, devoid of all light and hope.”, says the band.

The band has once again shed its skin and evolved their sound into an even 
heavier and darker direction.

Ashes of Perishing make their festival debut this summer at Tuska Festival in Helsinki. 

BIOGRAPHY:
At the end of 2021, a new band emerged in Helsinki, and their name was Ashes of Perishing. With a lineup that brought together the raw energy and creative talents of five musicians, this Finnish quintet quickly set their sights on creating powerful music.

Ashes of Perishing consists of Philipp on bass, Joonas and Valtteri on guitars, Olli on drums and Oskar as the vocalist. Oskar joined the band in the summer of 2024, bringing a fresh dynamic and powerful vocal presence. United by their shared love for heavy, melodic, and emotionally charged music, Ashes of Perishing was ready to carve their path forward in the metal scene.

As they continue their journey, Ashes of Perishing look forward to conquering new stages, sharing their music with a growing fanbase, and leaving impact in the world of metalcore. With their relentless dedication and unwavering passion this band aims to set the world ablaze with their music, leaving nothing but Ashes of Perishing in their wake.

Line-up:
Oskar Solja –Vocals
Valtteri Limnell – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Joonas Makkonen – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Philipp Kashin – Bass
Olli Laine – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ashesofperishing
https://www.instagram.com/ashesofperishingband
https://www.tiktok.com/ashesofperishing
https://ashesofperishing.bandcamp.com

Bold melodic metal masters Blackment will release their new studio album on June 12th – New In Motion single and video out today

Blackment, originally founded in 2014 but really becoming known with their debut album Plains of Oblivion in 2022, will soon release their second studio album. The new – again dramatic – album, which will be released on June 12th, will be preceded by two more singles, of which In Motion, released today, is quite a blast.

“In Motion is a tightly packed energy in under three minutes – just enough to make you want to listen to it again. Sometimes we cool things down, sometimes we blow them up with jokes,” summarizes the band’s guitarist Allan Välimaa.

The melody rug, originally found in the depths of Allan’s desk drawer, was given completely new clothes, practically a new song, which after the band’s approval was also shaped into a music video.

During the filming of the video, Allan fell ill with exhaustion, which he only discovered afterwards, but for that reason, finishing the video was in many ways a memorable event. Although Allan was also the director of the video, the performance in the video was handled by recording, while the brilliant Hille Sadehelmi, who is also the backing singer of the song, took care of the camera. So it was a real multi-talented session.

“Of course, we forgot a bunch of stands in the parking lot of the filming location, luckily they were found the next morning. I also got my new beloved instrument from Raato Custom Guitars in the video,” Allan recalls, and with a twinkle in the corner of his eye, notes that such things are always important for guitar nerds.

Blackment will be celebrating their upcoming studio album live on the first day of the Hyvinkää Rock 2026 festival, which was born in the gap left by Rockfest, on June 12th.

Blackment is:
Sami Vuorenheimo – vocals
Saalas Ruokangas – guitar & backing vocals
Allan Välimaa – guitar
Väinö Huhtanen – bass & backing vocals
Sebastian Nyandoto – keyboards & backing vocals
Akseli Aalto – drums

The single also featured:
Hille Sadehelmi – Backing vocals

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Dark groove metal export hope Bloody Falls will release their fourth album on June 5th – Mother, Your Son Is Bleeding is a collage of sad family fates

Bloody Falls has always been about dreams, and even though the songs often break them, the band’s story itself has been colored by great events that have already come true. Greek Stavros Mathios moved to Finland at the age of 21 to follow his dream to form a metal band, and like a stealth Bloody Falls has become one of Finland’s most successful new metal acts. The collaboration with Art Gates Records expanded to the company’s live side last year with the Art Gates Events contract.

The single Mother, Your Son Is Bleeding, released today, and the music video for it, lay the foundation for the IV album, which will be released on June 5th. The sound of both this single and the entire upcoming studio album were created by Max Morton, who is famous for producing Jinjer, among others.

“This song is a real-life, lyrically profound piece. The lyrics and music go hand in hand, conveying a story of frustration and anger. Over the years, you meet a lot of people and hear their stories, some of those stories are wonderful, others are sad. This song is a sad story about a mother’s neglect and a stepfather’s physical violence. The story does not tell the life of a single person, but rather a collection of stories heard over the years. The music accompanies the lyrics of the song emotionally. The album will be the band’s best yet, and the unique power of this song cannot be ignored in the overall picture,” says Stavros Mathios.

Bloody Falls, who wear their black-talking energy in the guise of death and black metal influences in a powerful groove, have also made steady strides forward on the live front, and the band has been seen taking their first steps abroad in addition to Finnish clubs and festivals. These adventures will continue later this year.

Bloody Falls will be seen live this spring in Finland as follows:
8.5. Semifinal – Helsinki (+ Torchia)
9.5. Nirvana – Turku (+ Torchia + Einvigi)
13.6. Bar Kotelo – Tampere (+ Torchia + Numento)

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The Finnish band Malummeh released a new symphonic metal single and music video ‘Gone Too Far’ – New EP out in May

Finnish metal band Malummeh, founded in 2004, have released their second single, ‘Gone Too Far’, accompanied by a music video. The track is taken from their eponymous EP, due for release on 28 May 2026 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to Gone Too Far on streaming services: 

https://push.fm/fl/malummeh-gone-too-far

The band comments:
“If you follow the news, Gone Too Far might help you put your feelings into words. The song deals with betrayal, oppression, and naivety. The original idea for the track is over 15 years old and was once left unreleased by the band. Now it has gone through a complete overhaul and emerged stronger than ever. Musically, it also breaks new ground for the band, featuring symphonic instruments for the first time. The result is a raw and dramatic outpouring that balances between danger and escalation, forcing deep feelings of melancholy and finality to the surface.”

BIOGRAPHY:

Malummeh is a metal band founded in 2004 and originating from the Helsinki metropolitan area. The band blends various metal subgenres into an aggressive, melodic, and explosive whole that stands firmly on its own with no apologies. The group was founded by guitarists Mikael Kiikka and Jaakko Eskelinen, with drummer Valtteri Kallio joining at a very early stage. Alongside the original trio, lineup changes eventually led to Jukka Vehkamaa becoming the band’s bassist and Marko Niemistö taking the role of vocalist. During the early 2000s, the band showed promising momentum, culminating in the release of their debut album Revival through Spinefarm (Spikefarm) in November 2007. However, internal dynamics within the band gradually began to fracture, and in 2011 the band disbanded.

The silence lasted until 2022, when old conflicts were laid to rest and the band rediscovered its drive. The idea for restarting initially came from the possibility of releasing older, unfinished songs, but working on those tracks quickly led to writing new material as well. In practice, the band continues from where it left off, but with a more focused approach and without the rigid absolutism that often comes with youth.

In its new era, Malummeh focuses on bringing the strongest elements of early 2000s metal into the present day while leaving behind the most worn-out clichés of that period. This is made possible through complete artistic independence: the band composes, records, and produces its music entirely on its own terms, maintaining a strong emphasis on musicianship and a direct yet emotionally varied style of expression.

The comeback is not built solely on nostalgia. The goal is also to push the band’s sound forward into a more versatile direction while preserving its recognizable core. With new material, Malummeh continues its story after a long hiatus, now with a clearer understanding among its members of what kind of music they want to create and why.

LISTEN to the first single Dethroned on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/malummeh-dethroned

Line-up:

Marko Niemistö – Vocals

Mikael Kiikka – Guitars

Jaakko Eskelinen – Guitars

Valtteri Kallio – Drums

Jukka Vehkamaa – Bass

Jussi Saari – Trumpet on “October”
Aapo Salo – Orchestra on “Gone Too Far”

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/malummeh
https://www.instagram.com/malummeh

https://malummeh.bandcamp.com

Finnish Dark Metal band Horizon of Aeons released the last single ‘Aedis Tenebrae’ from their forthcoming debut album

The Finnish dark metal band Horizon of Aeons are set to release their debut album, Timeless Forms of Desolation, on 29 May 2026 via Inverse Records. The third and last single ‘Aedis Tenebrae’, is unleashed today and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-aedis

The band comments:

“This song embraces the brightness of darkness. Evil spirits of our subconscious mind are meant to be cherished. Persistent dark patterns open the gates to a higher level of divinity. Demonic guidance through ambivalent existence. Confrontation with the rigid morality of the masses. The music supports the lyrics perfectly by flowing between different sections and moods. In the main riff, the guitar lines circle around each other, yet never collide. The bass guitar and drums stand firmly in the background, allowing the guitars to summon melodies.“

BIOGRAPHY:

Horizon of Aeons is a gothic dark metal band founded in 2024, bringing together seasoned musicians from the Finnish metal scene. The band consists of Miska Lehtivuori (vocals, guitar), Ville Pekkala (guitar), Pekka Venho (bass), and Pekka Jokela (drums). These members have a rich history of playing together in various bands (Fall of the Leafe, Ablaze in Hatred, Searing Meadow, Mormânt De Snagov, Leaflet, Jackie’s Land), which laid the foundation for their cohesive and powerful sound. Horizon of Aeons’ musical influences are as diverse as the members’ extensive backgrounds in the metal scene. Each member brings a wealth of experience from their previous bands, contributing to the band’s unique sound.
Together, these musicians create a sound that is both intense and melodic, drawing from a wide array of metal subgenres. Their influences span across various styles, allowing them to craft a distinctive musical identity that is uniquely their own. This blend of experience and inspiration results in a sound that is both familiar and innovative, pushing the boundaries of gothic dark metal.

Themes and Lyrics

Horizon of Aeons’ lyrics delve deeply into the dark and complex concept of time and its relentless progression. Their songs often explore the infinite future contrasted with the finite past, creating a haunting and introspective atmosphere. The band masterfully weaves themes of existence and memory into their music, painting vivid pictures of a world where time is both a creator and a destroyer.
In addition, Horizon of Aeons touches on themes of cosmic forces, often using esoteric and mystical imagery. They explore the inherent inclinations of humanity, the seductive nature of sin, and the purifying power of darkness. This adds a layer of depth to their music, as they challenge conventional beliefs and embrace the darker aspects of existence.
Overall, the band’s lyrics are a profound exploration of time, existence, and the human condition, offering listeners a journey through the infinite and the ephemeral.

Debut Release

Horizon of Aeons’ debut album titled Timeless Forms of Desolation is set to be released through Inverse Records in 2026. Their first single, Haunting Presence, is already available on all digital platforms, showcasing a tantalizing preview of their dark, atmospheric sound through a condensed single edit.

LISTEN to the first single Kairos: https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-kairos
LISTEN to the seceond single Until the Darkness Claims Us:

https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-darkness

Line-up:

Miska Lehtivuori – Vocals, Guitars

Ville Pekkala – Guitars

Pekka Venho – Bass

Pekka Jokela – Drums

Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/horizonofaeons
https://www.instagram.com/horizonofaeons
https://horizonofaeons.bandcamp.com

Funeral Doom Project Abysmal Growls Of Despair Signs With Wormholedeath

Wormholedeath welcomes UK funeral doom project Abysmal Growls Of Despair to its roster. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the one-man project led by the prolific artist Hangsvart, as he prepares to unveil his latest and most profound work, Torn, on June 5, 2026.

AGoD has been Hangsvart’s main project since 2013. It has explored a wide range of sounds but centered on ritualistic dark ambient, drone, and funeral doom. Inspired by bands like Funeral Moth, Ataraxie, Comatose Vigil, SUNN O))), Remembrance; by ancient civilisation and spirituality, despair, grief and madness. Hangsvart has always been straightforward with his own struggle with schizophrenia since 2007, being a main source of inspiration.

Torn is a solemn and uncompromising work. It unfolds slowly, with immense weight and emotional gravity, and leaves a strong, lasting impression. This is not an album you listen to. This is an album you enter.
This album of funeral doom metal explores the emotional landscape of a husband caring for his wife battling cancer. It is a testament to love and resilience. Trombones and tubas add weight and solemn grandeur, while 8-string guitars and the guttural voice entomb the listener.

Hangsvart commented: “I am very excited to sign with WormholeDeath for my album Torn. Even though I have released a dozen of physical albums with other labels, WormholeDeath is definitely a step above anything I’ve ever done before, allowing me to reach a much wider audience.”

abysmalgrowlsofdespair.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/abysmalgrowlsofdespairofficial
www.youtube.com/channel/UCJdyff5TfztnIeO0U6QaHwA

DIRT kicks off its release year after a long break with the hit-driven single “Sunder” – Second album details to be revealed

After returning last autumn from an extended break from releases and live shows, the Helsinki-based five-piece DIRT release their first single of the year, “Sunder”. The track offers a glimpse into the world of the upcoming second album, which they’ve been crafting carefully over the past few years. “Sunder” deals with a theme that is timelessly relevant to many: breaking free from a difficult and harmful relationship—and dealing with the aftermath.

DIRT released their debut album “Deadbeat” in 2022 and quickly emerged as one of the most interesting new names in Finnish heavy rock. After an active touring period, the circumstances within the group led to an extended break. During the past couple of years, DIRT focused on rebuilding their internal communication culture from scratch and began untangling long-standing tensions between members. Following these productive discussions, DIRT are now stronger than ever, and new material for the upcoming album has been flowing at an impressive pace.

“We had around fifty ideas sitting in the vault when we started outlining the direction for the second album. Just going through them was overwhelming. With this track, however, the choice was immediate—it stood out right away as one of the priorities thanks to its head-nodding, ’90s-inspired NYHC bounce groove,” the band says.

“We also broadened our horizons by trying co-writing for the first time. JC Halttunen (known from WOLFRAM) helped us refine the track. The idea originally came up years ago at the Music x Media conference between JC and our guitarist Kasper, and putting it into practice was absolutely worth it. With the final touch from our producer Juho Salaterä, we ended up with something we’re more than proud to present as DIRT à la 2026.”

The release of Sunder, produced by Juho Salaterä and mastered by Riku Kuikka, is celebrated this Saturday May 25th at Kuudes Linja in Helsinki, Finland. The extended set will feature DIRT’s most popular tracks from the years as well as new, yet-unreleased songs from the upcoming second album. The mood for the evening is set by promising newcomer Honey Juice.

Also listen to last year’s release “Born Again” here.

DIRT | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

Formed in 2018 and releasing their first singles that same year, DIRT blend rock aesthetics with heavier influences—a combination that has been praised since their debut EP Low Life. Their debut album Deadbeat was released in 2022 via Ranka Kustannus and was selected among the best albums of the year by Inferno, Kaaoszine, Tuonela Magazine, and Music Finland. Since then, the Helsinki-based five-piece has amassed over 3 million streams on Spotify and has performed at festivals like Tuska as well as alongside acts such as The 69 Eyes, Shiraz Lane, One Desire, and Danko Jones. The band is particularly known for their energetic live shows, which have even been discussed on the Access All Areas podcast.

Finnish thrash metal band Where Victims Lie releases new EP

How should a thrash metal band from the 2000s make a comeback? This is how! Where Victims Lie released two promo CDs back in 2003 and 2007, before going on a long hiatus. Now they’re finally back with a five-track EP called “What Was Left Behind” – an assault of sheer thrash metal revival! Rooted in the 80s, influenced by the 00s, but crafted with passion in the 20s.

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

“I always felt there was some unfinished business with this band. We got back together a few years ago and quickly realized that we all still had the same fire burning!” says guitarist Jarkko Petosalmi.

“We wanted to make absolutely sure that we came back stronger before, and we definitely succeeded! We also haven’t slowed down one bit, quite the opposite actually.” comments drummer Timo Häkkinen.

Where Victims Lie:

Teijo Hakkola: vocals

Jarkko Petosalmi: guitar

J-V Hintikka: guitar

Herkko Huttunen: bass, backing vocals

Timo Häkkinen: drums

https://www.facebook.com/wherevictimslie
https://www.wherevictimslie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wherevictimslie/
https://wherevictimslie.bandcamp.com/