Author: Crix

Finnish progressive melodic death metal band Numento presents a new true crime inspired single and music video “The Extortionist”

Numento’s brand-new single, “The Extortionist” is inspired by countless true crime stories in which a person who initially appears kind and warm-hearted gradually transforms into a dangerous manipulator whose goal is to secretly extort benefits from their victim in order to boost their own reputation and self-esteem. On the surface, they appear innocent and friendly to everyone, but beneath the surface, a nightmarish plot simmers. They are a bloodthirsty predator who will stop at nothing to get what they want, and they are even willing to kill to avoid getting caught.

Numento, who has also previously incorporated the Finnish national instrument kantele into their music, introduces a new sonic element with this track: the distorted kantele, which has already amazed both audiences and sound engineers at live shows. Thanks to the distortion effect, the kantele’s already eerie sound takes on even more ominous and downright haunting tones on “The Extortionist” — ones that few have heard before.

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

“The Extortionist” once again showcases Numento’s signature style of blending influences from various metal subgenres and shifting moods as dictated by the song’s narrative, but this time with a more polished and daring approach. The song features even greater contrasts, ranging from delicate, evocative verses and a catchy, melodic chorus to a C-section that escalates into full-blown blast beats, unleashing fury with the combined power of three vocalists.

The music video for the song represents the band’s most ambitious and professionally executed production to date, created by an international team of dozens of people. The music video was filmed in Espoo at the cultural-historical setting of Finns Folk High School, and the production was overseen by producer and cinematographer Eino Antonio Leskinen, who has been involved in numerous productions. “The whole band is incredibly pleased with how director Adàn Mendoza captured the spirit of ‘The Extortionist’ and translated the song into a visual form,” commented Numento guitarist Aleksi Vehmassalo.

 

Numento is:

Atte Asikainen – Guitar & backing vocals

Katri Hiovain-Asikainen – Vocals & kantele

Johnny Grinds – Bass & backing vocals

Aleksi Vehmassalo – Guitar

Mikko Virtanen – Drums

SEVEN METAL SINS Unveils First Single “Wolves Of The Last Dawn” From New Album “Legacy Of Chaos” Out June 2026

Seven Metal Sins unveil “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, the first single taken from their forthcoming full-length album “Legacy Of Chaos“, set for release on June 5th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Listen (Spotify): https://lnk.to/ybAMOx​

YouTube Stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3y7GC60LXo​

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Seven Metal Sins unveil “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, the first single taken from their forthcoming debut album “Legacy Of Chaos“, set for release on June 5th, 2026 via Rockshots Records.

Formed in 2024 by former Manigance members Stéphane Lacoude (bass) and Patrick Soria (drums), Seven Metal Sins quickly evolved into a fully realized band with the addition of guitarist Antton Iriart, vocalist Claw-G., and guitarist Frédéric Auclerc. Built on experience but driven by a renewed artistic vision, the band channels a direct and uncompromising approach to heavy metal.

“Wolves Of The Last Dawn” stands as a clear introduction to the band’s identity: a high-energy track rooted in classic heavy and power metal, defined by sharp riffing, galloping rhythms, and a commanding vocal performance. The song combines intensity and melodic clarity, delivering an immediate impact while maintaining a strong structural focus.

Lyrically, the track reflects the thematic core of “Legacy Of Chaos“, exploring a world shaped by tension, collapse, and resistance. Through dystopian imagery, the band addresses contemporary issues such as environmental decline, social instability, and the consequences of unchecked power, translating these elements into a direct and evocative narrative.

As the band explains, “This song captures the urgency and tension that run through the entire album. It’s about standing at the edge of collapse and choosing whether to resist or surrender. The imagery of the ‘last dawn’ represents that fragile moment before everything changes.”

Musically, Seven Metal Sins draws from the foundations of classic heavy metal while incorporating the speed and precision of modern power metal. Their sound is built on tight, riff-driven songwriting, dynamic rhythmic shifts, and a balance between aggression and melody, positioning the band within a contemporary yet tradition-aware metal framework.

The single anticipates the release of “Legacy Of Chaos“, an eleven-track debut that delivers a cohesive and high-impact listening experience, combining intensity, structure, and thematic depth. Mixed by Jérémie Garat (Reseda Prod) and mastered by Simon Capony (Basalte Studio), the album presents a powerful and well-defined production that enhances the band’s sonic identity.

With “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, Seven Metal Sins set the tone for a debut album that does not look back with nostalgia but rather reaffirms the relevance of heavy metal through clarity, energy, and purpose.

For fans of: Accept, Primal Fear, Judas Priest, early Helloween
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New album “Legacy Of Chaos” out June 5th, 2026, from Rockshots Records.

PRE ORDER “Legacy Of Chaos“: https://rockshots.eu/products/seven-metal-sins-legacy-of-chaos-cd​

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Track Listing:​
1. The Fall (Intro) – 0:57
2. Scars of Injustice – 4:35
3. No Sanctuary – 4:22
4. Hypocrisy – 4:07
5. Eternal Downfall – 4:57
6. Feel the Steel – 4:20
7. Wolves of the Last Dawn – 4:36
8. Beyond the Breaking Point – 4:01
9. Sun Eaters – 5:00
10. Rise of the Phoenix – 3:55
11. King of Sorrow – 6:25
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​Seven Metal Sins Line-up:​
Claw-G.: Vocals
Antton Iriart: Guitars
Frédéric Auclerc: Guitars
Stéphane Lacoude: Bass
Patrick Soria: Drums

Seven Metal Sins is a European heavy metal band formed in April 2024 by Stéphane Lacoude (bass) and Patrick Soria (drums), both former members of the French act Manigance. After years of shared experience, the two musicians reunited with a clear intention: to return to a more direct, uncompromising approach to songwriting, rooted in the essence of heavy metal while reflecting a renewed creative vision.

The project quickly gained momentum with the addition of guitarist Antton Iriart, whose compositional input became a central element in shaping the band’s sound. In December 2024, vocalist Claw-G. joined the lineup, bringing a powerful and distinctive voice that added intensity and character to the music. The formation was completed in March 2025 with guitarist Frédéric Auclerc, further expanding the band’s harmonic depth and overall dynamic range.

With this solid lineup in place, Seven Metal Sins began refining their musical identity, built on a combination of classic heavy metal foundations and the energy of power and speed metal. Their sound is defined by sharp, riff-driven structures, galloping rhythms, and a strong melodic sensibility, balanced by a modern production approach that emphasizes clarity and impact.

The band made its official debut with the single “Hypocrisy” in April 2025, marking the first step in a focused creative path that led to the completion of their first full-length album, “Legacy Of Chaos“, set for release on June 5th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Lyrically, Seven Metal Sins draws inspiration from the fractures of contemporary society, addressing themes such as environmental decline, social instability, and authoritarian drift. These elements are often framed through dystopian and science fiction imagery, creating a narrative that resonates with both present realities and possible futures.

With “Legacy Of Chaos“, Seven Metal Sins establishes a clear artistic identity: a band rooted in experience, driven by purpose, and committed to delivering heavy metal that is direct, intense, and relevant within today’s landscape.

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://facebook.com/sevenmetalsins​

​https://instagram.com/seven_metal_sins.official​

CRIMSON DAY Unveils First Single & Video “False Prophet” from Upcoming Album Dark Dimension

After three years of anticipation and a steady rise through the European underground, Tampere’s own Crimson Day is back. The band officially kicks off their next chapter with the release of “False Prophet,” the lead single and music video from their upcoming fourth studio album, Dark Dimension, set for global release on May 22, 2026, via Wormholedeath.

“False Prophet” stands as one of the band’s most direct and powerful tracks to date. Built on heavy riffs, dark atmosphere, and a commanding vocal performance, the song addresses the abuse of faith and the figures who use belief as a tool for control. Its message is clear: question what you are told, trust your own mind, and refuse to follow blindly.

The track highlights Crimson Day’s ability to combine modern heaviness with strong melody and emotional depth. It also offers a first look into the darker and more focused direction of Dark Dimension.

Formed in Tampere, Crimson Day has built a boundary-pushing sound rooted in heavy metal and enriched with melodic depth and cross-genre influences. Since their 2013 debut and early releases through Iron Shield Records, the band has released three studio albums, multiple acclaimed singles, and high-profile covers of Led Zeppelin, Bonnie Tyler, and Shakira, earning strong international fan response and radio airplay across the USA, Brazil, Germany, France, and beyond.

Crimson Day has performed nearly 100 shows across Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the Baltic region, including tours with Herald and support for Wolf. They have also appeared at major festivals alongside leading acts such as Sonata Arctica, Turmion Kätilöt, Turisas, Reckless Love, and Korpiklaani.

Their fourth studio album, Dark Dimension, set for release in 2026, was mixed by Jussi Kulomaa and mastered by Svante Forsbäck, marking a new milestone in the band’s steady rise and expanding international presence.

Crimson Day is:

Milka Uusitalo – vocals
Ari Balzar – lead guitar
Janne Rantanen – guitar/screams
Jesse ”Kämy” Kämäräinen – bass
Janne Ollikainen – drums/percussions

www.crimsonday.com
www.instagram.com/crimsonday_official
www.facebook.com/crimson.day.band
www.tiktok.com/@crimsonday_official
www.youtube.com/@crimsonday_official

Masked Rap Metal Red Sky Signs With Epictronic, Drops First Single “Il Paese Dell’Arte”

Epictronic is thrilled to announce the signing of Red Sky, the enigmatic masked rapper-guitarist whose boundary-pushing “Kintsugi Music” fuses rap, metal, and global influences into something entirely his own. The artist’s highly anticipated album “Nostalgia del Futuro” drops worldwide on May 29, 2026.

For 15 years, Red Sky has been carving out a unique space in the music landscape, one where Linkin Park meets Caparezza, where metal riffs collide with Japanese poetry, and where personal struggle becomes universal art. With 14 albums, millions of social media views, and stages shared with Italian rap heavyweights like Jesto, Shade, and Rayden, Red Sky has built a devoted following that transcends genre.

Red Sky calls his approach “Kintsugi Music”, named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, making the fractures beautiful rather than hidden. It’s a perfect metaphor for music that transforms outsider experiences, cultural displacement, and existential questioning into something powerful and complete.
Singing in both Italian and Japanese, Red Sky explores what it means to protect your inner fire in a world that demands conformity. His lyrics resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit, and anyone who’s refused to dim their light because of it.

The new album takes its title from Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics, embracing the concept of “nostalgia for the future”, longing not for what was, but for who we’re meant to become. Created just before Red Sky’s move to Japan (the one place where he finally feels at home), the album is both a farewell and a manifesto.
Musically, Nostalgia del Futuro is fearless: black metal bleeds into reggae, techno pulses beneath traditional Japanese instrumentation, and Arabic textures add unexpected depth to the metal foundation. The result is a deeply personal fusion that mirrors Red Sky’s own cross-cultural journey—Western anger meeting Eastern spirituality, Italian passion colliding with Japanese restraint.
Thematically, the album digs deep: life, death, aging, family, self-esteem, and the complexities of modern Italian society. It’s introspective without being insular, specific without losing universality.

The journey begins with “Il Paese Dell’Arte” (The Country of Art), a stunning introduction to Red Sky’s world, complete with a visually arresting music video that captures the artist’s theatrical, masked aesthetic.

www.youtube.com/@RedSkyKintsugi
www.instagram.com/redskykintsugi

The rising force of metalcore Beyond Awareness to release their debut album ’Reflections’ on May 8 – Cyan Kicks featured on single ’TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’

The Finnish four-piece melodic metalcore group and Beyond Awareness will release their highly anticipated 10-track debut album ’Reflections’ on May 8. The band, known for their sharp songwriting, high-impact choruses and a polished sonic identity has been working on the album relentlessly the past couple of years and is very excited to finally release their debut.

”This album has been in the works and eagerly awaited for some years now, so we are incredibly excited to finally release this emotional outpouring. Creating the record has been a valuable journey, during which we have grown both as a band and as musicians. Musically, the album blends modern metalcore, occasionally experimental electronic production, and raw metal into one tight and cohesive whole. In particular, the way the music supports the message and emotional weight of each song feels truly unique. We’re really looking forward to the response it will receive!”

While waiting for the album, the band offers their fans one more taste: The new single ’TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is a collaborative single featuring Cyan Kicks merging together Beyond Awareness’ metallic edge and Cyan Kicks’ sleek alternative pop-rock sensibility.

”The song was called hyperpop at an early stage, as it’s a modern, fast-paced, and high-octane piece as a whole. The sound blends Beyond Awareness’ recognizable songwriting style with a more pop-driven approach, further amplified by the Cyan Kicks feature. The lyrics focus directly on emotions: restlessness, insecurity, and inner pressure, but also on perseverance and the will to fight. A fun coincidence is that the title and one particular word directly reveal a Bring Me The Horizon influence, even though the track ultimately found its final form entirely on its own terms, shaped by many other influences as well. ‘TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is our most pop-oriented release to date, while still keeping us firmly rooted in our own identity.”

 

Beyond Awareness will also hit the live stage with force this spring, starting from the band’s home country Finland. They are kicking things off at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland, on May 7, when the band will perform as the opening act for Hokka, the new band of Joel Hokka, known from Blind Channel.

Already announced shows in Finland are:
May 7 – Helsinki, Tavastia (w/ Hokka)
May 8 – Kotka, The Van
May 9 – Tampere, Olympia (album release show w/ LASTOUT)
May 13 – Kouvola, House of Rock
May 14 – Kuopio, Sawohouse Underground
May 22 – Turku, Apollo

BEYOND AWARENESS

Enigmatic Atmospheric Black Metal Project Zornhau Unveils “I” Visualizer

Atmospheric black metal project Zornhau has released the visualizer for “I,” the opening track of their forthcoming self-titled album. The track serves as a first step into a descent into darkness and inner fire, introducing listeners to a world of intensity and ritualistic atmosphere.

Rather than following a traditional narrative, Zornhau emphasizes immersion and transformation. The music unfolds as a continuous rite, demanding endurance, presence, and full engagement from the listener. “I” establishes the tone for the album’s journey, a voyage into shadow and introspection, where every note and texture draws the audience deeper into its ritualistic soundscape.

Video by: Volume Agency

zornhau1.bandcamp.com/album/zornhau
www.youtube.com/@Zornhau-o4b

Japanese Extreme Prog Metal Powerhouse BEYOND THE VEIL Signs With Wormholedeath

Wormholedeath proudly welcomes Tokyo-based progressive extreme metal band Beyond The Veil to its roster. The international lineup, featuring members from Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, has signed with the label for the release of their upcoming album “Oblivion.”

Formed in 2020 by DB Karma, Yoshihiro Yamaji, and Eric Fetterman, Beyond The Veil quickly established a distinctive identity within the extreme metal landscape. Keisuke Tsuboi joined the band in 2021 on bass and drums, and Dave Griffiths completed the current lineup on bass in 2025.

Their sound merges thrash, death metal, black metal, and blackgaze with elements of progressive rock, jazz, folk, and classical music. The result is music that moves between crushing intensity and reflective, melodic passages. Most compositions come from lead guitarist Yoshihiro Yamaji and keyboardist DB Karma, while vocalist and rhythm guitarist Eric Fetterman writes the English lyrics. DB Karma contributes the Japanese lyrics, and the rhythm section, Dave Griffiths and Keisuke Tsuboi, develops the band’s bass and drum arrangements.

Oblivion was built around a specific ambition: to drag the spirit of 1970s and ’80s progressive rock into direct collision with modern extreme metal. To do it authentically, the band reached for the instruments that defined that era — Mellotron, Moog, and Chapman Stick — giving the record a texture and warmth that sets it apart from anything currently on the heavy music landscape. The songs are long by design. Beyond The Veil was not interested in compromise, and it shows.

Their influences read like a well-worn record collection: UK and Italian prog, Nordic and Asian prog, and a deep, foundational love for thrash, death, and black metal, particularly the output from before 2010. It’s that combination, the old and the extreme, the delicate and the crushing, that gives Oblivion its character.

The band is already working on their next release, with a stated intent to evolve the format while keeping the philosophy intact: modern music made by people who genuinely revere the golden age of progressive rock.

www.beyondtheveil.jp

Finnish Metal band Horizon of Aeons released a doomy single ‘Until the Darkness Claims Us’ – debut album out in May

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 second single ‘Until the Darkness Claims Us’, is available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/horizon-of-aeons-darkness

The band comments:

“The title of the song is taken from the book written by Sarah J. Maas. The lyrics are loosely based on that story. The vow of absolute loyalty and brotherhood binds us to one another until our very last breath. The doomy atmosphere in the first part of the song is crushingly heavy, but only momentarily until the melodic relief comes. Later in the song, the heaviness returns, followed by beautiful melodies from keyboards and guitar, and the outro features three consecutive key modulations. This is something you don’t hear every day in metal music.”

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

 

Guitar Player praises the Finnish guitarist-musician-producer Jimmy Westerlund, who joined legendary Giant

After more than 25 years of writing, producing, and shaping music for his various band projects and other artists, Jimmy Westerlund has risen to the ranks of the world’s guitar stars. The world’s leading guitar magazine, Guitar Player, has just published an extensive feature praising Westerlund’s skills and style, and has also invited the Finnish guitarist to join its masterclass video series, where Westerlund reveals the secrets behind his playing.

“When Jason Sidwell called me, I first thought it was a prank call – there’s no way Guitar Player would call me! But he was convinced that the story had to be told: how some random guy from Finland ended up in Giant,” Westerlund says.

Westerlund’s name has been gaining recognition for years through his work with major artists trough Warner Music and Sony. His latest major role is as guitarist, producer, and songwriter in the current lineup of legendary American band Giant, stepping into the shoes of Dann Huff on the album Stand and Deliver.

Westerlund has also previously appeared on Escape Music owner Khalil Turk’s solo album TURKISH DELIGHT III, alongside internationally renowned rock musicians such as Marty Friedman, Glenn Hughes, James LaBrie, Billy Sheehan, Vinny Appice, and Ian Paice.

Guitar Player’s Jason Sidwell was particularly impressed by how Westerlund’s playing captures the essence of classic ’80s guitar heroes – even more so, stylistically, than many of them today.

“This is the music I’ve lived and breathed since I was a kid, and I don’t think I would’ve been ready for this ten years ago. I also want to sincerely thank Jason for the support he’s given me through all of this.”

The Guitar Player feature explores the legacy of melodic ’80s guitar tradition, placing Westerlund alongside names like Steve Lukather and Neal Schon.

“It feels like a huge recognition to be acknowledged by such an institution in the guitar world.”

Known as a go-to producer for multiple bands, Westerlund has also ventured beyond classic melodic rock during his career. One notable example is Game On, co-written with Pitbull, which served as the mascot song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Listen Up! album featuring the track reached No. 1 on Billboard’s World Music chart in the U.S. and remained on the chart for 14 weeks. The same album included Shakira’s Waka Waka. Altogether, music written and produced by Westerlund has amassed over 200 million streams worldwide.

Looking ahead, Westerlund will continue working as a solo artist while also focusing on producing and songwriting primarily for international artists. In addition, Westerlund plans to share his expertise in melodic rock guitar through clinics, live performances, and his newly launched YouTube channel, where upcoming Guitar Player masterclass episodes will also be published.

At the same time, stepping out from behind the scenes into the spotlight as a solo artist feels both exciting and slightly surreal for Westerlund.

“I feel this is a clear turning point in my career. After decades of being ‘the other guy in the background’ – a role I’ve also truly enjoyed – creating my own music with my own voice is both a risk and exactly what I need to stay inspired,” he says.

INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

Smoking Snakes return with new video “Pleasure And Pain”

Swedish sleaze metallers Smoking Snakes return today with their new single and video, “Pleasure And Pain”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band commented on the new track, by saying: “The song dives into the dangerous attraction between desire and obsession. That thin line where passion turns into something a little more twisted.  Pleasure And Pain plays with the idea that sometimes the things that thrill  us the most can also be the ones that drive us insane”.

Watch the official video for “Pleasure And Pain” HERE

Stream “Pleasure And Pain” HERE

Smoking Snakes are a Gothenburg-based sleaze metal band turning heads and making waves in the rock scene. Formed in 2022 by Brett Martin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Andy Delarge (bass, backing vocals), Mackey Gee (drums, backing vocals), and Rob Raw (lead guitar, backing vocals), they are the next generation of hard-hitting, guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll.

Influenced by 80s arena rock giants like W.A.S.P, RATT, Dokken, and Kiss, Smoking Snakes deliver a fresh, modern take on classic sleaze metal — from catchy hooks to heavy riffs and powerful vocals, their sound is unmistakably their own.

Their critically acclaimed debut album, Danger Zone (2024, Frontiers Records), earned finalist status for both Album of the Year and Debut Album of the Year at the Rocknytt Prize, standing alongside some of Sweden’s biggest rock acts. In 2025, the band made their UK debut with explosive shows in London, Nottingham, and Wakefield, leaving audiences stunned and quickly securing a return visit later that year.

Currently putting the finishing touches on their second album, Smoking Snakes are ready to push boundaries, forge their own path, and take the world by storm.

Line Up:
Brett Martin – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Andy Delarge – Bass, backing vocals
Mackey Gee – Drums, backing vocals
Rob Raw – Lead guitar, backing vocals

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