Fresh off the release of their EP Frozen last spring, Finnish band Rioghan, a genre-bending band constantly shifting between alternative metal, progressive rock, and dark pop, delivered one of the most intense and emotionally charged performances at the Ankea festival. On stage, Rioghan Darcy was joined by a dancer who embodied her dark side, a physical manifestation of the darker undercurrent that pervades her music. The result was an intimate and evocative dialogue between light and shadow, which deeply moved those who witnessed the performance.
In our interview, Rioghan Darcy spoke to us about how the Frozen EP marked a turning point in her approach to songwriting, pushing her toward new creative horizons compared to previous releases. She also shared a funny anecdote from behind the scenes of a recent music video. And perhaps the most exciting news of all is that Rioghan revealed that new music is already in the works, hinting at further evolution on the horizon.
Author: Crix
Groove Death Metal Force New Sun Sign With Wormholedeath
Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Italian groove death metal band New Sun and the release of their debut album, Hanged’s Fate, scheduled for 7 August 2026.
Blending crushing groove-laden riffs, extreme metal intensity, and dark atmospheric elements, New Sun emerge with a debut record that explores the struggle between control, self-deception, and personal liberation.
Formed in Northern Italy between Padua and Venice, New Sun emerged from an underground creative process driven by musicians with diverse extreme metal backgrounds. The band quickly evolved from an experimental early lineup into a focused four-piece, refining their identity into a direct, impact-driven sound rooted in groove and death metal, while incorporating elements of thrash, melodic death, black metal, and modern metal influences.
The current lineup features Alexandre “Growler” Piccoli (vocals), Lorenzo “Mr. Gore” Toffano (guitar), Mattia “Basserker” Zanella (bass), and Mattia “Banz” Banzato (drums).
“For many artists, releasing a first album is an achievement in itself. Doing it with a prestigious label, however, has made us realise that we are really only at the beginning of our journey as musicians — and having their support at such a delicate stage makes us incredibly grateful, especially in the sea of competition that surrounds metal bands in our scene.”
At the core of Hanged’s Fate lies a conceptual exploration of control, collapse, and self-awareness. The album follows a psychological descent into uncertainty, where personal limits and internal contradictions come to the surface. Across its runtime, New Sun build a tension between crushing groove death metal weight and bleak, blackened atmospheres, shaping a narrative that offers no easy resolution.
A standout track, “Drag Me Down”, captures the emotional arc of the record, moving from inner collapse to catharsis and renewal, reflecting the album’s central idea: destruction and rebirth are inseparable processes.
With Hanged’s Fate, New Sun position themselves as a new force in modern Italian extreme metal, defined by intensity, purpose, and clarity of vision.
Finnish-Mexican melodeath ambassadors Ulthima releases the first single from their upcoming sophomore album
Approach of the long awaited second album release of epic melodeath ambassador Ulthima is being announced with an opening single “White Raven”. From Monterrey Mexico, to Helsinki Finland, the band came to be known in the Finnish metal scene with their Debut album “Symphony of the Night” in 2021, and is set to release their second full album in the autumn of 2026.
“White Raven” explores the journey from fearing death to accepting it as a natural part of existence. Guided by the symbol of the White Raven, the song blends mythological imagery and reflection on mortality, portraying death not as an end, but as a passage into eternity.
Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music etc.): https://push.fm/fl/ulthima-whiteraven
The guitarist and composer Ric tells about the song: “White raven is one of the last songs I wrote for this album. It’s one of those that come out of nowhere with just one small riff and rapidly developed in a full length song. It always felt very organic while it was put together and definitely one of the best ones in the album.
Lyric wise I wanted a deep topic for it. While it is a bit cliche talking about death and all that, I felt it was a fitting for this song as it is something we can all relate to.
With this album, we set out to sharpen and define our identity as a band. Instead of pursuing a polished, overly perfected production, we embraced a rawer and more organic sound that captures the intensity and spirit of our music. We wanted the album to feel alive—heavy, aggressive, and honest—while preserving the human element that often gets lost in modern productions. The result is our most authentic release to date, a record that reflects who we are as musicians and delivers our vision with power, atmosphere, and conviction.”
Ulthima is a band that originated back in 2010 in Monterrey Mexico, the band went on hiatus until 2018 in Helsinki Finland. Where the band finally consolidated its members and finished their first full length album Symphony of the Night. In mid 2024 the band started the recording of their second full length album Midnight’s Call, which will be released in the fall of 2026.
Ulthima:
Ricardo Escobar: Guitar
Luca Guagneli: Guitar
Antonio Valdés: Bass
Niko Sutinen: Keyboards
Ville Nummisalo: Drums
Tuomas Antila: Vocals
Finnish progressive melodic death metal band Numento’s new song “One With The Void” is a metaphorical portrayal of a painful death
“One With The Void” is a metaphorical portrayal of a painful death, through which Numento, a Finnish progressive melodeath band, briefly returns to its older musical roots. The story behind the song draws inspiration from a particularly sinister and fascinating natural phenomenon: the fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, better known as the zombie-ant fungus, which infects carpenter ants. The fungus takes complete control of its host, manipulates its behavior, and forces the ant to climb high into vegetation before its inevitable end.
Appropriately for its subject matter, the song moves through agonizingly oppressive atmospheres, twisting in pain before an unavoidable dark death — only for the cycle of infection to start again, over and over. The phenomenon and narrative can also be seen as reflections of human behavioral patterns, particularly in the worlds of crime, manipulation and cults.
Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music etc.):
https://push.fm/fl/numento-onewiththevoid
Musically, the composition combines the trademark contrasts that have become characteristic of Numento: brutality and melancholy intertwined with diverse vocal expressions and memorable guitar melodies. “One With The Void” is part of an upcoming EP scheduled for release later this year.
Numento:
Atte Asikainen – Guitar & backing vocals
Katri Hiovain-Asikainen – Vocals & kantele
Johnny Grinds – Bass & backing vocals
Aleksi Vehmassalo – Guitar
Mikko Virtanen – Drums
Portuguese Instrumental Titans 7Keys Unleash Epic Video For ‘Gates Of Glory’
Portuguese instrumental metal act 7Keys return with “Gates Of Glory”, single and official music video taken from their forthcoming album “Gæa”, set for worldwide release on July 10, 2026, via Wormholedeath.
‘Gates Of Glory’ maps out a classic heroic journey, charting a protagonist facing down immense adversity and pushing through to the other side.
Without a single lyric, 7Keys brilliantly translate this narrative through pure musical storytelling. The track is structurally split into five distinct movements, each representing a new trial conquered. Listeners will note deliberate, masterful shifts in tone, tempo, and texture, signaling the transition from one epic chapter to the next. It’s a masterclass in modern composition that bridges the gap between classic heavy metal gallop and contemporary progressive aggression.
7Keys was founded by guitarist Márcio Teixeira, whose connection to heavy metal began early. After teaching himself guitar, he later refined his approach under respected guitarist Paulo Barros, sharpening both technique and musical direction.
The project took shape after Teixeira met bassist Igor Rodrigues during a live production in Portugal. The current line-up is completed by Gabriel Pereira on rhythm guitar and Rodrigues on bass, forming a tight unit built around layered arrangements and clear musical intent.
Their upcoming album “Gæa” presents a collection focused on progression, melody, and atmosphere. Each track stands alone, but together they form a cohesive, instrumental narrative. The band keeps things focused: strong composition, deliberate pacing, and emotion carried through sound rather than lyrics.
www.youtube.com/@7Keys_band_official
“Breathe” In Progressive Collective LUFEH’s New Music Video In Support of Latest Album “Overwhelmed”
Progressive rock fusionists LUFEH have released their brand‑new music video “Breathe”, a vibrant and uplifting track from their newly released album “Overwhelmed,” out now as of May 29th. The song captures the band’s refined balance of technical sophistication and memorable, sing‑along melodies, an evolution that marks a new era for the long‑running musical collective.
“Breathe” stands out as one of the album’s most positive and energetic moments. Built on upbeat rhythms and bright melodic hooks, the track delivers a simple but powerful message: slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself amid the chaos of daily life. The band describes it as “a blast to play” and a reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause and take a breath.
Watch and listen to “Breathe” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0JHbR1hR5A
Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, “Overwhelmed” represents LUFEH’s most mature and melodic work to date. While the band’s signature progressive complexity remains intact, this album places a stronger emphasis on catchy vocal melodies, memorable choruses, and emotional clarity.
The album features eight meticulously crafted tracks, designed to blend technical musicianship with accessibility. From the rhythmic intricacy of “Double Dip” to the emotional weight of “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” the record showcases LUFEH’s ability to merge prog, fusion, metal, and Brazilian influences into a cohesive, modern sound.
A major highlight of the album is the addition of Ginny Luke as the band’s new featured vocalist. An internationally recognized electric violinist and singer, she brings a powerful new dimension to LUFEH’s sound, appearing on multiple tracks and elevating the album’s emotional and melodic impact. Luke has performed with artists such as Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Miguel, and many others.
LUFEH is a progressive rock band blending sophisticated, refined, and modern musical elements with deep emotional expression. Founded by drummer Lufeh, the band has evolved through decades of collaboration, friendship, and shared musical history. Guitarist Deio Tambasco and bassist Duca Tambasco, longtime collaborators dating back to their early band Anno Domini, rejoined forces with Lufeh to help shape the group’s current sound, alongside keyboardist/producer Gera Penna.
Despite living on different continents, drummer Lufeh Batera in Los Angeles and the rest of the band in São Paulo, the group wrote nearly 70% of the new album online, exchanging ideas daily and refining each track collaboratively. Their creative process is built on trust, honesty, and a shared commitment to crafting music that feels both intricate and emotionally resonant.
Influenced by Dream Theater, Rush, Vola, Tool, and Haken, LUFEH continues to push the boundaries of progressive rock while remaining grounded in melody, storytelling, and musical connection.
Listen to “Overwhelmed” (released May 29th, 2026) at the following links:
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/17TBW46gFIisvVekW4yyOW
Bandcamp – https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/
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Track Listing:
1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
2. Breathe – 4:03
3. Double Dip – 4:39
4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
6. Live The New Today – 4:50
7. War of Emotions – 3:50
8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18
Album and Live Band Line Up:
Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
Lufeh Batera – Drums
Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)
More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/lufehband
https://www.instagram.com/lufehband/
About:
LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical precision with emotional depth and genre‑bending influences. Formed by drummer Lufeh after a long hiatus from music, the band now features guitarist Deio Tambasco, bassist Duca Tambasco, keyboardist/producer Gera Penna, and vocalist/violinist Ginny Luke. Their sound draws inspiration from Dream Theater, Rush, Vola, Tool, Haken, and Brazilian musical traditions.
Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, Lufeh Batera, and Ginny Luke
• All songs written by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, and Lufeh Batera
• Produced by: Gera Penna
• Mixed by: Adair Daufembach
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Lufeh Batera
Norwegian metallers Triosphere unveil new video “Oceans Above, Stars Below” from upcoming new album out August 28th
Norwegian heavy metal band Triosphere have unveiled their new single and official video, “Oceans Above, Stars Below”, title track of the upcoming studio album, out August 28, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band commented: “We’re proud and happy to release the title track off our upcoming album, “Oceans Above, Stars Below”. It is rich with contrast in emotion and intensity, and perhaps somewhat more complex than some of the other songs on the album. This mirrors the title and lyric which dives into themes of momentous changes, challenges, deception, acknowledging everywhere and everything that you’ve been and finding/discovering new ways forward within it all. We sincerely hope you’ll enjoy the music, and the official video we’ve made for it together with Kinorama Studio!”
Watch the official video for “Oceans Above, Stars Below” HERE
Pre-Order “Oceans Above, Stars Below” HERE
The band commented: “This has been a long, loooong haul! But we are happy and proud to say that we once again feel we’ve made a strong and killer album and thrilled to have teamed up with the great Frontiers Music for bringing this out into the world! It’s a more intense album, both in atmosphere and speed, with hooks and melodies that’s cooler than ever, and we deeply hope and believe the listeners will feel it was well worth the wait!”
“As with our previous album, we knew that we wanted legendary Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios to do the mix of the album. The studio could at that time offer brand new, stellar facilities, so we decided to also record the drums and vocals there together with the excellent engineer/producer Alexander Backlund”, they continued. “This has lifted the audio quality of our albums to a new level, and we’re just so excited to finally share it all with the rest of the world!”
Furthermore, they added: “We’re also thrilled to properly share with you the album cover artwork by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design! We were well familiar with Giannis’ quality-work when we first reached out to him, and based on our discussions around the album title and lyrics, he has created a truly intriguing eye-catcher of an artwork!”
Triosphere’s music moves in between hard rock, power prog and thrash metal, and presents uniquely honest and hard-hitting songs; from the heaviest to the calmest, from intricate to classic, all led by strong melodies and compelling guitarwork.
Triosphere released their debut album “Onwards” on FaceFront Records in 2006/2007. It received rave reviews, and the award “Best Metal Album” from the world’s largest independent music organization JPF’s at their annual JPF Awards in Nashville in 2009.
In 2010, the band signed with AFM Records, who released their sophomore album “The Road Less Travelled” (2010), and “The Heart Of The Matter” (2014). Both albums received huge critical acclaim worldwide and consequently a growing number of listeners.
Throughout the years, the band has had the privilege of touring with some of the truly great names within the rock and metal genre: their first tours in 2006 and 2007 was with W.A.S.P., and in the years to follow they have toured Europe with Arch Enemy, Sonata Artica, Kamelot, Timo Kotipelto, Jorn, Crimson Glory and Sirenia.
They’ve opened for Dio and Nightwish, and played festivals like Wacken Open Air, Progpower USA, 70 000 Tons of Metal, Tons of Rock and Metaldays, to name a few.
The bands’ solid quality both on record and stage have earned them a steadfast audience and listeners around the world, and their long-awaited new album perfectly encapsulates the essence of Triosphere, standing the test of time.
“Oceans Above, Stars Below” Tracklist:
1. Premonition
2. Of Tyrants
3. Oceans Above, Stars Below
4. Monster’s Ball
5. Through The Phantom Wall
6. Shorelines
7. Lightning In A Bottle
8. Encore
9. Embers
10. Orpheus’ Bane
11. Cadence Of Chaos
12. Gjenklang
Line Up:
Ida Haukland – bass and vocals
Marius Bergesen – guitars
Tor Ole Byberg – guitars
Kenneth Tårneby – drums
Kælan Mikla Video interview
Shortly before their performance at the Ankea Festival in Finland, we met Kælan Mikla, the Icelandic trio whose music seamlessly transitions between genres and moods, defying any attempt at easy classification. Emerging from Reykjavik’s underground poetry scene and establishing themselves as one of the most exciting forces in modern darkwave, the band has constructed an entire sonic universe: evocative, atmospheric, and charged with emotion.
In this interview, we retraced their evolution, from their experimental beginnings to the ever-changing identity that defines their work today. They gave us a sneak peek at their upcoming album, reflected on their tour with Ville Valo, and opened up about the realities of life on tour; from caring for their well-being to the rituals that help them find balance before going on stage.
We also talked about what happens once they are on stage and what happens after the show is over.
A rare and intimate glimpse into Kælan Mikla, captured moments before they enchanted the festival crowd.
https://www.instagram.com/kaelanmikla
https://www.facebook.com/Kaelanmikla/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/28meEMqGpDrolyQ9OVoDAH
Ankea Festival 5-6.6.2026, Tampere (Finland)
Tampere has long been one of Finland’s most quietly creative cities, but on June 5 and 6, its industrial Hiedanranta district became something else entirely: the birthplace of Ankea Festival, a new gathering dedicated to progressive and alternative music.
For a festival that openly rejects the idea of becoming a mainstream giant, its debut was remarkably strong. Nearly every ticket sold, and the crowd that arrived by tram found themselves immersed in a setting where street art, abandoned factory structures, and lakeside nature collided in a way that felt perfect for this festival.
Food and drink options were solid, the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Only the weather refused to cooperate, Saturday’s intermittent rain and a biting 10°C breeze reminded everyone that Finnish summer can be unpredictable.
The honor of launching the festival fell to Demonic Death Judge, a Finnish sludge/doom/stoner quartet, who delivered a show packed with energetic riffs.
Virta followed with a rare full‑album performance of Hurmos for its tenth anniversary. Their blend of ambient electronics, Nordic jazz, and post‑rock created a engaging and thoroughly enjoyable performance.
Earthside delivered a cinematic, high‑energy set highlighted by keyboardist Frank Sacramone stepping into the crowd mid‑performance.
Then came Circle, Finland’s cult avant‑rock institution. Their show was a surreal, theatrical whirlwind, unpredictable, eccentric, and impossible to look away from.
The Irish trio God Is an Astronaut offered one of the evening’s most transcendent sets with a flawless, immersive performance.
France’s Slift pushed the power‑trio format to its limits, delivering a headbanging, psychedelic storm.
Ihsahn followed with a masterclass in genre‑bending metal. The night’s first major surprise came when Einar Solberg (Leprous) joined him for Celestial Violence.
Iceland’s Kælan Mikla transformed the stage into a dark, poetic ritual with a performance that can be define as haunting, magnetic, and deeply emotional.
Then Leprous headlined with a spectacular set. Ihsahn returned the favor by joining them on Contaminate Me, and former guitarist Øystein Landsverk appeared for a rare reunion moment that thrilled longtime fans.
The American instrumentalists This Will Destroy You closed Friday with an engaging and flawless performance.
Saturday opened with Royal Sorrow, whose hybrid of metal, pop, symphonic, and electronic elements energized early arrivals.
Rioghan followed with a visually striking performance featuring a dancer who mirrored the singer’s shadow, an artistic touch that elevated the set.
Vermilia with her blend of epic pagan metal and raw, melancholic vocal harmonies sung in her native tongue, delivered a unique and unforgettable performance.
The multi‑instrumentalist and producer Bruce Soord offered an intimate, emotional set that contrasted beautifully with the heavier acts.
One of the most compelling new voices in progressive music, A.A. Williams blended dark folk, post‑rock, dream pop, and classical influences into an evocative, captivating performance. Exploring the duality of human emotion, Sylvaine and her band delivered a delicate, atmospheric, and deeply memorable show.
Norway’s Green Carnation delivered one of the festival’s most energetic sets, forging a powerful connection with the crowd. Then Textures unleashed a tight, electrifying performance that had the entire audience headbanging.
Saturday’s headliners, Katatonia, performed The Great Cold Distance in full for its 20th anniversary. The show was masterful, though it ended earlier than expected, leaving fans wishing for a few more songs.
Closing the festival, Oranssi Pazuzu delivered a genre‑blurring, psychedelic assault of sound that kept the crowd moving despite the cold. It was an explosive, fitting end to Ankea’s first chapter.
With its carefully curated lineup, intimate scale, and atmospheric setting, Ankea Festival has already carved out a distinctive identity. It is not trying to be the next massive European festival and that may be its greatest strength.
The first artists to perform at Ankea 2027 have already been announced: Igorrr, Alcest, Kalandra, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Long Distance Calling, Vulkan and Karmanjakah.
Below is the photo gallery curated by Cristina Gregori.
Tabernaculum Released Debut Demo
Sydney, Australia based doom metal band Tabernaculum (feat. former Gallileous and Persecution members) presents their debut demo, Tabernaculum , which was released on May 23rd, 2026.
Tabernaculum Demo 2026 is now available for streaming on Bandcamp and YouTube!
Tracklist:
01. Intro – Crypts On Nibiru
02. Son Of Sodom (Stillborn cover 1985)
03. Total Maniac (Messiah cover 1985)
04. Erupted Evil (Necro Schizma cover 1989)
05. Outro – Crypts On Nibiru
Tabernaculum is a new doom metal band from Sydney, Australia. Founded mid 2025, Tabernaculum features veterans Karl Stepien (ex-Gallileous) on guitar/bass and Scott Mullins (ex-Persecution) on drums. Their debut demo was released on May 23rd, 2026.
Recorded and mixed at Rehearsal Studio 13, Padstow, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2026.
Mixed and produced by Jack Cranney of Rehearsal Studio 13.
The band is working on a full-length that will be released after the summer.
Line-up:
Beam – Vocals
Karl Stepien – Guitars, Bass
Scott Mullins – Drums
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