Author: Crix

Progressive Metal Phenomenon MANUEL Signs With Wormholedeath Records

MANUEL Led by the visionary guitarist Manuel Urgiles, who fuses virtuosic technicality, infectious Latin rhythms, and an uncompromising socio-political edge, creating a sound that is both raw and utterly essential. Their EP “Parasite” will drop on 27 February 2026, via Wormholedeath.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Manuel Urgiles has forged a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary progressive metal. His band MANUEL merges intricate, virtuosic guitar work with authentic cultural influences, creating a sound that is both visceral and intellectually charged. Grammy Award winner Stacy Parrish calls MANUEL “a true musical revelation, pushing boundaries with genre-defying fusion and emotionally charged, virtuoso guitar performances.”

“Parasite” boldly confronts the oppressive grip of the wealthy elite who manipulate and divide us for their own gain. It exposes how those in power intentionally pit us against one another while continuing to grow richer and more dominant.

“We reject the idea of rulers or masters. Instead, this EP serves as a rallying cry to unite against the true enemies—the corrupt systems and individuals who exploit us. It’s a call to shift our focus toward dismantling their control and building a future rooted in genuine change,” states Manuel. “Parasite” is more than just a title; it’s a reflection of the parasitic forces at work in our society. I’m eager to hear your thoughts—what do you think of this message and direction?”

Featuring collaborations with guest vocalists, “PARASITE” showcases MANUEL’s ability to seamlessly blend crushing progressive metal with Latin percussion, socially conscious lyricism, and genre-defying experimentation. The EP explores themes of immigrant resilience and cultural pride while delivering unrelenting sonic intensity.

MANUEL has already established themselves as a formidable live force, performing at major New England festivals including All Roads and VICES Fest, with a relentless touring schedule across the Northeast. Their high-energy performances have captivated audiences across metal, punk, and alternative scenes alike, proving that authentic artistry transcends genre boundaries.

Pre-save Parasite: orcd.co/parasiteep

MANUEL is:
Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar
Jason Ingalls – Drums
Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar
Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar
DJKTF – Keys/Percussion

Official Website: manuelguitarist.com
Bandcamp: westboundmusic.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/manuelguitarist
Instagram: www.instagram.com/manuelguitarist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MANUELGUITARIST

Within Temptation and Smash Into Pieces released together the massive single Somebody Like You

Smash Into Pieces and Within Temptation have joined forces with the joint song Somebody Like You. The song immediately ended up being played on several European rock and metal radio stations, and the momentum increased on Wednesday, when the music video made for the single was also released.

Combining cinematic orchestrations and modern rock, the song is an emotional ballad that deals with vulnerability, longing and the human need for connection. The single also features a 22-piece orchestra, and the end result was very dynamic. At the same time, the collaboration merged two different musical worlds into the same song: the symphonic depth and storytelling of Within Temptation and the modern edge of Smash Into Pieces.

“We’ve known each other for a long time and also toured together, so this is the perfect song to finally join forces. Adding an orchestra to this song felt like a trip to the memories for us, but at the same time it nicely complemented the more modern rock sound. We’re proud of what the song has become and grateful for the collaboration that brought it to life,” says Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel.

Within Temptation
Smash Into Pieces

Finnish Prog CANVAS OF SILENCE Unveils New Vocalist w/ Video “The Great Unknown” From Debut Album “As The World Tree Fell” Out Now

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “The Great Unknown”, the new official video by Finnish progressive metal act Canvas Of Silence. Featured on the band’s debut full-length album “As The World Tree Fell,” the song is now presented in a new version introducing Aino Vuorenmaa as the new lead singer of the band, marking an important step in Canvas Of Silence’s ongoing evolution.

Following the previously released singles “Drown”, “One With The Wind” and “Humanimal”, the latter having been featured in Spotify’s editorial playlist Metallia Suomesta, alongside the album focus track “Wayfarer”, this new version of “The Great Unknown” represents a pivotal moment within the record’s conceptual and emotional journey, while also signaling a renewed artistic direction.

Musically, “The Great Unknown” stands as one of the album’s most direct and immediate compositions, while remaining unmistakably true to the band’s sonic identity. Progressive metal foundations are enriched by expansive melodic lines, atmospheric textures, and dynamic arrangements that balance intensity and accessibility. With the introduction of the new vocal line, the song unfolds with renewed momentum, allowing its emotional weight to emerge with even greater clarity and purpose.

With “As The World Tree Fell,” Canvas Of Silence delivered a cohesive and emotionally charged debut album exploring themes of collapse, transformation, and renewal. Within this broader arc, the new version of “The Great Unknown” functions both as a moment of focus and as a statement of renewal, reflecting the band’s evolving identity and the beginning of a new chapter.

For fans of Pain of Salvation, Nightwish, In Flames, and all those drawn to music that challenges, moves, and transforms, will find much to explore in the world of Canvas Of Silence’s debut album, “As The World Tree Fell,” released on October 31, 2025.

Album Order – https://www.rockshots.eu/CanvasOfSilence​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://lnk.to/YFjpYgMB​

Track Listing:​
1. Watching the World Tree Fall – 6:20
2. Humanimal – 4:02
3. Anthem for Ashes – 4:54
4. Drown – 5:41
5. One With the Wind – 4:33
6. Wayfarer – 8:32
7. The Great Unknown – 4:38
8. Garden of the Fallen – 4:46
​

ALBUM LINE UP:

Hanna Uimonen: Vocals
Tatu Hanhikoski: Guitars, programming
Jaakko Puusaari: Guitars, backing vocals
Mikael Minkkinen: Bass
Iiro Vuori: Drums

CURRENT LINE UP:​
​
Aino Vuorenmaa: Vocals
Tatu Hanhikoski: Guitars, programming
Jaakko Puusaari: Guitars, backing vocals
Mikael Minkkinen: Bass
Iiro Vuori: Drums​

ABOUT:

Canvas of Silence is a catchy prog-influenced female vocal-driven metal band from Finland. Starting as a solo project by Tatu Hanhikoski (guitars, programming, songwriting), Canvas of Silence has since formed into a full band, including Aino Vuorenmaa (vocals), Jaakko Puusaari (guitars, vocals), Mikael Minkkinen (bass), and Iiro Vuori (drums). The music of Canvas of Silence paints its pictures on silence with complementary colours. It’s heavy but melodic, occasionally complex yet at the same time somewhat simple and catchy, glued together with female vocals and symphonic elements. Or, as the drummer Iiro Vuori put it, the music can be described as ”Prog-influenced Chorus Metal”.

​Rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/canvasofsilence | https://www.instagram.com/canvasofsilenceband/​

The 69 Eyes announce signing to BLKIIBLK and unveil new video “I Survive (Feat. Steve Stevens)”

Finnish rock band The 69 Eyes is thrilled to announce that they’ve officially joined BLKIIBLK, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group.

Starting a brand new chapter in their career, they proudly unveil a new track, titled “I Survive”, along with an official music video, available below.

The song features American guitarist Steve Stevens, best known as Billy Idol’s guitarist and songwriting collaborator, and for his lead guitar work on the theme to Top Gun (“Top Gun Anthem”), for which he won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1987.

The band commented: “Our new single, “I Survive”, written by guitar legend Steve Stevens and Jyrki 69 is The 69 Eyes at our best: simply rocking! The track is mixed by Barry Pointer (Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe etc) to bring the extra Hollywood magic in”.

Stream “I Survive (feat. Steve Stevens)” HERE

Once you’ve survived the 80’s rock scene, you become unstoppable – and The 69 Eyes are living proof. Formed in Helsinki in 1989 and still going strong with the same line-up some four decades later, the Helsinki Vampires have earned their legendary status.

In a world with fewer and fewer true believers in leather jackets, midnight sunglasses and low-slung guitars, The 69 Eyes keep the Johnny Thunders’ flame burning like an endless sleazy club night back in the days.

Their biggest hit, “Lost Boys”, from 2005, was made into an iconic music video by MTV’s Jackass star and skater Bam Margera and the song still remains on annual Halloween rock playlists.

One foot on glam, another one on goth, The 69 Eyes have released thirteen albums, reaching gold and platinum and a mainstream status in their native Finland. They have been touring without any notable breaks all over the world the last twenty years.

Vocals, a lead and a rhythm guitar, a bass and drums are the classic rock band line-up. The 69 Eyes have that magic on stage that is needed for these elements to carry on beyond the rock’n’roll dreams, theirs and their cult following.

Line Up:
Jyrki 69 – vocals
Bazie – guitar, backing vocals
Timo-Timo – guitar
Archzie – bass, backing vocals
Jussi 69 – drums

Follow THE 69 EYES:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Frostmorner Channels Medusa Myth in New Track “Gorgone”

Rising blackened atmospheric death metal force Frostmorner is proud to unveil the official visualizer for “Gorgone,” the visceral new single from the upcoming debut full-length, Orbital Kaos. Set to drop on February 13, 2026, the album marks a definitive statement from one of the genre’s most promising solo visionaries.

Rooted in the myth of Medusa and shaped with a cinematic mindset, “Gorgone” is built to feel immersive rather than conventional. What began as an influence drawn from Nile soon developed into a personal statement, where atmosphere plays a central role. The track layers brutal riffs with monster-like sound design inspired by film and video game audio, creating a dense and unsettling soundscape.

Structurally, “Gorgone” hits hard and moves with intent. Fast, aggressive riffing and slam-driven sections dominate the opening, before giving way to a slow, oppressive final act. This closing passage relies on steady, unyielding drumming and dark ambient textures, conjuring the image of a Gorgon carrying out a ritual. The narrative follows Medusa as she turns her victims to stone, then reshapes them through a dark rite into a monstrous force that spreads fear wherever it moves.

Hailing from Sicilian roots, Mario began the Frostmorner journey in 2019. After evolving from a collaborative effort into a solo powerhouse, Frostmorner has carved out a distinct niche in the Blackened Atmospheric Death Metal landscape. Handling all duties from guitars and drums to artwork and design, Frostmorner represents the ultimate DIY spirit in extreme metal, earning acclaim from fanzines and radio stations worldwide.

linktr.ee/FrostMorneR
www.instagram.com/frostmorner
www.facebook.com/FrostmornerMusicOfficial
www.tiktok.com/@frostmorner
x.com/FrostMorneR_
www.youtube.com/@frostmorner
frostmorner.bandcamp.com

MY INNER CHAOS Release New Single and Official Music Video ‘My Chaos’

‘My Chaos’, the new single from MY INNER CHAOS, is out now on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.

With this second release, the band continues its artistic journey into the darkest and most unsettling depths of industrial metal, asserting a powerful, recognizable sound identity charged with emotional tension.
My Chaos is both a personal and musical manifesto — a raw exploration of the inner turmoil that resides within the human condition.
The magnetic voice of Bia Redchaos leads the listener through a spiral of fragility and strength, control and chaos, carried by a sharp, dark, and visceral sound.
Every sonic passage is sculpted to convey urgency, conflict, but also awareness and determination.

 

Drawing influence from acts like 3Teeth, Author & Punisher, and Infected Rain, My Inner Chaos shape a distinct musical language where the intensity of riffs and the hardness of the sound blend with deep sensitivity and a cohesive artistic vision.

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.instagram.com/myinnerchaosofficial

Industrial metal comet Fear of Domination released new album KATHARSIS boosted by the Alone music video

Fear of Domination, who have risen to become one of the most important industrial metal bands in Finland, have released their new album KATHARSIS, whose ten rather angry tracks present a reborn band that challenged itself artistically, but also coincidences added their own spice to the entire project.

“Katharsis is the culmination of our entire band’s evolution and the members’ self-reinvention. They say that art requires pain and faith… and this album truly contains that. Making the album tested us with both its adversities and its production, but maybe that’s why I’m extremely proud of us now: we managed to go through this battle,” says Saku Solin.

He adds that when comparing the final result to the original demos, it becomes very clear that all the hard work was indeed worth it.

“The songs themselves were written by Lasse (Raelahti), some of which have been waiting for years to be created. At the same time, we were able to make our first full album with Anton and Jessica. For me, the biggest thing was to be able to write songs for FoD with my good friends after a long time and share my story through music. Feel is perhaps the best song of my entire artistic career. At least one of the most meaningful to me,” Solin continues.

The band has previously released the singles All As One and Endgame from this album, the latter of which was accompanied by a music video that contains beauty and coldness in the same package. The album’s opening song Alone, which was selected as the album’s focus track, was also filmed and directed by Elsa Wellamo.

The Finnish release tour for Fear of Domination’s album started from Louhisali in Espoo, and the tour will continue until the end of March as follows:

10.1.2026 Espoo, Louhisali
16.1.2026 Kouvola, House of Rock /w King Satan
17.1.2026 Helsinki, On The Rocks /w Let It All Burn
23.1.2026 Turku, Apollo /w Herja, Morket
24.1.2026 Tampere, Olympia /w King Satan
30.1.2026 Jyväskylä, Freetime
31.1.2026 Oulu, Kantakrouvi, Winter Massacre
13.3.2026 Kuopio, Circus /w Ruoska

Tracklist:
01. Alone
02. Dead Anyway
03. Monsters
04. Imposter
05. Last Words
06. Primum Noce Apte
07. Rabbit Hole
08. All As One
09. Endgame
10. Feel

Fear of Domination is:
Jessica Salmi – Vocals
Saku Solin – Vocals
Johannes Niemi – Guitar
Jan-Erik Kari – Guitar
Lauri Ojanen – Bass
Lasse Raelahti – Keyboards
Anton Nisonen – Drums

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

Gothic metal superband For My Pain released comeback album Buried Blue

Founded at the turn of the millennium, For My Pain… has remained in the minds of lovers of dark romanticism as a band that creates impressive and engaging music. So it is no wonder that the news of the band’s return and new album was received with joy.

For My Pain… worked on their highly anticipated comeback album Buried Blue without any unnecessary haste. The band’s singer Juha Kylmänen says that in addition to making the album, the band had several irons in the fire at the same time:

“How crazy is it to build a studio, raise a band from the grave, start a company and a record label, all at the same time as making an album? But this is how it was done! Artistically, making the album was enjoyable, even easy at times. It was like uncorking a good bottle of wine and listening to the sound of it being poured into a glass. The actual uncorking and the technical part of making the album were another matter. When we started stumbling over our own eye bags in the final stretch, we realized that we were physically out of time,” the vocalist recalls.

“However, the spirit of togetherness and the joy of playing kept the matrix together and the direction clear. Buried Blue could not be a better demonstration of how great things can be done with a great group. The fact that the album is finally made to deserve the glow of the nightly moonlight and makes the undersigned show his gnashing canines with a smile-like expression. I’m waiting for it like a wolf for the sunset,” Kylmänen paints.

The singles Recoil Into Darkness, WitchBitch Elite, Time Will Heal Our Wounds and Windows Are Weeping starring Nightwish’s Troy Donockley, which was released with a lyric video, were released in advance from the Buried Blue album. A special interlude single was also released in between – the band’s version of Tehosekoitin’s legendary Hetken Tie On Kevyt hit. The album’s lead single is the opening track Hungry For Desire.

“Recording Hungry For Desire brought back memories of the Fallen album recording sessions, when we did the solo for Dancer In The Dark in Kemi, in the back room of Tico-Tico Studio. The three of us jammed with Juha and Lauri, and came up with the final version of the solo. It was the same with the solo for Hungry For Desire. We sat in the studio with a group and bounced around ideas, just like in the old days,” says guitarist Olli-Pekka Törrö.

Buried Blue – track list:
1. Hungry For Desire
2. Windows Are Weeping (feat. Troy Donockley)
3. WitchBitch Elite
4. Child of the Fallen
5. Gone Tomorrow
6. Time Will Heal Our Wounds
7. Tether (feat. Riina Rinkinen)
8. Isle of Solitude
9. Recoil Into Darkness
10. Black Calla Lilies
11. Burnt-Out Sun

For My Pain… current members:
Juha Kylmänen: vocals (Refleksi, Täysi ei nothing)
Lauri Tuohimaa: guitar (Embraze, Tuohimaa, ex-Charon)
Olli-Pekka Törrö: Guitar (ex-Eternal Tears of Sorrow)
Altti Veteläinen: bass (ex-Eternal Tears of Sorrow, ex-Kalmah, ex-The Man-Eating Tree)
Marco Sneck: keyboards (Poisonblack, Chamelion, Tuohimaa, ex-The Man-Eating Tree, ex-Kalmah)
Ari-Matti Pohjola: rum (Reflexion, ex-Soulrelic)

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY

Finnish thrash metal band Krushor released their ‘Taste of Hatred’ EP

Finnish thrashers Krushor released their debut EP ‘Taste of Hatred’ on January 9th 2026 via Inverse Records. 

LISTEN to the EP on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/krushor-ep

The band comments:
“The themes of the songs on EP are not the easiest to grasp, but they are extremely important! I have always wanted to write about my own experiences and the things happening around me, especially the negative things and mental struggles. It’s kind of therapeutic to get the words down on paper first and then shout these themes out as loud as I can, maybe that’s my way of dealing with difficult things. 

The process itself was very exciting. We did the recordings ourselves for the first time and got the necessary equipment for it. It wasn’t the easiest way to do it, but we’re happy with the result. There is always room for improvement, and that drives us forward. We want to learn new things and get better at these things too. Most of the actual recording was done by our guitarist Joni, and we owe him a big thank you for his time, effort, and perseverance in the name of “creativity.” 

Next, we will focus on gigging, as long as we are blessed with gigs, and on writing new songs. Our goal is to make a whole album, which we also intend to record ourselves. The schedule is not rushed, so don’t hold your breath just yet. Making the EP was a great process, we got what we wanted out of it and learned a lot through the process!“
BIOGRAPHY:

The band found its current identity through shared musical tastes, playing together, and a shared hobby. We are a group of people who enjoy making and playing music that works for all of us. A big part of this is that composing, writing lyrics, and editing songs is open to everyone. All songs and compositions are created by the whole group, not based on one person’s vision or goal.

Our influences definitely come from older metal, but that doesn’t matter, because mixing genres actually adds a lot to our music; there’s no one right way to do things. Krushor’s goal is to make music that sounds good and at the same time talk about the difficult things that are part of life. For many people, music can be therapeutic, and if even one person feels that way about our music, we feel we have succeeded.

Italian darkwave/post-punk band Christine Plays Viola proudly announce their signing with the legendary American label Cleopatra Records – New Single My Redemption Out Now

The Italian darkwave/post-punk band Christine Plays Viola proudly announce their signing with the legendary American label Cleopatra Records (Los Angeles), which will release their upcoming album F.I.V.E. – Fear Increases Violent Emotions, scheduled for 2026.

“Joining the Cleopatra family is a dream come true for a band like ours,” say CPV. “We’ve always admired how Cleopatra keeps the darkwave spirit alive worldwide, and this partnership opens a new chapter for Christine Plays Viola with a stronger international vision.”

With this new deal, Christine Plays Viola further establish themselves as one of the most active and respected Italian bands within the international darkwave scene.

The upcoming fifth album,  F.I.V.E. – Fear Increases Violent Emotions marks the beginning of a new chapter for Christine Plays Viola and represents their most powerful, atmospheric, and emotionally intense work so far.

The lead single My Redemption introduces this new artistic phase with a dramatic hybrid of darkwave and gothic rock: pulsating synths, brooding baritone vocals, and a soaring melodic climax. Thematically, the song explores pain, vengeance, and rebirth — a statement of personal struggle and resilience.

“Christine” recalls the kaleidoscopic elegance of a Siouxsie and the Banshees song — a reflection of mystery and emotion in constant transformation.
“Plays Viola” evokes the fragile, human resonance of a bowed instrument — intimate, trembling, melancholic.
Together, they create a duality: beauty and decay, light and shadow, grace and disquiet.
A name that captures the band’s very essence — where melody and anguish coexist, and every note becomes confession.
Christine Plays Viola: a sonic journey for lovers of The Cure, Joy Division, Depeche Mode, and for all those who still seek poetry in the dark.

Christine Plays Viola is a darkwave/gothic rock band formed in 2008 in Abruzzo, Italy.
Active for more than a decade within Europe’s alternative scene, CPV have built a solid reputation for their distinctive mixture of baritone-driven melodies, post-punk tension, and cinematic atmospheres.
The band has toured extensively across Europe, performing at major festivals such as Wave Gotik Treffen and Castle Party, and sharing the stage with artists like Das Ich, Clan of Xymox, Chameleons Vox, And Also the Trees, Pink Turns Blue, Modern English, She Past Away, 1919, and more.
Their music has been broadcast on radio stations, club playlists, and darkwave media worldwide.

In 2025, Christine Plays Viola signed with Cleopatra Records (Los Angeles) — one of the most iconic alternative and dark labels in the world, known for working with Christian Death, The Damned, The Mission, Gary Numan, Clan of Xymox, and many more. This partnership marks a major step forward in the band’s international trajectory and sets the stage for their most ambitious release to date.

After several EPs and compilation appearances, CPV debuted in 2011 with Innocent Awareness (AF Music), followed by Promo 2012.
Their second album Vacua (Cold Insanity Records, 2014) — inspired by Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings — showcased a more conceptual and introspective side of the band.
In 2015 they began their collaboration with French label Manic Depression Records, releasing the 7’’ The Stars Can’t Frighten and the third studio album Spooky Obsessions (2016).
The EP The Bonds Should Be Only Silver Threads (2018) included a collaboration with Miro Sassolini (ex-Diaframma).
Their fourth album Fading (2020), released through Manic Depression and Icy Cold Records, introduced acoustic and psychedelic nuances into their darkwave foundation.

Line-Up:
Fabrizio Giampietro — guitars, synth, programming
Massimo Ciampani — vocals
Gianluca Orsini — drums
Marco Di Ianni — bass

Official Website: www.christineplaysviola.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Plays-Viola/67686376010
X / Twitter: www.x.com/christineplaysv
Bandcamp: www.christineplaysviola.bandcamp.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/monolitonero
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/christineplaysviola