Author: Crix

From Ashes To New announce release of new album Reflections this spring

From Ashes To New, who emerged from Pennsylvania to the world, have made a convincing rise in the metal scene in recent years. The band’s distinctive style, combining elements of modern metal with heavy electronic sound and rap, has gathered a large fan base around the band, for whom there is good news today!
From Ashes To New will release their new studio album Reflections on April 17th. The publisher is Better Noise Music.

Accompanying the good news is the single Villain, which is a split from the album, and is released with a music video. Villain offers a new perspective on the dynamics of toxic relationships. Often the story is told from the perspective of the person who is aware of the destructiveness of the relationship, but still stays in it. The song Villain turns the situation upside down.

“Villain is about the magnetic attraction between two people. They know the risks, but they still go for it. It’s about that moment when the will to overcome the consequences and the chaos becomes attractive. The song dives into that dark and intoxicating tension where temptation feels right. It’s not about saving each other, it’s about surrendering to a part of yourself that you pretend doesn’t exist,” says the band’s singer Matt Brandyberry.

The 12-track album Reflections follows the Blackout album, released in 2023, which collected the top spots on several radio and streaming charts. The new album has already released two singles – New Disease, about blindly following trends, and the intense and dark Drag Me.

From Ashes To New is:
Danny Case – vocals
Matt Brandyberry – vocals
Lance Dowdle – guitar
Maty Madiro – drums
Jimmy Bennett – guitar

FROM ASHES TO NEW | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | QOBUZ

Tuska 2026 announced more artists: Amorphis, Tarot, Skindred, Lunarsea and more

A new year, new trends and summer is inexorably approaching. The Tuska festival, which will take to the Suvilahti area on the last weekend of June, has once again announced a strong heavy metal talent to strengthen what is already the most diverse metal offering in Finland next summer.

New additions to all festival days:

Tuska Fridays have been confirmed with Skindred, a ragga metal band founded in Wales in 1998 that combines metal, reggae, punk, hip hop and electronic music; Awake Again, a post-hardcore band that fearlessly merges different subgenres of metal and pop elements; Nenerchy, a genre-bending band that plays on the playing fields of rap, rock and drum’n’bass; and the Italian progressive melodic death metal act Lunarsea.

Omnivortex, a combination of technical death metal and black metal that has matured in the Helsinki underground, has been added to the Saturday program.

Tuska Sunday’s lineup includes the absolute cornerstone of Finnish metal, Amorphis, who recently released their new and highly acclaimed album “Borderland”, as well as the true pioneer of Finnish heavy metal, Tarot, who are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their debut album “The Spell of Iron” in the canon of Finnish metal.

Tuska KVLT bands

In addition, 8 bands have been added to the program, who have secured their performance spots by participating in the activities of the Tuska KVLT community last summer. The summer 2026 Tuska KVLT bands are Ashes of Perishing, representing the new wave of modern metalcore, hard rock regiment JellyDixx, Scythe Of Sorrow, serving up powerful melo-death, Despiser, the messenger of the new wave of Oulu metal, Dying Reverie, playing melodic death metal, Shere Khan, combining hedonistic hard rock and emotional metalcore, thrash whip NITRIK, and Suicide Chain, running hard rock with the power of groove metal.

Changes in performance dates

The performance date of both The Plot In You and 802 bands has changed to Saturday.

At this point, confirmed Tuska 2026 artists by performance date:

Friday 26.6.2026
Megadeth
D-A-D, Pain
Blood Incantation, Lost Society, Gatecreeper
Skindred, Bloodred Hourglass, Ensiferum
aurorawave, Awake Again, Slope,
Kneel Before The Death, Lunarsea, Nenerchy
Ashes of Perishing, JellyDixx, Scythe of Sorrow

Saturday 27.6.2026
Bad Omens
Trivium, P.O.D.
Kublai Khan TX, The Plot In You, Paleface Swiss, Rivers of Nihil, HOKKA
Swallow The Sun, The Funeral Portrait, Majestica, Dogma, Melrose Avenue
The Callous Daoboys, 802, Survivors Zero, Kallomäki, Omnivortex
Despiser, Dying Reverie, Shere Khan

Sunday 28.6.2026
Bring Me The Horizon
Amorphis, Tarot
Stam1na, Queensrÿche, Malevolence, Soilwork, The Browning
Sara, Return To Dust, Neckbreakker, Allt, Atlas
Kajos, Rukous, Necrotic Ooze, NITRIK, Suicide Chain

The remaining Tuska 2026 artists and schedules will be announced later.

Tuska Festival Director Eeka Mäkynen comments on the upcoming summer and the festival: “It’s absolutely amazing that we have such a diverse lineup to present in Suvilahti next summer, and the people of Tuska seem to agree with this, as tickets are currently selling at a record pace. Suvilahti will be tuned to the optimal settings to receive the entire choir.”

Remember to subscribe to the Tuska newsletter and you will definitely be up to date with the latest Tuska news.

Tickets:
All ticket categories are now on sale at Tuska’s official ticket sales partner networks, Tiketti and Lippu.fi.

One-day tickets from €159.00
Two-day tickets from €229.00
Three-day tickets from €249.00

One-day VIP tickets from €249.00
Three-day VIP tickets from €389.00

Tuska’s age limit is 18 years.

In collaboration with: Fortum, Helsinki, Karhu, Radio City, Redi

TUSKA 26–28 June 2026
Helsinki, Suvilahti
#TuskaFestival

Progressive Metal Force MANUEL Unleashes “Native Temple feat. Ryan Reeves” Music Video

Rising progressive Latin metal force MANUEL has released the official music video for their latest single, “Native Temple,” featuring a powerful guest performance by vocalist Ryan Reeves. The track is the second glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated EP, Parasite, set to arrive on February 27, 2026, via Wormholedeath Records.

“Native Temple” is a visceral exploration of emotional entropy, masterfully bridging the gap between celestial beauty and the grit of human decay. Featuring a haunting performance by Ryan Reeves, the track serves as a sonic meditation on the “Frostfire”, the paralyzing intersection of burning passion and the cold stasis of a dying connection.

The song gets deep into the pain of drifting apart, using words like “sutures” and “creases” to describe a relationship breaking at the seams. It’s a powerful look at isolation and how being away from someone can change your whole world, leaving you caught between the warmth of the past and the cold truth of the present.

While “Native Temple” explores internal landscapes, the upcoming EP Parasite is a fierce outward confrontation of systemic rot. The record boldly challenges the oppressive grip of the wealthy elite, exposing the manipulative tactics used to divide society for corporate and political gain.

“Parasite is more than just a title; it’s a reflection of the parasitic forces at work in our society,” says project founder Manuel Urgiles. “We reject the idea of rulers or masters. This EP serves as a rallying cry to unite against the corrupt systems that exploit us. It’s a call to dismantle their control and build a future rooted in genuine change.”

Fans can experience the fearless evolution of progressive Latin metal by pre-saving the EP now.

Pre-save “Parasite” here: 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

Theatrical metal band Endless Exam from Finland returns with a furious new single “Shut Up!”

Finnish theatrical metal band Endless Exam returns from couple years of hiatus from releasing new music with a new furious single “Shut up!”.

Vocalist Nina Kuronen tells about the theme of the song “The song is about mental violence. Intentional psychological violence. Belittling, threatening, blaming, manipulation that causes deep psychological wounds. A difficult topic that is often not visible from the outside.”

“The song is the band’s fastest and darkest release to date. The song combines two ideas that fit together perfectly.” Guitarist Jukka Saarinen says.

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/endlessexam-shutup

Endless Exam from southern Finland is a theatrical metal band formed in 2020. The band combines atmospheric melodies with heavy rhythms, led by vocalist Nina Kuronen.

The band’s debut album, “Voice of Passion and Agony,” was released in June 2023 through Inverse Records.

Line-up:

Vocals: Nina Kuronen

Guitar: Jukka Saarinen

Bass: Tuomas Vartiainen

Drums: Joni Kouki

https://linktr.ee/endlessexam

Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Ignite The Universe With New Video “Deepstar”

Edmonton, Canada’s alt‑metal visionaries Famous Strangers, have unveiled the long‑anticipated music video for “Deepstar,” their debut 2024 single and the first song the band ever released. After two years in the vault, the cinematic visual finally arrives in 2026, marking a major milestone in the band’s evolving creative journey.
​
Originally released in September 2024, “Deepstar”, mixed by Juno‑winner Phil Anderson (Econoline Crush, Garth Prince, Van Halst) and mastered by world‑renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Dokken, Dream Theater, Limp Bizkit), introduced listeners to Famous Strangers’ signature blend of atmospheric storytelling, haunting melodies, and emotional intensity. The new long‑form video brings the track’s cosmic narrative fully to life.
​
Vocalist Amanda Kiernan describes the origins of the song as deeply personal and unexpectedly cosmic:
​​
“I started writing this song literally just describing my friend Mileena, how she makes me feel, and how her presence feels in the room. It all came together so perfectly when I added all the space and healing. The world needs a hero, and I put those two together… it just happened, flooding the paper like some epic extraterrestrial being. What’s even better is that she agreed to be Deepstar and be in our video. We are honored and blessed to have her.”​
​
Guitarist Jeff Kittlitz recalls how naturally the music itself formed:
​
​“Deep Star came together quickly and organically. While exploring presets on my new Fractal FM9, I landed on a tone that instantly brought to mind classic Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and the main riff came together almost immediately. Once I brought it to Beej, the song fell into place fast and gave Amanda plenty of space to write. It was one of the first songs the four of us created together. During recording, the ending evolved in the studio, and we loved it so much we kept it. It was one of those moments that proves the magic that happens when everyone’s locked in. At its core, it’s a straight‑up rock song.”​
​
Kittlitz adds:
​
​“Deep Star is coming. This was the very first song we ever released, and the video has been two years in the making. We’re fired up that it’s finally unleashed. A dark cosmic tale of a woman from space sent to save our doomed souls. Massive thanks to Brad Thompson, Mileena Kombat, and Shade Nightclub for helping summon this beast.”​
​
​“Deepstar” represents the earliest spark of what would become Famous Strangers, a band that formed almost by accident, yet grew into something powerful and intentional. Since their formation in 2023, the group has released four singles, each expanding their sonic universe: (Deepstar 2024), (George 2024), (I’ll See You In The Stars 2025), and (L.S.C. 2025).​
​
These tracks have positioned Famous Strangers as one of Canada’s most intriguing emerging heavy acts. The band has performed at Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, and shared stages with Revocation, Danko Jones, Three Inches of Blood, Riot City, and more. Their dark aesthetic, emotional depth, and cinematic approach to songwriting continue to draw attention across the metal and hard‑rock landscape.
​
With the release of the “Deepstar” video, Famous Strangers close the loop on their earliest chapter while stepping boldly into their next. Their upcoming 2026 full‑length album promises to expand their universe even further, darker, deeper, and more immersive than ever.
​
For fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, watch the “Deepstar” video via Space Untravel’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXBDka5r1UQ​

Add “Deepstar” to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/70ubKz5KnptZEvLHi5KpbY​

​

In additional news, Famous Strangers have been chosen as local support for Danko Jones‘ show date in Sherwood Park, AB, a suburb of Edmonton, on February 6th at Sherwood Park Festival Place. For more info, please visit https://festivalplace.ca/events/danko-jones-2/​

​

Previous Singles:

Music Video- L.S.C. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXowgk7zopA​

Music Video – I’ll See You In The Stars – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtdfaMp4Hec​

Lyric Video – George – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz85ChqELO4​

About: Formed through a collision of ideas, personalities, and musical histories, Famous Strangers craft a sound that is as moody and mysterious as it is intense. Their music blends atmospheric textures with melodic and aggressive vocals, creating a sonic world that feels both intimate and otherworldly.
​
Each member brings years of experience from previous projects, shaping a band that thrives on creativity, experimentation, and emotional honesty. Their music is recorded and mixed almost entirely in‑house by guitarist Jeff Kittlitz, keeping their sound raw, authentic, and fully under their artistic control.

​Famousstrangersband.com

​Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

​Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

​Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

Cleopatra Entertainment To Release The Long-Awaited Documentary Film “Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer”

The life and career of pioneering heavy metal frontman Paul Di’Anno, the powerhouse voice heard on Iron Maiden’s early albums, will be celebrated in the forthcoming documentary, Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer, to be released by Cleopatra Entertainment this summer.

In a strikingly raw and intimate film, director Wes Orshoski captures the late singer riding an emotional rollercoaster toward the end of his life. Featuring appearances by James Hetfield(Metallica), Gene Simmons (Kiss) Maiden’s Steve Harris and members of Exodus, Slayer, Megadeth, Overkill and Sepultura, the film chronicles how two Iron Maiden fans encounter Di’Anno at the lowest point of his life and then set out to restore his health and relaunch his career.

Wheelchair-bound since the mid-2010s, Di’Anno’s health nosedived during the Covid-19 pandemic, when those two fans launched a crowdfunding campaign which ultimately led to him relocating to Croatia, where – through the help of those fans and doctors – he made a dramatic turnaround while running out of money, reuniting with his former Maiden bandmates, and falling in love. Eventually he makes a heroic and drama-filled return to the stage. All of this is captured in Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer, which Orshoski began shooting in 2017.

“For years there wasn’t much to capture,” says Orshoski, whose credits include Lemmy, a study of Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister and The Damned: Don’t You Wish That We Were Dead. “Paul was waiting for surgeries that doctors in the U.K. would not green-light. He was in an incredibly dark place. But once he got to Croatia, fans and doctors gave him the hope he was desperately searching for. It was beautiful to witness. I wanted to make a film that was unlike any rock doc you’ve ever seen. And in the end, I think we got there.”

One of icons of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, London-born Di’Anno helped launch Iron Maiden around the world, appearing on two of the most foundational metal albums ever released: Iron Maiden’s 1980 self-titled debut and the celebrated follow-up, Killers, released in 1981. In one of the most epic sagas in metal history, Di’Anno left Maiden in 1981 and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, leaving metal fans around the world to debate which line-up and which singer was/is better. It’s a debate that continues to this day, almost 50 years later.

Orshoski finished work on the film (which was shot in England, Croatia, Brazil and the United States) shortly before Di’Anno’s death at 66 in October 2023. Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer has been screening at European film festivals and will be released worldwide on both streaming services and on Home Entertainment DVD and BLU RAY formats. 

 
About Cleopatra Entertainment:
Cleopatra Entertainment is an Austin, Texas – based multimedia company founded in 2015 by Cleopatra Records head Brian Perera. Recent notable films in release include the Film Festival darling Vampire Zombies From Space, Beyond Trainspotting: The World Of Irvine Welsh documentary film, The Japanese Sci-Fi hit Shin Ultraman, The Tubular Bells: 50th Anniversary Tour, Glenn Danzig’s critically-acclaimed horror film Death Rider In The House Of Vampires and the award-winning biopic Street Survivors: The True Story Of The Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash. For more information about Cleopatra Entertainment, please contact VP/General Manager Tim Yasui, tim@cleorecs.com or (310) 526-7210

The Xcerts return and share anthemic new track and video “do it to myself” out now

Today, The XCERTS return with their first original music since 2023, unveiling the anthemic new single “do it to myself”, their debut release for their new record label FLG Records.

A frenetic, grunge-laden alt-rock statement, the track finds the Aberdeen-formed, Brighton-based trio reconnecting with the raw urgency that first defined them, while retaining the melodic heft and emotional clarity earned over more than two decades together. It marks a powerful re-introduction to a band operating with renewed intensity, purpose and trust in one another.

LISTEN TO “DO IT MYSELF” HERE

Formed in 2001, The XCERTS, vocalist and guitarist Murray Macleod, bassist Jordan Smith and drummer Tom Heron, have remained a constant, unbroken line-up ever since, a rare feat that speaks volumes about the group’s creative bond and friendship. Through hard work, heart and resilience, they’ve long been established as one of the UK’s most consistent and emotionally resonant alternative bands.

After a run of records that explored more polished, pop-leaning textures, “do it to myself” signals a decisive shift back toward the grit and catharsis that first endeared The XCERTS to fans. Anchored by bright, urgent guitar tones that recall 2014’s There Is Only You, Macleod’s vulnerable vocal performance captures a moment of internal conflict and self-reckoning, wrestling with its own tensions, refusing to let up.

“There’s a desperate urgency about this song,” says Macleod. “It’s an admission of my fragility and tendency to self-sabotage when things aren’t good as they are. It’s a hard indie rock song, but the lyrics and vocal delivery are really vulnerable. That conflicting feeling was intentional – we wanted it to feel uncomfortable, honest, and human.”

Written collaboratively in the same room, something the band had not done on their 2023 album Learning How to Live and Let Go, “do it to myself” crackles with a sense of immediacy and shared energy, capturing three musicians fully locked into one another after navigating personal and collective turbulence – a mission statement for the band as a whole. The release arrives amid continued activity for the band, with Macleod also recently appearing as a guest vocalist on As It Is’ single “Ruin My Life” and an energetic stint as the live guitarist for Idlewild, a reminder that The XCERTS’ decades-long connection to the alternative scene remains alive and vital.

“do it to myself” is a bold opening statement – raw, reflective and resolutely forward-looking – from a band whose connection has only deepened with time, opening the door to what comes next.

Further music from The XCERTS will follow in 2026.

The XCERTS are:
Murray Macleod – vocals and guitar
Jordan Smith – bass
Tom Heron – drums

Finnish melodic death metal band Deadvoid Inc. to release debut album – new single ‘The Wounds’ out now

Hailing from the Mikkeli–Jyväskylä–Helsinki axis, this four-piece melodic death metal juggernaut, Deadvoid Inc., once again showcases their fast, melodic and technical sound. The single ‘The Wounds’ is the fourth preview of the band’s debut album, due for release in March 2026. 

LISTEN to The Wounds on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/deadvoidinc-wounds

“Musically, the track charges forward at full speed, sending chills down the listener’s spine from start to finish. In fact, it serves as an excellent cross-section of the band as a whole, as it features nuances drawn from several different genres. Lyrically, the song delves into the inner landscapes of vocalist Jonne “Monni” Saarinen, with the words rooted in the tragedies and turning points of his own childhood”, says Tuomas Torikka (composer/guitarist)

BIOGRAPHY:

Deadvoid Inc. is a Finnish melodic death metal band that blends elements ranging from classical music to extreme metal, creating an energetic, technically skilled, and

completely distinctive musical entity.

D-inc was formed in early 2025 when longtime acquaintances Jonne Saarinen (vocals) and Tuomas Torikka (composition & guitar) decided to build something new in the midst of everything old. The album was completed in its entirety, and prior to its release, guitarist Jami Honkala and bassist Ville Heino—both heavily involved in the making of the record—joined the band.

This lineup of seasoned professionals in their field brings a fresh new subgenre to the airwaves, unlike anything you’ve heard before. Energetic songs, catchy grand melodies, furious riffs, and heart-wrenching slow sections are here to show everyone what Deadvoid Inc. is all about.

The band will release their debut album in March 2026.

Line-up:
Vocals: Jonne Saarinen
Guitars: Tuomas Torikka
Bass: Ville Mikkola
Drums: Tino Jäntti

Links: 
https://www.facebook.com/deadvoidinc
https://www.instagram.com/deadvoidinc
https://deadvoidinc.bandcamp.com

Parashyne releases their second album preview single Children of Nyx

Parashyne will rock live on Friday at the End of Kaamos’ Reign event in Korjaamo, Helsinki, together with Shereign and Crisis Mode, and the upcoming gig will be prefaced with a brand new song, Children of Nyx, which features all the spices that are characteristic of Parashyne: heavy sounds, surprising twists and of course Tanja Härkönen’s strong voice, which this time takes the listener to the heart of darkness, spiced with Greek mythology.

At the same time, the single heralds Parashyne’s upcoming second studio album, the theme of which is the myths of ancient Greece combined with topics that people can identify with today. The band’s debut album Calibration was released in 2024.

“In the mythology, Nyx is the goddess of the night herself and her descendants are the embodiment of many different negative emotions and things. Especially during a long period of darkness, a depressive state can take over and the mind is filled with everything negative. The lyrics of the song specifically highlight certain emotional states and their gods/goddesses; strife (Eris), contempt (Momos), fear (Deimos) and suffering (Ponos),” says Härkönen.

At the same time, Tanja states that the new single is also based on a personal dark period in her own life.

“It felt like all I ever experienced was just silent lonely suffering and negative emotions. Later, however, the lyrics also developed to deal with how long periods without sunlight also lead to a depressive state, as if you had spent too long in the realm of Nyx and her children, the night, and they start to take over you,” Tanja adds.

Parashyne is:
Vocals: Tanja Härkönen
Guitars: Aitor Jimenéz
Bass: Sofia Kaipainen
Drum programming: Pauliina Anttila

PARASHYNE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY

Belle Morte Returns to Their Roots with Acoustic Reimagining of Debut Single “Mercy”

Symphonic gothic metal project Belle Morte announces the release of a new acoustic music video for their debut single Mercy..

Originally released on December 9, 2017, Mercy was the first song the band ever put out and holds a special place in their history. Since its debut, the track has remained a fan favorite, and listeners have frequently expressed interest in hearing it reimagined in a stripped-back format.

The new arrangement presents Mercy with piano and acoustic guitar, offering a more intimate and reflective take on the song while retaining the emotional core that made the original memorable. For the band, revisiting Mercy carries a sense of nostalgia and connection to the start of their creative journey.

Formed in Minsk, BELLE MORTE combines dark symphonic metal with gothic, progressive, and melancholic elements. After their 2018 EP Game On, the band signed with Wormholedeath in 2021 to release Crime of Passion, a conceptual album inspired by John Fowles’s The Collector. Their second album continues this global approach, delivering unique symphonic metal experiences for fans seeking something different.

www.facebook.com/bellemortemusic
twitter.com/bellemortemusic
www.instagram.com/bellemorteofficial
www.youtube.com/@bellemortemusic
bellemorte.bandcamp.com
bellemortemusic.com