Author: Crix

New Sun Release New Single & Lyric Video “Creating My Empire”

Italian melodic death metal force New Sun have unveiled their new single and lyric video, “Creating My Empire,” taken from their upcoming debut album Hanged’s Fate, set for release on August 7, 2026, via Wormholedeath Records.

“Creating My Empire” is a statement of resilience and personal transformation, where soaring melodies and crushing riffs accompany a journey through darkness, inner conflict, and rebirth. The empire becomes a metaphor for identity: our convictions can turn into the walls that separate us from the world. It’s the character himself who builds those barriers: with his own beliefs, he raises the “wall of his empire,” cutting ties with everyone and everything to defend what he believes in. In the pursuit of certainty, those walls keep growing higher, and what emerges is loneliness — a self-imposed exile, brick by brick. From there begins the real battle: confronting the prison we’ve built for ourselves, breaking free from our own chains — or our own wall — and rebuilding, step by step, until strength rises from the shadows.

Pre-save Hanged’s Fate: orcd.co/hfalbum

Born in the Italian underground, New Sun delivers a crushing blend of Death, Groove, and Black Metal. Their debut album, Hanged’s Fate, is a heavy journey through the human condition, exploring what happens when control collapses, and the road to rebirth begins. Driven by the standout single “Drag Me Down,” the record is a furious, liberating anthem about hitting rock bottom and breaking your own chains.

www.instagram.com/newsun_band

www.facebook.com/newsunmetal

newsn.bandcamp.com/track/create-my-empire

MANU PES BAND Unveil First Single & Video ‘Flying In The Dark’ from Upcoming Album

Available now on all major digital platforms via Volcano Records, “Flying In The Dark” is the brand-new single from MANU PES BAND and the first taste of the trio’s upcoming album, scheduled for release this September.

Entirely instrumental, the track perfectly captures the band’s musical identity, blending hard rock, blues and heavy metal into a dynamic balance of technical prowess, infectious grooves and memorable melodies. With “Flying In The Dark”, Manu Pes Band invites listeners on an immersive journey through consciousness, allowing the music alone to tell the story. Without the need for lyrics, the guitar becomes the voice of the composition, leading the listener through shifting moods of tension, energy and introspection, alternating explosive rock-driven passages with more melodic and atmospheric moments. The band’s sound is rooted in the meeting point between blues expression and heavy metal power, enriched by subtle touches of funk and fusion while remaining firmly anchored in hard rock. Catchy riffs, expressive guitar work and a strong sense of groove define a style that pays tribute to iconic artists such as Joe Satriani, Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, while maintaining a fresh and contemporary personality. The release is accompanied by the official music video, now available on YouTube, offering a visual interpretation of the track’s atmosphere and cinematic spirit, adding another dimension to this instrumental journey.

Formed in 2023 by guitarist Emanuele Pes together with Mattia Murtas and Maurizio Serreli, Manu Pes Band embraces a free and uncompromising approach to songwriting, effortlessly blending blues, hard rock, heavy metal, funk and fusion into a distinctive musical language. “Flying In The Dark” marks the opening chapter of a new creative journey that will culminate with the release of the band’s new album this September.

Listen to “Flying In The Dark” on all digital platforms and watch the official music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zcBGYshpEyA

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.instagram.com/manu_pes_band

Finnish progressive metal band End Of Abyss has released the first single from their upcoming debut album, set for release later this year

End Of Abyss, a rising name in Finland’s progressive metal scene, will unveil their debut album in October. While the band may be new to international audiences, its lineup features familiar faces from the Finnish metal world — including vocalist Mikko Herranen, known for his work across multiple bands and as a producer, and bassist Janne Koskenkorva, recognized from Baulta and Portrait of Beyond.

The first single, Astral Dreams, offers a strong glimpse into the album’s overall atmosphere. The nearly seven‑minute track tells a story set in a historical fantasy world, where summer slowly turns to autumn. Its lyrics introduce the album’s overarching concept, presenting the dream‑realm‑fighting “Platoon of Shadows” and exploring the connection between dream and reality — and how that connection becomes a weapon in the fight for a better world.

“We wanted the song to feel cinematic and epic, shifting from soft to heavy, from the eye of the storm to the beauty of a symphonic orchestra. The chorus intentionally contrasts a beautiful athmosphere with more ominous lyrical themes,” explains the band’s main songwriter Petrus Syvänperä.

“Astral Dreams is unusual metal track because it carries so much dynamic range. Those emotional shifts make the music interesting. It’s my favorite song on the album for that reason — the entire emotional spectrum is in use,” adds vocalist Mikko Herranen.

Listen to the single on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube Music, etc.): https://push.fm/fl/endofabyss-astraldreams

End Of Abyss began in Jyväskylä, Finland in the early 2000s as Petrus Syvänperä’s one‑man project. The first self‑recorded demo appeared in 2010, slowly planting the idea of creating a full progressive metal album. A key part of the band’s musical evolution was the development of Petrus’s home studio, where years of demos shaped both the band’s sound and the album’s narrative. During this period, the project worked with several artists but did not yet settle on permanent members.

When the debut album entered the production phase in 2024, guitarist Alpo Pöytäkangas joined and contributed also to the songwriting. Shortly after, bassist Janne Koskenkorva became part of the lineup.

The band’s sound took a major leap forward when vocalist Mikko Herranen joined. His strong melodic sense, professional experience, and human‑centered working style helped shape the album’s sweeping, symphonic atmosphere.

In addition to Pöytäkangas and Syvänperä few tracks include solos by Antti Koivistoinen, who was involved also during the demo years, and rhythm guitars by Juha‑Matti “Masa” Berg (Remastered).

https://www.facebook.com/endofabyss

https://www.tiktok.com/@endofabyss

https://www.instagram.com/endofabyssproject/

 

King Satan reimagines Britney Spears’ hit (You Drive Me) Crazy – Autumn gigs announced, including a special gig with Erja Lyytinen

King Satan, one of the top industrial metal bands in Finland, released a real party song based on a summer hit, after all it is Britney Spears‘s huge hit (You Drive Me) Crazy, which fits perfectly into King Satan’s “death metal disco” style.

“There is more than one person in this band who has a very high regard for the early production of pop icon Britney Spears. For all of us, there was something about the pop music of the late 90s and early 2000s, and (You Drive Me) Crazy is one of those songs that perfectly encapsulates that era!”, King Aleister Satan summarizes and continues:

“Its energetic and uplifting atmosphere, with a touch of melancholy, catchy rhythms and great melodies, has still not disappeared from our collective consciousness! All of this turned into industrial metal and King Satan’s style surprisingly effortlessly on top of that.”

King Satan will release their new album Black Magick Abraxas on November 6th, but this song won’t be featured on it. Understandably, the legal ramifications of one of the world’s biggest hits have also turned out to be quite a jungle, but the band is happy that the single is released with a music video.

“This is our tribute to the eternal return of pop culture, which programs our subconscious to understand that a good song is a good song regardless of genre.”

King Satan has previously released the single Light of Darkness from his upcoming album and the single Black Magick Rock ‘N’ Roll, made with blues guitarist Erja Lyytinen. Those songs will also be heard live at the first shows of the release tour, which have now been announced:

01/10/2026 – Tampere, Lost In Music Festival 2026
14/11/2026 – Turku, Fuusio (Support: Bloody Falls, Black Totem)
20-21/11/2026 – Helsinki, Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2026 (King Satan feat. Erja Lyytinen Special Show)
28/11/2026 – Kouvola, Haitaritehdas (Support: Deathropy, Kollectivist)
19/12/2026 – Mikkeli, Dinosaurock Club / Kulttuuritalo Tempo (Support: Deathropy)

The upcoming Black Magick Abraxas album includes the following songs:
1. Black Magick Rock ‘N ‘ Roll (feat. Erja Lyytinen)
2. Light of Darkness
3. Fire in the Hole
4. Hate Me Baby
5. Abraxas Rising
6. Far Beyond Good and Evil
7. The Devil Made Me Do It
8. Down by the Sins
9. Ride the Lion (CD/LP Bonus) 

www.kingsatan.net

French Modern Progressive Blackened Metalcore outfit ELICERE unveiled new single “Erased I: The Dome” on YouTube & Bandcamp

From the heart of France’s Tarn region, ELICERE forges a sound as complex as its philosophy: a modern metal fusion of modern-metal/hardcore’s fury, black metal’s abyss, and metalcore’s precision. But this is more than music : it’s maieutics in motion, the art of drawing forth what lies buried deep.

Their debut album traces the journey of Erased, a character trapped in her imaginary dome, watching the world’s vanities, idolatries, and murky relationships with a mix of revulsion and longing. Until the vision comes: she must become the voice. A voice against eschatological denial, illusions of omnipotence, and the path to perdition ; and the alternatives that lurk beyond.

ELICERE unveiled a first glimpse from their debut album with the single “Erased I : The Dome” available with a music video on YouTube and Bandcamp.

ELICERE is modern metal as catharsis. Rooted in the Tarn region of France (2023), the project wields modern–metal, hardcore and blackened metalcore to explore the duality of Erased—a character torn between withdrawal and the urge to expose the world’s corruption.

Inspired by the Latin elicere (“to draw from”) and the Socratic method of maieutics, ELICERE’s music is a journey inward and outward: a sublimation of the self (body, soul, spirit) and a mirror to society’s illusions. Their debut album chronicles Erased’s transformation—from a silent observer in her “imaginary dome” to a voice of defiance, witnessing denial, omnipotence, and perdition—and the alternatives that emerge from the struggle.

France’s KINGCROWN Shares New Video “Nothing” From Upcoming Album “Moonfall” Out September 2026

French melodic heavy/power metal band KINGCROWN return with “Nothing“, the second single taken from their forthcoming album “Moonfall” due for release on September 4th, 2026. Supported by an official music video, the new track further develops the album’s conceptual direction while showcasing the band’s blend of melodic heavy metal and European power metal.

After introducing the time-travel narrative of “Lost Horizon“, KINGCROWN now turn their attention to another central theme of “Moonfall” with “Nothing“. Conceived as a direct sequel to “Utopia Metropolis” from “Nova Atlantis“, the song explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the gradual replacement of genuine human relationships by increasingly sophisticated machines designed to replicate emotion without truly experiencing it.

Rather than presenting technology as either salvation or threat, “Nothing” reflects on the emotional consequences of a society where authentic human connections become progressively less frequent. The lyrics question whether convenience and technological progress may ultimately come at the expense of empathy, identity, and personal relationships, continuing KINGCROWN‘s interest in combining speculative themes with contemporary social reflections.

Musically, “Nothing” combines driving guitar riffs, twin-guitar harmonies, melodic vocal lines, and a memorable chorus supported by a modern and balanced production. The track reinforces the band’s melodic identity without losing the energy and precision that have characterized its most recent releases.

Produced by KINGCROWN and mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, the single reflects the consistency of a lineup that continues to refine its musical identity with each release. Alongside Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, the current lineup features Ced Legger and Bob Saliba on guitars and Sébastien Chabot on bass.

With “Nothing“, KINGCROWN continue to reveal new facets of “Moonfall“, an album built around interconnected stories exploring technological evolution, artificial intelligence and the future of humanity. While each song stands on its own, together they contribute to a broader narrative that continues to unfold ahead of the album’s release.

For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Powerwolf

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/TxF5ca​
​VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-EbQJn32Mo​

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ALBUM PRE-ORDER – https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd​

Previous Single – Lost Horizon

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/4mhjvC​
​VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjlw2AZuPs​

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Kingcrown Line-up:

Joe Amore: Vocals
​Ced Legger: Guitars
​Bob Saliba: Guitars
​Seb Chabot: Bass, Guitars
​David Amore: Drums

About:

Kingcrown is a French melodic heavy/power metal band founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), both former members of Nightmare.

The project traces its origins back to 2015 with the band Öblivïon, formed following their departure from Nightmare. After the release of Resilience, the group adopted the name Kingcrown in 2018, marking the beginning of a more defined artistic direction rooted in the European heavy/power metal tradition.

From the outset, Kingcrown established a sound built on strong melodic structures, dynamic riffing, and a clear emphasis on songwriting effectiveness. Drawing from the legacy of bands such as Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Gamma Ray, the band combines classic influences with a modern production approach, resulting in a sound that is both accessible and structurally solid.

Following the release of “A Perfect World” (2019) and “Wake Up Call” (2022), Kingcrown entered a new phase with “Nova Atlantis” (2024), released via Rockshots Records. The album marked a clear step forward in terms of cohesion, production quality, and conceptual direction, receiving strong feedback from both audiences and specialized media.

Building on this momentum, the band continues its collaboration with Rockshots Records for “Moonfall“, scheduled for release in 2026. The new album further develops Kingcrown’s identity through a more focused songwriting approach and a broader conceptual framework centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and temporal dislocation.

The first single, “Lost Horizon“, expands the narrative universe introduced in “Nova Atlantis“, acting as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey” and introducing a time-travel storyline in which a WWII B-17 pilot is propelled into the year 2045. This approach reflects the band’s growing interest in combining structured songwriting with narrative continuity.

Kingcrown’s current lineup – Jo Amore (vocals), David Amore (drums), Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – has remained stable across recent releases, contributing to a consistent and cohesive musical direction.

With a steadily evolving discography and a clear artistic vision, Kingcrown has established itself as a credible presence within the European metal scene, balancing melodic immediacy, conceptual depth, and production precision.

https://rockshots.eu/
https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off​

The Funeral Portrait Video Interview

The Funeral Portrait emerged from Atlanta in 2014, forging a world where theatricality, sharp visual style, and an uncompromising creative attitude collide with intensely hard‑hitting songs. Their sound, an evocative blend of emotional hardcore, punk rock, and musical theater, has drawn comparisons to My Chemical Romance, Ghost, and Motionless In White while remaining unmistakably their own. In 2024, the band released Greetings from Suffocate City, a darkly cinematic and meticulously crafted album that quickly became a defining milestone. A year later, they expanded that universe with a deluxe edition featuring several guest appearances, further enriching the album’s narrative and sonic depth.
Onstage, The Funeral Portrait transform performance into ritual. Their live shows, known as Devotion Ceremonies, immerse audiences in elaborate, visually captivating stage worlds inhabited by symbolic characters called The Icons. These ceremonies have become central to the band’s identity and the profound connection they share with their fanbase.
After The Funeral Portrait’s first‑ever Finnish Devotion Ceremony at Tuska Festival, we sat down with frontman Lee Jennings to discuss Greetings from Suffocate City, life on tour, the band’s relationship with their devoted followers, the evolution of their songwriting, and their plans for the future. Jennings spoke with disarming openness, offering heartfelt reflections while also leaving room for lighter moments, including conversations about food, that revealed the warmth and humor behind the band’s theatrical facade.

 

https://linktr.ee/tfp_insta

Bloodred Hourglass Video Interview

Following the success of “We Should Be Buried Like This,” Bloodred Hourglass returned last May with “After the Burial,” an EP combining two previously unreleased songs and two stunning live recordings captured during their performance with St. Michel Strings.
Fresh from their performance at Tuska, we sat down with drummer Jarkko Hyvönen to delve into the rhythmic backbone of this period. Our conversation explored the album’s creation from a drummer’s perspective, the story behind the EP, his collaboration with Erja Lyytinen, and how years of touring, recording, and personal growth have shaped his musical craft. Hyvönen also shared his evolving vision for music, the band’s future plans, and more, offering a candid look at the drive that drives Bloodred Hourglass.

https://linktr.ee/bloodredhourglass

Nenerchy Video Interview

Nenerchy has created a sonic identity that defies classification: her music is an electrifying collision of rap, rock, and drum ‘n’ bass that bears the unmistakable imprint of her punk beginnings, when counterculture ignited her at sixteen. And that fuse has never died.
Before her show at the Tuska Festival, she spoke to us about how she shaped her debut album, Prima Bailarina, without any genre restrictions, the unconventional sources that fuel her creativity, from movies to weird noises, and her striking stage look, which amplifies her presence even before the first note is played.

https://linktr.ee/nenerchy

 

Lunarsea Video Interview

Born from the remnants of Hollowearth in the early 2000s, Italy’s Lunarsea built their reputation on ambitious studio work long before stepping onto a stage. Their debut Hydrodynamic Wave (2006) became Burning Star Records’ best‑selling release, followed by Route Code Selector (2009), Hundred Light Years (2013), and the acclaimed Earthling‑Terrestre (2019). Their latest offering, ELEMENTI – Live in Tokyo (2025), showcases a band fully matured and live‑driven.
Ahead of their first ever Finnish show at Tuska, Lunarsea spoke with us about their musical evolution, the energy behind their live performances, and the mindset required before beginning work on a new album. The ideas are already flowing, now they are waiting for the right moment to ignite.

https://www.instagram.com/lunarsea.official/
https://www.facebook.com/LunarseaBand/
https://nacnaus2.wixsite.com/lunarsea