Author: Crix

Eusapia released new single

American Post-Black Metal band Eusapia has released their new single «Relapse», the lead single from their upcoming two-stage release concluding with “Mercy” on December 21. Recorded in the band’s home studio and mixed/mastered by Somnium Recording, the track blends progressive DSBM, post-rock, and blackgaze to explore themes of addiction and Pacific Northwest isolation. A portion of physical merchandise proceeds will directly support regional overdose prevention and low-barrier harm reduction.
Formed in Washington state in 2013 and re-emerging from the foundations of the solo project “Somnium”, Eusapia is a studio-focused blackened post-metal project based deep in the Cascade Mountains. Driven by Somnium (bass/vocals), Cleopatra the Alchemist (guitars/vocals), Deenie (drums), and guitarists Chazdyn and Frank Keeler, the band weaves desolate post-black metal, doom dirges, blast beats, and shoegaze atmospheres into a rain-soaked Pacific Northwest soundscape. Their evolving discography includes the “Formless” EP (2024) and the “Thin Cities / Desert Festival” EP (2026).

MorteMutta new single available for streaming

International Symphonic Black Metal band MorteMutta released a new single «Hrungutsutr». The release was recorded at “Eijefjorden Studios” and mixed/mastered by Chris Highlander.
Bridging the ancient fjords of Norway and the neon landscapes of Japan, MorteMutta is a “Fjordmetal” project formed in 1999. Founded by members DC (Norway) and JJ (Japan), the duo crafts a cinematic universe combining Nordic and Japanese folklore, multilingual vocals, and unconventional instrumentation like the koto and roaring chainsaws. MorteMutta focuses on world-building and mythological storytelling over standalone songs. An infamous, defining moment in their history was the complete destruction of their early album masters by JJ.

The 69 Eyes unveil new single “Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica)” out now via BLKIIBLK

Goth rock icons The 69 Eyes are thrilled to unveil their new single “Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica)”, out now via BLKIIBLK.

Originally featured on “Blessed Be”, the song was first released in 2000 and became an international success for the band. Its title refers to the late American actor Brandon Lee, who played the lead role in the dark cult classic The Crow (1993).

The single was mixed by acclaimed American producer Matt Hyde, who also produced The 69 Eyes’ “Back In Blood”, recorded in Los Angeles in 2009. Known for his work with Slayer and Deftones, Hyde most recently mixed Megadeth’s self-titled album “Megadeth” (2026), which reached No. 1 in the United States.

The music video for the track was filmed at Suomenlinna, Helsinki, and directed by Elias Ryynänen. Paparazzi models Corinna Puleo and Lotte Vainio bring timeless catwalk glamour to the band’s gothic rock world, evoking the turn-of-the-millennium aesthetic.

The single is the first taste of an acoustic record, set for release early 2027. The 69 Eyes will also bring their melodic side on tour in February next year, with a nationwide concert hall tour across Finland.

“We’ve been touring nonstop around the world for the past three or four years. I checked the numbers this summer and realized that we had played 89 shows in 22 countries within a single year. Rock ’n’ roll is at its best live, but now it’s time to shift gears. An acoustic concert hall tour feels exactly right for this moment. As a preview of what’s to come, we created new arrangements of many familiar 69 Eyes songs and developed them into full acoustic versions. This is an invitation to come and hear us in a new, acoustic setting”, says Jyrki 69.

Watch the official video for “Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica)” HERE

Stream “Brandon Lee (Forma Acustica)” 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
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Frontiers Music Srl welcomes Swedish hard rock heavyweights Hardcore Superstar to the label – brand new single “Halo” out now

Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the signing of Swedish hard rock heavyweights Hardcore Superstar, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of Scandinavia’s most enduring and explosive rock bands.

The partnership kicks off with the release of Hardcore Superstar’s brand-new single, “Halo”, just days before the band launches the Scandinavian leg of its Dirty Halo Tour on October 2nd.

The band commented: “We’re really excited to start this new chapter with Frontiers. After all these years, we’re still just as hungry to make great records, play loud and push Hardcore Superstar forward. We feel Frontiers understands where we come from, but more importantly, where we want to go next. There’s a lot of new music coming and we can’t wait to get it out there.”

Aldo Lonobile, VP of Global A&R, Frontiers Label Group, stated: “Being a fan of the band for many years, I am particularly excited to welcome Hardcore Superstar to Frontiers! They have built an incredible legacy, but I truly believe they still have a lot to say and many more chapters to write. We’re excited to be the right partner for their next steps and to support their vision as they enter this new chapter.”

Raw, loud and unapologetic, “Halo” captures Hardcore Superstar at their most direct. Built on heavy riffs, attitude and a chorus made for the live stage, the song revels in the turmoil between chaos and redemption, where bitter truths, wine-soaked spite and fake prayers collide.

The band described the new single by saying: “Halo is an anthem for people faking their prayers in the hope of securing a little grace under their Dirty Halo. It’s about that distorted line that lies somewhere between praying for redemption and embracing the chaos – the sins, mistakes and bad decisions you can’t take back.”

Watch the official video for “Halo” HERE

Stream “Halo” HERE

The new single arrives as Hardcore Superstar prepare to return to the road for the Dirty Halo Tour, a 20-date run through Sweden and Finland beginning October 2nd in Malmö. The tour will continue into Europe and the rest of the world during 2027.

“We are excited to be back on the road for this long-awaited tour. We love the chaos, the crowds, the late nights and the connection with the fans. This tour is going to be something special”, said Hardcore Superstar.

Alongside preparations for the tour, the band are currently in the studio working on the follow-up to their acclaimed album “Abrakadabra”. The upcoming release will also be the first to feature new drummer Efraim Larsson (Gathering Of Kings, Masterplan).

Over the course of their career, Hardcore Superstar have built a formidable international reputation with their unmistakable blend of hard rock, sleaze, thrash and street-metal attitude. Driven by relentless worldwide touring and a catalogue packed with hard rock anthems, the band have earned a devoted global following and a reputation for explosive live performances.

In recent years, Hardcore Superstar have continued to reach new audiences through high-profile appearances and placements, including multiple songs featured in the HBO Max series “Peacemaker”, created by James Gunn, while maintaining the relentless touring schedule that has been central to the band since its earliest days.

With “Halo”, a major new tour and more new music on the horizon, Hardcore Superstar’s partnership with Frontiers Music Srl signals the start of a new era for the Swedish rock legends.

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – DIRTY HALO TOUR 2026:

October 2 — Slagthuset — Malmö, Sweden
October 3 — Birka Gotland — Viking Line
October 9 — Arbis — Norrköping, Sweden
October 10 — Lokstallet — Skövde, Sweden
October 13 — Tavastia — Helsinki, Finland
October 14 — Tavara Asema — Tampere, Finland
October 15 — Teatro-Sali Logomo — Turku, Finland
October 23 — Frimis Salonger — Örebro, Sweden
October 24 — Saluhallen — Motala, Sweden
October 30 — Folkets Hus Kulturhuset — Trollhättan, Sweden
October 31 — Steam Hotel — Västerås, Sweden
November 4 — Katalin — Uppsala, Sweden
November 5 — Börsen — Stockholm, Sweden
November 6 — Sara Kulturhus — Skellefteå, Sweden
November 7 — Folkets Hus — Umeå, Sweden
November 13 — Musikhuset — Gävle, Sweden
November 14 — Torp — Krylbo, Sweden
November 19 — Pustervik — Göteborg, Sweden
November 20 — Biljardkompaniet — Kristianstad, Sweden
November 21 — The Tivoli — Helsingborg, Sweden

Tickets and further tour information are available on HARDCORESUPERSTAR.COM/TOUR.

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR are:
Joakim “Jocke” Berg – Vocals
Martin Sandvik – Bass
Vic Zino – Guitar
Efraim Larsson – Drums

Follow HARDCORE SUPERSTAR:
Website
Facebook
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YouTube

BLIND LOTUS Release New Single ‘Golden Cage’ about the Dark Side of Prosperity in Contemporary Society

BLIND LOTUS return with “Golden Cage”, their new single released via Volcano Records and the first step toward the band’s upcoming album, due by the end of the year.

A cage can be made of gold and still remain a cage. That contradiction lies at the heart of “Golden Cage”, a track that takes aim at the ostentatious display of wealth, materialism and the constant pressure to turn personal worth into something that can be shown off, measured and consumed. The single fits into the broader narrative world of Blind Lotus, whose artistic vision has always focused on examining the contradictions of contemporary society through a critical lens. “Golden Cage” therefore becomes the first chapter in a story that will expand across the forthcoming album, where other weaknesses and distortions of modern life will be explored through a dystopian and grotesque narrative. Musically, the track clearly reveals the band’s dual nature: on one side, the immediacy of a highly melodic chorus; on the other, the weight of tight, aggressive metalcore riffing, enriched by electronic elements and occasional orchestral passages. The result broadens the Blind Lotus sound without sacrificing its impact.

Formed in late 2024 within the Tuscan metal scene by musicians from Let Them Fall and Athrox, Blind Lotus have shaped their identity around a blend of American-influenced alternative metal, modern metal and metalcore, developing a personal interpretation of contemporary heavy music while remaining firmly connected to the different musical backgrounds of their members. Following their first singles released through Volcano Records and live performances across major Italian cities, “Golden Cage” marks the beginning of a new phase for the band, paving the way for an album set to push both their sonic and conceptual exploration even further.

With “Golden Cage”, Blind Lotus begin building their next world: heavy, melodic and unsettling enough to make us take a closer look at the reality around us.

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.instagram.com/blindlotus

TELMA Introduce Their New Line-Up and Open a New Creative Chapter

TELMA, the Alternative Groove Metal band from Greece, are entering a new and exciting creative chapter in their journey, officially unveiling their new line-up.

Savvina Batsi takes over vocal duties, while guitarist Giannis Paparseniou joins the band, marking the beginning of a new era for TELMA.

Following a significant journey that includes the albums Eternal (2021) and Awakening (2025), as well as numerous live performances in Greece and abroad, TELMA continue to build upon their signature sound while enriching it with the energy and fresh perspective brought by their new members.

Rather than making a conventional announcement, TELMA have chosen to introduce their new line-up through music.

The band presents two songs from their discography featuring the vocals of Savvina Batsi. Both tracks are available on the band’s digital platforms and are accompanied by official videos on YouTube.

The two songs represent different periods of TELMA’s musical journey. The first comes from Eternal, the band’s debut album that established its identity, while the second is taken from Awakening, the band’s most recent release, showcasing a more mature and contemporary creative direction.

These videos serve as the audience’s first official introduction to the new TELMA line-up while also acting as a bridge between the band’s past and future.

Facebook: https://facebook.com/TelmaBand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/telma_band/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@telmaband3749
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/06NS2fnkXepEdHlJtQB9Jn

Athens black/death metal force WARHAMMER released “Hermitage” the third and final single from their forthcoming fourth studio album, “ALGOS”

Greek black/death metal band WARHAMMER are set to release their new single “Hermitage” , accompanied by an official music video.

Serving as the third and final single before the release of the band’s upcoming fourth studio album, “ALGOS,” “Hermitage” offers another powerful glimpse into the evolution of WARHAMMER’s sound, combining relentless aggression, dark atmosphere and the band’s increasingly distinctive approach to extreme metal.

Formed in Athens in 2012, WARHAMMER have spent more than a decade developing their identity through three studio albums and numerous live appearances in Greece and abroad. With “ALGOS,” the band enters the next chapter of its career, expanding the foundations of its black/death metal sound while introducing new textures and ideas.

Musically, “Hermitage” captures WARHAMMER at their most direct and aggressive while also highlighting the broader sonic direction of the upcoming album.

The band comments:

“Hermitage is the third and final single before the official release of our new album, ALGOS. It’s a very powerful and aggressive song that perfectly represents our philosophy and our approach to black/death metal.”

Behind the song lies a more introspective source of inspiration. Rather than being connected to one specific event, “Hermitage” emerged from a combination of experiences, thoughts and emotions accumulated over time.

The band explains:

“What inspired the song most was the need to capture a feeling that was there at the time. It wasn’t necessarily connected to one particular event, but rather a mixture of experiences, thoughts and emotions that eventually found their way into the music. We wanted the song to speak for itself and allow everyone to take something different from it.”

While firmly rooted in black and death metal, “ALGOS” represents the continuing evolution of WARHAMMER’s sound.

Alongside the intensity that has defined the band throughout its career, the upcoming album incorporates elements not previously explored to this extent, including the prominent use of saxophone as a central instrument, adding an unexpected dimension to WARHAMMER’s extreme metal framework.

The combination of crushing guitars, hostile atmospheres, aggressive vocals and unconventional instrumentation helps establish “ALGOS” as the band’s most ambitious work to date.

Fans of bands such as Belphegor, Behemoth and Watain will find familiar territory within WARHAMMER’s uncompromising approach, while the band continues to develop an identity of its own.

“ALGOS” was recorded, mixed and mastered at Hertz Studios in Poland, a studio internationally recognized for its work within the metal scene.

The production gives WARHAMMER’s material the weight and clarity demanded by the band’s evolving sound, allowing both its aggressive foundations and its newer musical elements to stand out.

With “Hermitage,” WARHAMMER deliver the final preview of “ALGOS” before the full album arrives, setting the stage for the next phase of the band’s twelve-year journey.

TRACKLIST
  1. Ivy
  2. Task
  3. Refutation
  4. Smithereens
  5. Tailspin
  6. Surrogacy
  7. Algos
  8. Hermitage
  9. Death Rattle
  10. Chimera
  11. Suppressing
Line-up

Hercues Giotis – Vocals
Gus Aspiotis – Bass
John Papanikolaou – Guitars
Philip Zogas – Guitars

Official Website:
https://warhammerband.com/home/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/19Fz7sUTEv/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/warhammer_gr

From Ashes To New released a new single, “Love Me,” accompanied by a music video

From Ashes To New, a band that rose to global fame with a sound blending alternative metal, modern rock, and rap, released a brand-new song, accompanied by a music video.

The emotional single “Love Me” deals with loss and longing—specifically, the experience of a loved one disappearing from your life while the memories they left behind refuse to fade.

With this track, the band continues to steer its sound in new directions, navigating a landscape defined by an electronic pulse and a heavy, haunting atmosphere.

“Love Me is about someone who was supposed to be there for you but vanished from your life, effectively becoming a ghost. You still vividly remember what their presence felt like. The song’s haunting vibe captures that exact feeling: reaching out for a presence beside you, only to grasp at empty air. It speaks to the despair that arises when your own memories start to feel like a cage you can’t escape,” says vocalist Matt Brandyberry.

Alongside the new single, From Ashes To New has announced a deluxe version of their album Reflections, originally released in April. This new edition features four additional tracks, including two brand-new songs. Released via Better Noise Music, the album is set to drop on November 13. Pre-save the album here.

Reflections (Deluxe Edition) track listing:
1. Drag Me
2. Forever
3. Villain
4. Die For You
5. Black Hearts
6. Upside Down
7. (Not) Psycho
8. Parasite
9. New Disease
10. Darkside
11. Falling From Heaven
12. Your Ghost
13. Love Me*
14. Playing God*
15. Die For You (feat. Neoni)*
16. Die For You (feat. The Midnight)*
* Deluxe Edition bonus track

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

Apocalyptica created the “Upperhand” theme song for the game CONTROL Resonant, featuring Katrine Stenbekk from Kalandra

Remedy Entertainment, the Finnish game studio that has achieved global success, released its new game CONTROL Resonant, and Finnish talent shines through in the game’s music as well: Apocalyptica, responsible for the game’s theme, released the single “Upperhand”, which serves as that theme, featuring vocals by Katrine Stenbekk of the Norwegian alternative folk band Kalandra. Stenbekk’s ethereal vocals and Apocalyptica’s melancholic yet powerful sound create a combination that perfectly suits the core theme of CONTROL Resonant: the tension between fear and discovery.

The song is based on the video game’s instrumental main theme, which draws from the game’s distinctly paranormal and unsettling world, painted in shades of shadow.

“The initial version of ‘Upperhand’ was written as the music for the game’s opening scene,” says Eicca Toppinen. “It reflects the protagonist’s unsettled emotions as she moves toward the unknown. I wanted to expand it into a full song and add lyrics, and we were incredibly lucky to have Katrine from Kalandra—with her unique voice—take the track in the direction it was meant to go.” “This track combines many of the signature elements characteristic of Apocalyptica, and adapting them to serve the world of CONTROL was a challenging yet exciting and rewarding journey. I truly hope that fans of both CONTROL and Apocalyptica find this as special as we do,” says Toppinen.

The music video for “Upperhand” was directed by Jens de Vos and is now available to watch here.

APOCALYPTICA | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces Band Submissions For 2027 Battles! One Band To Conquer Them All! And Play Wacken Open Air 2027

One band to conquer them all! WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA announces that band submissions for 2027 battles across the country to send one unsigned and independent American to play the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festival, Wacken Open Air, from October 1st and run until December 1st, 2026.

WMBU organizer Eric Dow (Fatal Illness Management, Helsott, M-Theory Audio) comments on the upcoming 2027 battles:

“I am very excited and motivated for the 2027 Battle. I am always looking for ways to grow the team and improve in general. This year, the National Final will be held at the Tampa Metal Meeting fest hosted by me and Jerry from Piox Promotions. I have added several new city promoters, including Ty from Mad With Power Fest, who will be adding Madison for the first time in US Battle history. We have added Omar from The Metal Mixtape as the new social media manager and new Seattle promoter. Omar from Ghost Cult Magazine was behind the scenes last year but will now take over as the New York promoter. Same with Jersey from Andromeda Productions…he was helping last year with Atlanta and will now take over as the main promoter. Adding the new additions to our already amazing team, the future for the Wacken Metal Battle USA is brighter than ever!”

American bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select the United States as your country)

This year’s battles will be hosted across the United States in the following areas listed below:

The National Final will be held on June 19th, 2027, as part of the Tampa Metal Meeting 2027 Fest at The Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida.
​
​Southwest Region:​
Los Angeles, California
Orange County, California
Inland Empire, California
Bay Area, California
Sacramento, California
Las Vegas, Nevada
​
​Pacific Northwest Region:​
Portland, Oregon
Seattle, Washington
​
​Midwest Region:​
Madison, Wisconsin
​
​Northeast Region:​
New York, New York
Wilmington, Delaware
​
​Southeast Region:​
Atlanta, Georgia
Central Florida
​
​Texas Region:
​Austin, Texas
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Dallas, Texas

For the past eight years of battles (2017–2019, 2022–2026), Wacken Metal Battle USA has held nationwide rounds to crown one independent metal band and send them to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. The festival marked its 30th anniversary in 2019, with the 2020 and 2021 editions canceled due to COVID. As the global metal community continues to surge, Wacken Open Air 2027 will celebrate its 36th edition from July 28–31, and is already sold out. More than 50 bands have been announced, including Electric Callboy, Five Finger Death Punch, Helloween, Heaven Shall Burn, Halestorm, DragonForce, Napalm Death, Jinjer, Knocked Loose, Kanonenfieber, Belphegor, Dethklok, and Blue Medusa, among others. Full details here.

Live Video – 2026 WMBU Champion – Gannondorf at Wacken Open Air – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Ez7OcFleQ​

Previous WMBU national winners: Gannondorf (2026 – San Diego), Mourning High (2025 – Southern California / Arizona), Cascade Effect (2024 – San Diego), Fadrait (2023 – San Diego), Mythraeum (2022 – San Diego), Monarch (2019 – San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 – Anaheim), and Corpse Hoarder (2017 – Philadelphia).

The 2027 WMBU champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2027 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition in which bands from across the country battled for the chance to join more than 30 other national champions and represent the USA in a global clash of rising talent at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival, Wacken Open Air. For over a decade, these battles have been hosted at the festival, giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their power on an international stage and compete for multiple prizes.

How it works:​
​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will advance to perform at Wacken Open Air 2027 and compete against the winners of international bands from around the globe in a major international battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

About the 2026 National:

WMBU National 2026 – Gannondorf

Photo Credit – C.Huerta.Photos​

One band had conquered them all. Wacken Metal Battle USA proudly crowned San Diego’s GANNONDORF as the 2026 champions. The band seized a coveted performance slot at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s most iconic and influential metal festivals, and advanced to the international Wacken Metal Battle, where rising bands from across the globe unleashed their headbanging, mosh‑ready power before a massive sea of metalheads gathered from every corner of the world.

The Wacken Metal Battle USA 2026 National Final brought together the top six bands from across the country after months of battles in cities nationwide. Representing the fiercest underground metal the United States has to offer, the final contenders were FATE DEFINED (Spokane, WA), NEMESIS (Houston, TX), GANNONDORF (San Diego, CA), RAMTHA (St. Petersburg, FL), THE VICTORIOUS DEAD (New York, NY), and THROUGH THE OCULUS (Apple Valley, CA).

After taking the stage on June 13th at Brick By Brick in San Diego, CA, before a crowd of metal‑hungry fans and a panel of industry judges including Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music), Martin Koller (Prophecy Productions / SPKR Media), and Kelly McLauchlin (Pessimist), only one band could claim the title of WMBU 2026 Champion. GANNONDORF delivered with unrelenting fury, winning over both judges and fans to seize the crown.

Listen to all the USA national final bands on the WMBU 2026 Final Spotify Playlist:

​https://open.spotify.com/playlist/14751T41YocZkJCVUJWcjL​

More info:​
​Metal-Battle.com​
​MetalBattleUSA.com​
​Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​.official​
​X.com/MetalBattleUSA​
​Instagram.com/wmbusa.official​