Author: Crix

Canada’s Raunchiest Rock n’ Roll Carnivores SONS OF BUTCHER Release New EP “Skids” + Video ‘Denim Dreamin'”

After a decade‑long hiatus, the band behind Teletoon’s cult animated series is officially back in the butcher shop with their most polished, unhinged, and radio‑ready material to date. Canada’s raunchiest rock‑and‑roll carnivores, Sons of Butcher, have unleashed “Skids, a brand‑new four‑song EP and their first batch of fresh cuts since 2020. Released on March 27th, the EP arrives alongside the new music video for “Denim Dreamin’,” the follow‑up to their first single “Makin’ Bacon.”

Known for fusing vulgar absurdist comedy with heavy riffs and chaotic live antics, Sons of Butcher first carved out their legacy as the real‑world extension of their Teletoon animated series, building a cult following through spandex‑clad performances, pepperette‑throwing, and unapologetically ridiculous rock theatre. Forged in the grease‑splattered heart of Hamilton’s mock‑rock scene, “Skids” marks a new chapter, one that slices away from their animated origins and dives headfirst into a raw, unfiltered batch of comedy‑rock anthems.

“This EP marks the first time we’ve written songs that don’t have a direct connection to the cartoon storyline, except for Peppercorn Steak. Instead, this EP is an honest batch of comedy songs from the grease‑clogged hearts of a band of has‑been butchers,” adds frontman Ricky Butcher.
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Produced by longtime collaborator Jordon Zadorozny (Meatlantis, Rise & Fall of the Steaks) at Skylark Park in Pembroke, ON, “Skids” is a loud, unapologetic love letter to skid‑life: cheap meat, denim devotion, and the gritty charm of back‑alley ambition. The EP also features drumming by Kellii Scott of the acclaimed band Failure, a full‑circle moment for Ricky Butcher, who first discovered Zadorozny’s work through Scott’s playing.
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Musically, “Skids” pushes Sons of Butcher into their most radio‑ready territory yet, without losing the filthy heart that made them cult icons. Opening track “Denim Dreamin’” is a surprisingly wholesome, socially acceptable anthem celebrating denim as a lifestyle. Catchy, bouncy, and tailor‑made for anyone who’s ever bought a patch or band tee. “Makin’ Bacon” is a metal‑forward, riff‑heavy ode to the universal love of bacon. Chaotic, catchy, and dangerously addictive. “Steeltown Handy” is a pop‑rock earworm exposing the underbelly of Hamilton’s gritty streets, raunchy, melodic, and impossible to forget. And EP closer, “Peppercorn Steak,” is a return to classic SOB absurdity. Originally featured in an independently created third‑season pilot of the cartoon, now fully realized with soaring vocals and chunky riffage.

The EP’s cover features a live photo from the band’s first show after their ten‑year hiatus, Ricky Butcher and Doug Borski locked in a triumphant rock pose. The image has become symbolic of the band’s rebirth and renewed momentum.
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To celebrate the release of the new EP, SOB‘s newest music video brings “Denim Dreamin’” to life with a tongue‑in‑cheek celebration of denim culture, matching the track’s upbeat swagger and infectious chorus. It follows the success of the EP’s first single, “Makin’ Bacon,” which kicked off the new era of Sons of Butcher with a blast of high‑energy mock‑metal.

“This is the first clean‑cut Sons of Butcher track we have ever written! With a catchy refrain and bouncy riff, the song proudly declares that denim isn’t just a fashion choice, it’s a full‑blown way of life. Anyone who’s ever bought a patch or a band tee will feel this one in their soul,” says Ricky Butcher.
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​Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZNUtzaO8IY​

With “Skids,” the band isn’t just back, they’re carving out a new chapter in their meaty legacy.

Recommended for fans of Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, Psychostick, and Steel Panther, “Skids” is available now as of March 27th, 2026, at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/7M0suHkgLiADLzbMXegRjV​

Bandcamp (CD and Digital) – https://sonsofbutcher.bandcamp.com/album/skids​

Music Video – “Makin’ Bacon” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lnsb7uWp4g​

In additional news, Sons of Butcher are gearing up for a handful of Spring 2026 tour dates, including five shows with Hamilton’s beloved skid‑icon B.A. Johnston.

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Show Dates:​
April 2 – Honey Dip – London, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 3 – L’Hemisphere Gauche – Montreal, QC – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 4 – House of Targ – Ottawa, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 17 – The Corktown – Hamilton, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 18 – Baby G – Toronto, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston

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Track Listing:​
1. Denim Dreamin’ – (3:05)
2. Makin’ Bacon – (2:37)
3. Steeltown Handy – (2:21)
4. Peppercorn Steak – (1:42)

EP Line Up:​
Ricky Butcher – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Kellii Scott – Drums
Jordon Zadorozny – Lead Guitar
Brandon Wars – Lead Guitar

Live Band Line Up:​
Ricky Butcher – Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Crissy Stixx – Drums
Joey Salami – Lead Guitar

More Info:

​https://www.sonsofbutcher.ca/​

​https://www.facebook.com/therealsobs​

​https://www.instagram.com/therealsobs/​

Bastion Rose Releases Psychological New Single “I”

Continuing their ascent into the vanguard of modern heavy music, cinematic hard rock outfit Bastion Rose has announced the release of their introspective single: “I.” The track serves as the next single from the band’s third chapter, Blue Rising.

Following their recent singles, “Dust” and “Bones,” “I” turns the lens inward. The track explores the violent necessity of personal evolution. Driven by a sophisticated rhythmic pulse and soaring, melodic hooks, the song captures the moment a “calloused” spirit finally decides to break.

“The song is a dialogue with the parts of ourselves that prefer to stay as stone because change is terrifying,” says frontman Austin Frink. “We often stay the same because it’s safe, but ‘I’ is about that breaking point—the moment you realize you have to liquefy your old self to break through the stone and finally grow. It’s about moving beyond the ‘commotion inside’ to become something more.”

Blue Rising represents a bold new evolution for the band as Bastion Rose continues to build on the world-class sonic architecture established in their previous works. The band’s debut EP, Fade To Blue, and their powerhouse full-length, Traces of Gold, were both produced by three-time Grammy-winner David Bottrill (Tool, Muse, Rush). That collaboration set a high bar for the band’s technical, progressive arrangements and raw, alternative metal energy—a standard that remains the heartbeat of their new material.

The release of “I” finds Bastion Rose at an all-time high, with over 2 million streams across their catalog and a global YouTube community of 60,000 subscribers. The band is currently striking while the iron is hot, promising a steady stream of music for their rapidly expanding fanbase.

“We have so much music ready to share with the world right now,” Frink adds. “Blue Rising is just the next chapter of a very prolific phase for Bastion Rose. We aren’t interested in slowing down.”

“I” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

STREAM “I” NOW: https://linktr.ee/bastionrose

Bastion Rose is a cinematic hard rock project based in Bloomington, Indiana. Known for their sophisticated fusion of monumental 70s-era grooves and 2000s era alternative metal intensity, the band has earned international recognition for their high-caliber production and narrative-driven songwriting. Following their David Bottrill-produced debut Traces of Gold, the band is currently unveiling the next chapter of their evolution with the album Blue Rising.

bastionrose.com
facebook.com/bastionrosemusic
instagram/bastionrosemusic
youtube.com/@bastionrosemusic
www.tiktok.com/@bastion.rose
Spotify –tinyurl.com/SpotifyBastionRose

Arion begins their fifth studio album cycle with the Hurricane single – The band heads to Europe in the fall with Gloryhammer, new album coming next year

Arion, who released their previous album The Light That Burns The Sky just over a year ago, has not rested on their laurels, but have released a new single Hurricane, which also kicks off the band’s fifth album cycle. The new studio album will be released sometime next year.

Rushing forward like a train, Hurricane is guaranteed Arion quality: Energetic with a catchy chorus and skillful guitar playing.

“We are incredibly pleased to be able to release new music so soon after our latest album. Hurricane is a modern melodic metal song with a surprising twist that proclaims a message of empowerment and invincibility. The chorus hook and massive breakdown make this song a real live hit, and we can’t wait to perform it live!”, the band says.

In recent years, Arion has toured extensively in Finland and around the world, with bands such as Dream Theater and Brainstorm. Next fall, the band will embark on a comprehensive European tour with Gloryhammer and Majestica, covering the continent’s most important metal markets. Before that, the band will be seen playing a gig with the band Tarot and at summer festivals.

The upcoming gig dates announced now are:

15.5.2026 Savonlinna, House of Olaf
16.5.2026 Joensuu, Kerubi

27.6.2026     FI      Lankafest, Puolanka
3.7.2026       DE    Wolfweez OpenAir Festival, Dietingen-Irslingen, Germany

10.10.2026    FR    Toulouse – Interference
17.10.2026    ES    Villava – Sala TOTEM Aretoa
18.10.2026    ES    Madrid – Sala Mon Live
20.10.2026    ES    Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2
21.10.2026    FR    Lyon – Rayonne
23.10.2026    DE    Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn
24.10.2026    DE    Hamburg – Docks
25.10.2026    NE    Utrecht – Tivoli Vredenburg – Ronda
26.10.2026    DN    Copenhagen – Amager Bio
28.10.2026    FI    Helsinki – Tavastia
30.10.2026    SW    Stockholm – Fryshuset Klubben
31.10.2026    SW    Gothenburg – Pustervik
01.11.2026    NO    Oslo – Rockefeller – Auditorium AS
03.11.2026    DE    Berlin – Festsaal Kreuzberg
04.11.2026    PO    Warsaw – Proxima
05.11.2026    CZ    Ostrava – Club Garage
06.11.2026    DE    Hannover – Capitol
07.11.2026    DE    Oberhausen – Turbinhalle II
08.11.2026    DE    Saarbrücken – Garage
10.11.2026    AU    Vienna – Arena
11.11.2026    DE    Nuremberg – Hirsch
12.11.2026    DE    Frankfurt – Batschkapp
13.11.2026    DE    Munich – Backstage
14.11.2026    DE    Leipzig – Hellraiser
15.11.2026    CH    Zurich – Komplex 457
17.11.2026    FR    Paris – Elysee Montmartre
18.11.2026    BE    Antwerp – Trix
20.11.2026    GB    London – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
21.11.2026    GB    Manchester – Manchester Academy 2
22.11.2026    SC    Glasgow – Garage

arion.fi

Mosfite’s new EP offers a package of metal with echoes of trash seasoned with a progressive twist – just like the pre-taste of their recent single promised

Finnish Mosfite’s new EP, ”Homini Lupus est” offers a package of metal with echoes of trash as well as progressive metal and even grunge – just like the pre-taste of their recent single “Enemy” promised.

Listen to the EP on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, YouTube Music etc.): https://push.fm/fl/mosfite-hominilupus

“Enemy” blasts out a very trash-influenced experience, complete with a style-staple guitar into that was left out in the single version, followed by “Brickslayer” moving into a little more traditional melodic metal territory and lyrics talking about a sad fate. The third song, ”Rules of War” switches on to a slower gear, teleporting the listener via the nineties with its grunge-flavors on to future, where AI has stopped the humankind from destroying itself – by destroying it first.

The fourth song, “Tanktop”, gets quite serious with a story about domestic violence, where in the end the victim is forced to act against the terror endured. The song is complex and multi-part in progressive style, with rhythmic tricks and time signature changes, while still retaining the drive of the previous songs.

The EP’s final song, ” 6ft Deep”, is a moody softer tune, which however also gets back to trash-y tempo by the end of it. All in all, the EP offers a versatile and nicely variation-rick package from the Finnish quartet bent to keep things honest and real!

The musical influences of Mosfite stem from New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, thrash metal and progressive rock and metal. They try to stay away from the modern, overproduced lifelessness, aiming to sound honest and big, yet dynamic and alive.

Mosfite was established in 2021. The debut album Mosfite released in 2022.

Antti Heikkinen: vocals and guitar

Petri Hietikko: guitars and backing vocals

Jukka Latikka: bass

Sami Ulvi: drums

Recorded by: Antti Heikkinen

Mixed by: Juho Hämäläinen

Mastered by: Antti Heikkinen

Discography:
Si Vis Pacem (single, 2024)

Open Wide (single, 2023)

She’s a Machine (single, 2023)

Mosfite (album, Aug. 2022)

Garden (single, 2022)

https://www.facebook.com/mosfite
https://www.instagram.com/mosfiteofficial/

The 69 Eyes announce new EP “I Survive” set for release on June 5

Finnish rock band The 69 Eyes is thrilled to announce the release of the new EP “I Survive”, out on June 5, 2026, via BLKIIBLK.

To celebrate the announcement, the band shared a cover of the timeless Thin Lizzy hit “Cold Sweat”.

After touring Europe earlier this year with D-A-D on the Cowpunks & Glampires tour and continuing with shows in Finland, the new single is a fresh-sounding and hard-rocking take on the song, originally released in 1983.

The 69 Eyes version is produced by Erno Laitinen and mixed by Barry Pointer (Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe). The video for the song was filmed in January during the band’s recent European tour. It features a cameo by Portuguese goth legend Fernando Ribeiro from Moonspell.

“A friend of mine sent me our demo of “Cold Sweat” from over ten years ago and asked why we never released it. After hearing the demo, Gabi Hakanen, head of Vallila Music House, said this is exactly The 69 Eyes at their best. Rock for the radio!”, said Jyrki 69. “Every respectable rock band also covers Thin Lizzy at some point, so now that is done as well.”

The band will continue touring in Finland until early April, after which they will return to the rest of Europe. See the updated tour dates HERE.

Watch the official video for “Cold Sweat” HERE

Pre-Order “I Survive” 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, where they are signed to Gabi Hakanen’s Vallila Music House. Their previous studio album “Death Of Darkness” was released in 2023, and 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.

“I Survive” EP Tracklist:

1.    I Survive (ft. Steve Stevens)
2.    Cold Sweat
3.    In The Misery
4.    Devil’s Rose (ft. Ed Mundell)

THE 69 EYES are:
Jyrki 69 – vocals
Bazie – guitar, backing vocals
Timo-Timo – guitar
Archzie – bass, backing vocals
Jussi 69 – drums

Follow THE 69 EYES: 
Website
Facebook
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Finnish progressive melodic death metal band Numento presents a new true crime inspired single and music video “The Extortionist”

Numento’s brand-new single, “The Extortionist” is inspired by countless true crime stories in which a person who initially appears kind and warm-hearted gradually transforms into a dangerous manipulator whose goal is to secretly extort benefits from their victim in order to boost their own reputation and self-esteem. On the surface, they appear innocent and friendly to everyone, but beneath the surface, a nightmarish plot simmers. They are a bloodthirsty predator who will stop at nothing to get what they want, and they are even willing to kill to avoid getting caught.

Numento, who has also previously incorporated the Finnish national instrument kantele into their music, introduces a new sonic element with this track: the distorted kantele, which has already amazed both audiences and sound engineers at live shows. Thanks to the distortion effect, the kantele’s already eerie sound takes on even more ominous and downright haunting tones on “The Extortionist” — ones that few have heard before.

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music etc.): https://push.fm/fl/numento-theextortionist

“The Extortionist” once again showcases Numento’s signature style of blending influences from various metal subgenres and shifting moods as dictated by the song’s narrative, but this time with a more polished and daring approach. The song features even greater contrasts, ranging from delicate, evocative verses and a catchy, melodic chorus to a C-section that escalates into full-blown blast beats, unleashing fury with the combined power of three vocalists.

The music video for the song represents the band’s most ambitious and professionally executed production to date, created by an international team of dozens of people. The music video was filmed in Espoo at the cultural-historical setting of Finns Folk High School, and the production was overseen by producer and cinematographer Eino Antonio Leskinen, who has been involved in numerous productions. “The whole band is incredibly pleased with how director Adàn Mendoza captured the spirit of ‘The Extortionist’ and translated the song into a visual form,” commented Numento guitarist Aleksi Vehmassalo.

 

Numento is:

Atte Asikainen – Guitar & backing vocals

Katri Hiovain-Asikainen – Vocals & kantele

Johnny Grinds – Bass & backing vocals

Aleksi Vehmassalo – Guitar

Mikko Virtanen – Drums

SEVEN METAL SINS Unveils First Single “Wolves Of The Last Dawn” From New Album “Legacy Of Chaos” Out June 2026

Seven Metal Sins unveil “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, the first single taken from their forthcoming full-length album “Legacy Of Chaos“, set for release on June 5th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Listen (Spotify): https://lnk.to/ybAMOx​

YouTube Stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3y7GC60LXo​

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Seven Metal Sins unveil “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, the first single taken from their forthcoming debut album “Legacy Of Chaos“, set for release on June 5th, 2026 via Rockshots Records.

Formed in 2024 by former Manigance members Stéphane Lacoude (bass) and Patrick Soria (drums), Seven Metal Sins quickly evolved into a fully realized band with the addition of guitarist Antton Iriart, vocalist Claw-G., and guitarist Frédéric Auclerc. Built on experience but driven by a renewed artistic vision, the band channels a direct and uncompromising approach to heavy metal.

“Wolves Of The Last Dawn” stands as a clear introduction to the band’s identity: a high-energy track rooted in classic heavy and power metal, defined by sharp riffing, galloping rhythms, and a commanding vocal performance. The song combines intensity and melodic clarity, delivering an immediate impact while maintaining a strong structural focus.

Lyrically, the track reflects the thematic core of “Legacy Of Chaos“, exploring a world shaped by tension, collapse, and resistance. Through dystopian imagery, the band addresses contemporary issues such as environmental decline, social instability, and the consequences of unchecked power, translating these elements into a direct and evocative narrative.

As the band explains, “This song captures the urgency and tension that run through the entire album. It’s about standing at the edge of collapse and choosing whether to resist or surrender. The imagery of the ‘last dawn’ represents that fragile moment before everything changes.”

Musically, Seven Metal Sins draws from the foundations of classic heavy metal while incorporating the speed and precision of modern power metal. Their sound is built on tight, riff-driven songwriting, dynamic rhythmic shifts, and a balance between aggression and melody, positioning the band within a contemporary yet tradition-aware metal framework.

The single anticipates the release of “Legacy Of Chaos“, an eleven-track debut that delivers a cohesive and high-impact listening experience, combining intensity, structure, and thematic depth. Mixed by Jérémie Garat (Reseda Prod) and mastered by Simon Capony (Basalte Studio), the album presents a powerful and well-defined production that enhances the band’s sonic identity.

With “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, Seven Metal Sins set the tone for a debut album that does not look back with nostalgia but rather reaffirms the relevance of heavy metal through clarity, energy, and purpose.

For fans of: Accept, Primal Fear, Judas Priest, early Helloween
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New album “Legacy Of Chaos” out June 5th, 2026, from Rockshots Records.

PRE ORDER “Legacy Of Chaos“: https://rockshots.eu/products/seven-metal-sins-legacy-of-chaos-cd​

​

Track Listing:​
1. The Fall (Intro) – 0:57
2. Scars of Injustice – 4:35
3. No Sanctuary – 4:22
4. Hypocrisy – 4:07
5. Eternal Downfall – 4:57
6. Feel the Steel – 4:20
7. Wolves of the Last Dawn – 4:36
8. Beyond the Breaking Point – 4:01
9. Sun Eaters – 5:00
10. Rise of the Phoenix – 3:55
11. King of Sorrow – 6:25
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​Seven Metal Sins Line-up:​
Claw-G.: Vocals
Antton Iriart: Guitars
Frédéric Auclerc: Guitars
Stéphane Lacoude: Bass
Patrick Soria: Drums

Seven Metal Sins is a European heavy metal band formed in April 2024 by Stéphane Lacoude (bass) and Patrick Soria (drums), both former members of the French act Manigance. After years of shared experience, the two musicians reunited with a clear intention: to return to a more direct, uncompromising approach to songwriting, rooted in the essence of heavy metal while reflecting a renewed creative vision.

The project quickly gained momentum with the addition of guitarist Antton Iriart, whose compositional input became a central element in shaping the band’s sound. In December 2024, vocalist Claw-G. joined the lineup, bringing a powerful and distinctive voice that added intensity and character to the music. The formation was completed in March 2025 with guitarist Frédéric Auclerc, further expanding the band’s harmonic depth and overall dynamic range.

With this solid lineup in place, Seven Metal Sins began refining their musical identity, built on a combination of classic heavy metal foundations and the energy of power and speed metal. Their sound is defined by sharp, riff-driven structures, galloping rhythms, and a strong melodic sensibility, balanced by a modern production approach that emphasizes clarity and impact.

The band made its official debut with the single “Hypocrisy” in April 2025, marking the first step in a focused creative path that led to the completion of their first full-length album, “Legacy Of Chaos“, set for release on June 5th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Lyrically, Seven Metal Sins draws inspiration from the fractures of contemporary society, addressing themes such as environmental decline, social instability, and authoritarian drift. These elements are often framed through dystopian and science fiction imagery, creating a narrative that resonates with both present realities and possible futures.

With “Legacy Of Chaos“, Seven Metal Sins establishes a clear artistic identity: a band rooted in experience, driven by purpose, and committed to delivering heavy metal that is direct, intense, and relevant within today’s landscape.

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://facebook.com/sevenmetalsins​

​https://instagram.com/seven_metal_sins.official​

CRIMSON DAY Unveils First Single & Video “False Prophet” from Upcoming Album Dark Dimension

After three years of anticipation and a steady rise through the European underground, Tampere’s own Crimson Day is back. The band officially kicks off their next chapter with the release of “False Prophet,” the lead single and music video from their upcoming fourth studio album, Dark Dimension, set for global release on May 22, 2026, via Wormholedeath.

“False Prophet” stands as one of the band’s most direct and powerful tracks to date. Built on heavy riffs, dark atmosphere, and a commanding vocal performance, the song addresses the abuse of faith and the figures who use belief as a tool for control. Its message is clear: question what you are told, trust your own mind, and refuse to follow blindly.

The track highlights Crimson Day’s ability to combine modern heaviness with strong melody and emotional depth. It also offers a first look into the darker and more focused direction of Dark Dimension.

Formed in Tampere, Crimson Day has built a boundary-pushing sound rooted in heavy metal and enriched with melodic depth and cross-genre influences. Since their 2013 debut and early releases through Iron Shield Records, the band has released three studio albums, multiple acclaimed singles, and high-profile covers of Led Zeppelin, Bonnie Tyler, and Shakira, earning strong international fan response and radio airplay across the USA, Brazil, Germany, France, and beyond.

Crimson Day has performed nearly 100 shows across Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the Baltic region, including tours with Herald and support for Wolf. They have also appeared at major festivals alongside leading acts such as Sonata Arctica, Turmion Kätilöt, Turisas, Reckless Love, and Korpiklaani.

Their fourth studio album, Dark Dimension, set for release in 2026, was mixed by Jussi Kulomaa and mastered by Svante Forsbäck, marking a new milestone in the band’s steady rise and expanding international presence.

Crimson Day is:

Milka Uusitalo – vocals
Ari Balzar – lead guitar
Janne Rantanen – guitar/screams
Jesse ”Kämy” Kämäräinen – bass
Janne Ollikainen – drums/percussions

www.crimsonday.com
www.instagram.com/crimsonday_official
www.facebook.com/crimson.day.band
www.tiktok.com/@crimsonday_official
www.youtube.com/@crimsonday_official

Masked Rap Metal Red Sky Signs With Epictronic, Drops First Single “Il Paese Dell’Arte”

Epictronic is thrilled to announce the signing of Red Sky, the enigmatic masked rapper-guitarist whose boundary-pushing “Kintsugi Music” fuses rap, metal, and global influences into something entirely his own. The artist’s highly anticipated album “Nostalgia del Futuro” drops worldwide on May 29, 2026.

For 15 years, Red Sky has been carving out a unique space in the music landscape, one where Linkin Park meets Caparezza, where metal riffs collide with Japanese poetry, and where personal struggle becomes universal art. With 14 albums, millions of social media views, and stages shared with Italian rap heavyweights like Jesto, Shade, and Rayden, Red Sky has built a devoted following that transcends genre.

Red Sky calls his approach “Kintsugi Music”, named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, making the fractures beautiful rather than hidden. It’s a perfect metaphor for music that transforms outsider experiences, cultural displacement, and existential questioning into something powerful and complete.
Singing in both Italian and Japanese, Red Sky explores what it means to protect your inner fire in a world that demands conformity. His lyrics resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit, and anyone who’s refused to dim their light because of it.

The new album takes its title from Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics, embracing the concept of “nostalgia for the future”, longing not for what was, but for who we’re meant to become. Created just before Red Sky’s move to Japan (the one place where he finally feels at home), the album is both a farewell and a manifesto.
Musically, Nostalgia del Futuro is fearless: black metal bleeds into reggae, techno pulses beneath traditional Japanese instrumentation, and Arabic textures add unexpected depth to the metal foundation. The result is a deeply personal fusion that mirrors Red Sky’s own cross-cultural journey—Western anger meeting Eastern spirituality, Italian passion colliding with Japanese restraint.
Thematically, the album digs deep: life, death, aging, family, self-esteem, and the complexities of modern Italian society. It’s introspective without being insular, specific without losing universality.

The journey begins with “Il Paese Dell’Arte” (The Country of Art), a stunning introduction to Red Sky’s world, complete with a visually arresting music video that captures the artist’s theatrical, masked aesthetic.

www.youtube.com/@RedSkyKintsugi
www.instagram.com/redskykintsugi

The rising force of metalcore Beyond Awareness to release their debut album ’Reflections’ on May 8 – Cyan Kicks featured on single ’TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’

The Finnish four-piece melodic metalcore group and Beyond Awareness will release their highly anticipated 10-track debut album ’Reflections’ on May 8. The band, known for their sharp songwriting, high-impact choruses and a polished sonic identity has been working on the album relentlessly the past couple of years and is very excited to finally release their debut.

”This album has been in the works and eagerly awaited for some years now, so we are incredibly excited to finally release this emotional outpouring. Creating the record has been a valuable journey, during which we have grown both as a band and as musicians. Musically, the album blends modern metalcore, occasionally experimental electronic production, and raw metal into one tight and cohesive whole. In particular, the way the music supports the message and emotional weight of each song feels truly unique. We’re really looking forward to the response it will receive!”

While waiting for the album, the band offers their fans one more taste: The new single ’TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is a collaborative single featuring Cyan Kicks merging together Beyond Awareness’ metallic edge and Cyan Kicks’ sleek alternative pop-rock sensibility.

”The song was called hyperpop at an early stage, as it’s a modern, fast-paced, and high-octane piece as a whole. The sound blends Beyond Awareness’ recognizable songwriting style with a more pop-driven approach, further amplified by the Cyan Kicks feature. The lyrics focus directly on emotions: restlessness, insecurity, and inner pressure, but also on perseverance and the will to fight. A fun coincidence is that the title and one particular word directly reveal a Bring Me The Horizon influence, even though the track ultimately found its final form entirely on its own terms, shaped by many other influences as well. ‘TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is our most pop-oriented release to date, while still keeping us firmly rooted in our own identity.”

 

Beyond Awareness will also hit the live stage with force this spring, starting from the band’s home country Finland. They are kicking things off at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland, on May 7, when the band will perform as the opening act for Hokka, the new band of Joel Hokka, known from Blind Channel.

Already announced shows in Finland are:
May 7 – Helsinki, Tavastia (w/ Hokka)
May 8 – Kotka, The Van
May 9 – Tampere, Olympia (album release show w/ LASTOUT)
May 13 – Kouvola, House of Rock
May 14 – Kuopio, Sawohouse Underground
May 22 – Turku, Apollo

BEYOND AWARENESS