Author: Crix

Italian Folk Metal Balt Hüttar Leads The Charge With New Video For Title Track “Tanzerloch” From New Album Out Sept 2025

“Tanzerloch” marks the long-awaited return of Balt Hüttar, folk metal guardians of the ancient Cimbrian heritage from the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni (Italy). As the first single and title track of their upcoming album (due out September 12th), “Tanzerloch” offers a dramatic entry point into a record that blends myth, memory, and metal with bold sonic vision.

Watch the official music video now:
​https://youtu.be/da6gn1NY6g4​

With this new track, Balt Hüttar reaffirms their distinctive identity—one rooted in the rediscovery and celebration of the endangered Cimbrian language and culture, interwoven with the energy and force of modern folk metal. Inspired by a local legend from the Roana area, “Tanzerloch” tells the story of a man who disappears into a mysterious sinkhole during a witches’ sabbath, encountering a world of spirits, shadows, and ancient forces. Sung in Italian and Cimbro – a rare medieval Germanic language still spoken in some mountain communities of Northern Italy – the lyrics evoke both the mysticism of the tale and the tension between nature and the supernatural.

Musically, “Tanzerloch” is one of the band’s most ambitious and immersive pieces to date. Its seven-minute runtime unfolds in dynamic movements, opening with somber melodic lines and building toward a powerful climax filled with layered instrumentation and ritualistic cadence. The arrangement includes flutes, tagelharpa, accordion, Irish bouzouki, and bodhrán, seamlessly blending with distorted guitars, tribal drums, and the dual vocal approach that alternates between storytelling clarity and feral intensity. The track conjures a trance-like state that mirrors the mythical dance within the narrative, transporting the listener into a liminal space between reality and folklore.

The song was composed by all five members of the band, reflecting the group’s multifaceted musical background, and the lyrics have been drawn directly from oral Cimbrian traditions that have survived centuries of cultural erosion.

The upcoming full-length album “Tanzerloch” will further explore the myths, historical traumas, and cultural identity of the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni through eleven tracks that blend metal’s aggression with poetic reflection and folk memory. Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Christian Zecchin—who also shares artistic direction with the band—the album is visually enriched by the illustrations of Fabio Porfidia.

Balt Hüttar have long stood out for their strong conceptual approach and live intensity, sharing the stage with bands such as Elvenking, Folkstone, Rotting Christ, Skyclad, and Waylander. With “Tanzerloch”, they take a bold step forward, offering a haunting and deeply rooted vision of folk metal where myth, language, and sound converge in a ritual of memory and resistance.

Recommended for fans of Korpiklaani, Eluveitie, and Folkstone, Balt Hüttar’s music is more than just entertainment—it’s cultural preservation through distortion, rhythm, and ancestral echoes.
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​LISTEN: https://lnk.to/yKpYHV​
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​ALBUM PRE-ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/balt-huttar-tanzerloch-digipack​

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Track Listing:​
1. An Naüjez Lant
2. Ghebar Khriegan
3. Vaia – ´Z Gadénkhe
4. Dar Aatom me Pèrge
5. Gakhrieget Lant
6. Il Minatore
7. Grésatar Stòan
8. 1310
9. Prüdare Liebe
10. Tin Tan Nona
11. Tanzerloch
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Balt Huttar Line Up:
Ilaria Vellar: diatonic accordion, piano accordion, keyboards, vocals
Jonathan Pablo Berretta: vocals, flutes
Mattia Pivotto: guitar, Irish bouzouki, flutes, bagpipes, bodhrán, tagelharpa, vocals
Nicola Pavan: bass
Federico Rebeschini Sambugaro: drums

More info: ​
​https://www.rockshots.eu​
​
​FOLLOW:​
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balthuttar​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balt.huttar/​

New recording artist Austen Starr releases debut video “I Am The Enemy” out now

Having recently signed to Frontiers Music Srl, rising rocker AUSTEN STARR is elated to release her debut single “I Am The Enemy” alongside a music video, available to view below. With this striking debut single, AUSTEN STARR sets the stage for what promises to be an ambitious and emotionally charged musical journey.

AUSTEN STARR comments on signing to Frontiers:

“I’m very excited and very grateful to be working with Frontiers. Despite me being a brand-new artist, they were highly supportive of my vision and they gave me free reign in terms of artistic expression. It’s really, really cool of a label to do that for a debut. Thank you, Frontiers!”

On the new single, she adds:

“’I Am The Enemy’ leans slightly into ‘pop,’ but has been a favorite of everyone involved in the project, and the timing seemed right for a summer release to be this upbeat and deceptively saccharine. The video intends to show the dichotomy that exists around my desire to live within this ‘rockstar’ persona; one side is really tortured about it and the other is excited about it. The version of me that you see on the Viper Room stage is the culmination and resolution of those two parts.”

Stream / Listen to “I Am The Enemy” HERE 

About AUSTEN STARR:

AUSTEN STARR is a reluctant Bostonian with a penchant for self-induced misery. A natural contrarian, she was raised in a household where being a musician was the last thing she was encouraged to do—so, of course, AUSTEN recorded an album with the help of some heavy-hitters from Frontiers and beyond. While AUSTEN considers herself to be an “anxious wreck,” she’s channeled her inner turmoil and contradictions into a compelling musical statement. AUSTEN’s penchant for hypocrisy is almost as defined as her narrative voice. After all, she admits both to hating bad grammar and to using it in one of her own songs because it fits the meter. When she’s not rocking out on stage or recording, AUSTEN is learning guitar, embracing “emo karaoke nights,” and forging ahead with a relentless, albeit trepidatious, determination to carve out her place in the music world.

BAND LINE UP:
Vocals: Austen Starr
Guitars: Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Revolution Saints, Iconic, Cher, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Bass/Drums: Chris Collier (Mick Mars, Lita Ford)
Keyboards: Steve Ferlazzo (Hugo’s Voyage, Avril Lavigne)
Background Vocals: Chloe Lowery (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

FOLLOW AUSTEN STARR:
Website
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Blackened Thrash ETERNAL DRAK New EP “The Warrior Order” Out Now

A year after unleashing their fourth studio album, “Imprisoned Souls,” in July 2024, Eternal Drak, formerly from Colombia and now residing in Quebec City, Canada, returns with their next offering, “The Warrior Order”, a five-track record that includes the band’s rendition of Metallica’s “Leper Messiah,”.

Set to be available on digital platforms on July 17th, the blackened thrash band has teamed up with Bravewords for its full stream premiere. Listen HERE.

“The Warrior Order” serves as a heartfelt homage to the band’s journey, a way to honour the memories they’ve created and express their immense gratitude to the fans who have stood by them through the years. By revisiting and reimagining these older tracks from their 2002 debut, “La Resurreccion De La Orden Guerrera”, the now-formed trio aims to rekindle the connection with their long-time listeners while simultaneously inviting new fans to discover and embrace our unique sound. They hope to bridge the past and the future.

Fans can expect the blending of raw, nostalgic vibes of classic metal with the refined production and innovation of contemporary music. By doing so, the EP seeks to evoke powerful memories and untold stories from the past while offering a renewed, enriched auditory experience that resonates with both long-time metal enthusiasts and newer audiences.

“This EP bridges two distinct eras in the journey of Eternal Drak: the energetic creativity of the 1990s and the refined artistry of the present day. It represents a homage to the band’s origins, where young minds passionately crafted what is now revered as old-school metal. These early works have been revisited and revitalized, bringing their raw spirit into the modern soundscape with enhanced production quality that respects the authenticity of the era while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences. Through meticulously re-recording the four original tracks, Eternal Drak breathes new life into their debut, preserving the integrity of black thrash metal while making it accessible to a new generation of listeners. To complement this effort, the album includes a cover of one of the most iconic and influential bands in metal history, serving as both a tribute and a testament to the enduring inspiration these legends have provided. This project encapsulates the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft, blending nostalgia with innovation to create a sound that is timeless yet refreshingly current,” adds band founder Andres Martinez, “Drakar” (Vocal/Guitar).

The lyrics on “The Warrior Order” are drawn from Eternal Drak‘s inspiration from a narrative crafted during the band’s early years, which delves into the tale of Lucifer’s exile to the underworld. The story portrays how his influence pervaded humanity, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations in profound ways. It explores the impact of his legacy on Earth, touching on themes of power, temptation, and rebellion. Furthermore, the narrative captures Lucifer’s relentless quest to find pathways back into the mortal realm, ultimately aiming to reclaim dominion and challenge the celestial forces that banished him. This intricate and evocative storyline serves as the foundation for much of the band’s lyrical content, blending mythological depth with existential reflection to resonate powerfully with listeners.

Recommended for fans of Venom, Celtic Frost, Metallica, and Sepultura, “The Warrior Order” will be available on July 17th, 2025, at the following links:

Digital – https://hypeddit.com/eternaldrak/thewarriororder​

Bandcamp – https://eternaldrak.bandcamp.com/album/the-warrior-order​

Online Store – https://eternaldrak.com/store​

Single stream – “Eternal Drak” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/1-0bf5dmCW0​

Spotify – https://hypeddit.com/eternaldrak/eternaldrak​

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Track Listing:​
1. Oda a la luna – 4:22
2. Contra Viento – 5:16
3. Eternal Drak – 5:50
4. La Nueva Orden – 5:51
5. Leper Messiah (Cover) – 5:29
EP Length: 26:48

More info: http://www.eternaldrak.com | https://www.facebook.com/EternalDrak | https://www.instagram.com/eternaldrak​

About:

Since their inception, black thrash metal forms the backbone of Eternal Drak‘s musical identity, enriched by dynamic influences that span rock & roll and groove elements, with Latin rhythms adding a unique touch of cultural depth. The band’s steadfast commitment to black thrash metal serves as a constant through the years, acting as a solid foundation for their evolving sound. While their compositions continue to explore diverse stylistic directions, the essence of black thrash metal remains unshaken, anchoring their music with raw energy and authenticity. Eternal Drak‘s ability to seamlessly integrate these varied influences showcases their versatility and adds layers of complexity to their identity, ensuring their sound is both compelling and intensely memorable.

DISTORTA Present Their New Music Video “When the War is Over”

Australian groove Death metal force DISTORTA present their new striking video “When the War is Over”,  that blends onstage power with offstage antics — the track is taken from their upcoming EP Deadman, set for release on 05 September 2025 via Wormholedeath.

The video offers a high-energy collage of live show footage, capturing the band in their element — onstage and fully unleashed — mixed with chaotic, candid clips of Dave and Chris letting loose, showing their lighter side through spontaneous dance moves and unfiltered fun.

Musically, the track was written with what they describe as “rare, almost effortless intensity.” The melodic guitars seemed to summon the lyrics, culminating in the haunting, anthemic chant:
“When. The. War. Is. O-ver.”

Jim penned the chorus, with Dimmy shaping the rest into a powerful statement on resilience, identity, and conviction. It’s about fighting the battles that matter — because peace only comes once you’ve stood your ground.

Recorded entirely in a home studio in Ballarat, Australia, Deadman reflects a spirit of full creative freedom and DIY determination.

Pre-Save Deadman EP: https://orcd.co/deadmanep

DISTORTA are also stoked to announce the addition of Liam Frost-Camilleri to the lineup. He steps in following the departure of Dom Davey due to health reasons. Known as a driving force in Victoria’s metal community, Frosty has been instrumental in organising major festivals like Beyond Black, which brings awareness to mental health through heavy music. With a deep well of experience as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for bands like Fall and Resist and Yeah Sick, Frosty brings a brutal edge to both guitar and vocals. When paired with lead vocalist Dmitry, the result is a sonic assault — tight, aggressive, and impossible to ignore.

www.facebook.com/distorta
www.youtube.com/channel/UCizUhr_GuMvgDGGNFthVqpg
www.instagram.com/distorta__band
www.tiktok.com/@distorta_band_aus
tinyurl.com/SpotifyDistorta

Shade Of Sorrow, who received rave reviews worldwide for their debut album, releases their summer song Summer’s Sorrow

Shade Of Sorrow, who received rave reviews around the world with their album Upon The Fields Of Grief, released last year and produced by Tuomas Saukkonen, are releasing their new single Summer’s Sorrow. Mika Kankainen, who has starred in four Wolfheart videos and has worked as a guitarist or drummer in several bands, has a solo project that is truly solo – Kankainen plays all the band’s instruments himself and also takes care of the vocals.

The definition of The Selfdestruction Diaries, often attached to the band’s name, says a lot about what it’s about, and even though the song’s name is quite gloomy, Mika Kankainen jokingly states that it’s even a hilarious “summer hit”. The song was created in an hour during some recording sessions where the intention was to do something completely different.

“This song came naturally, and Summer’s Sorrow is my easiest and most creative project so far, quite confidently. Since the song is very different in style compared to the rest of the material on the upcoming album, it will be released as a single. It combines a good rhythm, melodies and a bit of a punk vibe, which is a very good thing especially in this summer,” says Mika.

Kankainen has been working hard in the studio together with the recording engineer to the point that currently about four-fifths of the upcoming album is already done, and the goal is to have the package ready for mixing and mastering before the fall. Kankainen estimates that the next album will be released in early 2026.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

Uruguayan power metal band Crystal Gates release single “Ocean Winds” from their upcoming EP

Crystal Gates, led by Uruguayan Benjamín Machín, has garnered widespread attention and awards in their home country in South America. The frontman of the band, who has toured with world stars, has now settled in Helsinki, and is working on the band’s promising career from here in the north.

Crystal Gates is now preparing for the release of their new East Of The Sun EP. The first taste was the single Spell Of Silence, released with a lyric video. Today, it’s the turn of the new release Ocean Winds, which presents the fastest and most technical side of the band’s production. The song was mixed and mastered by Danish studio guru Jacob Hansen.

“Ocean Winds is a song about the fear of death – it’s an open question about what ultimately matters when we suddenly have to face the premature end of life. It deals with the painful letting go of everything and everyone before it’s time to say goodbye,” Benjamín Machín reflects, continuing:

“The song is the second part of the three-part East of the Sun EP, and it stands out with its fast-paced energy. There were also a lot of complex parts to this song. It’s the most technical composition on the EP, one of the fastest songs in our catalog, and its lyrics are deeply human.”

Crystal Gates’ career took off in 2015 with the A Quest For Life EP. After its release, the band toured Uruguay and Argentina. The album won Best National Album, Best National Cover Artwork, and Best National Female Voice in the voting of Uruguayan metal producer and radio personality El Lado Oscuro. After the release of the Shadowborn single, the band gained international attention and toured Latin America. Crystal Gates has performed with Epica, Masterplan, and Xandria, among others.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

In This Moment releases new single Heretic featuring Kim Dracula

Known for their dark, soulful sound, In This Moment is treating their fans with a new single today. The latest single, Heretic, features as guest Kim Dracula.
Heretic is the band’s first release on the new label, signed to Better Noise Music. The song is also the first single from In This Moment’s as-yet-untitled ninth studio album.

“We’re really excited about our new song, and what’s even better is that we got to guest on it from Kim Dracula, who is an incredibly great artist! We knew we wanted to collaborate with Kim as soon as we heard his vocals. We can’t wait for the world to hear what happens when we join forces,” the band commented.

In This Moment is also active on the gig front – today they kick off the Hell Hath No Fury tour with Wargasm and Kat Von D. Later this year, the Black Mass tour will feature The Funeral Portrait, Dayseeker, and DED. European fans will have to wait for the upcoming tours, as both tours will span North America.

Formed in 2005, In This Moment has emerged over the years as one of the most influential and visually memorable metal bands of the 21st century. The band is led by charismatic frontman Maria Brink. The lineup also includes guitarist Chris Howorth, bassist Travis Johnson, guitarist Randy Weitzel, and drummer Kent Diimmel. The Grammy-nominated band is known for its distinctive performances and devoted fan base around the world.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

The Warlocks Share “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart” Ahead Of Album The Manic Excessive Sounds Of The Warlocks

The Warlocks return with their 14th studio album The Manic Excessive Sounds Of, released on August 1 on Cleopatra Records. Today they share new single and video “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart”. 
“Sometimes one has to wonder if marriage can really work in these modern times,” says frontman Bobby Hecksher, as he discusses new single “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart.” 
“Everything is 24-7 stress, work, band, friends/text/social media, toss a baby in there and things can get fried pretty fast. This song is about exactly that. Everything melting and on display and all you’re trying to do is pick up the pieces and make everything work. My favorite line is “A normal circumstance for me well, what do we do again? To make us feel blue again, to make us fall in love again.”
Veteran purveyors of a relentless, hypnotic wall of sound that suggests a collision between classic psychedelia, Krautrock and The Velvet Underground, the LA band unleash their manic excessive sounds on what might be their wildest, weirdest offering yet!
A journey into the ether and outer limits, The Manic Excessive Sounds Of The Warlocks was written, says Hecksher, in a single day, hence its title.
A gear shifting, mind melting, twist and turn bending of genre and expectations, it is the sound of The Warlocks  exploring our paranoid times through huge rock chords and choruses, delicious distortion through a modern psychedelia lens. The opener ‘Its A Fucked-Up World’ says it all, while the band’s forthcoming single ‘You Can’t Loose A Broken Heart’ offers everyone a sneak peek into the mayhem that’s to come.
But, Hecksher continues, “This album is a positive one, and it totally rocks in the best way, too. It’s about cherishing the things that matter – the ones around you, the people you love and dealing with those relationships that are oh so frail. Hopefully this album gives one inspiration, ammunition and hope to navigate the insane backdrop of our modern times.”
The Warlocks are certainly well placed to deliver such a creed.  Having grown up in the swamps of Tampa Bay, FL, Bobby moved to L.A. at age 16. There he swiftly found kindred spirits, jamming with Beck on his Stereopathetic Soulmanure album and moonlighting in The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
The Warlocks’s debut album Rise & Fall, on the legendary​Bomp label in 2000, set out their template, but it was the band’s signing to a worldwide deal with Mute and the release of Phoenix (2003) that truly kicked everything into gear.
Subsequent albums (including 2005’s Surgery, 2007’s Heavy Deavy Skull Lover, 2009’s The Mirror Explodes, and 2020’s The Chain) raised the temperature even higher, while​relentless international touring and the sheer power of The Warlocks’ gigantic live sound has built a worldwide cult following for the band that has only grown and intensified.
But The Manic Excessive Sounds Of The Warlocks takes everything to an entirely new level. Backed by J.C. Rees (guitar), Earl V. Miller (guitar), Marlena Schwenck (bass), Oscar Ruvalcaba (drums), Rob Campanella (Organ) and Elina Yakubova (tambourine & percussion), Hecksher throws everything bar the kitchen sink into the seething sonic cauldron, emerging with what has to be one of the psych-freak albums of the era.
In other words, he’s completely off his rocker on this one. His mind has melted and his psyche, like Elvis, has left the building. But only in the best possible way. You have been warned.
Track listing
1. It’s A Fucked-Up World
2. You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart
3. We Are All Lost
4. A Duel Between You And I
5. Stars On Sunset
6. The Dotted Line
7. Don’t Blame It On The Band
8. Don’t Blame It On The Jam

 

Robin Red shares new video of “Hammer Of The Gods”

Swedish vocalist Robin Red (Degreed) is pleased share his new single and official lyric video, “Hammer Of The Gods”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

Robin stated: “With the last song I went as far as reggae. Pretty bold if you ask me! This one is a pure rock and roll song. Enjoy!”

Stream “Hammer Of The Gods” HERE

Robin Red is Swedish singer Robin Eriksson’s alter ego. Robin is known for being one of the founding members of melodic hard rockers Degreed. Since then, he has toured all over Europe in support of seven well received studio albums from the band. Additionally, Robin also participated in the Swedish version of American Idol in 2008, finishing in the Top 10.

In 2021, Robin released his first solo album under the name Robin Red. He teamed up with Dave Dalone (H.E.A.T), as producer, guitarist and co-songwriter, to record the album.

“It’s always been a dream for me to be able to do this. Releasing my own album with the style of music that I love the most. Singing for the pure love of it. This is a dream come true for sure”, said Robin.

Now, in 2025, Robin is doing his first live show ever under the name Robin Red. Together with the boys from Wildness, he will perform at Kopparbergs Festivalen in his hometown, Kopparberg, Sweden, on August 8th. Robin’s son Lennon will also join in for a couple of songs.

To celebrate the first show ever, Robin’s releasing three unreleased songs this summer.

Line Up:
Robin Red – Lead vocals, backing vocals & bass.
Dave Dalone – Guitars, synthesizers, backing vocals and percussion.
Mats Eriksson – Drums
Erik Modin – Percussion
Joan Eriksson – Grand Piano, background vocals
Jona Tee – Organ
Petra Eriksson – Background vocals

Follow ROBIN RED:
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Finnish Alternative Metal Act RELICON Are Back With New EP “Ephemeral Triumphs”

Finnish alt-metal project Relicon is set to make a powerful return with their upcoming EP Ephemeral Triumphs, due for release 29 August 2025 via Wormholedeath.

Ephemeral Triumphs marks the band’s second EP under Wormholedeath, delivering a blend of raw emotion, experimental textures, and unflinching heaviness.

In a statement from the band, they shared, “It’s been a very long road for this project, over 27 years. While there was a hiatus between 2012-2017 for personal reasons, the project has always continued to compose new
music, evolve, and pursue new things. Even at this moment, the next recording is already taking shape.”

Ephemeral Triumphs features three reimagined tracks originally written between 2005–2012 and one newer piece, “Emergence,” with early demos dating back to 2017. Musically, the EP ventures into more experimental ground, infusing alternative metal roots with moody atmospheres, dynamic shifts, and guest saxophone work from Tommi Palomäki.

The recording process began immediately after the band’s 2024 EP Consequences of Disbelief. Drummer Mikko Kuhno laid the rhythmic foundation, while longtime bassist Tuukka Mauranen—returning after years of collaboration—added low-end power. Antti-Pekka handled the rest of the instrumentation and production, continuing his legacy as the band’s creative core.

Expect a diverse sonic palette: the opening track “Herstory” and instrumental “Demise 2” stay close to Relicon’s traditional alt-metal roots, while “Join the Fray” introduces aggressive fry vocals, and the closing track “Emergence” explores haunting, softer dynamics unlike anything in the band’s catalog.

Founded in 1998 by Antti-Pekka Meronen as a solo project, RELICON has undergone significant evolution over the years. After releasing two demos in 2002 and 2003, the project transformed into a full five-piece band by 2005, followed by the addition of a keyboardist and the release of a fourth demo in 2008. Despite a brief disbandment and a hiatus from 2012 to 2017, RELICON resurfaced in 2024 with the EP “Consequences of Disbelief,” also released via Wormholedeath. The current lineup, featuring drummer Mikko Kuhno and long-time bassist Tuukka Mauranen, has brought new energy to the project, culminating in the release of “Ephemeral Triumphs” in 2025.

Pre-save the EP here: https://orcd.co/ephtrium

https://antice.kapsi.fi/relicon
www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhhonDcMTiplvji6do1Fog