Author: Crix

Black Metal Storytellers MARGANTHA Debut EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice” And New Music Video “Miriam And The Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)” Out Now

Rockshots Records proudly announces the official release of “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, the debut EP from Finnish-Italian black metal act MARGANTHA, available on all digital platforms.

Rooted in myth, fear, and ritual, “Blood Moon Sacrifice” is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a narrative journey steeped in dark folklore and haunting atmosphere. The EP unfolds around the legend of a werewolf that terrorizes a secluded hunters’ village beneath a remote mountain range, channeling the emotional tension, primal fear, and descent into hysteria that defines the story.

Each track serves as a chapter in this tale:

  • “Blood Moon Sacrifice” opens the story with a dark waltz-like cadence, evoking the atmosphere of an ancient forest. During a solitary hunt, the protagonist is bitten, sealing the origin of the curse. Two instrumental interludes—bass and drums—heighten the track’s unsettling tone, making it feel like the soundtrack to a twisted fairy tale.
  • “Wolves at the Door” marks the creature’s approach to the village. This is no pack—but a lone, primordial predator whose thirst rivals that of many. Opening with a dark yet exotic riff and evolving through a melodic death metal core, the track balances blackened aggression, speed, and melody in a cinematic, dynamic form.
  • “Miriam and the Endless Night” (feat. Andy LaRocque) shifts perspective. Told through the eyes of a woman trapped in an endless night of terror, the song moves from eerie, unorthodox harmonies into a vortex of riffs and violence. Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) adds his signature touch where bloodlust and survival collide.
  • “Curse of the Full Moon” concludes the cycle with a hypnotic 6/8 ballad that depicts the protagonist’s full transformation. With elongated tempos, obsessive rhythms, and oppressive harmonies, the track channels the ritualistic core of classic black metal—slow, relentless, and introspective.

Driven by evocative riffs, atmospheric layering, and a primordial vocal delivery, MARGANTHA’s music balances black metal’s raw essence with moments of melody, tension, and dynamic pacing. As the band explains:

“We start from the story. Every riff, every rhythm is designed to serve the narrative. We’re not interested in technical excess—our focus is atmosphere, cohesion, and emotion.”

The entire EP was mixed and mastered by Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) at Sonic Train Studio, giving the record a powerful and precise sound while preserving its shadowy intensity.

Influenced by the cinematic dread of Mgła, the emotional fire of Uada and Gaerea, and the timeless aggression of Venom, Behemoth, and Celtic Frost, MARGANTHA builds a sound that is immersive, urgent, and steeped in meaning.

With “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, MARGANTHA mark their official debut—a work that merges ancient horror with the raw force of contemporary black metal. For fans of narrative-driven metal, hypnotic atmospheres, and unrelenting darkness, this is a first chapter worth embracing.

Digital EP – https://lnk.to/V1c7Fn​

CD ORDER the EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice”: https://bit.ly/3Yz60nn​

Music Video – Miriam and the Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque) – https://youtu.be/IoKy4Yq01tE​

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Track Listing:​
1. Blood Moon Sacrifice
2. Wolves at the Door
3. Miriam and the Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)
4. Curse of the Full Moon

Band Members:​
• Nocturnus I – Vocals and Bass (FIN)
• Nocturnus II – Guitars (ITA)
• Nocturnus III – Drums (FIN)

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/margantha_the_band/​

BIOGRAPHY:​
​
Margantha is an Italian-Finnish band formed by three musicians united by a passion for black metal and horror aesthetics. The project aims to create a powerful, evocative, and dramatic sound inspired by bands like Mgła, Ensiferum, Behemoth, and 1349, while incorporating atmospheric and melodic elements into their approach.

The band’s sound is a haunting and captivating tribute to black metal, enriched with lyrics inspired by horror and Gothic atmospheres reminiscent of the 19th century. Their music evokes a journey into the darkest and most mysterious corners of the soul, characterized by somber tones and lyrics that delve into the macabre and the supernatural.

Margantha draws inspiration from art in all its forms: from the literature of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, and Stevenson, to the paintings of Caravaggio, Bosch, and Turner. The band’s visual identity also reflects this artistic inclination, with carefully crafted photos designed to mimic the style of classical paintings, aligning with the dark and ominous atmospheres central to the project.

Born from the union of two distinct cultures, Italian and Finnish, Margantha blends the musical and artistic traditions of both countries to create a unique sonic experience.

SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION Release New Single ‘La fenice’ with Orchestral Video

‘La Fenice’ is the new single by the Italian progressive rock band SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION, released by Volcano Records & Promotion.

The song was conceived as a tribute to the iconic Teatro La Fenice in Venice, a universal symbol of resilience and rebirth after the devastating fire and its subsequent reconstruction. With evocative melodies and emotional crescendos, La Fenice stands as an anthem to the enduring power of art and beauty against the adversities of time and fate. The lyrics, written by Francesco Cannavale and Stefano Tessaro, weave seamlessly with a refined musical structure composed by Massimo Iannantuono and Francesco Cannavale, resulting in a track that blends lyrical depth and instrumental tension in pure progressive style.

The official music video is a true audiovisual documentary that captures the live performance of the song with a full orchestra of strings and winds. The choice to accompany the single’s release with an orchestral live performance underscores the band’s desire to honor the most authentic and spiritual dimension of music, expressed through vibrant interaction with space, sound, and emotion.

Rooted in the rock movement of the 1990s and in the visionary Italian progressive scene, the band includes founding member Max Iannantuono among its lineup. With influences ranging from PFM to New Trolls and Area, Super Severance Evolution deliver a timeless soundscape, evoking powerful images and deep sensations.

Also check out the official music video for ‘Spezza Le Catene’ here: https://youtu.be/RYK7YPm6_rs?si=8IKfmd8FBKkpHC7C

www.volcanopromotion.com

Finnish metal band Kaksonen releases their sophomore album in October – First single out now

Finnish metal band KAKSONEN has released the first single from their upcoming second album, VALO-OLENTO (to be released on October 17th 2025). VASTAVOIMAT (The Counterforces) was a natural choice as the first single of the Valo-olento album. The opening track introduces the concepts and basic settings of the album: the first half of the album ploughs through the darker side of humanity, while the second half sees light and hope in both people and the world. These two eternal forces, yin and yang, everlasting opposites, are bound in an eternal dance in this fierce thrash metal hit.

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

Valo-olento (Being of Light) is the second album by the metal band Kaksonen (Antti Lähdesmäki – guitar & vocals, Ville Koskivaara – bass & vocals, Tuomo Rinkinen – drums, Miika Vainio – vocals & guitar) hailing from Äänekoski, Central Finland. The eight-track album is musically and thematically a natural follow-up to the 2023 album Universumin kuningas (The Emperor of the Universe). As with the previous album, Inverse Records will also release Valo-olento.

https://www.facebook.com/kaksonenband

https://www.instagram.com/kaksonenband/

SOLENCE releases new single Dead_Alive – Angles Calling album to be released in October

Swedish electronic metal band Solence released their new single Dead_Alive on June 27th, which is a preview of the band’s fifth full-length album Angels Calling. The album will be released on October 3rd, and will be being published by Better Noise Music. The first taste of the album was released last month in the form of the single Where Were You..?.

Dead_Alive continues the band’s darker line. It is also one of the band’s heavier songs, combining Solence’s signature combination of catchy pop melodies, electronic production and melodic metal. The song’s lyrics deal with the chaos of the world. Dead_Alive was released accompanied by a visualizer.

“Dead_Alive is one of the heaviest songs on the new album. We wanted to go all out with this one. The song depicts a world on fire, where people walk around as the living dead. The chorus really grabs the listener by the chest – we can’t wait for the fans to hear this!” says singer Markus Videsäter.

Angels Calling album tracklist:
1. Angels Calling
2. Monsters In My Head
3. Where Were You..?
4. MESS
5. <alive
6. Dead_Alive
7. Wish You The Worst
8. Dangerous To Love
9. All of the Pain Must Go
10. Angels vs Demons

Solence is now based in Los Angeles, and consists of singer Markus Videsäter, guitarist David Strääf, keyboardist Johan Swärd and drummer David “Viking” Vikingsson.

The band garnered widespread attention early in their career by making heavy versions of pop songs. The band rose to international fame with their debut album Brothers, released in 2019. The single Animal In Me, taken from their 2020 album Direction, became SiriusXM Octane’s most-played song and also made its way onto the Active Rock radio charts. Solence’s previous full-length Hope is a Cult was released in 2023.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

“an aggressive album that does not hold back any emotions” – Finnish thrashers Indemon releases their debut album ‘Reclaiming Chaos’

Finnish thrashers Indemon released their debut album ‘Reclaiming Chaos’ on June 27th 2025 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to Reclaiming Chaos album: https://push.fm/fl/indemon-album

The band comments: 
“The album results from long-term development. Each track brings a different feel to the album, with a soundscape and overall delivery in vocals and instrumentals that differ from modern metal, as we’ve avoided gimmicks and shortcuts. The dynamism is present throughout, especially in the vocals, which drive the mood and connection. It is an aggressive album that does not hold back any emotions. ” 

BIOGRAPHY:
INDEMON is a four-piece metal band formed in 2020 in Kerava, Finland. Drawing influences from various subgenres of metal, they blend them uniquely to create a powerful and atmospheric sound. INDEMON’s debut EP Fear of Living was released in 2022, showcasing the band’s ability to create intense and multifaceted metal. The band’s lyrical themes explore fear, self-doubt, and inner struggles, immersing the listener into the music’s emotional world. INDEMON is known for their energetic live performances and distinctive music.

Line-up:
Joose Riihelä – vocals
Santeri Liesmala – guitar
Ville Kangasharju – bass
Patrik Kuitunen – drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/indemonband
https://www.instagram.com/indemonband
https://indemon.bandcamp.com

Ozzy’s Bob Daisley, Uriah Heep’s Mick Box team up with the BulletBoys To Drop Yacht Metal Bombshell As “Taking It to the Streets” Gets a Sleaze Rock Makeover

In a union as unexpected as a teapot on a Marshall stack, classic rock royalty and Sunset Strip legends have come together for a high-seas sonic adventure.
Just try and get your head around this.  On four strings, Bob Daisley—the thunderous bassist behind Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz.  On six strings,  Mick Box, the eternal guitar maestro of Uriah Heep. At front and back, vocalist Marq Torien and drummer Fred Aching of the glam-leaning, groove-heavy BulletBoys. And powerless to resist their hard rock temptations,  the Doobie Brothers’ anthem “Takin’ It to the Streets,” stripped naked and then reimagined in full yacht metal regalia.
The title track to the Doobies’ sixth album in 1976, “Takin’ It To The Streets” was both composed and sung by the band’s newly-acquired frontman Michael McDonald, and swiftly became one of their biggest hits yet, a number 13 Billboard smash.  Years later, that same magazine elected it the Doobie Brothers’ third greatest song, and of course, it’s been a yacht rock staple since before there was even a yacht to rock it on.
Well, now it’s on course to become a metal staple too, as the BulletBoys​– no strangers to turning up the heat on classic tunes – bring their characteristic Sunset Strip swagger and vocal bravado to the mix, crafting a version that glides as smoothly as a speedboat in Monaco but hits like a bottle of Jack at soundcheck.  And with Daisley and Box on the deck alongside them, you know that soundcheck is gonna be loud.
Produced in Los Angeles with a mix of analogue warmth and digital bite, this yacht metal version of “Takin’ It to the Streets” is more than a cover—it’s a seafaring reinvention, custom-built for late-night drives, dive-bar jukeboxes, and yes, possibly the top deck of a very dubious cruise liner.
The track drops today on all streaming platforms, while Yacht Metal itself – a limited-edition vinyl compilation positively overflowing with like-minded reinventions – is sailing closer every day.
So polish your deck shoes, crank up the stereo, and prepare to set sail on the smoothest, loudest voyage you didn’t know you needed.

Parashyne’s next chapter began with a new guitarist – What I’ve Known single and video continue the band’s bold theatrical line

Parashyne, who released their debut album Calibration last year, is back this year with a new line-up, and the first song What I’ve Known, made with new guitarist Aitor Jimenez, was released on June 25th. As befits Parashyne, the new single is also a powerful and theatrical entity, which was accompanied by a spectacular music video directed by Juho Virinkoski.

The video was shot at Velho Light & Sound studio in Pasila, Helsinki.

“The video aims to highlight references to the song’s message: information bombardment and how to distinguish false information from truth,” says Parashyne’s primus motor and vocalist Tanja Härkönen.

The band’s previous guitarist Samuli Federley had to withdraw from the band due to lack of time, but Härkönen is very pleased with Aitor Jimenéz joining the band – there were big boots to fill, and they have fit Aitor’s feet perfectly.

The newly released What I’ve Known, spiced with a big beat, is a song of big emotions for Härkönen as well.

“The lyrics are about stepping into the shoes of someone who experiences bad cognitive dissonance and is unable to accept a new perspective or being wrong. The song is an invitation to question what you have learned,” says Tanja.

Although the song is easily recognizable as a Parashyne song, the band’s sound has changed somewhat from previous releases.

“The development towards a heavier metal direction also continues, if you compare the new single to the material from two or three years ago,” Härkönen adds.

Parashyne is:
Vocals: Tanja Härkönen
Guitars: Aitor Jimenéz
Bass: Sofia Kaipainen
Drum programming: Tomas Kasprzyk

PARASHYNE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY

“Even though everything is fine, things are different inside your head” – Shadecrown’s new single and music video ‘Inadequate’ out now

Finnish melodic death/doom metal band Shadecrown is set to release their fourth studio album 0 on July 25th 2025 via Inverse Records. 

The third and last single ‘Inadequate’ was unleashed on June 25th with a music video.

 

The band comments single:
“The song is about feelings of inadequacy and the difficulty of appreciating your own achievements. Even though everything is fine, things are different inside your head.”  

LISTEN to ‘Inadequate’ single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/shadecrown-inadequate

Biography:
The Finnish Shadecrown is a versatile melodic death metal band founded in Viitasaari in 2012, whose melancholic melodies and lyrics tell stories about the dark side of life. The band has released three full-length albums so far: Agonia 2016, Riven 2019, Solitarian 2021. The fourth album 0 will be released in 2025.

WATCH music video of first single ‘The Art of Grieving’ https://youtu.be/pPIwGDcOgRQ

WATCH lyric video of second single ‘Tear-Blind’ https://youtu.be/ypr8Mivciyc

Line-up:

Jari Hokka – Vocals
Joonas Vesamäki – Guitar
Tomi Tikka – Guitar
Saku Tammelin – Keyboards
Janne Salmelin – Bass & clean vocals
Kalle Varonen – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/shadecrownband
https://www.instagram.com/shadecrownband
https://shadecrown.bandcamp.com

SECRET RULE Launches New Music Video “Echoes Of The Earth” Off Upcoming 10th Studio Album “X”

Rockshots Records and Secret Rule are excited to announce the release of the band’s new single “Echoes Of The Earth,” accompanied by a music video and available on all digital platforms starting from June 24th. The track is the second preview of Secret Rule’s highly anticipated tenth studio album “X”, due for release late 2025.

With “Echoes Of The Earth”, Secret Rule explores a more introspective and spiritual side of their sound. The song blends heavy grooves, atmospheric tension, and layered electronics, creating a powerful and immersive soundscape. Lyrically, it reflects on the human need to reconnect with what is real and primordial in a chaotic, artificial world.

“It’s about listening for something ancient to guide you. I wrote the lyrics during a time when I needed to feel grounded again. That chorus is the moment of awakening,” says vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo.

Guitarist and producer Andy Menario adds:

“We wanted a track that felt direct and alive—something that could carry both chaos and order, like a dialogue between the modern world and the earth itself.”

Fresh from a 15-date European tour with Temperance and Induction earlier this spring and gearing up to hit major summer festivals across Europe, including Masters of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal), Secret Rule continues to prove they are entering a bold new chapter.

Listen to “Echoes Of The Earth” at the following links:

Digital (Spotify): https://lnk.to/K8cHIS​

Music Video: https://youtu.be/NXuMLHQyMds​

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First Single “Just A Sacrifice”:

Listen to the single (Spotify): https://lnk.to/H61jMl​
Music Video: https://youtu.be/8yyd_1TLZAA​

SUMMER FESTIVALS:​
27.06.25 ES – Imperium Rock Festival
12.07.25 CZ – Masters of Rock
20.07.25 PT – Laurus Nobilis
​
​ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals​
​ANDY ‘MENARIO’ MENARINI: Guitar​
​SOFIA BASILI: Bass​
​ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums

More info: ​
​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

Website: https://www.secretrule.it​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretruleband​
​Instagram: https://instagram.com/secret_rule_official​

ABOUT SECRET RULE:

Formed in 2014 by vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo and guitarist/producer Andy Menario, Secret Rule has emerged as a powerhouse in the symphonic modern metal scene. Now joined by Andrea Miazzetto (drums) and Sofia Basili (bass), the band seamlessly blends crushing metal riffs, cinematic symphonic layers, and cutting-edge electronic elements, all elevated by Angela’s commanding and emotive vocals. Hailing from Italy, Secret Rule has attracted audiences worldwide with their unique sound and high-energy performances.

With nine studio albums, the band has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre, crafting richly layered compositions and thought-provoking lyrics. Their dedication to musical innovation has earned them a global following and a reputation as trailblazers in modern metal.

Career Highlights:

Extensive Touring – Secret Rule has performed in over 20 countries, sharing the stage with renowned acts like Delain, Serenity, Visions of Atlantis, Rage, Xandria, Kobra and the Lotus, and Semblant. They have also delivered electrifying performances at major festivals such as Barcia Metal Fest, Metal Fest Event – Femme, Camorock Festival, Rock Castle Open Air, Rock Fest Prague, and Festo Die Hydra.

Critically Acclaimed Discography – Albums like “The Key to the World” (2017), “Against” (2020), and “The Resilient” (2022) have garnered widespread praise for their innovative soundscapes and polished production. In May 2019, “The 7 Endless” was ranked 20th among the best imported albums in Japan’s esteemed BURRN! Magazine.

Streaming & Video Success – With millions of streams across Spotify, YouTube, and digital platforms, Secret Rule’s music continues to reach a growing global audience. Their hit “The Song of the Universe” has amassed over 2 million views, highlighting their international appeal.

High-Profile Collaborations – Secret Rule has worked with iconic musicians from Within Temptation, Sonata Arctica, Delain and Firewind, further cementing their status as a dynamic force in the genre.

Chart Success – Their singles have hit the Top 10 on iTunes rock/metal/all-genre charts in Finland, Japan, Italy, Canada, and Norway.

Hungarian Heartkiller released the last single and music video from their upcoming debut album

Hungarian metal band Heartkiller is set to release their debut album ‘Üdv A Világomban (Welcome To My World)’ on August 15th 2025 via Finnish Inverse Records.

The fourth and last single ‘Életre ítélv’ was released on June 24 with a music video.

“Hi Guys!
Sometimes you find that the person you trusted, the person you planned your future with, the person you wanted to build a new life with, is not really the person you once fell in love with. You try to compromise and please the other person, but sooner or later you realise that, you are denying yourself if you give in, resulting in a bleak, empty life. Instead, stand up for yourself, end the suffering, accept the pain and then, go on your way with your head held high! One way or another, you have to live. That’s what happened to me a few years ago. That’s what this song is about.”
-Nagy Gábor “Kenny”

LISTEN to Életre ítélv on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/heartkiller-eletre

WATCH ‘Hajsza közben’ music video which is a cover of famous Hungarian rock band Prognózis: https://youtu.be/qn7jABUQXEQ

WATCH ‘Lépned muszáj (Néha fáj)’ music video: https://youtu.be/xxt8KOr2wKs

PRE-SAVE album on Spotify/Deezer

Line-up:
Scream, vocals and backing vocals – Nagy Gábor “Kenny”
Lead guitar – Kis Sándor
Rhythm guitar – Szabó Loránd
Bass – Gulybán Márton
Drums – Csiszár Gábor
Guest appearances on Hajsza közben:
– Vocals and backing vocals – Vörös István- Vocals and backing vocals, solo guitar – Arany Máté (Akela)

Links: 
https://heartkillermusic.hu
https://www.facebook.com/heartkillermusic
https://www.instagram.com/heartkillerhungary
https://www.tiktok.com/@heartkillermusic?