Author: Crix

Jack The Joker announce debut album “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” out August 22

Progressive metallers Jack The Joker are thrilled to announce that they will release their debut album “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” on August 22, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Following the first two singles “Denied” and “Sun”, the quartet share the new track “Between The Sky Lines”, along with an official video.

“Between The Sky Lines” is a gaze beyond the blinding glow of our cities, a song for the forgotten skies observable from the countryside. It’s a reminder of how small we are, in a world that still breathes, suffers, and endures beyond the edge of our comfort”, the band commented.


Pre-Order “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” HERE

Jack The Joker is a modern progressive metal band with a twist, hailing from the Northeast of Brazil. The band consists of Raphael Joer (vocals) Felipe Faco and Lucas Colares (guitars), Gustavo Pinheiro (bass), and Vicente Ferreira (drums).

What sets Jack The Joker apart is their ability to incorporate traditional cultural influences from their homeland, infusing elements of maracatu, forró, baião, and frevo into their sound. Their music draws inspiration from the iconic Brazilian novel of the same name, navigating the metaphysical backlands where human will clash with the raw forces of nature.

Their instrumental approach mirrors this thematic landscape, using regional rhythms as a foundation for dense, complex arrangements and layered compositions that fuse tradition with the intensity of progressive metal.

The band has already made a name for themselves in the modern prog scene with their 2024 singles, generating buzz with their blend of cultural authenticity and musical innovation.

Produced by Adair Daufembach (Angra), “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” is an ambitious, genre-blending journey that will delight fans of technical metal, groove, and melody alike. Jack The Joker bring a fearless and refreshing perspective to the progressive metal genre.

“The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” Tracklist:

1.    Devir
2.    Between The Sky Lines
3.    Denied
4.    XV
5.    Neblina
6.    Sun
7.    You Where I Belong
8.    Thousand Witnesses
9.    Cabaret
10.    Saudade
11.    Hope

Line Up:
Vocals – Raphael Joer
Electric/Acoustic Guitars – Felipe Facó e Lucas Colares
Bass Guitars – Gustavo Pinheiro
Drums and Percussions – Vicente Ferreira

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Unén announce debut album “Forever Winter” set for release on August 29

Finnish melodic metal band Unén are thrilled to announce the release of their debut album, titled “Forever Winter” and set for release on August 29, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The track “Black Heart” is available today, along with an accompanying official video.

 

Pre-Order “Forever Winter” HERE

Vocalist Stina Girs talked about writing the new song:

“Black Heart was the first song I was given to shape with lyrics and vocal melodies, and it instantly resonated with me. The title had been echoing in my mind for a while, and the moment I heard the music, I knew – this was it. The song dives deep into the darkness of a toxic relationship, one ruled by manipulation and control at the hands of a narcissist. But at its core, the song is about reclaiming your strength. It’s the breaking point – the moment you rise, take back your power, and refuse to be broken”.

Talking about the album, the band said: “Forever Winter” began to take shape in the spring of 2023, marking a real turning point for us with the arrival of our lead vocalist, Stina Girs. At the time, we had a handful of instrumental tracks in progress – including an early version of what would become “Black Heart” – but when Stina started working on the material, her passion and emotional depth brought everything to life”.

“The creative energy between us took off, and with multiple composers in the band, the songs came together quickly. Musically, the album moves through driving melodic rock, cinematic progressive metal, and moments of haunting stillness – tied together by Stina’s powerful, expressive voice”, they added.

Unén continued: “Lyrically, “Forever Winter” is deeply personal. Stina poured her own lived experiences into every song, transforming pain into melody and storytelling. Each track is a chapter in a journey of catharsis, resilience, and rebirth. Over the following year, we focused on shaping the sound and capturing the heart of the album – an intense but rewarding process that led to our signing with Frontiers Music, who believed in our vision from the beginning. Now, “Forever Winter” is ready to meet the world, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created.”

Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Unén are a modern melodic metal band, whose music also incorporates elements ranging from progressive to pop, blending intensity with sensitivity in its sound.

Unén was originally founded in late 2021, laying the foundation for the band’s musical style. In 2022, Unén focused on composing and refining production independently, resulting in the release of two self-published tracks. However, after a rollercoaster year, there was a need to change the lineup to accelerate production.

The word “Unén” was derived from the band’s original idea that lyrics would be based on the world of dreams. However, due to lineup changes, this concept took a different direction, but the name remained.

In the beginning of 2023, there was a shift in Unén’s lineup due to the change of lead singer, which notably accelerated all activities. The band members coming together was a series of fortunate coincidences and determined searches, including encounters with old acquaintances. The right people had found each other.

In May 2023, Unén released their first single “Made Of Stone (cover)” with new lead singer Stina Girs, who rose to national attention after placing 5th in the Finnish TV show “Idols” in 2010. She later signed a solo contract with Sony Finland, releasing two Finnish language albums.

Inspired by the sound of Evanescence, the current lineup of Unén showcases their unique identity and creative direction. The band has since focused solely on original compositions, with each member contributing equally to the creative process. Bound together by their passion for music – despite having completely different day jobs – Unén stands out for its collaborative spirit and emotionally rich sound.

“Forever Winter” Tracklist:

1.    Prelude For The Wicked
2.    My Love’s Broken
3.    In My Bones
4.    Black Heart
5.    Forever Winter
6.    Sky
7.    Game Over
8.    Ice Queen
9.    Spoil Me
10.    Rose
11.    Disappear
12.    I Will Always Find You

Line Up:
Stina Girs – vocals
Kimmo Pitkänen – guitars
Petteri Sinervä – keyboards
Harri Moilanen – guitars
Tomi Kallava – bass
Timo Larjo – drums

Follow UNÉN:
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Leverage New Studio Album “Gravity” out now

Finnish heavy rock juggernauts Leverage are excited to release their new studio album “Gravity”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The focus track “Moon Of Madness” and its accompanying visualizer video are also available now.


Buy/Stream “Gravity” HERE

Guitarist Tuomas Heikkinen said: “Moon Of Madness was the first song written for what became Gravity, built around that fun, galloping guitar riff. It carries echoes of our earlier work but also marks new ground – like co-writing lyrics and melodies with Paolo, which was a first for me in Leverage. I also handed the solos to Lotta and Marko this time. The result has all the essentials: great energy, a few surprises, and a super catchy chorus”.

Leverage’s future seemed uncertain after the untimely passing of singer’s Kimmo Blom in the summer of 2022. However, founding member and main songwriter Tuomas Heikkinen decided the final hour for the band was not in sight yet. Outstanding singer Paolo Ribaldini (Delain, ex-Skiltron) and violinist Lotta-Maria Heiskanen joined with the precise task to renew and refresh the sound of the band.

The resulting album “Gravity”, the band’s sixth full-length in slightly less than twenty years, aptly showcases contemporary heavy rock sound, combining multiple influence from the genre’s golden era with the band’s own unique flair and personality. Plenty of ear-catching melodies delivered skilfully with a pristine top-of-the-line production.

Leverage is neither a power metal band, nor an AOR band, nor a nostalgic tribute to the ’80s. Instead of falling into one category, they have bent and redefined genre frontiers, thus developing their own style of heavy rock. The sonic stamp says “Leverage”, and it speaks louder than words.

Leverage’s history is carved deep into the DNA of the new album “Gravity”: the grand melodic traditions of the debut “Tides” (2007) and the sophomore “Blind Fire” (2008), the symphonic flair of “Circus Colossus” (2009), and the darker, more mature tones of “Determinus” (2019) and “Above The Beyond” (2021) all find new life here. But “Gravity” doesn’t simply revisit the past—it elevates it.

The band’s Mark 3 line-up now includes Tuomas Heikkinen (guitars), Marko Niskala (keyboards), Elias Ojutkangas (drums), Sami Norrbacka (bass), Paolo Ribaldini (vocals) and Lotta-Maria Heiskanen (violin). Watch out for Leverage playing in a town near you!

“Gravity” Tracklist:

1.    Shooting Star
2.    Tales Of The Night
3.    Hellbound Train
4.    Moon Of Madness
5.    Eliza
6.    All Seeing Eye
7.    King Ghidorah
8.    Gravity

Album Line Up:
Paolo Ribaldini – all vocals
Tuomas Heikkinen – guitars
Marko Niskala – keyboards
Valtteri Revonkorpi – drums
Sami Norrbacka – bass
Lotta-Maria Heiskanen – violin

Follow LEVERAGE:
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Serpico, who swears by the old-school rock ‘n’ roll, has released a new single from the upcoming album Dressed In Flesh

Serpico from Pori, Finland, who cherish the spirit of honest, sweaty and genuine rock ’n’ roll, has announced that they will release their new album Dressed In Flesh on September 12th. The publisher is the US-based Golden Robot Records, which has long established a reputation in the field of rock music. The first single from the album, Hard as a Cannonball, was released last April, which was accompanied by a fast-paced music video.

Now it’s time to turn our attention to the next single release – Rock n’ Roll is Not Dead, which was selected as one of the releases of the week by German Metal Hammer, is accompanied by a music video for which the band found inspiration from music videos that played on MTV in the 80s, as well as the spirit of the Finnish Jyrki program.

“Jani was excited about the lyrics he had written, and I was immediately inspired to compose a song around them. The cornerstone of the song is the chorus’s shouts of ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Is Not Dead’, which has been our band’s motto and a hashtag repeated on social media for over a decade. I knew right away that this song had to sound like good-natured, sweaty, and attitude-driven rock’n’roll – with Serpico’s own twist, of course! Our guitarist Snage and our studio wizard and producer Anssi Kippo also brought their own ideas and the end result: exactly what we wanted – Rock ’n’ Roll Is Not Dead!”, singer Vee Dour tells.

“That slogan has always been close to my heart and plays such a big part in my life and in our band that I had to write a song about it. I believe that the time is right now, because today’s rock n’ roll is essentially missing exactly what I admired about it. The idea for the song is actually based on the fact that at some point there was widespread shouting that ‘Rock is dead’ and blah blah… That is absolutely not true, but rock n’ roll is alive and well. I hope commercial radio stations and other mainstream media would wake up to this as well,” Jani Serpico reflects.

The music video was conceived by cinematographer Eetu Salmi and drummer Jani Serpico. The video was produced and shot by Eetu Salmi with his team. The aim was to capture a comprehensive street-credible snarl in the old school style.

“We started working on the music video for the Rock n’ Roll is Not Dead single by feeling old Jyrki clips, and thinking about how we could get a similar feeling in the music video itself. We ended up making the video improvising, and we only planned a few main lines in advance. Many 80s videos that were playing on MTV at the time also served as sources of inspiration. Working with Serpico was a really fun experience, and I think the good feeling we had during the filming is conveyed well to the viewer through the video,” says Eetu Salmi.

Dressed In Flesh track listing:
1. Hard as a Cannonball
2. Rock n’ Roll is Not Dead
3. This Song
4. Lightning Strikes
5. Iron Boots
6. Sweet rebel darling
7. Out of the grave
8. Magma hound
9. Mayday

Serpico is:
Vee Dour – vocals
Snage – guitar
Matt Gee – bass
Jani Serpico – drums

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | LINKTREE | SPOTIFY

Omnivortex Video Interview

Finnish technical/blackened death metallers Omnivortex present their music in a frenetically twisted and ever-changing way. Whether it be from clean melodic passages to raw and dissonant chugs with endless blasting and slapping bass, Omnivortex always have new ideas to offer to the listener. From thrash death metal to dissonant black metal, they deliver unforgettable soundscapes. The band has so far released two albums, “Diagrams of Consciousness” in 2020 and “Circulate” in 2023; the new single “Visitant” was released on May 15th and more songs will be released in the near future. Before their show at meara Klubi in Pori, we had the chance to meet frontman Severi Saarioja and bassist Mikael Reinikka and find out more about the band and their music.

https://www.omnivortexofficial.com/

 

Prepare For A Cosmic Thrash Alien Invasion with Canada’s Crüzer’s New Lyric Video “Look to the Skies”

Unleashing their debut EP “Look to the Skies” this past April, Crüzer is not just a band—they are a cosmic metal assault from the Great White North. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada, their sound is as unstoppable as an alien invasion force, tearing through the atmosphere with electrifying solos and unforgettable hooks.

In the lead up to their upcoming local show dates on June 27th at The Astoria and July 26th at The Kingsway (details below), Crüzer is unveiling the lyric video for their EP’s title track.

“The title track, Look to the Skies, deals with the threat of an extraterrestrial invasion force, and the attempts of the world powers to stop it (or maybe they know more than they’re letting on…). The chorus hook on this song might be my favourite of the whole album, love how it just comes in out of nowhere after a whole verse and pre-chorus of harsh blackened thrash vocals,” adds vocalist Eric Wilmott.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Look to the Skies” at https://youtu.be/bvTh1eWEJZ0​

Featuring five tracks of raging, rip-roaring, intergalactic speed metal, with a multitude of different flavours catered to the tastes of every thrasher, but with a melodic and humorous twist. Crüzer‘s latest EP, “Look to the Skies”, will have metalheads headbanging to the power of the riff and celebrating the bizarre and otherworldly wonders of the universe.

“I believe this EP will be well received by any thrasher who enjoys a touch of melody with their mosh fodder. While in the studio, we ensured that these songs were polished and perfected, with a good dose of melody and catchiness infused into the madness. We aim to provide a thrash buffet of sorts, a smorgasbord filled with various flavours of speed, melody, and attitude. Tracks like ‘Pit Vyper’ have some serious hair metal vibes, and it is preceded on the record by ‘(I Need) Thrash’, a Slayer-esque song! EARTHLINGS!!! Crank it to 11, and prepare for an out-of-this-world heavy metal experience. Your alien overlords are excited to unveil our latest slice of interplanetary propaganda, LOOK TO THE SKIES!” says Willmott.

“Look to the Skies” is recommended for fans of all things thrash, such as Havok, Exodus (Zetro era), Destruction, Metallica (Ride the Lightning era), Exciter, and 80s Judas Priest.

The EP is streaming on all digital platforms as of April 4, 2025. Crüzer plans to unleash the 5-track record on CD, with the release date to be determined. CD pre-order will be available from the band via their Bandcamp at https://cruzermuzik.bandcamp.com.

EP Stream Links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/8aW_6SHC9lY​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3GKuG6C​

Live Video – Hyperspace Metal Festival – Raging Fire – https://youtu.be/rJ6MGl09H6k

Show Dates:​
June 27 – Vancouver, BC – The Astoria w/ Gorgonum Chaos, The Bifurcated, Nobody, DJ HAMMER – info​

July 26 – Vancouver, BC – The Kingsway w/ Terrifier, W.M.D., and The Unending – info​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Look to the Skies (4:18)
2. Born to Rise (4:06)
3. Raging Fire (3:51)
4. (I Need) Thrash (2:14)
5. Pit Vyper (4:44)
Length: 19:13

More info: Cruzermuzik.carrd.co | Facebook.com/cruzermuzik | Instagram.com/cruzermuzik​

Calgary’s LOVER Release Limited Edition Cassette For EP “Fatal Attraction” – The Band Will Play At Armstrong Metal Fest 2025

Now available, Calgary’s high-intensity, no filler rockers LOVER, release their limited edition cassette for their latest EP “Fatal Attraction”. Fans can now rock out with a physical anthem in hand. Heavy metal fans can experience what “Fatal Attraction” truly is: a fast, real, kick to the face. Even though the EP is only two tracks, this is a sampler of what’s to come. The opening title track is an energetic rush of sound that captures the ups and downs of being overwhelmed by desire. The lyrics feed this feeling by talking about lust and substance abuse. Track 2. “Bad Love” lyrically is a tough and mean reality check. It’s based on a true story of love gone wrong. It has aggressive riffs, mean solos, and is captures the strain of a mind in love and turmoil.

“High energy, vocal harmonies, guitar harmonies, pounding drums. We deliver a full Rock n’ Roll experience. We only had a few songs ready at the time of this recording, so we all decided on our best 2 songs. We have been diligently writing and have more than enough material for a full-length record. We are starting to write a 2nd record already. Most songs are demoed. We are hoping to get some help with the costs of recording our first full-length record.” – Lover

Recommended for fans of Scorpions, Riot City, Wasp, Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Thin Lizzy, cassette order and digital available at https://loverrockofficial.bandcamp.com/album/fatal-attraction​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/43tjRNP​

Live Video – LOVER – On The Road (LIVE – 07/26/24) – https://youtu.be/H0mxjJvnsu0​

​

Track Listing:​
1- Fatal Attraction – 4:46
2- Bad Love – 5:45

EP and Live Lineup:​
Aidan Desmarais – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Hunter Raymond – Drums, Vocals
Jacob Chase – Bass
Christopher LoNigro – Guitar

In additional news, LOVER is performing at this year’s Armstrong Metal Fest (July 11/12), one of Canada’s loudest mountain moshpits nestled in the beautiful backdrop of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. More info: https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/​

​

Show Dates:​
July 11/12 – Armstrong, BC – Armstrong Metal Fest
July 19 – Edmonton, AB – The Dive Bar

More info: Facebook.com/loverrockofficial | Instagram.com/loverrockofficial​

THE VALLEY Release New Single And Lyric Video ‘Magpie’s Eyelid’

‘Magpie’s Eyelid’ is the new single by THE VALLEY, now available on all major digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion. The release is accompanied by a visionary lyric video that enhances the song’s conceptual and narrative depth.

 

The alt-prog band from Italy, following the release of two impactful tracks that captured the attention of both audience and industry insiders, now continues their journey with a new single that delves even deeper into their distinctive sound—a blend of alternative rock and progressive influences.

Magpie’s Eyelid offers a clear-eyed yet contradictory perspective on the allure of what frightens us. It reflects on how we observe pain from a distance, safe and detached, only to find ourselves strangely fascinated—until we realize that only what hits us directly can truly shake us. It’s an unstable balance between detachment and involvement, shame and desire, atonement and pretense. A deeply intense and multi-layered track, both lyrically and sonically, that confirms the band’s bold artistic direction.

Mixed and mastered by Mattia Miniati, with a lyric video created by Martin V.S.

Also watch the video for the earlier singles:
‘Eons’: https://youtu.be/3VbvAbrbQkw
‘Hypnagogia’: https://youtu.be/0zhsSfs6at4

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/thevalleyprog

Melbourne’s Extreme Unit KÜNTSQUÄD Strikes Back with Satans Cock and New Single

Melbourne’s crusty death metal iconoclast KÜNTSQUÄD returns with their most ferocious statement yet: the unapologetically titled Satans Cock, set for worldwide release via Wormholedeath Records.

Once again recorded at Goatsound Studios with Jason Fuller and Jamie Colic, the album is provocatively titled Satan’s Cock and features satanic artwork by Rok.

Building on their debut, the new record pushes the boundaries of heaviness and songwriting, with deeper down-tuned tones and complex rhythmic interplay. True to their ethos of constant evolution, the band continues to explore new extremes with each release.

To mark the announcement, KÜNTSQUÄD drop the first single, the grotesquely addictive “Psychotropic Lyfe”—a furious introduction to the new record’s relentless pace and satirical bite.

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/plsingle

Küntsquäd (pron. Kountskard) is a crusty death metal band from Melbourne blending guttural vocals, down-tuned riffs, and blackened chaos. Their 2022 self-titled debut on Wormholedeath Records earned global acclaim and sold-out pressings. Raw, extreme, and satirically twisted—this is metal with no genre boundaries.

www.facebook.com/kuntsquad666
www.youtube.com/@Kuntsquad666
www.instagram.com/kuntsquad_cdmetal
kuntsquad.bandcamp.com/track/eat-your-entrails-limited-edition-single

Terromania Video Interview

Terromania is a Finnish Alternative Metal band that is making its way onto the scene with raw power and emotion. Mixing influences from Ghost, Lordi, Gojira, Spiritbox and even the wild energy of Van Halen and Devin Townsend, they push themselves even further by fusing their Heavy Metal base with synthwave, 80s hair metal, pop and hard rock into an unforgettable sound. Signed to Californian record label Ripple Music, Terromania released their debut album “Nyctophobic” in 2023 and several singles, the latest of which, “Reawakened” was released on June 18th.
The band is planning to release one more single before committing to their second full-length album.
We had the chance to meet frontman Julius Silvennoinen and guitarist Antti Saarinen and find out more about their latest single releases, future plans, their shows and much more.

https://linktr.ee/terromania