Author: Crix

STEFANIA SISTU Releases New Single & Lyric Video ‘Illusion’

STEFANIA SISTU releases her new single “Illusion” via Volcano Records, accompanied by the official lyric video.

Intense and deeply personal, the song explores the emotional aftermath of injustice, betrayal and disappointment — the kind of wounds that can shake our trust in others and, in moments of greater vulnerability, profoundly affect the way we experience relationships. “Illusion” comes from the need to move through that pain and turn it into a new awareness. Rather than shutting the world out, the song ultimately points toward the importance of putting your own well-being first, learning to rely on your own strength and gradually freeing yourself from the weight of other people’s judgment. Musically, the single moves between rock and metal, creating a powerful and emotionally charged atmosphere that mirrors the introspective nature of the lyrics. The music was written by Daniele Pireddu, musician and composer whose artistic partnership with Stefania Sistu has played a central role in shaping this new project.

A professional singer, songwriter and vocal coach with years of experience in the music industry, Stefania Sistu opens a new chapter in her artistic journey with a project in which rock and metal become a vehicle for exploring emotion, vulnerability and the search for renewed inner strength. The official lyric video for “Illusion” accompanies the release by bringing the song’s words to the forefront and offering a direct way into the emotional core of its story.

Watch the official lyric video for “Illusion”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffSYJY5sb3E

Also watch the earlier singles:
“Surbile”: https://youtu.be/bBpDx-RmbxU
“Passengers of a Timeless Place”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hF1H6uSYQE

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/stefania.sistu

The Finnish death metal band (Psychoparalysis) released the last single ‘Metacognitive Failure’ from the forthcoming second album

The Finnish death metal band (Psychoparalysis) released their second single ‘Metacognitive Failure’ on September 23rd 2026. The track is taken from the forthcoming second album ‘Spectrum of Suffering’ which is set to be released on November 20th 2026 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to the single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/psychoparalysis-metacognitive-failure

This track resembles an evolution in the band’s sound, where they continue to explore their twisted mix of death metal madness with progressive influences but heading to even heavier depths than before.

Relentless as ever, the lyrical themes delve deep in the human consciousness and it’s various forms. (Psychoparalysis) has refused to follow a certain path, but to forge their own which they call a dynamic death metal. It resembles the key elements of unnaturally natural sounding time signatures and dynamic changes combined with twisted melodic textures. For those who want something unorthodox in the world of death metal one should be aware of what (Psychoparalysis) has to offer.

BIOGRAPHY:

(Psychoparalysis) is a Finnish dynamic death metal band formed in Vantaa in 2009. Combining crushing death metal riffs, punishing grooves, haunting melodies and progressive structures, the band creates an uncompromising sound that is as unpredictable as it is aggressive.

Influenced by Death, Bolt Thrower, early Amorphis and Edge of Sanity, (Psychoparalysis) refuses to be confined by traditional genre boundaries. Brutality and melody collide with progressive songwriting and atmospheric passages, creating a sound that constantly shifts between crushing heaviness and darker, more intricate territory.

After releasing three demos, the band unleashed its debut full-length Human Disposition in 2013 through BWK Records. Further releases followed, including Voracious (2017) and Alethophobia (2019).

After a lengthy hiatus from the stage, (Psychoparalysis) returned in 2026 with a new chapter underway. The band’s second full-length album, Spectrum of Suffering, will be released on 20 November 2026 via Inverse Records, delivering a darker, heavier and more progressive evolution of the band’s distinctive dynamic death metal.

Line-up:
AK – Vocals & guitar
Sami Eskola – Guitar
Arttu Kantola-Guttorm – Bass
Oskari Tarvainen – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/psychoparalysis
https://www.instagram.com/psychoparalysis
https://psychoparalysis.bandcamp.com

Vocalist JOHNNY RAY (The Mourning, 3 Headed Snake) Debuts Solo Single “Free My Soul”

Florida vocalist, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist Johnny Ray, known for his work with progressive metal force The Mourning (featuring members of Helion Prime, Levinia, Edge of Paradise) and heavy metal outfit 3 Headed Snake, which features two-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Sin Quirin (formerly of Ministry), steps into a new chapter with the release of his debut solo single “Free My Soul” and its accompanying music video.
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Built on heavy, melodic foundations and emotionally charged storytelling, Ray’s solo work offers a more intimate lens into the internal battles people face when life begins to wear them down. His new single marks the beginning of a project that exists entirely under his own name, one defined by honesty, vulnerability, and the fight to reclaim one’s identity.

The track originated from a collaboration with Shane Madere and Lance Jarreau, both former vocal coaching students of Ray’s. After hearing an early version of the instrumental for the song, Ray immediately felt compelled to be part of it.
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​“I loved it so much that I basically told them, I have to sing on this,” says Ray.
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From that point forward, the trio built the track around Ray’s creative vision, crafting a piece that hits hard, heavy, melodic, emotional, honest, and undeniably dynamic. At its heart, “Free My Soul” captures the breaking point where survival mode stops sustaining you. The song dives into the quiet collapse that happens when you drift through life on autopilot, pushing forward while neglecting yourself, until the subconscious finally starts screaming for attention.
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Ray describes the song as a conversation between two parts of the self, the subconscious, exhausted and pleading: “Where the hell were you? I’ve been sounding the alarm this entire time,” and the conscious mind finally waking up and responding, “You’re right. I’m here now. I’ll take it from here.”
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​“Free my soul means stepping out of survival mode and reclaiming your life, choosing to live with intention rather than simply getting through the day,” Ray adds.
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While Ray continues to front The Mourning (vocals, keys) and 3 Headed Snake (vocals), this release marks the first time he is presenting music simply as Johnny Ray.
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​“I wanted something that could exist under my own name and be a little more personal. ‘Free My Soul’ felt like the right song to start with.”

Listen to “Free My Soul” at the following links:

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OROtxf72II​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/6FLZzWeC0Wdr5ZJImAaEIM​

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Single Lineup:​
Johnny Ray – vocals, lyrics, vocal production, creative direction
Shane Madere – composition, production
Lance Jarreau – composition

For more info:

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

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

​https://www.tiktok.com/@themourningmusic​

Extreme Metal Act ALA Unleash The Single & Official Music Video for “Kill for Satan”

Serbian extreme metal force ALA have released the official music video for “Kill for Satan,” the second single taken from their debut album, “The Dragon’s Return”, set for release on October 23, 2026, via Wormholedeath.

A dark and confrontational warning, “Kill for Satan” aims at those who willingly embrace and defend the world around them, portrayed in the song as a prison created by a false and deceptive god. The track delivers ALA’s uncompromising blend of blackened thrash, traditional heavy metal, and oppressive atmosphere, driven by savage riffs, relentless speed, and a raw old-school intensity. Beneath its violent imagery lies a clear message of rebellion: ALA return as a force determined to destroy the children of the false god and ultimately bring down the Demiurge, the creator of this metaphorical prison.

The accompanying music video reinforces the track’s dark and confrontational character, translating its themes of rebellion, destruction, and defiance into a visual statement that matches ALA’s uncompromising aesthetic.

Founded by Damir Mirojević (Omadan IX / “O.”) during his time with Serbian black metal band KOLAC, ALA was created to bring together the diverse influences that have shaped his musical journey—from the hypnotic atmosphere of 1970s krautrock and psychedelic rock to the raw aggression of black metal. The result is a sound that is both ferocious and immersive, rooted in darkness while refusing stylistic boundaries.

Written throughout 2025, “The Dragon’s Return” introduces ALA with a record that embraces the spirit of classic extreme metal while forging its own identity. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts including Slayer, Motörhead, Mercyful Fate, Sarcófago, Dissection, Nifelheim, Destroyer 666, and Watain, the album combines razor-sharp riffs, relentless speed, memorable hooks, psychedelic guitar textures, and haunting ambient passages into an uncompromising listening experience.

Lyrically, the album explores rebellion, instinct, and transcendence, celebrating those who reject imposed limits in pursuit of their own path. Every song reflects ALA’s commitment to artistic freedom, honesty, and uncompromising expression.

The current lineup features O. (vocals, guitar), M. (guitar), G. (bass), and R. (drums), musicians whose backgrounds include KOLAC, Terrorhammer, Pustoš, Atomski Rat, Chaoist, Egzekutor, and Armburst.

Named after the Serbian word for a mythical serpent-like dragon of immense destructive power, ALA stands ready to carve its place in the international metal underground with a debut that is both savage and atmospheric. Devoratrix Mundi Omega Draconis.

www.facebook.com/share/1EKUgB8uPU
www.instagram.com/ala666band
www.threads.com/@ala666band
www.youtube.com/@Ala666band

Kai Hahto Video Interview

Kai Hahto is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drummers in the metal world. This year marks his 35th anniversary as a professional musician, a milestone that will be celebrated with the special Kai Hahto – 35 Years of Music concert at Helsinki’s Kulttuuritalo on October 23.
The event will see Hahto perform with several of his past and present bands, including Wintersun, Rotten Sound, Kai Hahto and friends plays Iron Maiden, Wings, Max On The Rox, and Misantropia. The evening will also feature opening performances from Diabolisher and Humming Whale.
We had the opportunity to speak with Hahto about the anniversary concert, his remarkable career, his work as a drum and ergonomics instructor, and the many experiences and insights he has gathered throughout life on the road.

Volucrine Video Interview

Volucrine is a Finnish alternative metal collective that released its debut album in 2011. Four albums, two EPs, and countless live shows later, the band has refined its distinctive sound to a new level, while continuing to push the boundaries of the genre through fearless experimentation.
A strong emphasis on lyrical depth remains at the core of Volucrine’s identity. Drawing from deeply personal experiences, the band’s lyrics give their music an authentic and unmistakably human voice.
Following the release of the acclaimed ETNA LP, which garnered widespread attention and praise around the world, the band is now ready to unveil new material from its fifth studio album, Chapter V: Renewal, released on September 25 through Inverse Records.
The band opened up about the new album in an in-depth conversation with The Offering, diving into the themes, creative process, and personal experiences that shaped the record.

https://www.facebook.com/volucrineband
https://www.instagram.com/volucrineofficial
https://volucrine.bandcamp.com

Omnivortex & Solus live at Meara Klubi, Pori (Finland) 26.9.2026

Another Meara Kulubi event took place on September 26th in the Finnish city of Pori. This time, two talented bands took the stage: Omnivortex and Solus.

Solus represents an interesting and distinctive addition to the Finnish heavy music scene. Formed in 2020 in Rauma, this energetic band delivers a melodic dark/death metal sound, drawing inspiration from metalcore and djent as well. Their performance was unique; appearing as a trio, without a bassist, they still managed to instantly fire up the crowd and put on an impressive show.

Hailing from Helsinki’s underground death metal scene, Omnivortex is rapidly rising through the ranks of the music landscape. Blending elements ranging from thrash and technical death metal to dissonant black metal, Omnivortex creates music defined by frenetic, shifting rhythms that are utterly engaging. Alternating between clean melodies and raw, brutal sounds, they offer a comprehensive and varied repertoire. Their performance was explosive, combining technical prowess with the frontman’s witty banter with the audience.

Despite a few minor technical audio issues, the evening was a success.

Photoreport by Cristina Gregori.

BREEDING CHAOS unveil new single “Cradle of New Suns” — first taste of their upcoming album, out December 18 via Great Dane Records

Following the renewed international push around their debut album ‘Distant Planets‘, French modern death metal band BREEDING CHAOS are bringing one of their most overlooked tracks back into the spotlight.

Released as a stand-alone single in Spring 2025, “Legion of the Dead” largely flew under the radar.

It deserved better.

While ‘Distant Planets’ established the band’s identity through massive riffs, controlled dynamics and a sonic concept rooted in astrophysics and interstellar phenomena, “Legion of the Dead” pushes that formula beyond the album.

Dense. Groove-heavy. Atmospheric. Purposeful.

No speed saturation. No genre clichés. No unnecessary excess.

Just modern death metal built around weight, memorable structures and impact.

“Legion of the Dead” stayed under the radar the first time around. It shouldn’t stay there.

Breeding Chaos has forged a sound that sits between the melodic discipline of Dark Tranquillity and In Flames, and the rhythmic precision of Textures — with a darker, more atmospheric backbone drawn from the ambition of Blood Incantation. 

Progressive in structure, uncompromising in heaviness.

With a second album in development and the band actively building its live presence across France and Europe, now is the right moment to get ahead of what they’re becoming.

 

DIRTY SHIRT Celebrates 30 Years w/ The Ultimate Live Best Of Album “Dirty Thirty Live”

Celebrating 30 years as one of Eastern Europe’s most distinctive and genre‑defying metal bands, the champions of folkcore, Dirty Shirt, are sharing the ultimate live best-of album, “Dirty Thirty Live”. The live album features 30 songs selected from 11 of the most important performances in the Romanian band’s history. The album is available on a double-CD digipack, deluxe double vinyl, and digital streaming.

“DIRTY THIRTY LIVE is a journey through some of the biggest and most important shows of our career. From FolkCore Detour to Wacken, from Hellfest and Rockstadt Extreme Fest to the incredible crowds of Pol’and’Rock, these recordings capture the energy, madness, and emotion that we’ve shared with you onstage throughout the years,” says Mihai Tivadar.

The live album follows Dirty Shirt‘s other celebratory record, “Dirty Thirty (The Best Of),” released this past June on digital platforms, as a limited double‑CD digipak, and on vinyl.

“Dirty Thirty Live” features live recordings from their performances at the following events:

FolkCore Detour – 2017
Wacken Open Air – 2019
25 Years: Pandemic Special – 2020
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2021
Maximum Rock Festival – 2021
Hellfest – 2022
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2022
WOŚP Grand Finale – 2023
Electric Castle – 2025
Rockstadt Extreme Fest – 2025
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2025

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Track Listing:​
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​CD 1:​
1. Rapsodia Română – Ciocârlia (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour 2017)
2. Put It On (Hellfest, 2022)
3. Fake (Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
4. Nem Loptam (Pol’and’Rock, 2021)
5. Când s-o-mpărțit norocu’ (Part 1, Electric Castle, 2025)
6. Ride (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
7. Freak Show (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
8. Hora Lentă (Wacken, 2019)
9. Moneyocracy (Maximum Rock Festival, 2021)
10. Bun îi vinul ghiughiuliu – Dulce-i vinu’ (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
11. Cobzar (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
12. Dope-A-Min (WOŚP Grand Finale, 2023)
13. FOMO / Fear of Missing Out (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)
14. Geamparalele (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
15. Rapapara (feat. Łydka Grubasa, Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
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​CD 2:​
16. Căluşarii (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour 2017)
17. Pretty Faces (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)
18. Hot for Summer (Hellfest, 2022)
19. Nice Song (Pol’and’Rock, 2021)
20. Away (25 Years Pandemic Special, 2020)
21. New Conspiracy (Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
22. Manifest (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
23. Ungarische Tänze No. 5 – Mental Csárdás (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
24. Ciuleandra – Hoții (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
25. Büntető (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
26. Dirtylicious (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
27. Maramu’ (Wacken, 2019)
28. Săracă inima me (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
29. Bad Apples (Wacken, 2019)
30. Pălinca – Latcho Drom (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)

“Dirty Thirty Live” double-CD digipak, deluxe double vinyl, and digital streaming are available at the following links:

​https://www.dirty-merch.com/​

​https://dirtyshirt.bandcamp.com/​

Digital – https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​

For more info: https://dirty-shirt.com/​
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​About Dirty Shirt:​
For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse, fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more, and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 600 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.

Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA Released Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” and New Video “Stealer”

Italian melodic power metal band Aletheya releases “Stealer”, the new single from their debut full-length album “Chance To Reborn”, out now, on digital and CD Digipak Version via Rockshots Records.

Accompanied by an official lyric video, “Stealer” arrives in conjunction with the album’s release, bringing its heavier side into focus while remaining firmly connected to Aletheya’s melodic power metal roots.

The band comments:

“The heaviest and most ’80s-inspired track on the album while still maintaining coherence with the overall sound and recalling classic metal elements like White Lion.”

While “Shame” explored a more introspective atmosphere and “Chasing The Sun” embraced an uplifting power metal drive, “Stealer” adds a different shade to “Chance To Reborn”. Across the album, Aletheya builds on their melodic power metal foundations with symphonic, neoclassical, and progressive influences shaping a sound that balances melody, energy, and emotional depth.

Watch the lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNXPuH-aEo0​

Digital Single: https://lnk.to/XGout3FG​

Conceived as a cohesive listening experience rather than a simple collection of songs, “Chance To Reborn” draws lyrically from personal experiences and explores themes of resilience, rebellion, inner struggle, awareness and transformation. These different perspectives reflect the band’s approach to turning conflict and adversity into strength, creating a recurring emotional thread throughout the record.

Produced by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio with additional keyboards performed by Alessio Lucatti (Vision Divine, Deathless Legacy), “Chance To Reborn” marks Aletheya’s first full-length release and brings together the experience of musicians active across the Italian and international metal scene.

For fans of: Helloween, Gamma Ray, Angra, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica.

ORDER THE ALBUM: https://rockshots.eu/products/aletheya-chance-to-reborn​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4szmGzBq6jClwrF4EsM15O​

Music Video – “Chasing The Sun” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfyahKs7_v4​

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ALETHEYA lineup:

  • David Folchitto: Drums
  • Francesco Menale: Guitars
  • Gianni Carcione: Vocals
  • Fabrizio Sclano: Bass

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

​https://www.facebook.com/people/Aletheya/61578108544801/​

BIOGRAPHY:

Aletheya is an Italian melodic power metal band formed by experienced musicians united by a shared artistic vision rooted in the legacy of classic heavy and power metal while embracing a contemporary and emotionally driven songwriting approach. Although “Chance To Reborn” represents the band’s debut full-length album, Aletheya brings together years of experience gained across the Italian and international metal scene.

The line-up features David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Fleshgod Apocalypse) on drums, Francesco Menale (Risen Crow) on guitars, and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept) on vocals, and Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon) on bass, combining technical expertise, compositional depth, and a strong artistic identity shaped through decades of musical activity.

Aletheya’s sound blends soaring melodies, powerful rhythmic structures, dynamic vocals, and refined guitar work, balancing the grandeur of traditional European power metal with symphonic textures, neoclassical influences, and progressive sensibilities. Deeply inspired by the German power metal tradition of the ’80s and ’90s, the band also draws from Scandinavian melodic metal, progressive metal and, at times, darker tonal shades connected to classic death metal influences. Their songwriting reflects a conscious effort to bridge the genre’s roots with a modern and personal artistic perspective.

Lyrically, Aletheya explores themes of resilience, rebellion, inner conflict, and personal awareness, transforming human struggles and emotional tension into songs driven by determination, introspection, and hope. Rather than relying exclusively on fantasy imagery, the band seeks to establish a deeper emotional connection with the listener through themes rooted in direct human experience.

Conceived as more than a simple collection of songs, “Chance To Reborn” represents both an arrival point and a new beginning for the band: the synthesis of past musical experiences and the foundation of a precise artistic identity aimed at bringing melodic power metal into a more contemporary and emotionally resonant dimension.

With their debut album, Aletheya position themselves as a new force within the modern melodic power metal landscape, combining experience, vision, and a profound respect for the genre’s past and future.