Author: Crix

Firewind Sign New Record Deal With BLKIIBLK Records

BLKIIBLK is thrilled to announce the signing of Greek power metal band Firewind. Led by guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Dream Evil), the band have evolved into a powerhouse band with a devoted international fanbase and a string of acclaimed albums.

As the band enter this exciting new era, Firewind also announce major lineup updates. After his departure in late 2019, powerhouse vocalist Henning Basse is officially returning to the band. Basse’s history with the group goes back to 2007, when he first stepped in as a touring vocalist on the Allegiance tour, and later became a defining voice during Firewind’s post-hiatus era from 2016 to 2019, leaving a lasting imprint on the acclaimed album “Immortals”.

At the same time, Firewind announce that Herbie Langhans is stepping down from vocal duties.
“We “borrowed” Herbie from Avantasia for as long as we could, but our schedules and needs kept clashing, with all the increasing touring obligations. We understand Herbie’s situation and we thank him for his time in the band, the awesome music we made together and wish him all the best”, the band commented.

Gus G. expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, by saying: “We’re all very excited, as we commence work on the upcoming concept album that will be the biggest and most epic thing we’ve ever done. And for this, we couldn’t have imagined a better label partner other than Frontiers Records new imprint label, BLKIIBLK. We’re honored to be label mates with Metal titans such as Megadeth and Biohazard and we can’t wait to unleash the new music to the world. Please stay tuned for more details on that and we will be seeing you on the road in 2026!”

Aldo Lonobile, Head Of A&R Europe at Frontiers Label Group, added: “We are truly excited and proud to welcome Firewind to BLKIIBLK. Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with Gus G on several occasions, and now we finally have the opportunity to work more closely together. Beyond being one of my favorite guitar players, he is a brilliant songwriter, and Firewind have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting metal acts in the scene. We can’t wait to be part of the next chapter in their career!”

Blazing a trail across the global metal scene for over two decades, Firewind stand as a pillar of modern melodic power metal. Combining anthemic choruses, dazzling guitar work, and soaring vocals, Firewind bridge the gap between classic heavy metal and modern power metal sensibilities. With influences ranging from Rainbow and Judas Priest to Helloween and Symphony X, their sound is as timeless as it is energetic.

The band’s discography includes standout releases like “Allegiance” (2006), “The Premonition” (2008), and “Immortals” (2017), each demonstrating Firewind’s knack for fusing melody and technical mastery. Their 2020 self-titled album marked a rebirth of sorts – introducing new vocalist Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Sinbreed) and delivering a heavier, more aggressive edge without sacrificing the band’s signature hooks.

At the center of it all is Gus G., whose explosive yet lyrical guitar style has earned him global recognition and endorsements, from playing stadiums with Ozzy Osbourne to headlining clubs with Firewind. Known for his precision, tone, and deep-rooted love for heavy metal, Gus G. is both the heart and architect of Firewind’s sound.

Firewind continue to tour worldwide, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and unwavering dedication to the genre. With new material on the horizon and their legacy firmly cemented, Firewind remain a vital force in the metal world – bold, melodic, and unstoppable.

Firewind will head on tour next year, with the following dates already confirmed and more to be announced soon:

FIREWIND Festival dates 2026:

29.01-02.02 US – 70K Tons of Metal Cruise
09.05 DE – Rock in Rautheim
06.06 DE – Hard N Heavy Open Air
13.06 ES – Kabiefest
08.08 BE – Alcatraz Festival
29.08 DK – Næstved Metalfest

ABOUT FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP:
Founded in 1996 by Serafino Perugino in Napoli, Italy, Frontiers initially specialized in distribution of indie Rock labels across the Italian market. The company, however, soon evolved into a leading global rock label, working with such important artists as Megadeth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Skunk Anansie, Van Zant, Don Felder, Def Leppard, Journey, Yes, Mr Big, Biohazard, Night Ranger, Whitesnake and ELO, while also signing and developing tomorrow’s artists.

Today, the expanded Frontiers Label Group owns and operates the imprints Frontiers Music Srl (Mainstream and Classic Rock), FLG Records (Alternative Music) and BLKIIBLK Records (Metal and Hard Rock) with global digital and physical distribution via The Orchard (Sony Music). The company is headquartered in Italy with additional executive staff in London, NY, Boston, Raleigh, Los Angeles and Nashville. Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob and Averill LLP provides legal representation in the US, with international legal under the direction of Dario De Cicco.

Bloodbound released new album Field Of Swords

The power metal band Bloodbound, founded in Sweden more than two decades ago, has now released a new album. The band’s 11th studio album Field Of Swords continues the story of the band’s previous album Tales Of The North, moving to the Middle Ages, which began after the end of the Viking Age. The album is published by Napalm Records.

The band says that the new album is Bloodbound’s most ambitious and diverse album to date. The production and compositions rely on big melodies and fast-paced songs, as usual. This time, the production is even more polished, the sounds are more modern, and the fast songs have been given a new twist.

“Field Of Swords is a concept album and continues where Tales From The North left off. Musically, we have taken the whole thing in a slightly more modern direction, but all the elements that Bloodbound is known for are included. The album features both aggressive tracks and big epic songs. As a counterbalance, there are slow and impressive compositions, such as The Nine Crusades, on which Unleash The Archers’ Brittney Slayes duets with Patrik. This album contains everything you could want from a power metal album!”, raves keyboardist Fredrik Bergh.

The title track Field Of Swords was released as the top single from the album. The song was released accompanied by a lyric video.

The band’s other founding member, guitarist Tomas Olsson, says:

“Field of Swords deals with the development of medieval warfare and in particular how the combination of iron and coal created a new era in weaponry – and at the same time new types of fighters.”

Track-list:
1. Field of Swords
2. As Empires Fall
3. Defenders of Jerusalem
4. The Code of Warriors
5. Land of the Brave
6. Light the Sky
7. Teutonic Knights
8. Forged in Iron
9. Pain and Glory
10. Born to be King
11. The Nine Crusades (feat. Unleash The Archers)

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

MY INNER CHAOS Release Debut Single

‘Leaden Air’, the debut single by MY INNER CHAOS, is out now on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.

Though it’s their first release under this moniker, the band is composed of musicians already active within the Italian metal scene. They present a sound that blends industrial and alternative influences, through an intense and visionary track that moves between dark atmospheres, razor-sharp riffs, and a deep, dramatic melodic vein. Leaden Air is a dark reflection on the invisible weight of unspoken emotions, the suffocating grip of anxiety, and the moments when even the air seems to turn to lead. The piercing voice of the brilliant and intriguing Bia Redchaos cuts through a carefully crafted sonic landscape, where echoes of bands like 3Teeth, Delain, and Sick ‘N Beautiful converge in a raw and powerful artistic statement.

The track was recorded in the studio with meticulous attention to detail to enhance its evocative power, and the release is accompanied by striking cover art and a visionary music video.

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.instagram.com/myinnerchaosofficial

Finnish progressive metal band Humming Whale’s debut album is now released

Finnish progressive metal band Humming Whale has released their debut studio album “Chasing Rabbits”!

The band’s guitarist Lassi tells about the album: “We follow a very slow and organic approach to songwriting and playing music. We like to experiment with and nurture our musical ideas until they feel just right. The soundscapes of the album represent our own musical tastes ranging from energetic bass and guitar riffs to atmospheric synthesizer landscapes, and from dissonance to harmony.”

Listen to the album on streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon etc.): https://push.fm/fl/hummingwhale-chasingrabbits

The story of Humming Whale begun in 2006 in Tampere, Finland. Lassi Paunonen and Ville Kiiveri had already been friends for a long time, and had also been playing together in various bands. Their musical backgrounds steered the new band towards metal, but due to their broad tastes the band was from the beginning open to influences from a wide variety of genres. They especially embraced progressive elements in the form of nonlinear song structures and rhythmic experiments. Over the years, the band absorbed more and more influences from analogue synthesis and acoustic percussions, and their current sound begun to take form.

The band reached its first stable line-up in 2015 with Aki Hahto in vocals and Antti Lumijärvi in drums. The band begun to record its first full album in late 2016 based on the songs they had composed over the years. The recording took place in Lassi’s studio and the band took their time in shaping (and even rewriting) the songs. The process finally resulted in the album Chasing Rabbits, published in November 2025.

At the end of the year 2023 the band also arrived at their current line-up, with Matias Kuure in drums.

Members:
Aki Hahto – Vocals and percussion
Lassi Paunonen – Guitar and synthesizers
Ville Kiiveri – Bass
Matias Kuure – Drums

https://www.facebook.com/Hummingwhaleband

https://www.instagram.com/humming_whale_band

https://www.youtube.com/@HummingWhaleBand

https://hummingwhale.bandcamp.com/

Finland’s melodic dark metal masters SOULFALLEN return after 13 years of silence with a new single ’Thousandfold’

Finland’s melodic dark metal masters SOULFALLEN return after 13 years of silence with a new single ’Thousandfold’. The new song is from their long-awaited upcoming fourth album, set to be released next year.

”After so many years we wanted our first single to scream ’we are still very much alive’, so we chose one of the most aggressive songs from the new album. It bears the trademark dark atmosphere and beautiful melodies of SOULFALLEN yet blended this time with some cool new flavours and fierce blastbeats. The song is about overcoming extreme hardships with resilience and it can be seen as a metaphor of the new album, years in the making,” explains vocalist-songwriter Kai Leikola.

Watch the lyric video: https://youtu.be/Kv7upHocmTg

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

After headlining in Romania’s Symphonic Metal Echoes festival last summer, the Finnish dark metallers celebrate the release of their new song with a very special liveshow at the band’s hometown Jyväskylä’s own Ilokivi Venue on Friday November 21st with Slow Fall, Status Abnormis and Valpur.

SOULFALLEN is:

Kai Leikola – vocals
Aapeli Kivimäki – guitars
Jari Kinnunen – guitars
Teemu Vähäkangas – bass
Aaro Lappalainen- drums

Discography:

World Expiration (2007)
Grave New World (2009)
The Promise of Hell (2012)

https://www.soulfallen.com/

https://www.facebook.com/soulfallenofficial

https://www.instagram.com/soulfallen_official/

Greek Death/Thrash Metal Titan CREMATE Unveils Die As You Lived

Greek Death/Thrash Metal powerhouse CREMATE has returned with their fierce new official video, “Die As You Lived.” This track is a high-octane, unforgiving assault of pure thrash and death metal fury, cementing the band’s position as a titan of the Greek metal scene.

“Die As You Lived” is a declaration of death without redemption. It stands as a defiant call for absolute accountability, rejecting illusion and falsehood with unwavering intensity. The track delivers an uncompromising message, confronting the past, calling out hypocrisy, and demanding truth over deception.

Delivered through relentless, pounding thrash riffs and a driving, almost ritualistic rhythm, the single explores profound existential and social undertones. It is a violent, honest farewell to those who lived—and will die—without purpose, urging the listener to confront the lies they have built their lives upon.

Adding a distinctive, haunting layer of darkness to the metallic assault is special guest Charalampos Paritsis AKA Lusty Apricot, whose chilling violin contribution drags the entire track deeper into its thematic abyss.

“Die As You Lived” is featured on CREMATE’s latest EP, Ready To Fight.

Greek Death/Thrash metal band CREMATE was originally formed in Alimos, Athens, in 1991, establishing a raw, aggressive sound influenced by titans like Kreator and Sodom. Their 1993 demo End of Time earned international acclaim, followed by the 1995 7″ EP Enchanting Black Recess, before the band disbanded.

In 2021, founder Christos reignited CREMATE alongside George (Drums) and longtime collaborator Akis Pastras (Guitar). The band revisited their seminal demo, re-envisioning the 90s Death/Thrash fury by infusing dark synthesized atmospheres and new arrangements under a contemporary production lens.

The resulting 4-track EP, Ready To Fight, embodies this powerful rebirth. It features three reworked classics—including “Die as You Lived” enhanced by haunting violin from Lusty Apricot—and the brand-new title track showcasing a solo from Marios Iliopoulos (Nightrage). Recorded and mixed by Akis Pastras and mastered by George Nerantzis (Rotting Christ, Abbath), the EP delivers an uncompromising, dynamic fusion of vintage aggression and modern dark textures.

www.instagram.com/CremateTHEBAND

www.facebook.com/crematetheband

www.youtube.com/@CREMATEtheband

 

French heavy metal band The Losts released the second single ‘Exponential Law’ from their forthcoming third studio album ‘Venom Within’

The French dark and melodic heavy metal band The Losts, formed in 2010, are set to release their third studio album. Titled Venom Within, the album will be released via Finnish record label Inverse Records on 19 December 2025.

The second single, ‘Exponential Law‘, is released today and is available on all major streaming platforms: https://push.fm/fl/the-losts-exponential-law

Vocalist/guitarist YGC comments:
“Exponential Law, the second single from “Venom Within,” reflects the urgency in which mankind has placed itself—through its existence, its creativity, and even more so, the urgency it faces in confronting challenges and potential outcomes. Beyond the lyrics, we’ve also placed this urgency at the heart of the music, expressed through the band’s signature style. A speedy track, like saying: “We’ve got the pedal to the metal—buckle up, we’re on our way!” “

BIOGRAPHY:

THE LOSTS is a Dark & Melodic Heavy Metal band from the North of France, touring since 2010 in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It has shared stages with bands such as SERENITY (Austria), DIRTY SHIRT (Romania), ZORNHEYM (Sweden), LONEWOLF (France), WIZARD (Germany), KING HEAVY (Chile), CAPILLA ARDIENTE (Chile), DRAKKAR (Belgium), FIREFORCE (Belgium), DOOMOCRACY (Greece), LOUDBLAST (France), and many more.

The music of THE LOSTS, always led by a melodic side, reflects the tastes of each member. Thus, Hard, Dark, Black, Doom, Thrash, Oriental, even Rock, enrich the Heavy Metal which represents the roots of the band. The band cites MEGADETH as well as ARCTURUS, MERCYFUL FATE, JINJER, THERION or even IMMORTAL for major influences.

All the lyrics and designs are linked by the same concept: the mythology of the “Losts”, a fictional story and a pretext to portray a satire of our societies. Born from nowhere and driven by a thirst for humanity, these characters draw closer to human civilizations. As their story unfolds through the songs, they embody and then question the essence of human nature, its power, and the meaning of existence.

Formed by DGC (guitars), JCR (drums), YGC (vocals/guitars) and GGV (bass), this line-up released its first self-produced EP, “No God, No Devil”, in 2013. This EP received a warm welcome from the musical media (reviews in Metallian and Rock Hard France for example). In 2016,  its debut full-length album “…Of Shades & Deadlands”  was released in partnership with Ellie Promotion. The artwork was designed by the renowned Stan W. Decker. Thanks to sales and media coverage, the album reached audiences beyond Europe, gaining traction in Asia and South America, with enthusiastic feedback from both the press and fans.

In 2020, during the recording of the second album, GGV left the band. This marked the first lineup change, welcoming PPG on bass — a new member who brought fresh energy and direction to the band. This new formation completed “Mystery Of Depths”, produced by Phil Reinhalter at WaveLight Studio (PUTRID OFFAL, MERCYLESS, NOISE EMISSION CONTROL, HYLDR…) and mastered by Frédéric Motte at Conkrete Studio (LOUDBLAST, ETHS, GOROD, TGOO,…). The cover art was created by American artist Chadwick St John, known for his work with DARKTHRONE. Released in 2021 in collaboration with Ellie Promotion and distributed by Season of Mist, the album received critical acclaim and was included in several “Best of 2021” lists across the international metal press. The band has also appeared on numerous compilations (Howl, Pavillon 666 sampler, Ultraje Portugal sampler, French Metal, etc.).

“Venom Within”, the third album, is once again mixed and mastered by the duo Phil Reinhalter and Frédéric Motte. The 11 new tracks continue the musical exploration that defines THE LOSTS, pushing boundaries while offering a wide playing field where a multitude of vocal “characters” come to life. Released under Inverse Records, the Finnish label that has placed its trust in the band, this new creation is eager to claim its place in today’s musical landscape.

Listen to the first single ‘A Dark Place to Hide’: https://push.fm/fl/thelosts-dark  

Line-up:
DGC – Lead & rhythm guitars, thrash & backing vocals
JCR – Drums, extreme & backing vocals
PPG – Bass guitars, backing vocals
YGC – Lead & backing vocals, lead & rhythm guitars

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/TheLostsBand
https://www.instagram.com/thelostsband 
https://thelosts.bandcamp.com

ALBERTO RIGONI Announces Tim Alexander (ex Primus) as Special Guest Drummer on Upcoming Album “Dystopia” with Stuart Hamm & Michael Manring

Italian bassist and composer Alberto Rigoni is proud to announce that legendary drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander — best known as the iconic former drummer of Primus — has joined the upcoming album Dystopia as a special guest.

Famed for his unmistakable touch, polyrhythmic creativity and deeply characterful drum sound, Tim “Herb” Alexander brings a unique rhythmic perspective to the project. Alexander also collaborated with Michael Manring on the acclaimed 1994 album Thonk, a recording known for its experimental, forward-thinking musicianship. His contribution to Dystopiahas been nothing short of transformative: his playing and sonic identity have given the album an extraordinary new dimension.

Dystopia is currently in the mixing and mastering phase, with one track already available for streaming on Bandcamp, where listeners can also pre-order the album. The full worldwide release is planned for early 2026, and will be distributed by Melodic Revolution Records and Musea Records.

About Dystopia

Dystopia is an ambitious bass-driven progressive rock album featuring three world-renowned bassists:

–Alberto Rigoni (Italy) — bassist, composer, producer
–Michael Manring (USA) — one of the most innovative and expressive solo bassists of all time
–Stuart Hamm (USA) — bass icon known for his collaborations with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Frank Gambale, and his groundbreaking solo work

Together, the three bassists create a unique sonic tapestry: their tones and styles are distinct, complementary, and perfectly interlocking, showcasing the bass guitar at its highest expressive potential — from warm melodic passages to aggressive, distorted textures.

Drummer David Menoudakis performs on three tracks, adding groove, intensity, and prog-oriented precision. The addition of Tim “Herb” Alexander as a special guest amplifies the project’s artistic depth, expanding its rhythmic palette with his unmistakable, character-rich drumming.

Release & Availability

–First single / preview track: available now on Alberto’s Bandcamp http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
–Pre-orders: open on Bandcamp (http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com/album/dystopia), pre-order for CD and Vinyls coming soon!
–Format: Digipack CD, Vinyl, High Quality Digital download
–Full album release: early 2026 (TBA)
–Labels / distribution: Melodic Revolution Records & Musea Records

More news coming soon

Additional announcements, previews, and behind-the-scenes updates will be revealed in the coming weeks. Dystopiacontinues to grow into one of the most unique and ambitious bass-driven progressive albums of the decade

Photos provided by featured artists.

For More information:

ALBERTO RIGONI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Rigoni
www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
www.instagram.com/albertorigonibassplayer
http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
www.albertorigoni.net

Monolicht Releases New Single “Alyssa” – A Dark Tale of Temptation and Sin

Nordic dark metal band Monolicht’s new single “Alyssa” blends dark metal with a driving, post-punk-infused rock energy. The track delves into themes of temptation, sin, and surrender to darkness, reflecting an intense inner struggle between good and evil. Haunting yet powerful, “Alyssa” continues Monolicht’s signature dark aesthetic and sound.

“Alyssa” is now available on all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/monolicht-alyssa

Monolicht is a dark metal band from Finland, founded in 2015 and still performing with its original lineup. The band’s music draws inspiration from northern mysticism, channeling the melancholy and cold austerity of shadowed forests and frozen streams.

Vocals: Kalle Raijonkari

Guitar: Mikko Kupiainen

Guitar: Jukka Saarinen

Bass: Joonas Kolehmainen

Drums: Antti Hyvönen

Follow the band on social media:
linktr.ee/monolichtband

Extreme Metal Titans MASS PUNISHMENT Unleash New Single and Video “Eye Of The Storm”

Mass Punishment, the uncompromising force in Apocalypse Metal, have dropped their devastating new single and music video, ‘Eye Of The Storm.’ The track, a relentless fusion of speed, groove, and apocalyptic commentary, is taken from the band’s crushing album, Proving Grounds, Vol. 1, available now via Wormholedeath.

‘Eye Of The Storm’ is lyrically about the government unleashing its fury on mankind, wiping them from the face of the earth, using superstorms as its weapon of choice. Seemingly, a natural disasters that uproot families and entire communities from their homes. Taking family, friends, household pets, and all you possess and destroying lives. Eye Of The Storm tells you to be ready. Prepare for the deluge, as the floods will wash you away. This song is a powerhouse that is going to make your senses explode as you enter the ‘Eye Of The Storm’ 

The music video, shot and directed by lead singer Erick Laurino, is nothing short of a thrill ride. Packed with images of the band performing, mixed in with footage that any storm chaser would love to pursue. This video leaves your heart racing and wanting more. Thy Kingdom Come!

Stream the single: orcd.co/eotssingle’

New Jersey’s Mass Punishment deliver unflinching Apocalypse Metal — a brutal fusion of social awareness and unrelenting power.
Formed by Army veteran Chris “Axe” Milos, the band channels real-world chaos into explosive, thought-provoking metal. With frontman Erick “Maverick” Laurino commanding the mic and Ed “Arc Angel” Musto anchoring the low end, their sound blends aggression with message.
Signed to WormHoleDeath Records, Mass Punishment have shared stages with Machine Head, Soulfly, Meshuggah, Emmure, and GWAR, pushing forward with conviction and zero compromise. Their full-length debut, Proving Grounds Devastation, and recent singles, Enemy Within and Blood Dirt, mark them as one of the most fearless rising names in modern metal.

As of Fall 2025, Mass Punishment is mixing their first EP with Eric Rachel.
The EP will be mastered by Ted Jensen and will feature several special guest appearances. Expected release: Spring 2026.

Both Arc and Axe recently received their first endorsement deal with DR Strings.

The band will embark on their first international tour in April 2026, supporting Warbringer on a Japanese run.
Drummer Anthony Coota (Blindfolded and Led to the Woods, New Zealand) will join the lineup for the tour and upcoming studio sessions.

Recording begins January 2026, with George Pond returning as producer.

Mass Punishment is:
Erick “Maverick” Laurino
Chris “Axe” Milos
Ed “Arc” Angel

www.masspunishmentofficial.com
www.instagram.com/masspunishment
www.tiktok.com/@masspunishment
www.facebook.com/Mass-Punishment
www.youtube.com/@masspunishment
mpnation.bandcamp.com/track/god-less-america
linktr.ee/masspunishment

masspunishment.bigcartel.com

Management: Extreme Management Group
Label: Wormholedeath Records