Author: Crix

Progressive Metal Titans WIND DOWN presents Without Doubt And Illusion (Official Music Video)

Progressive metal innovators Wind Down have unleashed the official music video for “Without Doubt And Illusion”—a hauntingly introspective track from their highly anticipated concept album, The Burning Past, set for release on April 18, 2025, via Wormholedeath Records.

“Without Doubt and Illusion” takes you on a powerful introspective journey, where silence and solitude lead to a profound self-realization. The track explores themes of breaking free from past doubts and misconceptions, confronting uncertainty, and ultimately seeing things as they truly are. As the fog of illusion lifts, the protagonist embraces clarity, shedding old beliefs and discovering a new truth within themselves.

Wind Down’s debut album is a bold narrative steeped in Native American traditions and shamanic rituals, exploring themes of rebirth, ancestral memory, and the cyclical nature of truth. Tracks like “Without Doubt And Illusion” showcase their self-coined “Progressive Groove Metal” sound—a fusion of polyrhythmic precision, soaring melodies, and seismic riffs that bridge the cerebral and the primal.

Pre-save the album here: orcd.co/theburningpast

Formed in 2021 by Damian “Blady” Jurek and Wojciech “Świerszcz” Wojtyczek, founding members of Thetragon, Wind Down quickly grew into a formidable unit with the additions of Kuba Czubik, Władysław Zawojski, and Marcin Borula. The band’s journey began with the release of their debut EP, Uśpieni Ludzie (Euthanised People), which garnered widespread praise, thanks to its title track and accompanying music video.

Building on the momentum, Wind Down toured extensively, sharing stages with international metal heavyweights like Necronomicon (Germany), Stonecast (France), and 3000AD (New Zealand), alongside prominent Polish acts such as Iscariota, Styxx, and Subterfuge.

In 2023, the lineup evolved, bringing in Franciszek Trybus and Tomasz Wiśniewski (formerly of Thetragon and Kruk) to solidify their sound. By April 2024, the band began recording their debut full-length album at Hertz Studio, with the final touches—mixing and mastering—handled by Ergosphere Studios. Their album The Burning Past, is set for release on April 18, 2025, via Wormholedeath Records.

www.instagram.com/wind_down_official
youtube.com/@winddown5133
www.facebook.com/thetragon

Hungry’s Debut Album To Be Release March 27th Via Elevate Records

Hungrey formed in Rome in 2023, initially as a side project, but soon configuring themselves as a stable and independent entity, outlining their sound according to a Hybrid Metal, the result of disparate influences, among which there is an evident reference to the first American metal scene with progressive tendencies, including bands such as Queensryche, Fates Warning and Crimson Glory.

The project, however, was born from the need to consolidate an artistic identity outside the connotations of genre and method, in an attempt to return to producing music as a proposal and not as an answer to a question. Influences, sounds, lyrics, look and methods of promotion and communication are expressly aimed at this purpose. Their programmatic manifesto is a consequence of this:

We are about to re-calibrate the oscillations – strong force 1 – small blue planet detected at 7411 ly – electromagnetic 1/137 – we are coming. Dismantling observational artifacts – synchronous oscillation – weak force 10 to the -6 – We do not travel, we vibrate. Contact imminent. We are close – gravity 10 to the – 39 – it is urgent to share the interaction with the sound – we are with You, in your universe, single note of the Symphony. The exchange of Talents is urgent – Your residual time of existence is limited – we bear witness – we tell: for a fleeting harmonic interval, on a small blue planet, a species capable of shaping the sound lived. Your only testament is made of Music. Music is immortality, Music is power. United by Talent, we are here to create sound where there was none before. Particles and waves, oscillations and vibrations, mass, energy, space and time, everything resonates, everything vibrates, everything oscillates, the entire multiverse is Music.
(To be continued…)

During the two-year period 2023-2024, Hungrey consolidated their lineup and dedicated themselves to composing enough material to release an album. During 2024, the band focused on the production (with the collaboration of Ray Sperlonga for the vocals) and recording (at NMG Studio in Palestrina – Rome) of eight songs. Among these, the first single, Start To Forget, was chosen, which, also promoted through a video, was released on November 1, 2024. After the first, Hungrey planned to release two more singles (Moth and Falling) before the album release. These songs will also be promoted through a video.

The three clips, created by Tommaso Benvenuti together with some colleagues from the film academy, are characterized by the development of a single plot inspired by the lyrics of the songs, divided into three acts, each with different temporal settings. The videos represent, therefore, a trilogy, starting from Start To Forget, followed by a prequel (Moth) and a sequel (Falling).

Stabilized oscillation, assumed appropriate appearances, neural mapping in progress. Thought, memory and emotions at the service of sound. You are a deserving species, Music increases your awareness, well-being and mood; it affects your vital functions, but you still do not fully exploit the potential of transcendence. Betting on sound will be fundamental when, sooner or later, you find yourself in the condition of survivors. Having lost all your artifacts, only Music will remain with you, in your mind, and it will be your collective memory to find cohesion. You must be ready to make it a tool for survival. We have come to prepare you for this. A simple message with a common language. Music is the origin, music is the journey, music is the purpose.

Endorphins charged, let’s begin!

The album release party will take place in Rome, at Stazione Birra, on March 27, 2025.

Tracklist:

Start To Forget
Moth
Falling
Be Myself
Hypocrisy
35 Seconds
Escape
Parallel 41

line up:

Luca Loreti (Vocals)
Fabrizio Appetito (Guitar)
Francesco Maria Ciancaleoni (Guitar)
Emiliano Baccini (Bass)
Alex Di Nunzio (Drums)

Two members of the band who appear on the album, Emiliano Baccini and Alex Di Nunzio (bassist and drummer, have since been replaced by Stefano Conti and Luca Ioveno.

https://www.instagram.com/hungrey.theband/
https://www.facebook.com/HunGrey.theband/
Canale YouTube: @HungreyTheBand

Rotten Sound Video Interview

Rotten Sound is one of the most influential bands in the grindcore scene: formed in 1993 in Vaasa, the band has under the belt eight studio albums, eight EPs, three split singles, a live DVD and many tours around the world. Their latest album “Apocalypse” was released in 2023 and new music will be released soon.
We had the opportunity to sit down with the mind of the band Keijo Niinimaa before their show at MonoMassive in Pori and talk about music, tour and much more.

https://www.rottensound.com
https://www.facebook.com/RottenSoundOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/rottensoundgrind/
https://rottensound.bandcamp.com/album/apocalypse
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aglyvdJ7ApTfDC6aQ2LFf
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rotten-sound/71466405
https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCvjuJxCQmS2DR0bZWwu_evg

 

Bloody Falls & Progeny Of Sun live at Monttu New Level, Pori (Finland) 15.3.2025

Bloody Falls and Progeny of Sun, both in the roster of Death Agency, performed at Monttu New Level in Pori on March 15th.
The explosive sound of Bloody Falls combines all kinds of elements of the most extreme metal genre, including explosive drums, epic passages, melodic solos and memorable guitar riffs. In April 2024 the band released their LP “Amartia” via Art Gates Records, which was a great success and opened new horizons for the band.
Progeny of Sun is a multifaceted mix of different metal genres, forged primarily around death metal. Sustained fire of hypnotic riffs balanced with imaginative melodies, drums that bring constant blast beat assaults along with roaring bass lines, thunderous vocals that range from bottomless growls to hellish shrieks, all turning the entire mutilation into a musical act. Their debut album “Throne of Desolation” was released in late 2023 and the second album will be released this year.
Both bands gave an excellent show on the stage in Pori, inviting the shy audience to go wild with headbanging.
Here some photos taken by our reporter Cristina Gregori.

Cinematic metal band Atlases returns to the release roster

Pori-based Atlases, mixing moody atmospheres with heavy sonic waves, returns to the release roster. Originally released in 2017 via Romanian Pest Records, Atlases’s debut EP “Penumbra” has been given a new treatment and anointing. The re-recorded, mixed and mastered EP is titled Penumbra: Recast, and is the first release from the band Atlases, which has undergone a crew change, and the debut of Jesse Simola, who has previously produced samples, synthesizer and backing vocals, as the band’s front vocalist.

The idea for a new treatment of the Penumbra EP arose when the band discovered that the original output had disappeared from digital music platforms.

At the same time, the band underwent a crew change, with original vocalist Jamppa Lamminpää stepping aside. Rather than immediately start working on a new and upcoming album, the band felt that bringing in a new vocalist to front the band, making the old one updated, would be pleasing to all parties involved and concerned, says Atlases. The band is currently working on a follow-up to their 2023 album “Between The Day & I”, which is in pre-production phase.

Penumbra: Recast EP´s drums was recorded by Jesse Simola. Other recording and production, mixing, mastering and cover art was done by bassist and singer Jerkka Perälä.

The digital release of Penumbra: Recast will be produced by Meara Music, an agency, record label and event producer based in Ulvila, Finland.

Atlases, from Pori, Finland, is a strong forward-looking five-piece band, whose brushes have been stuck with plenty of experimental attitude in addition to the metallic starting point. Atlases have taken an unprejudiced leap towards increasingly original expression. The band’s atmospheric metal combines the use of two vocalists, crushing riffs and experimental soundscapes with a sense of danger and serenity.

Discography:

Penumbra EP (Pest Records 2017)
Atlases/Besra – split 8″ (Self-released 2018)
Haar (Rain Without End Records 2019)
Woe Portrait (Lifeforce Records 2020)
Epsilon (Lifeforce Records 2021)
Between The Day & I (Lifeforce Rercords 2023)
Glacial & Violent Cold (Lifeforce Records 2024)
Penumbra: Recast EP (Meara Music 2025)

Line-up:
Rasmus Forssell – Guitar
Ville-Veikko Laaksonen – Guitar
Arttu Leppänen – Drums
Jerkka Perälä – Bass, Vocals
Jesse Simola – Vocals, Synth, Samples

https://www.instagram.com/atlasesband/
https://www.facebook.com/atlasesband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3J0Xvj8KIkSVIURJlZBQhj?si=3b6rFIxVSBWGn7bvgi6HzA&nd=1&dlsi=d43d0f396b9845c7

 

Italian HOLE IN THE FRAME Release New Single + Official Video ‘3 A.M’

The crossover groove metal band HOLE IN THE FRAME is ready to shake souls with their brand-new single 3 A.M., released under Volcano Records. 3 A.M. is a sonic journey that captures the restlessness and tension of those sleepless nights when the mind is besieged by thoughts. With a powerful and sharp sound that blends groove metal and nu metal, the track delves into inner torment and the determination of those who choose to fight for their dreams.

“Now I can see again my face, feeling the power in my veins”, with these words, Hole In The Frame transform anguish into pure energy, turning it into a battle against insecurities and a pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Korn, Slipknot, and Pantera, Hole In The Frame create a striking sonic impact, mixing sharp riffs, pounding rhythms, and a voice loaded with raw intensity. The official video, available on YouTube, was filmed during the recording sessions of the track in the studio, capturing the energy and adrenaline of a band with an untamable live presence. The release also marks a new chapter for the band, with the addition of the talented drummer Gemma Sofia Salvatori to their lineup.

Watch the video and listen to 3 A.M. here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCpsLO9O4AY

Also check out the earlier released:
– Monotony Live 2024 – https://youtu.be/ewT2uvy5-7M
– ‘Insomnia Pt.2’ – https://youtu.be/hCPDxX56c20
– ‘Oppression Live 2024’ – https://youtu.be/x_MmY7wXvfk
– ‘Monotony’ – https://youtu.be/5aAbqVpLZPc
– ‘I Crossed The Line’ al link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyNI8AyvyyY
– ‘Resist’ al link https://youtu.be/rJogkXQqWio
– ‘To Fall Down’ al link – https://youtu.be/t1bn_alxLyU

Further Info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/holeintheframeband

Canada’s DREAM HEAVY’s New Single “Filthy Rich” Is A Rock Attack On The 1% + New EP Coming 2025

Weaving together ethereal vocals, rich harmonies, and intricate guitar along with violin melodies, Dunster, BC, Canada’s Dream Heavy is a melodic and enchanting world folk metal group. Revealing two singles in 2024, “Song In The Dark” and the thought-provoking single “Survival” featuring Haida hip-hop artist Ms. Panik, the band is kicking off 2025, with their next single “Filthy Rich”, which will be featured on the band’s planned EP due out later this year. The track is an aggressively progressive rock attack on the 1%, specifically aimed at the likes of Elon Musk and his narcissist stooge Trump. Seth Macdonald (Guitars/Vocals) explains the single further:

“People are pissed off in Canada right now and throughout the Western world where Oligarchs and con-men are attempting to usurp our systems of governance and trample on our democratic rights and freedoms, all for the sake of more money and power for the already “filthy rich.”

This song is a battle cry to BRING THEM DOWN! It starts slow and dirgy and builds into a driving attack on the disgustingly rich. The lyrical sections of the song have been left deliberately “open” for audiences to be able to hear and understand the message and identify with the lyrics. As per the usual Dream Heavy style, there is a big build-up before the lyrics start to set the stage for battle so to speak. This gives a chance for each of the musicians in the band and our guest player Mary Ancheta to truly showcase their talents and style. It finishes with a choreographed progressive guitar solo building to a full band walk-down to the roots of the song.”

Listen to Filthy Rich” at the following links:

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/41JqsCZ​

Youtube – https://youtu.be/nX5C35CoJg0​

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Dream Heavy was formed from the ashes of beloved bands like Mamaguroove and Samson’s Delilah. The band credits its unique sound to influences from metal, Latin, Celtic, and other world music traditions. Its music, characterized by its intensity and thought-provoking lyrics, has captivated audiences across Canada and beyond, earning them a place on campus radio’s Top 10 lists.

Reflecting on the band’s long journey, they share that Dream Heavy‘s sound has evolved from each member’s collective passion for sound, movement, and justice. With their forthcoming EP, they aim to create a sonic and lyrical soundscape that demands to be heard in its entirety—a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. Dream Heavy is recommended for fans of boundary-pushing music in the vein of Porcupine Tree, Kalandra, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Previous Singles:

“Song In The Dark” – https://youtu.be/UgDw7HXXjYU​

“Survival” ft. Ms.Panik – https://youtu.be/VFIKX_3J0iI​

More info: Dreamheavy.ca | Facebook.com/dreamheavyproject | Instagram.com/dreamheavyproject​

Female Fronted Gothic Doom Metal Act Near Death Experience Signs with Wormholedeath

The gothic doom metal landscape is about to be transformed as Near Death Experience (NDE), the French quintet that breathes haunting life into the shadows, announces their groundbreaking partnership with Wormholedeath Records for the worldwide CD release of their critically acclaimed debut album, “Brief Is The Light”. More info coming soon!

Born from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Near Death Experience emerged as a testament to artistic resilience. What began as Mathieu Bonfardin’s solo instrumental project has blossomed into a powerful five-piece ensemble that defies musical boundaries, weaving a tapestry of sound that is at once brutal and breathtakingly beautiful.

“We are very happy and proud to sign with Wormholedeath, a renowned label, for the worldwide release of our first album ‘Brief is The Light’.” The band declares.”We truly think this will help us get our name out there and bring people into the world we’ve created.”

NDE’s sound is a masterful alchemy of gothic doom metal, characterized by Anne Soazig Couëdel’s ethereal, lyrical vocals that float above a landscape of crushing riffs and introspective melodies. Drawing inspiration from legends like Paradise Lost, The Gathering, Draconian, Katatonia, and Moonspell, the band crafts a sonic experience that is both visceral and vulnerable.

Their debut album, “Brief Is The Light”, is a ten-track exploration of near-death experiences and the raw, often unspoken realities of domestic violence. Each song serves as a window into profound emotional territories, challenging listeners to confront the darkness within and without.

Since their first live performance in June 2023, NDE has completed ten shows, building a reputation for emotionally intense and musically precise performances.

The album is now available for streaming on all major digital platforms:
linktr.ee/ndemusic
www.facebook.com/neardeathexperiencemusic
www.instagram.com/near_death_experience_nde_band
www.youtube.com/@ndemusic
www.tiktok.com/@neardeathexperience_nde
neardeathexperience3.bandcamp.com/album/brief-is-the-light

Luponero, who flies the flag of positive nihilism, released their debut album

New-age rock band Luponero, signed to the Swedish boutique label Icons Creating Evil Art, is about to release its debut album today. The band’s self-titled album is a multi-layered entity in terms of both lyrics and composition.

The band’s frontman Marco Luponero states that in a time when a constant flood of single releases has become the norm, he has remained passionately loyal to album-based releases.

“Playlists can never offer the same holistic experience as an album that you listen to from start to finish. Art can take shape in unexpected ways countless times along the way, but that’s what makes it so magical – you never know where the universe will lead you,” says the band’s singer-bassist Marco Luponero, and continues:

“As a lyricist, I’m not particularly enthusiastic about concept albums, for example, but I really enjoy working with a central theme. With this album, I set out to explore the ‘positive nihilism’ that is so strongly present in contemporary culture. Sometimes it feels like we’ve already given up, and we’re just standing there watching everything turn to shit. At the same time, we’re throwing around laughing emojis and desperately clinging to completely unnecessary material. The album explores this from many perspectives. There are also some really personal songs like Angelo, which is about my father.”

The album was previously released with the aggressive Everything/Nothing and the romantic party rocker Pickup Artist, which was also accompanied by a music video showcasing a futuristic dating game. As the last track from the album, the band presents the song Killing Time, which is also accompanied by a music video.

“Killing Time showcases the hardest rock side of our album. It also contains synapse-like stuff that pays homage to the ‘Amblin-esque’ aesthetic of 80s sci-fi movies. I think the song represents the album quite well, as our diverse sound includes everything from grunge and post-punk to classic hard rock and synthwave,” Marco Luponero comments.

Luponero album tracklist:
1. Everything/Nothing
2. Bipolaroids
3. Killing Time
4. Running On Empty
5. Helsinki Intersection Mindfuck
6. Sapiens
7. Angelo
8. Pickup Artist
9. The Burden
10. The End

With the brand new album, Luponero will start their celebrity tour tomorrow in Uusikaarlepy. In April, the band will start their European tour in Stockholm.

LUPONERO “EVERYWHERE & NOWHERE MATTERS” TOUR 2025:
Sat 22.3 FIN Uusikaarlepyy, Stjärnhallen
Tue 8.4 SWE Stockholm, Encore*
Thu 10.4 GER Leipzig, Stö*
Sat 12.4 LUX Crossfire (acoustic show)
Tue 15.4 POL Słupsk, Motor Rock Pub*
Wed 16.4 POL Gdansk, Paszcza Lwa*
Thu 17.4 POL Łomza, Pub pod Ratuszem*
Fri 18.4 LIT Vilnius, nArauti*
Fr 6.6 FIN, Hard Rock Korppi
*w/ The Pyramids

Marco Luponero’s history consists of a career as an actor-director, as well as heavier music in bands such as Altaria, Terrorwheel and most recently Marco Luponero & The Loud Ones. The mission of the Luponero band is to continue to push boundaries with their unapologetic, rebellious sound and style. The music seamlessly blends classic rock influences with a modern punk attitude. With these elements, Luponero creates a unique whole that, with the album, takes listeners to a completely new world, where surprises are waiting for them at every corner.

Luponero is:
Marco Luponero – vocals, bass
Jim Heikkinen – guitar
Simon Grundvall – drums

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

ROCKSHOTS RECORDS ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATION WITH SECRET RULE FOR UPCOMING ALBUM

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the signing of SECRET RULE, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the band’s decade-long journey.

With a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, SECRET RULE is gearing up to unleash its highly anticipated tenth studio album in 2025, slated for release after the summer.

Known for their unique ability to blend symphonic atmospheres with modern metal vibes, SECRET RULE is stepping into a bold new sonic era.
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The upcoming album will showcase an evolved sound, a powerful fusion of influences, combining the cinematic edge of Within Temptation’s latest works with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse.

From this new chapter, fans can expect a dynamic, high-energy sound, enriched with the band’s signature melodies and anthemic choruses.
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With a fresh lineup, SECRET RULE continues to push boundaries, reaffirming its role as a driving force in modern metal.

The album explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the battle against inner and external struggles, delivering an intense and immersive experience.

In the meantime, the band is currently on the road as a supporting act for Temperance and Induction, part of an intense 15-date European tour. SECRET RULE is also set to play some of the most prestigious summer festivals, including Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal), with more dates and exciting news coming soon!

A brand new single will be unveiled very soon, giving fans a first taste of what’s to come.
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A new era begins, and we are ready to bring our energy to the stage! 🤘 This March, we hit the road across Europe with Temperance and Induction, and we cannot wait to see you all! Plus, we are beyond excited to play at three incredible festivals this summer: Imperium Rock Festival, Masters of Rock, and Laurus Nobilis.

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​NEXT SHOWS (supporting TEMPERANCE and INDUCTION)​
​
20.03.25 DE – Bochum / Matrix
21.03.25 BE – Kortrijk / DVG
22.03.25 NL – Drachten / Iduna
23.03.25 DK – Copenhagen / Stengade
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​SUMMER FESTIVALS:​
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27.06.25 ES – Imperium Rock Festival
10-13.07.25 CZ – Masters of Rock
20.07.25 PT – Laurus Nobilis

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

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