Author: Crix

Rioghan Video-Interview

Finnish modern metal rising star Rioghan has released their second studio album “Kept” on February 14th, 2025 via Inverse Records. “Kept” revolves lyrically within the name’s theme, every song tells a different story and perspective of being kept in, by, or from something. Imprisonment, mentally or physically, in different moments of life or within someone’s presence.
To celebrate the album, the band played a live stream show the day before the release, and it was a success. Now the band is ready to do as many live shows as possible and introduce their music to all fans of modern and progressive metal.
Our reporter Cristina had the chance to sit down with frontwoman Rioghan Darcy and drummer Valtteri Revonkorpi and find out more about their latest album, music videos, tour and much more.

https://linktr.ee/rioghandarcy
https://www.facebook.com/rioghandarcy
https://www.instagram.com/rioghandarcy
https://rioghan.bandcamp.com
https://spoti.fi/36nTHP7
https://www.rakkausrunot.fi/runoilijat/emma-rioghan-darcy

Heavy Metal Force Terra Nullius Drops The Video For Jelek az út szélén (vendég: Molnár Péter “Stula”)

Heavy metal force Terra Nullius proudly presents the music video for “Jelek az út szélén” a powerful track from their album “Magam bajnoka”, out now via Wormholedeath.

More than a simple ode to the open road, this song is a profound metaphorical exploration of life’s journey. Using the universal language of motorcycle culture, the band draws a compelling parallel between road navigation and life’s complex pathways, illustrating how spoken and unspoken rules shape our experiences and determine our destinations.

‘Jelek az út szélén’ (Signs on the roadside) is not just a song about riding. It’s a musical narrative that challenges listeners to reflect on the signs we encounter, ignore, or choose to follow in our personal and collective journeys.

Terra Nullius was born out of a shared vision to push the boundaries of musical expression. Founded by Sztancsik, the band welcomed vocalist András Baksa, guitarist Levente Nika, cellist Mátyás Hotzi, and bassist Tamás Éber into its ranks, forming a powerhouse lineup that captivates audiences worldwide.

Since its inception, Terra Nullius has garnered acclaim for its dynamic performances and innovative approach to music. With the support of Wormholedeath Records, the band is poised to reach new heights and captivate audiences across South America, the USA, Europe, and Japan.

Connect with Terra Nullius
terranullius.hu
www.youtube.com/@TerraNulliusMetalBand
www.facebook.com/TerraNulliusMetalBand
www.instagram.com/terranulliushungarianmetalband

“Magam bajnoka” is available on Spotify and iTunes

Canada’s Famous Strangers Unveil Haunting New Single “I’ll See You In The Stars”

Edmonton-based band Famous Strangers continues their journey of atmospheric storytelling with the release of their latest single “I’ll See You In The Stars”, on March 7th. The track showcases the band’s signature blend of haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive soundscapes that have been captivating listeners since their formation in 2023.

“I’ll See You In The Stars” draws listeners into a celestial dreamscape where emotional intensity meets cosmic wonder. The single represents another compelling chapter in Famous Strangers‘ evolving musical narrative, highlighting their ability to create dark, moody compositions that resonate on a deeply emotional level. The band comments:

“We are incredibly grateful to be able to release this single and share it with audiences. This track is more than just a song—it’s an artistic expression of who we are as a band and the depths we are willing to explore. It represents a space where emotion meets intensity, where the atmosphere blends with raw power. Sonically, it carries a weight and texture that draws comparisons to bands like Deftones or Ocean Machine, capturing that balance of heaviness and haunting melody. This is just one side of what we do, but it’s a side we fully embrace.”

Famous Strangers brings together accomplished musicians whose past experiences in various musical projects have shaped their collective sound. Their diverse influences converge in a unique sonic experience characterized by atmospheric instrumentals and a dynamic vocal approach that seamlessly shifts between melodic and aggressive. They are recommended for fans of Halestorm, Judas Priest, Dio, and Arch Enemy.

Listen to “I’ll See You In The Stars” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/XmgV_Zy77E0​

Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/ill-see-you-in-the-stars​

​

More info:

​Famousstrangersband.com

​Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

​Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

​Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

MORNINGSTVR Announces New Black Metal Album “A Fate Engraved” With Teaser Trailer

Synth-Based Black Metal artist Morningstvr (Sam Tchortov) has announced his highly anticipated new album “A Fate Engraved”, scheduled for release on June 20, 2025. The announcement comes alongside a haunting album trailer that offers listeners a glimpse into the frozen medieval landscapes that characterize this ambitious project. Tchortov comments on what lies within:

“A Fate Engraved” is an epic collection of tales continued from its predecessor in the trinity, “In Memoriam of the Blvck Wind” and tells of a land far to the north of the world, with cold and abysmal ranges covered in snow, ancient structures of an empire from a forgotten age, much like in the image of the medieval period, continuing the tales of Slavic witchcraft, knights charging their last battles, betrayal, heartbreak and rituals upon a full moon.”

“A Fate Engraved” marks the second installment in what Morningstvr calls his “Unholy Trinity”, which draws deep inspiration from the medieval period, ancient kingdoms, and Tolkien’s legendarium, the album promises to transport listeners to ‘a vast medieval land in the dead of winter’ where tales of witches, knights, and forgotten kingdoms unfold against a backdrop of blistering synth-based black metal.

Tchortov describes the project as ‘a culmination of everything needed for a trilogy raised from a cold, damp, esoteric story’ and ‘nothing short of a collection of a puzzle that will transport you into the frozen hell’. With twelve tracks spanning over 44 minutes, “A Fate Engraved” showcases Morningstvr‘s continued evolution within the Synth-based black metal subgenre. It is recommended for fans of Darkthrone, Xasthur, and Hekseblad.

Album Trailer – https://youtu.be/5sztPKjZ42E​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Beyond the Cold Wastes – 3:15
2. Black Metal Wytch – 3:45
3. Born to frolic in a Scandinavian Forest – 3:07
4. When Mountains Behold Tombs of Nine – 4:01
5. War Chant – 2:01
6. The Last of the Northern Kingdoms – 4:47
7. Dethroned – 4:09
8. The Black Forest – 2:33
9. Her Eyes in Winter Fog – 3:58
10. Ride Forth, Knights of the Pale Moon – 4:05
11. Funeral Moon – 4:32
12. Whispers of a Nameless Fear 03:57
Album Length: 44:15

Album Credits:​
Mastered by: Morningstvr
Album artwork by: Carly Craft, Morningstvr
Lineup: Morningstvr – Vocals, Synths, Guitars, Drums, Production
LIVE Lineup: Morningstvr

More info: https://linktr.ee/morningstvr​

Prog Rockers ESCAPE TO THE ROOF Release New Single And Video ‘Black Bell’

“Black Bell” is the title of the new track available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records, by the Italian progressive rock band ESCAPE TO THE ROOF, a mysterious project whose members have chosen to remain anonymous.
The track is an eleven-minute suite, monumental and profound, where powerful and heavy sections intertwine with surprising melodic openings, intimate and introspective moments, and intense, pulsating rhythmic shifts. Escape to the Roof have no intention of following the current trend of ever-shorter, disposable songs. Instead, they demand the listener’s full attention, offering in return a sonic journey filled with intricate harmonies and songwriting that feeds the soul craving high-quality music.

“Black Bell” is the first in a series of releases announced in collaboration with Volcano Records and is accompanied on YouTube by an intriguing music video, conceived, designed, and illustrated by the artist Maria Cangemi.

The single is available now on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms, while the official video can be watched on YouTube at https://youtu.be/KWQGYZaH5Xg

Further info at
www.escapetotheroof.com
www.volcanopromotion.com

Groove metal band Nervebreak released their Hopeless Society EP

Helsinki-based Nervebreak‘s second EP Hopeless Society has now been released in its entirety. The dystopian-themed EP explores the emotions evoked by the pandemic, such as frustration, injustice and distancing – themes that are still relevant today.

The songs are composed as a continuation of the previous EP, but they reflect Nervebreak’s development as a band. Compared to their previous release, Nervebreak has brought more groove and heavier elements to their music. However, the band, which started with more straightforward thrash metal, has not forgotten its roots, and a toast to kick off the party is promised this time too.

The singles Better Off, Dead End, Give Me a Break and Slave to the Grind were previewed from the upcoming EP. The entire EP was recorded together with the band’s regular recording and mixing engineer Joel Pöllänen. Mikko Herranen was responsible for the mastering. Mika “Kaasu” Karppinen, known from the band HIM, was involved in the drum recordings, and was responsible for the acoustic sound and tuning of the drum sounds.

The band says that they spent a lot more time this time to achieve a high-quality result:

“The recordings and production process were much tougher compared to making the previous EP, because we decided to clearly raise the bar to the next level. Recording the vocals took a lot of time and they were carefully polished. The guitars were not recorded at home and reamped in the studio, but the amplifiers were taken to the studio, and after finding the magical sound, the recordings were done in a ‘traditional’ style.”

The EP’s lead single is the title track Hopeless Society, which once again showcases the band’s strengths.

“Hopeless Society represents our groovier side. It has a unique, bouncy riff that grabs your attention from the very first bars. This song also has grunge-tinged vocals amidst Nervebreak’s traditional more aggressive screams. This song combines several musical styles,” the band commented.

Founded in 2020, Nervebreak caught the attention of the metal crowd by releasing their Desperate Measures EP in 2022 and performing at Tuska the following summer. The band’s production mixes elements of old-school thrash metal, groove metal and funk. Now, with their new EP, the band is determinedly aiming for the next level.

Hopeless Society EP track list:
1. Dead End
2. Slave to the Grind
3. Hopeless Society
4. Let It Go
5. Better Off
6. Give Me a Break

Nervebreak is:
Santeri Salmela – vocals
Lassi Kuusela – guitar
Fernando Arriaga – bass
Aki Kuokkanen – drums

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Melodic Prog Metal Sensations Diamantide Presents “Poor Kings” Music Video

Female-fronted melodic prog metal powerhouse Diamantide unveils the captivating music video for “Poor Kings”, a standout track from their self-titled album, Diamantide, available now via Wormholedeath Records.

Blending poetic storytelling with their signature dynamic sound, “Poor Kings” dives deep into the symbolic parallels between kings and queens, exploring themes of power, love, and vulnerability. The track’s evocative lyrics challenge the cold pursuit of authority, questioning why kings, burdened by dominance, fail to fight for the love of their queens, who represent longing and emotional depth. With its thought-provoking narrative and haunting melodies, “Poor Kings” captures the heartbreaking cost of isolation and detachment, creating a profound commentary on the human condition.

Diamantide’s music stands as a remarkable fusion of progressive, melodic, and power metal. The self-titled album features standout guest contributions from Tom Englund (Evergrey), Mark Basile (DGM), and Roberto Tiranti, whose performances add extraordinary depth to the band’s already intricate and emotionally resonant sound.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Diamantide – an album that masterfully balances intensity with melodic sophistication while delivering a poignant exploration of life’s complexities.

Stream the album now: orcd.co/diamantide

Formed in September 2023 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Diamantide was born from a long-awaited vision brought to life by guitarist, main composer, and producer Massimiliano (Max) Maggiari. The band’s distinct sound blends heavy guitars, orchestral elements, and deeply melodic vocals, creating an experience that is both grand and introspective. A project marked by international collaboration, Diamantide brings together talented musicians from around the world, each with unique musical experiences and stories.

The line-up includes:
Nadin Zakharyan — Vocals
Massimiliano (Max) Maggiari — Guitars & Keyboards
Alex Sandor Tamas — Bass
Joe Londeree — Drums

Connect with Diamantide
www.youtube.com/@Diamantide
www.facebook.com/DiamantideBand
www.instagram.com/diamantideofficial

 

Balance Breach release long-awaited third full-length album Save Our Souls

Metalcore band Balance Breach have been dropping a string of tighter singles since their third release, and now the band’s full-length album Save Our Souls has been released via Out Of Line. The album, produced by Rami Nykänen, has already been praised in album reviews as a production gem, and the ten-track album’s modern and raw metalcore sounds and screams are also balanced by clean vocals. The album’s title track, Save Our Souls, combines the album’s most important elements: catchy choruses, powerful guitar riffs and furious energy.

“From the first demos of the song Save Our Souls, there was something about the song that made me feel that the song would define the entire album in some way. The song has a really strong energy charge, as well as a unique feeling that carries through the whole song, without forgetting the nuances of melancholy, which has become a strong part of Balance Breach’s sound over the years,” singer Aleksi Paasonen describes and continues:

“This song is a kind of cry for help in a situation where a person has reached a point in their life where they realize that this is not how they want to use their only chance on this planet. We have one life and one chance, and it shouldn’t matter how we use it. I personally believe that by striving to use this chance by doing the most meaningful things for ourselves and finding the answer to what is truly meaningful, we can each ‘save our souls’.”

The most ambitious music video of Balance Breach’s career has been filmed for the song. The music video, directed by Vin Valentino, combines the interlude Distress with the title track Save Our Souls, and the result is a work that has reached the proportions of an action movie.

“With the music video for the song Save Our Souls, we wanted to do things more spectacularly and epically than ever before. Instead of showing what it’s like to struggle with your neck in a slippery squirrel and life slipping through your fingers, we took the feeling associated with it as far as possible. The ‘rebel group’ in the music video is a group that makes a journey deep into the depths of the soul in an attempt to find something beautiful and alive and save it. The world around us is dangerous and so toxic that it is necessary to use extreme means to protect yourself. In the video, the main character has to face his inner demons as the group tries to save the treasure they found.”

Balance Breach will celebrate the release of the Save Our Souls album at On The Rocks in Helsinki and will then tour extensively around Finland:

Sat 22.3.2025 On The Rocks, Helsinki (+ Beyond Awareness)

Fri 28.3.2025 Torvi, Lahti

Fri 11.4.2025 Olympia, Tampere (+ LUNA KILLS, Beyond Awareness)

Sat 12.4.2025 45 Special, Oulu (+ LOWHILL)

Fri 25.4.2025 Kulttuuritalo Tempo, Mikkeli (+ LUNA KILLS)

Balance Breach is:

Terho Korhonen – guitar
Saku Heimonen – guitar
Joni Härkönen – bass
Antti Halonen – drums
Aleksi Paasonen – vocals

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WWW

HIGHWAY QUEEN Shares New Music Video “I’m Calling You” Off New EP “Extendead Play”

Rockshots Records is excited to announce the release of Highway Queen’s latest official music video for their song “I’m Calling You”. This new video continues the Finnish rockers’ tradition of blending powerful melodies with an electrifying mix of hard rock and metal influences.

“I’m Calling You” is featured on the band’s latest EP “Extendead Play” released on January 17th, 2025. The EP showcases Highway Queen’s signature style, merging 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, intense riffs and dynamic rhythms. The lyrics of “I’m Calling You” delve into deep emotions, expressing themes of longing, passion and determination, capturing the essence of the band’s storytelling prowess.

Highway Queen, formed in late 2019, has steadily built a reputation in the melodic hard rock scene. Their music blends heavy blues rock with traditional heavy and hard rock, taking inspiration from the raw energy of past decades while incorporating a fresh, modern approach. The band’s previous works, including their debut album “Bitter Soul”, have been widely appreciated for their musical depth.

All tracks on “Extendead Play”, including “I’m Calling You” were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, known for his work with Waltari and Before The Dawn. The band continues to evolve and push their musical boundaries while maintaining a sound that resonates with fans of classic and contemporary rock.

The official video for “I’m Calling You” is now available on their official YouTube channel offering a visually compelling representation of the song’s powerful message. As Highway Queen continues their journey, this latest release solidifies their place in the hard rock scene, demonstrating once again their passion and commitment to delivering high-quality rock music.

Follow Highway Queen for more updates and get ready to experience the energy of “I’m Calling You” now!

VIDEO for “I’m Calling You” at https://youtu.be/Ec0qkcmbssw​
​
​LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF​

WATCH “Lies” at https://youtu.be/Lb-DQVPGPuk​

​

Track Listing:​​
1. Lies
2. I Will Take You To Hell
3. Come To Me
4. I’m Calling You
​
​Album Credits:​​
All songs written by
– Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
– Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
– Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
– Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
– Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
​
​Highway Queen are:
​
Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
Henri Backman: drums

For more info:​
​www.rockshots.eu​
​www.highwayqueenband.com​
​www facebook.com/highwayqueenband​
​www.instagram.com/highwayqueenband​

Hailing from the cold Finnish shores Underwater Father release their first single

Hailing from the cold shores of Kotka, Finland, Underwater Father emerges as a dark and captivating force in metal. Blending the intensity of death- and black metal with the melancholic melodies traditional of Finnish “melometal”, the band crafts a unique sonic experience that is both haunting and powerful.

“Spiral Through” is the first single from Underwater Father’s upcoming debut EP, “Without Waves,”. This track blends the coldness of black metal with the melodic elements of melodic metal, creating a hauntingly atmospheric yet aggressive soundscape.

Watch the music video: https://youtu.be/QGJsxMiOg1w

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

The band backgrounds the song:
“The song tells the story of a haunting journey of guilt and redemption, as a man is drawn back into the darkest corners of his past. Vivid flashes of violent acts and tragic mistakes bring long-buried demons to the surface, forcing him to confront the weight of his actions. As he navigates between the stillness of the graveyard and the chaos of his haunting memories, anguish and remorse intertwine as the shadows of his past refuse to let go.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The protagonist finds peace and the possibility of a new beginning as he breaks free from the chains of his past.”

Formed in the summer of 2024, Underwater Father was born from the vision of Samu Haatainen (guitars, vocals), who sought to create something darker and more stripped-down compared to their other band, Of Spite. Sharing most of its members with Of Spite, the lineup consists of Antti Lampinen (bass), Jan Lindberg (guitars, backing vocals), and Joonas Nieminen (drums)—a tight-knit unit with a shared passion for pushing metal’s boundaries.

Musically, Underwater Father weaves together the ferocity of black and death metal with the emotional depth of melodic metal. Drawing influences from bands like Mgła, Horna, Uada, Cradle of Filth on the extreme side and Sentenced, Bloodpit, and Somehow Jo! etc. On the melodic spectrum, the band creates music that is both crushing and atmospheric. Lyrically, their songs explore themes of birth, death, karma, and the search for meaning in life’s journey—both the light and the darkness that shape our fate.

https://www.facebook.com/underwaterfather

https://www.instagram.com/underwaterfather/