Author: Crix

Basque Black Metal Project Aschen Return With The Music Video For “The Forsaken Redeemer”

Wormholedeath is pleased to announce the release of the official music video for “The Forsaken Redeemer,” the latest visual offering from Basque black metal project Aschen. The track is taken from the band’s debut album, The Never Ending Search, available now via Wormholedeath.

Inspired by the Passion of Christ, the song portrays the agony of a savior rejected and ultimately executed, using his story as a metaphor for a society that has stripped all meaning from truth itself, where any narrative can be questioned, manipulated, or erased when it conflicts with selfish interests and structures of power.

Musically, the song features a slow, heavy, and repetitive riff, hypnotic guitars with subtle oriental nuances that draw the listener into a near-trance state, acoustic guitars, spoken words, and a finale that is as aggressive as it is agonizing and ecstatic—making it arguably the most ambitious and complete track on the record.

The accompanying video combines public domain footage from vintage films with newly shot material, constructing a visual narrative around the song’s themes.

Aschen’s The Never Ending Search explores dynamic contrasts, blending black metal with doom-laden passages, blast beats, crushing riffs, melodic textures, and emotional depth. Sung in both English and Basque, the album moves beyond traditional genre themes to explore inner conflict, societal decay, and humanity’s fractured relationship with the natural world.

Its artwork, created by Mikel Telletxea, reflects this concept through an endless fingerprint-shaped labyrinth—a symbol of a search with no clear exit, both inward and outward.

Founded in 2022 by Mikel Telletxea (vocals, guitar, programming), Aschen began as a solo project before evolving into a creative partnership with the addition of bassist Atauzz (Korkut, Kurkuma, 2Sonte).

The duo recorded the debut at Atala Studios in Spain, capturing the project’s raw energy with precision. The album was mastered by Toni Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, whose credits include Dimmu Borgir, Katatonia, and Kreator

aschen1.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/people/Aschen/61556623060502
www.youtube.com/@aschenband

Noumena Drags Listeners to the Edge of Existence – New Album Maanääri Out Now

Finnish melodic death metal veterans Noumena have released their seventh studio album, Maanääri on August 21st.

“The album takes the listener on a journey to the end of the earth – a place where humanity meets its smallness amid the majesty of nature. It’s a realm where the threads of life and death intertwine, creatures of the Underworld roam, and tormentors haunt,” describes guitarist and main songwriter Ville Lamminaho. “At the edge of the world, one reaches the absolute limits of mind and endurance, where hope and strength fade away. Ultimately, what remains is grace, reconciliation, and a hazy night,” he sums up.

Musically, Maanääri is a collision of beauty and death, hope and destruction. Throughout the album, sweeping melodies, crushing guitar riffs, and beautiful soundscapes alternate with poignant, delicate moments. Noumena’s signature melodic death metal draws inspiration from folk music, melancholy Finnish schlager traditions, and black metal.

The band has built the record around their greatest strengths. Antti Haapanen’s world-class growls, Suvi Uura’s incredible vocal palette, and Markus Hirvonen’s versatile vocal dynamic form the backbone of the intricate arrangements. Furthermore, the deployment of a three-guitar line-up elevates the melodies, arrangements, and overall sonic depth to a new level – both on the album and in their live performances.

While Noumena’s sound and music have subtly modernized, the result uncompromisingly honors the band’s distinct style and rich history, placing Maanääri right alongside their finest work to date.

Maanääri will be available on August 21st across all major digital streaming platforms as well as physical vinyl and CD formats. On the release date, the band will also premiere an official music video for the track Hiekkaanrakennettu (“Built on Sand”), which addresses the futility of war through the lens of a child’s game. Following the album release, Noumena will embark on a tour covering Finland and extending across Asia.

Music video: https://youtu.be/cSw3uh1c_84

Listen to the album on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/noumena-maanaari

 

Noumena is a Finnish melodic death metal band formed in 1998 in Ähtäri, Finland. Known for combining melancholic melodies, heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes, Noumena draws from the Scandinavian death metal tradition while adding touches of Nordic melancholy and emotion.

Over their more than 25-year career, Noumena has released seven full-length albums — including Pride/Fall (2002), Absence (2005), Anatomy of Life (2006), Death Walks With Me (2013), Myrrys (2017), Anima (2020) and Maanääri (2026) — steadily evolving their sound while retaining their core identity.

Noumena has over 130 live shows history, the band has toured in Finland, Central  Europe, Japan and China. They have shared the stages with acts like Insomnium, Beast in Black, Moonsorrow and many others.

Line-up

Antti Haapanen – growls

Suvi Uura – vocals

Markus Hirvonen – guitars, vocals

Ville Lamminaho – guitars, mandolin, vocals

Tuukka Tuomela – guitars

Hannu Savolainen – bass

Ilkka Unnbom – drums

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

https://www.facebook.com/Noumenaband

https://www.instagram.com/noumenaofficial/

https://www.noumena.info/

 

Crowen’s new single “I Live on Darkness and Sorrow” from the band’s upcoming album combines melancholy and strength

Finnish melodic death metal band Crowen are set to release their debut album later in 2027. The first single and music video from the track ‘I Live On Darkness And Sorrow’ is now available here: https://push.fm/fl/crowen-sorrow 

Esa Uusimaa:

“I Live on Darkness and Sorrow is built around a dark and melancholic atmosphere, where sorrow is not merely a heavy emotion, but also a source of strength. Darkness is not portrayed as fear or hopelessness, but as beauty, a place where a person finds meaning, strength, and ultimately themselves.

The song’s chord progression moves in a continuous cycle, reinforcing its sense of sorrow and melancholy. Oppressive background guitars maintain a hypnotic, repetitive atmosphere while adding even more weight and intensity to the song.

Anni Dohlen, Dark Fusion Bellydancer, brought her own artistic vision to the music video. Her dance blended naturally into the video’s atmosphere and visual style.

The first time I saw one of Anni’s dance clips, I was instantly excited. I remember thinking how beautiful it was, and somehow I immediately pictured her as part of this song’s world. I’m really glad she decided to join the project. She’s an incredibly talented dancer with a style that’s entirely her own.

The only person I could truly imagine filming this video was Elsa Wellamo. We previously worked together on the Where The Darkness Falls music video, and from the very beginning I knew I wanted her to direct this one as well. Elsa is simply exceptional at what she does.”

Anni Dohlen:

“The dance was mainly improvised, although I had created a choreography for the song. While filming, the movements were adjusted to the location and to the instructions given by the videographer. Yet, the choreography served as a good base from which to modify the movements. Elsa has a perfect eye for filming and Crowen’s music fit to my taste of music well, so the project was a very pleasant collaboration.”

Elsa Wellamo:

“I have to say, I was genuinely happy when I was invited once again to film Crowen’s new music video. Working with Esa is always a hell of a lot of fun. He’s one of those people who makes collaboration feel effortless, even when the subject matter is at its darkest.

He’s an outstanding musician, a gifted songwriter, and above all, someone with whom it’s natural to create something beautiful.

The song’s theme resonated with me immediately. It exists on the boundary between this world and the next — where time comes to an end, but love carries on.

At first, it felt almost contradictory to shoot such a dark music video in bright, blazing sunshine. But in the end, it turned out to be a perfect reflection of the song’s spirit. Maybe it’s those of us who remain here who are left in the darkness. And perhaps those who have passed beyond time into eternity are the ones who walk in the light.

That’s why the bright sunlight never felt out of place, even though a darker setting might have seemed like the obvious choice at first.

And Anni… what an incredible person to film. And her attitude! We both spent five hours barefoot in a swamp. Five hours. Yet the cold, the wet, and every other discomfort simply never showed in her.

Anni’s dancing had exactly the sensitivity and presence this song needed. More often than not, she understood what I was looking for from just half a sentence. That kind of trust between a director and a performer is incredibly valuable.

Thank you, Esa, for your trust. And thank you to the entire team. Once again, it was a privilege to spend a moment in that place where light and shadow meet.”

Crowen is a Finnish melodic death metal band consisting of Esa Uusimaa and guitarist Sami Sandberg. Drums on this track are performed by Tuomas Saukkonen.

Line-up:

Esa Uusimaa – vocals, guitars, keyboards

Sami Sandberg – guitars, lead guitar

Tuomas Saukkonen – drums

Links:
http://crowenofficial.net
https://www.facebook.com/CrowenOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/crowenofficial
https://crowen.bandcamp.com

Snot Signs With BLKIIBLK Ahead Of New Studio Album In Summer 2027

BLKIIBLK is proud to announce the signing of legendary California punk-metal pioneers SNOT to a worldwide recording deal. One of the most influential cult bands to emerge from the late-’90s heavy music explosion, SNOT is currently writing and recording its long-awaited new studio album – the band’s first collection of new material in nearly three decades – set for release in summer 2027, with new music set to arrive early 2027, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of their landmark debut, “Get Some”.

Mikey Doling, founder and guitarist of SNOT, commented: “I am beyond thrilled to announce SNOT’s signing with BLKIIBLK Records! From my very first conversation with Mike Gitter, it was clear that the team at BLKIIBLK and SNOT were a perfect fit. They truly believe in what we’re doing, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. We’re proud to be joining the Frontiers/BLKIIBLK family. I’ve got my sunglasses on because the future is so bright! We’re fired up to bring the new SNOT songs we’ve been working on to our fans around the world. This is just the beginning!”  

Mike Gitter, Head of A&R, Frontiers Label Group, added: “BLKIIBLK isn’t merely just proud to be working with SNOT but more importantly to be part of fulfilling a legacy that has only intensified as time has gone by. SNOT is really the high-octane stopgap between fellow Santa Barbara punk miscreants, RKL and Generation Nu-Metal. Mikey, John, Jamie and Andy are on fire and not only celebrating their history but making it much more than a classic-album-and-then-we’re-out proposition. F- that! SNOT lives!”

SNOT never played by anyone else’s rules. Originally formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1995, they featured the charismatic Lynn Strait on vocals, guitarist Mikey Doling, bassist John Fahnestock, drummer Jamie Miller. The band forged a sound that blurred the lines between hardcore, punk, funk, groove, and metal with an attitude that refused to fit neatly into any scene. Built around the unforgettable presence of frontman Lynn Strait, the unmistakable guitar work of Mikey Doling, and a rhythm section that balanced precision with swagger, SNOT created music that was as infectious as it was uncompromising.

Released in 1997 through Geffen Records, “Get Some” has become one of heavy music’s defining cult classics. Its explosive combination of crushing riffs, undeniable groove, raw humor, and fearless individuality helped shape the emerging nu-metal movement while standing apart from it entirely. Decades later, the album continues to inspire generations of musicians across metal, hardcore, punk, and hard rock, earning its reputation as one of the era’s most distinctive and enduring releases.

Although Lynn Strait’s tragic passing in 1998 brought the band’s original run to an abrupt end, SNOT’s legacy only continued to grow. In 2000, the surviving members honored Strait with the acclaimed tribute album “Strait Up”, featuring an extraordinary roster of guest vocalists including Jonathan Davis, Corey Taylor, Fred Durst, Serj Tankian, and many others. Meanwhile, SNOT’s members went on to help shape bands including Soulfly, Bad Religion, Amen, Lo-Pro, and Channel Zero, extending the band’s influence across multiple generations of heavy music.

In 2025, SNOT returned with powerhouse vocalist Andy Knapp, ushering in a new era while honoring the spirit that made the band a cult favorite.

Since returning to the stage, SNOT has experienced an overwhelming resurgence, fueled by passionate fans and acclaimed performances at major festivals including Welcome To Rockville, Sonic Temple, Inkcarceration, Louder Than Life, Aftershock, Download, Graspop, Alcatraz, and Motocultor, alongside sold-out headline club shows throughout North America and Europe. The response has firmly established SNOT as one of heavy music’s most celebrated comeback stories.

The current SNOT lineup features Mikey Doling (guitar), John Fahnestock (bass), Jamie Miller (drums), and Andy Knapp (vocals), with Doc Coyle joining the band as touring support guitarist for live performances.

Now signed to BLKIIBLK, SNOT is preparing to release its first new music in nearly thirty years, opening an exciting new chapter while staying true to the spirit that made the band legendary.

GET SOME. SNOT IS BACK.

Current SNOT lineup:
Mikey Doling – Guitar
John Fahnestock – Bass
Jamie Miller – Drums
Andy Knapp – Vocals

Touring Support:
Doc Coyle – Guitar

Anga released new single

German Modern Metal band ANGA released their new single «Demons». The song was recorded at three studios run by members of the band: Thomas Höflein’s studio, SFR Recordings by guitarist Marvin Schäfer, and Helios Studio by drummer Gabriel Illert. The song was mixed and mastered by guitarist Thomas Höflein.
Hailing from Stuttgart and Aschaffenburg, Germany, ANGA is a modern metal act combining heavy riffs, driving breakdowns, and electronic elements with soaring vocal melodies and dark metalcore intensity. Fronted by vocalist Anne Zeides alongside guitarists Thomas Höflein and Marvin Schäfer, bassist Fabian Streich, and drummer Gabriel Illert, the band has steadily evolved toward a darker, heavier sound since their 2021 debut album “Shadows” and the “Straight to Hell” EP. Their single “Demons” encapsulates their current era: modern, heavy, and fearlessly genre-defying.

Progressive rock band Kuumet’s new single “Narcosis” is a song about modern day dopamine addiction

New Finnish progressive rock band Kuumet has released the second single from their upcoming album to be released later this year. “Narcosis” speaks to a distinctly modern dopamine addiction that we encounter daily all around us. Various screens, work tasks, or even food function as first-aid kits. It seems neurons must perpetually supply the brain with an endless flow of pleasure and information, constant stimulation. Narcosis is thus a drug-induced stupor in which we perpetually live.

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

Lyricist Jussi Moilanen‘s thoughts about the song:

“1984 and Brave New World have come true: someone watches our work from behind screens, much like food delivery workers. We cannot endure even a moment of boredom—which would actually be beneficial to us—so we reach for something, whether immaterial or material remedy, that drags us into a dreamlike state.

I hope Kuumet’s music brings listeners to serenity state of mind. One can listen jazz influenced melodies, cinematic layers or massive walls of guitar. For a moment, one can be alive and free—at least within one’s own mind.”

Kuumet started in 2019 in the aftermath of a tribute gig for a Finnish prog legend. The band, which was put together at the initiative of Vesa Ranta (ex-Sentenced, The Abbey, Cemetery Skyline), who had once hung up his drum sticks at the time, ended up with players from Oulu, including The Aeon, THJKB and Hietaketu. Musically, Kuumet operates on the more prog side of rock, the songs may be rambling, but avoiding the pitfalls of indulgent gimmickry. The influences are most found in the legacy of the sprawling rock bands of the 1970s and the more melodic side of heavy rock that rose to prominence in the 1990s.

The songs also reveal the band’s fascination with cinematic expression.

Kuumet’s debut album Nova depicts the struggle of modern man in time: it contains dystopian images, addictions and death, but also glimpses of hope here and there, whether in the form of a bright exploding supernova or the belief that life continues after man.

https://www.instagram.com/kuumet.band/

https://www.facebook.com/Kuumet/

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

Finnish metal band Withered Petunia has released a new two-part single “Torn Pages” that explores the impact of drugs on individuals and society

Finnish modern death metal metal band Withered Petunia has released a new double single ‘Torn Pages’. The band likes to stretch their musical expression by experimenting a lot with death metal, melodic metal & hardcore. The new single is a two-part piece that explores the impact of drugs on individuals and society. The first part, “Page 1: The Craving,” addresses the topic from an outsider’s perspective, criticizing the user personally, while the second part, “Page 2: The Needle,” explores the user’s perspective on their own situation — namely, society’s reluctance to help individuals suffering from drug problems. The instrumental parts are designed to paint a picture of the topics discussed. The first part is aggressive and chaotic and reflects the way the topic is discussed on a societal level. The second part is darker and more melancholic and describes the user’s personal feelings.

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

Withered Petunia released their debut EP ‘Withered Petunia’ in January of 2025 and the single ‘Fragility of a Mind’ in September 2025. ‘Torn Pages’ is their third release.

Withered Petunia:

Leevi Raatikainen: Vocals

Juuso Hytönen: Lead Guitar & Vocals

Mikael Kalkku: Drums

Joel Eskelinen: Rhythm Guitar

Tuure Honkonen: Bass

https://www.instagram.com/witheredpetuniaband/

https://www.facebook.com/WitheredPetuniaBand

https://www.tiktok.com/@witheredpetuniaband

The Finnish modern metal band Volucrine released the last single and music video Borderline from the forthcoming fifth album

Finnish modern metal band Volucrine are set to release their fifth album ‘Chapter V: Renewal’ via Inverse Records on September 25th 2026. The fourth single and music video ‘Borderline’ is out today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/volucrine-borderline

The band’s mastermind Jupe Velin comments:

“I originally started Volucrine as a therapeutic project so I could channel my negative feelings into music. It’s been almost eighteen years since then, and when you realize that the emotional gloom hasn’t really gone anywhere over the years, the mood can feel pretty bleak at times. When I was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, I was at least able to understand, in a certain way, why school, work, romantic relationships, and friendships have always been so difficult for me. For one reason or another, I’ve always had to pay a heavy price for being different and resort to wearing “masks.” It was from this perspective that I wrote “Borderline.” What is it like when you feel compelled to hide your true self and your psychological symptoms in order to be accepted by others?

This weighty theme provided a whole new opportunity to explore the power of low-tuning and mid-tempo. The song undeniably features subtle influences from Sleep Token and Deftones, which we wanted to highlight through heavy, grinding riffs rather than utilizing the melodic structures typical to Volucrine. We wanted to emphasize feelings of loneliness and alienation by recording the countdown to the launch of an imaginary space shuttle as the song’s intro. We are now heading toward infinite emptiness.

The music video ties together the story begun by the “Golem” single, in which masks are once again a central theme. Eetu Lindgren, a member of our band’s crew and a close friend, plays a man who gets lost in a winter forest while following the call of the masks. If you love “Lynchian” visual storytelling set in the twilight zones, this is for you!”

Watch music video ‘Golem’:  https://youtu.be/bb9rVOdwLwo
Watch music video: ‘Volucrine’: https://youtu.be/h9jyzmngfVk
Watch music video: ‘Borderline’: https://youtu.be/5jdZQdQTIZ4

VOLUCRINE are a Finnish alternative metal collective, who released their debut album in 2011. Four albums, two EP’s and countless live shows later, the band’s personal style has been honed to its peak, still emphasizing bold testing of boundaries within their genre. The band has a strong focus on their lyrics, which, due to their deeply personal nature, give Volucrine’s music a human voice.

After the ETNA LP (Inverse Records 2024), which garnered a lot of positive attention worldwide, the band is finally ready to present new material from their upcoming album, which will be released in the fall. With the theme of rebirth, we can expect the unexpected from this album as a great circle is closed.

50 Years of ACCEPT: 50 A-List Musicians Join Celebratory Manifesto of Metal

German heavy metal legends ACCEPT celebrate 50 years of pure power, bringing together the scene’s A-list musicians for a landmark release. Teutonic Titans 1976-2026 is a definitive statement of the band’s legacy, forged in steel and driven by unmistakable riffs. Arriving September 4, 2026, via Napalm Records, the album delivers some of the most iconic songs ever written in heavy music. At the helm,
guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, the longtime architect of ACCEPT’s sound, is joined by a staggering 50 guests across 19 reimagined versions of the band’s biggest tracks. With it, ACCEPT deliver one of their most ambitious and star-studded releases to date.

Progressing through albums from their formative years, from I’m a Rebel (1980) to Eat the Heat (1989), ACCEPT present their songs with an all-new, all-star lineup, alongside the signature voice of Mark Tornillo and Wolf Hoffmann’s unmistakable riffs. By enlisting a Who’s Who of metal, no two songs onTeutonic Titans 1976-2026 are the same. Every track features a different combination of vocals,
guitars, bass, and drums, giving each classic a fresh edge. Tobias Forge delivers a commanding performance on “Save Us” (I’m a Rebel, 1980), joined by Ray Luzier on drums. Phil Anselmo, Kirk Hammett, and Mikkey Dee tear through the speed metal classic “Fast As A Shark” (Restless and Wild,1982). “Balls to the Wall” surges with the powerful range of Metal God Rob Halford, alongside the guitar work of Matthias Jabs. The reimagined “Love Child” is elevated by Billy Corgan and David Ellefson
(both songs from Balls to the Wall, 1983). Other guest stars on ACCEPT’s extraordinary release include K. K. Downing, Bobby Blitz, Hansi Kürsch, Chris Jericho, Ralf Scheepers, Billy Sheehan, Ola Englund, and Jeff Loomis. Topping it off is a re-recording of “Hellhammer” (Eat the Heat, 1989), performed by ACCEPT’s current lineup: Wolf Hoffmann, bassist Martin Motnik, guitarist Philip Shouse and drummer
Christopher Williams, joined by Jason McMaster on vocals.

Teutonic Titans 1976-2026 reaches far beyond the borders of ACCEPT’s country of origin. Packed with the biggest names in heavy music paying tribute to the German icons, the record cements the band’sstanding on the global stage. This is more than an album. It is a manifesto of metal!

Accept Video Interview

From the industrial heart of Solingen to the world’s biggest stages, Accept have spent fifty years forging the sound of heavy metal. Their rise accelerated with 1983’s Balls to the Wall, a gold certified milestone that helped push their global album sales beyond 17 million and cemented their place among the genre’s most legendary acts.
Now, the band celebrates its 50th anniversary with Teutonic Titans 1976–2026, arriving September 4 and featuring an impressive lineup of about 50 guest musicians. Just before their performance at Hellsinki Metal Festival, Wolf Hoffmann sat down with The Offering to reflect on the anticipation before hitting the stage, the band’s long journey, the creation of the anniversary album, his personal growth as a musician, and and the band’s plans moving forward.

https://www.acceptworldwide.com/