Author: Crix

Polish Legendary VADER Announce European Tour with KATAKLYSM in February/March 2026

Polish legendary VADER have announced their European tour with KATAKLYSM (and Blood Red Throne) kicking off on February 18th in Paris. See all the tour dates below.

Piotr ‘Peter’ Wiwczarek shared:
“VADERMANIAX !!! We are so excited to announce a huge Kataklysm, Vader, Blood Red Throne tour in Europe in February/March 2026 !!! A VERY special live set will be prepared for this massive trip. More details soon….”

18.02. 🇫🇷 FR Paris @ La Machine Du Moulin Rouge
20.02. 🇬🇧UK Wolverhampton @ KK’s Steel Mill
21.02. 🇬🇧UK Glasgow  @ Slay
22.02. 🇬🇧UK Manchester  @ Academy 2
23.02. 🇬🇧UK London  @ O2 Academy Islington
25.02. 🇫🇷FR Rennes @ L’Etage
26.02. 🇫🇷FR Toulouse @ Le Bikini
27.02. 🇪🇸ES Madrid @ Sala Mon
28.02. 🇪🇸ES Pamplona @ Sala Totem
01.03. 🇪🇸ES Barcelona @ Razzmatazz 2
03.03.🇨🇭CH Geneve @ L’Usine
04.03. 🇮🇹IT Milan @ Legend Club
05.03. 🇸🇮SI Ljubljana @ Kino Siska
06.03. 🇨🇿CZ Brno @ Fleda
07.03. 🇸🇰SK Kosice @ Colloseum
08.03. 🇭🇺HU Budapest @ Barba Negra Blue Stage
10.03. 🇦🇹AT Vienna @ Simmcity
11.03. 🇩🇪DE Munich @ Backstage Werk
12.03. 🇩🇪DE Heidelberg @ Halle 02
13.03. 🇩🇪DE Memmingen @ Kaminwerk
14.03.🇨🇭CH Pratteln @ Z7
15.03. 🇩🇪DE Trier @ Forum
17.03. 🇧🇪BE Antwerp @ Trix
18.03. 🇩🇪DE Hamburg @ Markthalle
19.03. 🇩🇰DK Copenhagen @ Pumpehuset
20.03. 🇩🇪DE Berlin @ Festsaal Kreuzberg
21.03.  🇩🇪DE Leipzig @ Hellraiser
22.03.  🇩🇪DE  Bochum  @ Zeche
24.03.  🇩🇪DE  Frankfurt @ Batschkapp
25.03.  🇩🇪 DE  Braunschweig @ Westand
26.03.  🇳🇱NL  Leiden  @ Gebr. De Nobel
27.03.  🇩🇪DE  Bamberg  @ Brose Arena

Just recently VADER celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their classic “Litany” album, which originally came out on Metal Blade Records in 2000 with a special vinyl reissue edition. The original 11 tracks / 31 minutes of “Litany” were newly re-mastered for vinyl by Wojtek Wieslawski / Hertz Recording Studio and the LP also includes a 16-page booklet with new liner-notes by band leader, guitarist and vocalist Peter Wiwczarek.

The “Litany (25th Anniversary Reissue)” LP is available via Metal Blade Records:
in Europe: https://shop.metalblade.de/collections/vader
in North America: https://metalblade.indiemerch.com/collections/vader

Vader’s Peter Wiwczarek commented in the liner notes as follows about “Litany”: “‘Litany’ was definitely our fastest and most brutal album ever recorded…This year the album celebrates its quarter-century and we want to remind you of the power of these brutal riffs. The album returns to the stages in full form. Many of the songs haven’t been played since the 2000-2001 promotional tour. Some of them have never been played. I invite you to the world of ‘Litany’! Remember…you enter here at your own risk!”

May 30th 2025 VADER released new EP “Humanihility” via Nuclear Blast. Order it here: https://vader.bfan.link/humanihility

Five years after the much-lauded 12th studio album Solitude In Madness, VADER return with 3 brand-new tracks once again produced by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studio, UK. Featuring excellent artwork by Marcelo Vasco (Slayer, Testament, Dark Funeral), this EP marks the first recording as a quintet with guitarist Mauser returning to the group and new drummer Michael alongside vocalist/guitarist Peter, bassist Hal and third guitarist Spider.

Humanihility offers scorching new songs that prove to be vicious, thrash-laden anthems perfectly blending old-school thrash with VADER’s unique straight-forward fury and neckbreaking tempos. Each of the songs was created by a different band member, giving them a more personal style.

The only physical edition will be a  limited 12” (red vinyl, 700 copies). Artwork was created by Marcelo Vasco Arts.

In case you missed, also watch the music video for the latest single “Unbending’ (which was the official anthem of Poland’s renowned Mystic Festival this year), created by Robert Gasperowicz: https://youtu.be/WoIZS0jx3hY

Humanihility Tracklist
1. Genocide Designed
2. Rampage
3. Unbending (Mystic Festival Anthem 2025)

https://www.facebook.com/vader
https://www.instagram.com/vader_band_official
https://www.youtube.com/@panzervader
https://linktr.ee/vader_band_official
https://vader-store.com

SELlAS Unveils Second Single & Video “Beyond The Switch” Ahead of New Album Killkarma

Melodic death-metal outfit SELIAS has released their brand-new single and video “Beyond The Switch”, the second track revealed from the band’s forthcoming album Killkarma, out November 7, 2025.

BEYOND THE SWITCH captures the turning point after betrayal and broken trust — the moment of clarity where new bonds are forged and old bridges are left to burn. As one of the standout singles from KILLKARMA, the track blends haunting melody with a dark, driven edge — a reflection of moving on, no matter the cost.

Stream “Beyond The Switch ”: https://orcd.co/btssingle

With Killkarma, SELlAS expand their sonic territory, blending melodic brutality with cinematic atmosphere. Taking inspiration from In Flames, Soilwork, Rammstein, Marilyn Manson, and Orbit Culture, the band sharpens their identity into a sound that is at once relentless and immersive. Their 2025 live shows have already begun unveiling this next chapter with powerful, full-scale performances of light, sound, and intensity.

Pre-save the album Killkarma: https://orcd.co/killkarma

Formed in 2020 by guitarist Steve Elias, SELIAS fuses aggression with atmosphere, precision, and emotion. Rounded out by Guillaume Pascual (vocals/keys), Daniel Bouwman (drums), and Jeff Hyde (bass), the band delivers a cinematic metal experience that bridges classic death metal ferocity with modern melodic edge.

seliasmetal.com
www.facebook.com/seliasmetal
www.instagram.com/seliasmetal
www.tiktok.com/@seliasmetal
www.youtube.com/@seliasmetal

Soulgrind released ‘Tears Of The Earth’ single from their upcoming 10th album ‘Ad Pulchram Mortem’

The legendary Finnish metal band Soulgrind, founded in 1992, is set to release its tenth album, Ad Pulchram Mortem, via Inverse Records. The release date will be announced later. The second single ‘Tears of the Earth’ is out and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/soulgrind-tears

Vocalist/keyboardist Azhemin comments:
“Tears of the Earth was a laborious project in every respect. At its peak, the session had 93 tracks, and refining all the small nuances sometimes felt like shooting oneself in the foot. However, in the end, the mix became quite simple. Even if you have a palette full of colored pencils, you don’t always need to use them all.

The song basically consists of three separate parts or spaces that form the whole. The lyrics support the mood of these scenes in just the right way. Tears of the Earth is a compact yet multifaceted piece.”

Guitarist Lord Heikkinen continues:

“Tears of the Earth was built around a riffing I had done a few years earlier. Azhem and I started creating a song together from the riffs. Azhem came up with a great prog-inspired middle section that sounds simple but is actually quite intricate when you listen closely to the riff. Additionally, Micko Hell arranged excellent acoustic parts for the song. Not to mention Tanya Lilith’s wonderful melodies and harmonies. Overall, it’s a successful and unique whole.

The lyrics are based on an apocalyptic theme, the final nightmares. They describe how all organized cultures and religions drain everything and everywhere dry. In the end, only death remains—along with the Earth Mother’s tears and sorrow. These lyrics are actually embedded in the album’s story, a dark journey along the rivers of Tuonela. This trip mostly takes place in the traveler’s mind.”

BIOGRAPHY:

Soulgrind is a Finnish metal band formed in 1992, known primarily for their blend of gothic metal, thrash  and black metal with a dark, melodic atmosphere. The band was founded by Lord Heikkinen, who has consistently contributed guitars and programming throughout their career.

Soulgrind’s music often explores themes related to the darker aspects of Finnish history and psyche, combining passion, war, and the “dark side of mind” into their lyrical content, reflecting a deep connection to Finland’s cultural and historical roots. But there has always been the bride side for the aspects as well. Classic war of love and hate.The  sound has evolved over the time, but Soulgrind has maintained a core identity rooted in metal with a dark, atmospheric edge, resisting strict genre categorization and embracing musical development freely. Freedom of metal has always been the theme. And so it shall be.

Soulgrind is recognized for their intelligent and unique approach to metal, merging melodic and dark elements to create a distinctive sound within the Finnish metal scene. Their long-standing presence since the early 90s marks them as a significant act in the gothic and black metal genres in Finland.

Line-up:

Lord Heikkinen: guitars

Azhemin: Keybords, vocals

Tanya Lilith: Vocals

Suntio: Drums:

JP: Bass

Micko Hell: Guitars, Vocals

Former members: Roope Latvala ( Children of Bodom, Stone ), Juke Eräkangas, Tommi McLaunone (Gloomy Grim, Nomicon), Henrik Laine (Deepred )

Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/SoulgrindFinland
https://soulgrind.bandcamp.com

Cassidy Paris unveils new video “Nothing Left To Lose” from upcoming album and announces UK tour in May 2026

The Australian rocker Cassidy Paris unveils today her new single and official video, “Nothing Left To Lose”, taken from her highly anticipated sophomore album, “Bittersweet”, scheduled for November 21, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Cassidy Paris is also thrilled to share that she will be returning to the UK in May next year, for the “Finish What We Started” headlining tour, starting on May 13th in Hastings, and wrapping up on May 24th in Newcastle.

If you want to get your ticket before anyone else, you can access the exclusive pre-sale by pre-ordering “Bittersweet” now at https://frontiers-uk.shop/collections/cassidy-paris

Everyone who pre-orders “Bittersweet” from the Frontiers UK store by 6.00pm on Thursday (and anyone who has already ordered a copy from the webstore) will be sent a pre-sale link via email this Friday at 10am.

Talking about her new single, Cassidy said: “I instantly connected to ‘Nothing Left To Lose’ as it represents times when you feel so alone and in pain. You feel like no one is listening or really understands what you’ve been through. It’s when people twist things and lie to try and paint a picture that is fabricated. They manipulate others to suit their own agenda, making you feel like you’re going crazy. ‘Nothing Left To Lose’ is one of my favourite tracks off ‘Bittersweet’ and I can’t wait to see what you think”.

Watch the official video for “Nothing Left To Lose” HERE

Pre-Order “Bittersweet” HERE

Known for her distinctive blend of ‘80s-inspired rock attitude with a modern twist, Cassidy Paris is stepping confidently into her own identity as an artist with “Bittersweet”, the powerful follow-up to her acclaimed 2023 debut album “New Sensation”.

“My debut album was ‘80s infused with a current vibe”, Cassidy explained. “With Bittersweet, I’m stepping even more into who I am as an artist – influenced by icons like Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, and Lita Ford, but always with my own spin on things”.

“This is the most honest and raw I’ve ever been with songs. This record feels like it’s a part of me. Like reading a diary of my life over the past couple of years. Releasing this is both so exciting and equally emotional because, when I started, I had no idea of the journey I would go on personally in my life”, she added. “It makes me beam with happiness that these songs are yours now. This record is love, strength and immense heartbreak. It’s emotions on a level I didn’t even know existed prior to this season of life. It truly lives up to its name in its entirety. I hope you to love it as much as I did creating it”.

Featuring songwriting contributions from Paul Laine and Steve Brown, “Bittersweet” showcases Cassidy’s growth not just as a performer but as a songwriter with a message. Lyrically honest and emotionally charged, the album balances hook-filled anthems with heartfelt ballads, capturing both vulnerability and strength.

Cassidy continues to stand out as a passionate voice in modern rock, not only for her music but for her advocacy. A strong supporter of Metalheads Against Bullying, she regularly performs in schools around Melbourne, using her platform to inspire resilience and authenticity in young fans.

As a teenager growing up in Australia, there’s likely very few others out there with ambitions of being a “rock star”. Especially considering rock music isn’t exactly regarded by the mainstream as the “coolest” thing in the 2020’s.

However, Cassidy Paris is an exception, determined to make rock music a ‘cool’ thing again and inspire a new generation of younger fans to not only listen to rock ‘n’ roll, but maybe even pick up a guitar, instead of a phone.

At the age of 11, Cassidy met singer songwriter Paul Laine (ex Danger Danger, The Defiants), who developed a unique mentoring role. Paul took Cassidy under his wing to help develop her as an artist and songwriter, collaborating with her in songwriting and producing her music.

From early on, Cassidy has wanted to deliver a strong message through her music. In 2018, she released the song “Stand”, a heartfelt song about ‘standing up for yourself’ as a young woman.

Having already performed in the USA, UK, and Japan, Cassidy’s global fanbase continues to grow rapidly. Despite the postponement of some European dates due to personal circumstances, she is planning to return stronger than ever with new shows in the UK and Ireland.

With “Bittersweet”, Cassidy Paris reaffirms her position as one of rock’s most exciting young talents – bringing heart, power, and purpose to every note.

Cassidy is endorsed by Fender Guitars, Ernie Ball & Wornstar Clothing.

“Bittersweet” Tracklist:

1.    Butterfly
2.    Nothing Left To Lose
3.    Finish What We Started
4.    Wannabe
5.    Getting Better
6.    Give Me Your Love
7.    Can’t Let Go
8.    Undecided
9.    Sucker For Your Love
10.    Brand New Day
11.    Is Anybody Out There
12.    Turn Around And Kiss Me
13.    Stronger

“FINISH WHAT WE STARTED” UK TOUR – PRE-SALE HERE:

MAY 13 – The Carlisle – Hastings
MAY 14 – The Cavern – Raynes Park
MAY 15 – The Patriot – Crumlin
MAY 16 – Leo’s Red Lion – Gravesend
MAY 17 – Eleven – Stoke
MAY 20 – The Craufurd Arms – Milton Keynes
MAY 21 – Waterloo – Blackpool
MAY 22 – Billy Bootleggers – Nottingham
MAY 23 – Bannermans – Edinburgh
MAY 24 – Trillians – Newcastle

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Edge of Paradise Unveil Cinematic Cover of “Requiem for a Dream” — Original Theme by Clint Mansell (Lux Aeterna)

International cinematic rock band Edge of Paradise have released their powerful reimagining of the iconic Requiem for a Dream theme. Known for fusing soaring vocals, heavy riffs, and immersive soundscapes, the band takes the haunting score into new depths, transforming it into a massive, larger-than-life experience that bridges the worlds of film and metal.
Following the success of their latest album Prophecy (Napalm), the band continues to expand their multimedia universe, accompanying this powerful composition with a striking visual counterpart, a music video that immerses viewers in Edge of Paradise’s signature fusion of sound, story, and atmosphere.

“This theme has always resonated deep within and inspired me to see how a simple melody can open entire worlds” says vocalist Margarita Monet. “With our version we wanted to amplify that emotion, the darkness, the light, and everything in between, and we’re excited to experience it with you through our dimension, on the stages and beyond.”
The artwork created by Margarita was unveiled at the NoHo CineFest in Hollywood, where she received the Outstanding Artist Award for her visual work and storytelling. Her graphic novel’s narrative extends Edge of Paradise’s cinematic universe, seamlessly connecting the band’s music, imagery, and philosophy through art. Additionally, the band’s song “The Unknown” will be featured in the upcoming feature film The Complete Course of Howard French, directed by Gustavo Sampaio,  expanding their presence across both the music and film landscapes.
Margarita adds: “What also makes this so special to me is how everything I love intertwines — making the art, the music, the visuals. From painting the cover and crafting the crown to shaping the story through dance and direction, every moment reflects a piece of my soul.”
This release follows a remarkable year for the band, supporting PROPHECY with North America and European tours.

Edge of Paradise will also embark on a string of dates alongside Love Bites to bring their show to audiences worldwide:

Nov 4 – New York City, NY – The Gramercy Theatre
Nov 5 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
Nov 7 – Lakewood, OH – The Winchester
Nov 8 – West Dundee, IL – Rookies Rochaus
Nov 10 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada Theater
Nov 11 – Dallas, TX – Trees Dallas
Nov 12 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
Nov 14 – San Luis Obispo, CA Freemont
Nov 15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Vermont Hollywood

 

The “Requiem for a Dream” cover is now available worldwide on all streaming platforms https://ffm.to/2d1gqpw
“Requiem for a Dream (and the Angels of Static) is mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and engineered by Mike Plotnikoff and Rob Black. The music video was directed by Margarita Monet and Julian Oyanedel Santiesteban.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/requiem-for-a-dream-and-the-angels-of-static-single/1838920663

Kneel Before The Death Video Interview

Kneel Before The Death is a Finnish extreme metal band founded in 2013, and since their first single, they’ve been creating a storm in the harsh and unforgiving Finnish metal scene.
After a few years of silence, KBTD has returned with their self-titled debut album, released in the summer of 2025 by Ranka Kustannus.
We had the opportunity to chat with singer Markus Raito and drummer Konsta Vihavainen before their show at Meara Klubi in Pori, discussing their debut album, the band’s history, and much more.

https://linktr.ee/kbtdband

Ashen Sky Video Interview

Ashen Sky is a modern metal band from Helsinki, Finland. Their music blends elements of modern and traditional metal. Catchy riffs, powerful choruses, and devastating breakdowns, steeped in deathcore influences, blend with melodic and melancholic tones, creating a striking contrast that conveys aggression and deep emotion.
After a rebranding in early 2025 and the addition of new vocalist Olli Laaka, the band is entering a new chapter with a series of new releases throughout the year. These will culminate in the highly anticipated second album, scheduled for release in early 2026.
We had the opportunity to meet the band before their show in Pori and learn more about Ashen Sky and their music.

https://linktr.ee/ashensky

 

Omnium Gatherum Video Interview

Omnium Gatherum will release their tenth album, “May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way,” on November 7th. The band, founded in 1996, also has a North American tour planned for November and December, a Finnish tour in January, and a European tour in February and March.
We had the opportunity to chat with frontman Jukka Pelkonen and learn more about the upcoming album, tours, and much more.

OMNIUM GATHERUM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Kneel Before The Death & ASHEN SKY live at Meara Klubi, Pori (Finland) 27.9.2025

Meara Klubi returns after the summer break with two bands that are making inroads into the Finnish scene: ASHEN SKY and Kneel Before The Death.

ASHEN SKY’s music blends elements of both modern and traditional metal. Catchy riffs, powerful choruses, and crushing breakdowns infused with deathcore influences merge with melodic and melancholic tones, creating a striking contrast that channels both aggression and deep emotion. Known for their intense, energetic, and unpredictable live performances, ASHEN SKY delivers a unique and memorable experience for their audience.

Finnish Kneel Before The Death mixes death metal, deathcore, symphonic metal, black metal and electronic music to produce their unique sound. In 2023 Kneel Before The Death started a new chapter in their story with the release of the single Eternal Sleep. Their vision was to create art with an aggressive, theatrical and epic approach. In late 2024 the band released first full-length album.

Both bands were a blast, the energy was clearly palpable, and the audience responded more than positively. Two bands to keep an eye on because they are sure to be talked about.
Here some photos taken by Cristina Gregori.

Metal Powerhouse Fraxures Return With Dramatic Depeche Mode Cover

Powerhouse metal quintet Fraxures follow up their acclaimed “Blackheart Serenade” single with a thunderous new slab of naked passion and an audacious assault upon Depeche Mode’s “Its No Good.”
Featuring vocalist Travis Neal (Divine Heresy, The Bloodline) and drummer Fred Aching (BulletBoys, Dead Groove, Kings of Thrash) alongside A Hero Within alumni Nolan Davis (guitar, vocals), Vinny Marvaso (bass) and Esteban Sanchez (lead guitar), Fraxure’s distinctive sound is firmly rooted in the members’ combined experience and rich history, and a shared passion for creating earth-shattering music.
With a lineup that blends raw intensity and technical precision, Fraxures continues to carve its own path in the modern metal scene, delivering crushing hooks and sinister melodies – Bravewords.com
Taken from Depeche Mode’s 1997 album Ultra, “It’s No Good” was described by Billboard as “a sleek sleaze-pop banger,” highlighted by unsettling bass tremors and “:zooming synths that crest and crash like ocean waves.”  A Billboard Hot Dance chart topper and a UK Top 5 smash, “It’s No Good” remains among Depeche Mode’s most recognizable tracks – or, at least, it did until Fraxures for their hands on it.  
Utterly transformed now, it is accompanied by an equally transformative video, atmospherically directed by drummer Aching and Holly West and effortlessly encapsulating the sheer weight and energy of this fast rising band.