Author: Crix

French heavy metal band The Losts released their third studio album ‘Venom Within’

The French dark and melodic heavy metal band The Losts, formed in 2010, released their third studio album Venom Within via Finnish record label Inverse Records on December 19th 2025.

LISTEN to ‘Venom Within’ album on all major streaming platforms: https://push.fm/fl/the-losts-venom-within 

About Venom Within:

DGC: “With this new record, we wanted to recapture the extreme edge and darkness that Phil Reinhalter (PUTRID OFFAL, MERCYLESS, NOISE EMISSION CONTROL, …) had brought to Mystery of Depths. We also wanted to push the boundaries of production further. Working with Phil again was an obvious choice—we gave him more freedom to push us to our limits. It was a tough ride, but we’re really proud of the outcome.”

PPG: “This album gave me the chance to bring in my groovy vision of the bass. On the last record, I had just joined the band and the production was already far along, so I couldn’t really express myself freely. Here, thanks to Phil’s work, the bass stands out and adds a unique soul to the songs.”

YGC: “The Losts has always been a playground for the diversity of our tastes and personalities. But with Venom Within, we’ve delivered our most collective work so far—a true statement of music with many faces, forged together into one vision.”

JCR : “The artwork for this new album is the remarkable creation of independent artist Alec Vladski. Together, we envisioned it as a kind of ‘cabinet of curiosities.’ Since the concept of The Losts ultimately questions the very notion of existence, what better way to illustrate it than through the struggle for survival—at every scale of life?”

BIOGRAPHY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arched Fire is back with a banger! The new single “So Far” reveals a rarely seen side of the Finnish metal band

Arched Fire is back with a banger! The new single “So Far” reveals a rarely seen side of the Finnish metal band. 

LISTEN to ‘So Far’ single: https://push.fm/fl/arched-fire-so-far

“I went through Kristian’s demo folder and found this gem of a song that had been lying there for a while already”, says Ari Väntänen. “I thought it had a great hook and that it would be cool to release something different for a change. I mean, we aren’t really known for pretty ballads, are we?” 

More mournful than pretty, the song weighs on you like a looming storm until it exploding into a thundering middle part followed by cathartic final choruses, a gem of a song indeed. 

And the lyrics, you ask, what are they about? This is not a love song, that’s for sure.

“The is song about the difficulties in communication. It relates to the false consensus effect, individualism, conformism and neurodiversity”, says Kristian Herkman, the man behind the music and the lyrics.

“In some societies you have to be like the others to cope,” the singer elaborates. “Some people are neurotypical and some are not. Sometimes neither have the best social skills.”

There certainly is room for improvement. Maybe emotional intelligence and structured communication should be subjects in school.

“People like different things and usually they like familiar things,” Kristian continues. “People fear uncertainty, so they want to be in control. Money is power and conformity makes the masses easier to control. The more you know, the more you know what there is yet to understand.”

The temporary line-up on “So Far” is Kristian Herkman (vocals, lead guitar, kantele, 12 string acoustic guitar), Ari Väntänen (rhythm guitar), Mika Rytilahti (bass), Miika Niemelä (keyboards) and Fabio Alessandrini (drums).

Line-up:
Kristian Herkman: vocals
Ari Väntänen: guitar
Mika Rytilahti: bass
Miika Niemelä: Keyboards
Fabio Alessandrini: drums

Links:
https://archedfire.com
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialArchedFire
https://www.instagram.com/arched_fire_official
https://archedfire.bandcamp.com

Venus 5 return with new album “March Of The Venus 5” set for release on March 20

International metal band Venus 5 – comprised of Karmen Klinc, Jelena Milovanovic, Tezzi Persson (Hell in the Club), Herma (Sick N’ Beautiful), and Erina Seitllari – are thrilled to announce the release of their second studio album, titled “March Of The Venus 5” and scheduled for March 20, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

To give a taste of what’s coming, they unleashed the first powerful single “Like A Witch”, along with an official video, available below.

Jelena Milovanovic commented: “Prepare to be bewitched!”, while Herma described the track as “girl power at its best”.

“There’s a hypnotic pull in ‘Like A Witch’, a blend of mystery, rhythm, and feminine fire that you feel instantly”, added Erina Seitllari.

 

Pre-Order “March Of The Venus 5” HERE

Venus 5, the all-female European pop-metal sensation – return with a stronger, heavier, and more focused second album.

Uniting five distinctive voices from across the continent – Karmen Klinc (Slovenia), Jelena Milovanovic (Serbia), Tezzi Persson (Sweden, singer of Hell in the Club), Herma (Italy, singer of Sick N’ Beautiful), and Erina Seitllari (Albania) – the band pushes its sound to new heights, embracing a more traditional metal direction while retaining the massive hooks and glossy production that defined their debut.

Once again produced by Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere), with songwriting contributions from Jake E. (ex-Amaranthe, Cyhra), the album showcases a more mature, riff-driven approach, rich with symphonic and electronic elements, layered vocal harmonies, and explosive choruses tailor-made for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, and modern European metal.

Erina Seitllari stated: “This album feels like a storm made of fire and velvet! Wild, electric, and impossible to hold. Every track carries that spellbinding feminine force, the kind that rises, glows, and refuses to be tamed”.

“The new Venus 5 album is crafted with all the qualities needed for every listener to discover something that resonates. Within it lie unexpected sonic delights, powerful and surprising, that we cannot wait to unveil and let reach the ears of our audience”, continued Karmen Klinc.

With performances at several major festivals already under their belt, Venus 5 are now gearing up to return to the stage in support of the new album – ready to prove that their power is just as undeniable live as it is in the studio.

“March Of The Venus 5” Tracklist:

1.    March Of The Venus 5
2.    Like A Witch
3.    Far Away
4.    Set Me Free
5.    Stereotypes
6.    Surrender
7.    Satelite
8.    Invincible
9.    Winter On My Skin
10.    Take It From The Start
11.    The Other Shore

Line Up:
Karmen Klinc – Vocals
Herma – Vocals
Jelena Milovanovic – Vocals
Tezzi Persson – Vocals
Erina Seitllari – Vocals

Andrea Buratto – Bass
Gabriele Robotti – Guitars
Antonio Agate – Keys
Marco Lazzarini – Drums

Aldo Lonobile – Additional guitars
Serena Torti – Additional Vocals

Follow VENUS 5:
Facebook
Instagram

The Valley Video Interview

The Valley is an Italian alt-prog project exploring a distorted progressive genre based on unusual rhythms, where melody is always at the heart of the composition and is never diluted by instrumental overlays. The band’s songs are slightly shorter than most classics of the genre, offering a more incisive and direct prog style. The lineup consists of four members, all with diverse musical backgrounds but belonging to the same musical area of ​​Savona. They are certainly a musical melting pot, creating colorful and innovative music, aiming to bring a breath of fresh air to the alt-prog scene. In February 2025, the band joined the roster of “Volcano Records & Promotion”, bringing their music to the attention of national and international audiences, press, and radio. The band has released three singles so far: “The Valley” in 2023, “Hypnagogia,” “Eons,” and “Magpie’s Eylid” in 2025. The band is currently working on new music, collaborating with big names in the music industry, and is ready for a tour starting in Northern Italy. Our reporter Cristina had the opportunity to chat with the band and learn more about them and their music.

https://www.facebook.com/thevalleyprog/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1x4BS1kiSkWx89Ddvgqcq5

 

Turmion Kätilöt Video Interview

Turmion Kätilöt is a no-holds-barred machine when it comes to music: ’90s disco beats, blaring metal, melodies, sing-along songs, and more—there are no rules. Their live shows have been praised as the most ferocious and insane chaos you’ll ever witness, bringing the twisted world of Turmion Kätilöt to life.
The band released their latest album, “Reset,” in 2024, followed by an extensive tour across Finland and Europe.
Our reporter Cristina had the chance to meet Saku ‘SHAG-U’ Solin before their show at Isomäki Rocks to learn more about their latest album, life on tour, and much more.

https://turmionkatilot.com

Finnish Prog Metal Force Frozen Factory Drops Second Single & Video “Get More Stupid”

Finnish progressive metal collective Frozen Factory strikes back with their blistering new single and music video, “Get More Stupid.”

What happens when we keep falling but never learn? “Get More Stupid” hits hard with blunt lyrics, heavy riffs, and that signature alt-progressive edge. A raw look at cycles of mistakes, ego, and a world obsessed with style over substance.

“Get More Stupid” is the second track taken from the highly anticipated album Apocalypse Inc., due for release on January 16, 2026, via Wormholedeath.

Stream the single: orcd.co/gms

Pre-save “Apocalypse Inc.”: orcd.co/apocalypseinc

Frozen Factory shapes a distinct heavy rock sound built on prog-leaning metal and exploring deep themes of conflict, truth, and mystery. Their expansive influences span from the classic rock introspection of Pink Floyd and the metal might of Iron Maiden to the alternative intensity of Alice in Chains and the dark wave textures of Depeche Mode, showcasing a band with strong artistic control.

Formed in late 2018, the band’s direction was quickly cemented by the arrival of British/Finnish vocalist Stephen Baker. Following their debut album Planted Feet and their first live show in 2020, the current lineup—featuring drummer Marianne Heikkinen and lead guitarist Zsolt Szilagyi—solidified their momentum. Their 2022 album, Of Pearls & Perils, garnered notable radio support, including airplay on Germany’s SWR1, setting a high benchmark for their new material.

FROZEN FACTORY Line-Up:
Stephen Baker – Lead Vocals
Tomi Hassinen – Bass
Zsolt Szilagyi – Lead Guitar
Johnny Koivumäki – Rhythm Guitar
Marianne Heikkinen – Drums

frozenfactorymusic.com
instagram.com/frozenfactorymusic
facebook.com/frozenfactorymusic
youtube.com/frozenfactorymusic

Italian Blackened Atmospheric Death Metal Project Frostmorner Signs With Wormholedeath For Debut Album Orbital Kaos

Italian blackened atmospheric death metal project Frostmorner is proud to announce its official signing with Wormholedeath. The collaboration will see the worldwide release of Frostmorner’s debut album, Orbital Kaos, scheduled to drop on February 13, 2026.

Founded by Mario and rooted in Sicily, Frostmorner began its journey in 2019. What started with the support of other musicians soon evolved into a fully solo project, allowing Mario to build a sound that reflects his vision without compromise. Over the years, Frostmorner has caught the attention of magazines, fanzines, and radio stations, opening the door to collaborations and conversations with artists across the extreme metal world.

“Orbital Kaos” marks the first full-length chapter of Frostmorner and showcases the project’s foundation: a blend of blackened intensity, atmospheric layers, and death metal grit. The album pulls inspiration from Nile, Hypocrisy, Belphegor, and Death, while weaving in modern influences from Lorna Shore and Rings of Saturn. Its thematic core draws from a lifelong fascination with Lovecraft, mythology, space, and horror.

The album’s title captures its essence. Each track stands on its own, shaped by its own narrative and energy, yet all orbit around the central concept of Kaos. The result is a record built on fragmentation, unpredictability, and tension: an audio universe where no two moments land in the same place.

linktr.ee/FrostMorneR
www.instagram.com/frostmorner
www.facebook.com/FrostmornerMusicOfficial
www.tiktok.com/@frostmorner
x.com/FrostMorneR_
www.youtube.com/@frostmorner
frostmorner.bandcamp.com

France’s HighWay Announce New Album “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” Out On April 2026 – Unveil First Single “Hi-Way” Out Now

French hard rock powerhouse HighWay is back with a vengeance. After the acoustic detour of The Journey (2022), the band returns louder, bolder, and more electric than ever with their sixth studio album, Last Call for Rock’N’Roll, set for release on April 24th, 2026.

The first single, “Hi-Way”, is now streaming and immediately sets the tone for what fans can expect: unstoppable riffs, soaring vocals, and the kind of raw energy that has defined HighWay’s sound for over two decades.

“We realized we’d never written a song called HighWay! All the greats, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath, have their eponymous track. So why not us? Musically, it’s a return to the big rock song with a groovy verse, a spooky orchestral bridge, and a riff that fans will love,” explains frontman Ben Chambert.

The single’s accompanying video introduces HighWay’s new line-up, showcasing the band’s explosive live energy. Joining founding brothers Ben and Romain are bassist Cerise Pouillard (formerly of AC/DC tribute Ladies Ballbreaker) and guitarist Florian Arnaud, whose addition brings twin-guitar firepower and massive backing vocals to the band’s stage sound.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Hi-Way” at https://youtu.be/qPYb7fBvNAU​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://kuronekomedia.lnk.to/LCFRnR​

Produced, mixed and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima (Ayreon, Devin Townsend, Megadeth), the album features 12 brand-new tracks that blend power, melody, and emotion in a timeless hard rock spirit. From high-octane anthems like “Bang Bang!” and “Go! Go! Go!” to intimate ballads like “Mayday”, the record explores life’s highs and lows with authenticity and passion.

“Fans will be blown away by this record. After the acoustic break of The Journey (2022), we’re back to pure rock—100% electric, high voltage, but still full of melody, vocals, and surprises. Writing and recording these songs was a passionate process, and with producer Brett Caldas-Lima, we refined every detail. The lyrics are more personal and intimate than ever, reflecting real-life experiences we wanted to share. We feel more mature as songwriters, and we’re proud of this album on every level, songwriting, sound, and production.” – HighWay

Formed in 1999 after being inspired by AC/DC’s “Live at Donington,” HighWay has played over 500 European shows, sharing stages with legends like Michael Schenker Group, Gotthard, Jeff Scott Soto, and Nashville Pussy. With influences ranging from AC/DC and Queen to Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses, the band has carved out its place in the “new wave of European Classic Hard Rock.”

Now, with “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll,” HighWay is ready to take things to the next level, delivering a massive live sound, unforgettable hooks, and a renewed sense of purpose. Don’t miss the Last Call. HighWay is back and louder than ever.

Due out on April 24, 2026, “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” is available for album pre-order at https://highwayshop.sumupstore.com/​

​

Track Listing:​
1. LAST CALL (FOR ROCK N’ ROLL) – 5:13
2. HI-WAY – 4:40
3. ¡ BANG BANG! – 3:47
4. NINETIES ACTION MOVIE – 5:16
5. PEACE OUT – 5:44
6. MAYDAY – 4:25
7. GO! GO! GO! – 5:48
8. LET ME – 4:54
9. D.K/D.C – 3:16
10. RAT RACE – 6:00
11. ACTION – 4:32
12. (DON’T) LOOK BACK – 5:09
Album Length: 58:48

Album Band Line Up:​
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Sam Marshal: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

Live Band Line Up:​
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Florian Arnaud: Rhythm guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Cerise Pouillart: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

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

Melodic Power Metal Newcomers Every King Has A Clown Invite You To A Crucifixion

It’s not often that a new band explodes into view without first having peppered our social media feeds with countless memes, reels and similar jiggerypokery.
Every King Has A Clown, however, prove that it can still be done.  Roaring out of a background split intriguingly between Sweden and the Canary Islands, and marshaled by bassist/songwriter Ryker Castro, Every King Has A Clown deliver melodic, yet mighty metal, seamlessly blending the energies of European and international power metal with progressive touches.
Ryker says, ““Every King Has A Clown is my solo project. I created it to have total freedom over the songwriting, the sound and the artistic direction. The idea was simple: write the record I always wanted to hear, with strong melodies, heavy energy and no compromises. The jester-king on the album cover, named EKHAC, is the visual symbol of the project — the contrast between good and evil.”
He did not work alone.  “This album is the sound of me fighting my own demons. I wanted a record built on strong songs, heavy energy and great voices — nothing else.”  Thus, Every King Has A Clown’s self-titled debut album includes contributions from some of the biggest names on the modern scene, as Ryker details.
“Ray Alder (Fates Warning – guesting on the album’s penultimate track, “Revenge”)) brings a unique emotional weight and intensity that lifts the track instantly.
“Mats Levén (ex-Therion) delivers the darker edge of the album with power and character.
“Mark Boals (Ring of Fire) adds precision, range and a classic melodic metal feel.
“Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot) brings grit and soul, [and] a strong hard-rock backbone.
“Anders Engberg (Sorcerer) adds depth and authority with his unmistakable tone.
“Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) brings clarity and elegance — his voice cuts through perfectly.
“Steve Braun (Halcyon Way) adds pure metal attitude and delivers exactly the punch [I] needed.
“Berzan Önen (Deer From Space) brings raw energy and a modern edge to the album.
“Christian Palin (ex-Adagio) adds aggression and dynamic range, pushing the [music] forward.
“Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator) gives the album a tight, precise and powerful foundation.
“Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) adds intensity and drive, with a very sharp and modern drum approach.”
In addition, the album was mastered by Tony Lindgren (Katatonia, Enslaved, Testament, Haken and hundreds more) at his home base Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden.
Every King Has A Clown will be out on January 30. But to pave the way, today sees the release of both the band’s first single, “Crucify Me,” and an accompanying full concept video, a dynamic live performance shot through with precisely the visuals that the song title demands.  It’s exhilarating stuff!
Track List:
1. Crucify Me
2. Cimmerian Nights
3. Victim Of The Night feat. Mats Levén (Therion, Candlemass)
4. Higher
5. Hear Me Calling
6. Defender
7. Dancing In The Dark
8. BloodWar
9. All We Need Is Rock And Roll
10. The King Has Lost His Crown feat. Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen)
11. Revenge feat. Ray Alder (Fates Warning)
12. Dragon

Symphonic metal masters Visions Of Atlantis and power metal giants Warkings released a joint single Pirates & Kings

Austrian symphonic metal pirate regiment Visions Of Atlantis and German power metal band Warkings have joined forces, and the result is now available to listen to. The Pirates & Kings single and accompanying music video will also lead the group towards a joint tour of the same name next spring.

“The time for competition or division is over. As threats and tensions grow, the answer is to unite and collaborate. This year ends with fear and dark predictions, and next year will show what is right. Tyrants will not win, manipulation will not work. We can see through the smokescreen and demand our own truth,” says Visions Of Atlantis vocalist Clémentine Delauney, continuing:

“We believe that unity is strength. This is a time for collaboration – a time to open up to others and gather like-minded souls together. We can face anything when we stand with our own tribe, and that tribe grows. Dare to conquer your fears, bring a friend with you, and reserve your place for the most epic adventure to a place where a new world is being shaped, courage is being honored, emotions are being deepened, and your power is real.”

Warkings also shares the same thoughts with poetic lyrics.

“As the tide of chaos rises and the winds whisper of war, kings must look beyond their thrones. That’s why we’ve joined forces with Visions of Atlantis – the warriors of the seas – to remind the world that unity is the greatest weapon. Pirates & Kings is a union sealed by fire and storm.”

The Pirates & Kings Over Europe tour kicks off on February 5, 2026 in Pratteln, Switzerland, and will take the bands to a total of 21 cities across Europe.

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS & WARKINGS LIVE 2026
PIRATES & KINGS -tour 2026
05.02.26 CH – Pratteln / Z7
06.02.26 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage
07.02.26 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle
08.02.26 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp
10.02.26 UK – Manchester / Academy 2
11.02.26 UK – London / O2 Academy Islington
12.02.26 FR – Paris / Elysée Montmartre
13.02.26 NL – Tilburg / 013 Poppodium
14.02.26 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser
15.02.26 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater
16.02.26 PL – Warsaw / Proxima
18.02.26 CZ – Zlín / Masters of Rock Café
19.02.26 DE – Hannover / Capitol
20.02.26 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle
21.02.26 DE – Geiselwind / Musichall
26.02.26 FR – Lyon / La Rayonne
27.02.26 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann Halle
28.02.26 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk
05.03.26 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra
06.03.26 AT – Vienna / SimmCity
07.03.26 AT – Wörgl / Komma

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS IS:
Clémentine Delauney – vocals
Michele Guaitoli – vocals, piano, orchestral arrangements
Thomas Caser – drums
Christian Douscha – guitar
Herbert Glos – bass

WARKINGS IS:
The Tribune – vocals
The Crusader – guitar
The Viking – bass
The Spartan – drums
Morgana le Fay – growls/vocals

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY