Author: Crix

PHAETON Unleash Playthrough Video “Augmented” in Support of New Album Neurogenesis

Instrumental progressive metal quartet Phaeton has released its latest playthrough video, “Augmented,” in support of its brand-new album, “Neurogenesis,” released on October 24, 2025. The release marks another bold step forward for the band, following their acclaimed sophomore album Between Two Worlds (2020).

The new playthrough video spotlights “Augmented,” a track inspired by humanity’s drive to transcend survival through technology, yet haunted by the dystopian possibilities of merging man and machine.

“This song was written to convey the mechanical unease and robotic inhumanity awaiting us in the near future, and how we must be on our guard,” the band explains.

Watch the playthrough via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Formed in 2017 in Kimberley, BC, PHAETON blends neo-classical melodicism, crushing riffs, tornado percussion, and contrapuntal basslines. Their lineup includes Kevin Thiessen (guitars, keyboards; ex-Azsension, ex-Datura), Daniel Airth (guitars; ex-Chaos Logic), Ferdy Belland (bass; ex-Bif Naked), and Colin Righton (drums; ex-Chaos Machine).
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Described in five words as Interplanetary Psychedelic Hyper-Melodic Metallic Prog, PHAETON’s sound is a kaleidoscope of influences ranging from Devin Townsend, Rush, Haken, Intervals, and Scale the Summit to the jazz-fusion pioneers Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Their music blends prog-metal, tech-death, thrash, and djent into a visceral yet cerebral listening experience.
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With “Neurogenesis,” the band sharpened their songwriting into concise, dynamic arrangements without sacrificing imagination. The album’s seven tracks form a connected anthology, while its themes explore the technological singularity and humanity’s uneasy march toward cybernetic augmentation. Engineered and mixed by guitarist Kevin Thiessen at The Cube in Kimberley, BC, and mastered by Jamie Sitar at Outtatown Sound in Winnipeg, MB, the album features artwork by Calgary-based artist Matt Semenok and a guest appearance by prog legend Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo) on the track “Isochron”.

“We’ll carry you away to the nebulae and you’ll enjoy every light-minute of it,” adds the band.
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​PHAETON’s journey began with their self-titled debut, establishing their technical virtuosity and adventurous spirit. Their sophomore offering, “Between Two Worlds”, expanded their sound with heavier, more emotionally impactful compositions. Now, “Neurogenesis” refines their approach with compact, hook-laden tracks that balance clarity with complexity.
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Fans can expect more ambitious projects following “Neurogenesis” as the band plans to release a 22-minute epic, “Clouds of Mercury”, slated for 2026, and a fourth full-length album, “Quartum”, projected for 2027.

In additional news, the band will be opening for Vancouver prog masters Anciients in Cranbrook, BC, on November 29th, as part of their “Infinite Eclipse Tour”. Phaeton plans to deliver a heavier, crunchier, thrashier experience than their polished recordings suggest, surprising audiences with their dual identity.

“We don’t growl and shriek as if we’re imitating demons from the Ninth Level of Hell. We let the guitars and keyboards do the singing,” the band adds.

Upcoming Show Dates:​
Nov 29 – Cranbrook BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ ANCIIENTS – info​

“Neurogenesis” is available now on digital platforms via INB Music. Vinyl editions arrive later this year.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV​

Bandcamp – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/​

Previous Singles:

Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://youtu.be/QxyU0U-vSOc​

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://youtu.be/Ri8wXGYJcJg​

Tethys Rising – https://youtu.be/mjehuUQS9G8​

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Track Listing:​
1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
2. Discontinuum (6:37)
3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
4. Synethesia (6:24)
5. Arachnid (4:48)
6. Augmented (4:37)
7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
Album Length: 39:19

Band Lineup:​
– Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
– Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
– Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
– Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial​

Finnish melodic death metal band Torch Us releases new EP – intensity, crushing rhythms, and unfiltered emotion in delivery

Finnish melodic death metal band Torch Us has released new EP “To Non-Existence” on November 27th. This 3 song record is a follow-up to the 2024 debut EP “Derailed”. “To Non-Existence” is made of haunting riffs and dark grooves. Delivering intensity, crushing rhythms, and unfiltered emotion that embodies the EP’s uncompromising sound and energy.

“You may consider this EP as an representation of a journey towards the certain end.” comments the singer Mikko Nurmi.

Listen to “To Non-Existence” EP on streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon etc.): https://push.fm/fl/torchus-tononexistence

Torch Us is a five-piece metal band from Turku, Finland, founded in 2022.

The band blends raw aggression with melodic darkness in away that leaves a mark on the listener. Their sound is a mix of melodic death metal and heavy riffs flavored with everything that feels old-school, raw, and unapologetically intense.

Torch Us:
Kim Orden: Bass
Janne Kodisoja: Drums
Ville Oksanen: Guitar
Antti Kivikoski: Guitar
Mikko Nurmi: Vocals

https://torchusband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/torchus

https://www.instagram.com/torchusband/

French Chaotic Hardcore Powerhouse BTK Unleashes New Video “Lapidée” from ‘Sauvagerie’ album

One year after unleashing their third album ‘Sauvagerie‘, French chaotic hardcore trio BIND TORTURE KILL strike again with the release of their final video — an intense visual interpretation of the track “Lapidée”, now available on YouTube.

Following the devastation of previous singles like “Fétide”, this last chapter captures the raw energy, fury, and emotional depth that have cemented BTK’s reputation as one of the most uncompromising acts in the French underground scene.

Lapidée closes the ‘Sauvagerie’ era with a visceral punch — brutal, unfiltered, and unrelenting.

BTK (Bind Torture Kill) is a chaotic hardcore trio from Lyon, France, formed in 2010. After several lineup changes, the band stripped down to its core in 2015 — drums, guitar, and screams — channeling pure, unfiltered aggression.

Their discography charts a steady descent into darkness: Condamné (2015), Viscères (2018, via WOOAAARGH!, Troffea, and Hell-J Industries), and Sauvagerie (2023), recorded at Warmaudio and mastered by Nick Zampiello (New Alliance East, Boston).

Armed with a crushing triple-amp setup and HM2-fueled tone, BTK fuses death, crust, grind, and blackened hardcore into a dense wall of chaos — brutal, bleak, and unmistakably their own.

Spanish Darkened Post-Rock Sensation Müntrails Drops “Outbreaks” Music Video

Spanish dark post-rock collective Müntrails present their music video for “Outbreaks,” taken from their acclaimed album The Cenobite Tapes, released via Wormholedeath.

If you crave the dark intensity of bands like The Cure and Sisters of Mercy, Müntrails delivers. “Outbreaks” is a direct and minimalist video that perfectly captures the song’s gripping lyrical theme: the sudden, unwelcome event that hits you, destroys you, and ultimately, makes you reborn.

“Playing, falling… it’s coming… outbreaks!”

Müntrails is a Spanish band formed in 2022 by Dibasson (vocals), Beszel (guitars, programming, backing vocals), Zennon (keyboards), BasLag (bass), and Shevek (drums). Blending darklight atmospheres with conceptual storytelling, the group aims to create deeply personal and enduring music.

After releasing three EPs — Venom To Come (Feb 2024), Disorder Road (June 2024), and Dance Divine (Nov 2024) — and performing live across their region, Müntrails signed with WormHoleDeath Records in January 2025 for the worldwide release of their upcoming CD, The Cenobite Tapes.

The rest is history in the making.

muntrails.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/@Muntrails
www.facebook.com/Muntrails
www.instagram.com/muntrails
soundcloud.com/muntrails
www.tiktok.com/@muntrails

Chapter II: Moment Continues the Storyline of Rioghan’s Upcoming EP – New Single Arrives with a Stylish Music Video

“Facing the realization I’ve been frozen and in that moment deciding to melt, and with the first teardrop fighting its way through ice, I will, though hesitantly, invite love to my heart and see how the sky opens for my light. To unfurl my wings, breaking free from being Kept”

Rioghan, known for its multifaceted brand of modern metal, opened a new chapter last month by releasing “Chapter I: Frozen”, the first single from the band’s upcoming EP. The story, which began with a cover of Madonna’s track, unfolded further with the release of the next single “Chapter II: Moment” showcases Rioghan’s original material, building from piano-led ambience and electronic pulse toward a cathartic, emotional eruption.

“Moment continues EP’s storyline at the point where the ice begins to crack. The track describes the moment when the thaw begins – a delicate but decisive movement towards change. It’s the instant you realize that things aren’t as they should be, and change is necessary,” Rioghan Darcy explains.

“Chapter II: Moment” arrives accompanied by a music video once again crafted in collaboration with Aarni Visuals. True to form, the result is a visually striking, multilayered, and meticulously constructed piece. The previously released Chapter I: Frozen, also paired with a music video, dropped in October and quickly drew attention among metal and alternative audiences as well as media and radio both in Finland and abroad.

This year has been a significant one for Rioghan. The band’s second album ‘Kept‘ was released in February, debuting at #6 on the physical album chart and earning glowing reviews internationally. In addition to the release tour, the band performed with alternative pioneer SARA at Ääniwalli in Helsinki and made their first festival appearance at Nummirock.

The momentum has carried into the end of the year. On Halloween, Rioghan appeared at the H-18 Halloween event at Science Center Heureka, and this Friday (28 November) the band will take the stage at John Smith Frozen in Jyväskylä. Both of these shows are special acoustic performances, offering a chance to experience Rioghan’s sonic world from a new perspective – unique, thrilling, and enchanting.

Rioghan is:
Vocals – Rioghan Darcy
Guitar – Teemu Liekkala
Guitar – Tero Luukkonen
Bass – Antti Varjanne
Keyboards – Aleks Toppari
Drums – Valtteri Revonkorpi

RIOGHAN | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

The Finnish symphonic melodic death metal band Inthraced are set to release their long-awaited debut album later in 2026. The first single, ‘Neon Frontiers’, is out now

The Finnish symphonic/melodic death metal band Inthraced is set to release their long-awaited debut album ‘Constellation Zero’ on May 15th 2026 via Inverse Records. The first single, ‘Neon Frontiers’, which offers an excellent preview of what to expect from the album, is available on all major streaming platforms: https://push.fm/fl/inthraced-neon-frontiers

The band comments:
“Neon Frontiers stands as the most melodic and captivating track on the album — a powerful fusion of signature Inthraced elements and a fresh, revitalized sound. Crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate guitar solos intertwine seamlessly, pushing the band’s music into new and unexplored territories. The chorus features guest vocalist Marcus Lång, whose commanding voice breathes new life into the song and elevates it to another dimension — as if the stars themselves had finally aligned.” 

BIOGRAPHY:

Inthraced is a Finnish metal band founded in 2011, blending melodic intensity with cosmic darkness to forge a distinct and powerful soundscape. Their early releases, “The New Awakening” (2012) and “The Rising Chaos” (2014), set the foundation for their rise, further amplified by the 2019 single “Interstellar.”

In 2022, the band was reborn with a new guitarist and bassist, igniting the creative fire behind their debut album “Constellation Zero” — an epic and ambitious journey that carries the listener to the very edges of the universe.

Line-up:

Tommi Takkunen – Guitar & Vocals

Mirko Byman – Guitar

Eetu Kovapohja – Bass

Antti Ikonen – Drums

Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/Inthraced
https://www.instagram.com/inthracedofficial
https://inthraced.bandcamp.com

Heavy Rock Metal Force Thunder Rising Drops The Prisoner

Italian heavy metal quintet Thunder Rising has unveiled the lyric video for “The Prisoner,” a standout ballad from their upcoming album Horizon Line.

The song explores the paradox of love and protection turning into a form of confinement. Its lyrics reflect the weight of being caught in a self-made “cage,” where the very thing meant to offer safety becomes a source of suffocation. “The Prisoner” captures the desperate need for release, with the repeated line, “I’m a prisoner of your love,” serving as a timeless cry for freedom.

The release of “The Prisoner” lyric video is a fresh opportunity for listeners to engage with the thematic depth and sonic power of the band’s latest work.

Thunder Rising, featuring veterans of the late ’70s and ’80s Italian rock scene (Firehouse and Arachnes), has meticulously defined their signature “Real Vintage” sound. This unique approach is a masterful blend of modern recording clarity and classic rock heritage, built upon decades of experience.

The album Horizon Line channels the deep, riff-driven energy reminiscent of heavy-hitters like Deep Purple and Rainbow, while embracing the soaring melodic sensibilities of AOR giants such as Journey and Boston.

The band’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in their choice of equipment: classic Hammond organs, Fender guitars, and Marshall amps are utilized alongside modern instruments and sharp recording techniques. The result is an audio experience that is both powerfully vintage and crystal clear. Horizon Line is defined by solid song structures, impressive guitar virtuosity, and standout vocals, taking listeners on an emotional journey—a metaphorical road trip through music and memory.

www.thunder-rising.com
www.facebook.com/thunderrising
www.youtube.com/@Thunderrisingband

Isomäki Rocks: Turmion Kätilöt, Stam1na & Nyrkkitappelu

The best of Finnish heavy music performed at the Enersense Arena in Pori last Saturday, November 22nd, featuring Stam1na, Turmion Kätilöt, and Nyrkkitappelu.

The punk rock band Nyrkkitappelu opened the evening, bringing their catchy melodies, electric guitar riffs, and high energy to the stage with a frenetic and energetic performance.

Next up was Stam1na, one of Finland’s best metal bands, celebrating the first two decades of their career with the 2005-2006 Skargelin karkelot tour. The setlist offered a glimpse into the band’s early years, featuring classic tracks from their debut and Uudet kymmenen käskyä albums. The band did not disappoint, delivering an energetic show as only they can.

Closing out the evening was the flagship of Finnish industrial metal, Turmion Kätilöt, who are best known for their intense, sold-out live shows, and also this time they delivered a truly incredible show.

Photos by Cristina Gregori.

Leechcraft Video Interview

Leechcraft is the solo project of Finnish musician Savvier Nelson (Tommi Silvennoinen), emerging from his slam death metal shell; his music blends powerful influences such as Thall and even more distant echoes of bluegrass with his signature heavy sound, combining a range of both clean and harsh vocals. His second self-titled album was released last September to critical acclaim.
We had the opportunity to chat with Savvier and learn more about this project and his music.

https://linktr.ee/leechcraft

The fresh modern metal band “HEXBLOOM” is releasing their second single ‘Celestial Doom’

Finnish Hexbloom made their debut earlier this year with their first single “HAZE”. Since then the band has focused on producing new music, bringing in drummer Topias Muhonen, whose touch can be heard on the latest release “CELESTIAL DOOM.” The band’s sound remains rooted in modern metal infused with pop elements, but with this new release they’ve introduced more aggression and darker tones than before.

LISTEN to ‘Celestial Doom’ on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/hexbloom-celestial-doom

“The song explores a scenario in which Earth has become uninhabitable and humanity is forced to look to the stars in search of a new home. It offers a glimpse into a time when the price of survival is a journey beyond our own world. The text reflects on both the hope and despair that a new beginning on an alien planet might bring – and poses the question; what are we willing to leave behind in order to preserve the existence of humankind?” – Eepi Karppinen // Vocals

Line-up:
Eepi Karppinen // vocals
Juuso Javanainen // guitar
Tero Loponen // guitar
Topias Muhonen // drums

https://www.facebook.com/Hexbloomband
https://www.instagram.com/hexbloomband
https://www.tiktok.com/@hexbloomband
https://www.youtube.com/@Hexbloom
https://hexbloom.bandcamp.com