Author: Crix

Avantasia’s new single The Witch Feat Tommy Karevik – Avantasia’s tenth studio album Here Be Dragons out on February 28th

Tobias Samet’s Avantasia is once again on the verge of releasing a new single. The album ‘Here Be Dragons’, which will be released on February 28th, from which so far have been released two singles – Creepshow and Against The Wind, which features H.E.A.T. singer Kenne Leckremo. ‘Here Be Dragons’ will be released by Napalm Records.

The third single from the upcoming album, The Witch, was released on February 13th. The song features Kamelot singer Tommy Karevik.

“The Witch has a mesmerizingly dark and magical feel, which is new to the world of Avantasia. However, the song also has many of our trademark elements and fits the album perfectly. Tommy Karevik from Kamelot did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to sing this song with Tommy on the upcoming tour!”, says Tobias Sammet, continuing:

“During the shows, we transform the stage into a haunted old castle, reminiscent of the ancient building where we filmed the music video for this song. The Witch is a beautifully melodic, powerful anthem filled with scary little details.

Here Be Dragons (2025)

1. Creepshow
2. Here Be Dragons
3. The Moorlands At Twilight
4. The Witch
5. Phantasmagoria
6. Bring On The Night
7. Unleash The Kraken
8. Avalon
9. Against The Wind
10. Everybody’s Here Until The End

Avantasia‘s successful career has resulted in hundreds of millions of streams, awards, number one singles, sold-out arena tours and headline performances at the biggest festivals, cementing the band’s place at the top of the international metal scene. The band’s tenth studio album is sure to surprise old and new fans alike, and the Here Be Dragons tour that follows the album will bring their biggest and most spectacular show to European arenas to date.

“I’m full of energy and can’t wait to perform the songs from the new album live! After the release, we’re heading out on a big European tour with a completely new show. In addition to new material and classics, there will be some rarities, and the whole spectacle will be served with the most amazing stage show in Avantasia’s history,” Tobias Sammet enthuses.

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Finnish metal band Pohjoisen Soturit to release third album later in 2025 – first single Kuiskaus out now

The Finnish metal band Pohjoisen Soturit, formed in 2004, released the first single Kuiskaus (whisper in English) from their forthcoming third studio album N which is set to be released on May 2nd 2025 via Inverse Records. 

LISTEN to Kuiskaus single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/pohjoisen-soturit-kuiskaus

The band comments:
” “It will go, go for it!”

Despite its title, the Pohjoisen Soturit single Kuiskaus is a brisk cadence and a well-shouted story about an unhappy family man who, as his last trick, burns down his house, family and himself. There’s such a nice groove vibe here.”

Pohjoisen Soturit – Kuiskaus (Single 2025)

Composed and lyrics by Anssi Leinonen, Ossi Leinonen, Jussi Ruotsalainen, Ville Normi, Juuso Tujunen

ISRC: FI3FC2590602

Single picture by Herkko Siekkinen

Pohjoisen Soturit – N (Album 2025)

Track list:
1. N
2. Kuiskaus
3. Jäinen Syli
4. Tolokun Musta
5. Harhat
6. Valitusvirsi
7. Avanto

Album cover by Anssi Leinonen

Line-up:
Guitar & vocals – Anssi Leinonen

Drums – Ossi Leinonen

Bass – Jussi Ruotsalainen

Guitar – Ville Normi

Keyboards – Juuso Tujunen

Links: 
https://www.facebook.com/PohjoisenSoturit
https://www.instagram.com/pohjoisensoturit
https://www.pohjoisensoturit.com
https://pohjoisensoturit.bandcamp.com

Prog Guitarist ROD RODRIGUES Shares Epic Video “Tales Of A Changing Life Suite” Off New Album “Tales Of A Changing Life Part 2”

Sharing his journey and stories of coming to Canada from Brazil on the new album “Tales Of A Changing Life Part 2”, guitarist, music teacher, and songwriter Rod Rodrigues is pleased to release his latest music video “Tales Of A Changing Life Suite” that features on its recording Hugo Mariutti (Bowed Guitar), Heitor Tenorio (Bass), Orlan Charles ( Keyboards and orchestrations), and Lucas Emídio (Drums).

“’Tales Of A Changing Life Suite’ is the epic piece I always wanted to write. It brings together everything that defines my guitar playing, blending all my influences—prog rock, orchestrations, shredding, and Latin music. The song takes you on a journey, much like “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”, with different sections that flow like a musical adventure, filled with emotion, complexity, and dynamic shifts.” adds Rodrigues.

The video for “Tales Of A Changing Life Suite” can be hard and seen at https://youtu.be/d_pNXwOTUK8​

Fusing prog rock with Latin rhythms guitar virtuoso Rod Rodrigues has studied with renowned musicians Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth) and Greg Howe (Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson) and has received degrees from IG&T and Claretiano University. Since 1997, he has been sharing his knowledge and skills as a music teacher in Brazil, Canada, and Europe. His e-book Guitar Shred (2016) was released in both languages, Portuguese and English, and in 2018, the guitarist and teacher launched his online training course Extreme Guitar Workout, which has attracted hundreds of students from around the world. Over the years, he has also been a member of various bands, including Enemies of Reality and Falling Into a Dream (a Dream Theater tribute band).

As a solo artist, Rodrigues released his first EP in 2010, titled “The First Step: Introduction”, which gained recognition in several music publications, including Guitar Player, Cover Guitarra, and Guitarload, among others. In 2019, he released his single “T.A.G.” followed by his concept EP, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” in 2022. Notably, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” featured the talented Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, Premiata Forneria Marconi) on the track “Woodbine Sunset”.

Thanks to his outstanding work on “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1”, Rodrigues was voted one of the top 20 Guitar Players of 2022 by the readers of Brazilian Roadie Crew Magazine.

Rod Rodrigues produced his first full-length, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 2”, with mixing by Renato Osório and mastering by Kris Crummett (Nick Johnston, Issues, Sleeping With Sirens). For the album’s guests, Rodrigues recruited guitarists Hugo Mariutti, Angel Vivaldi, and Roy Ziv; bassists Heitor Tenorio and Bruno Ladislau; drummers John Macaluso (ARK, TNT, Yngwie Malmsteen, Riot), Rodrigo Abelha, and Lucas Emidio; as well as Orlan Charles (keyboards, piano, and saxophone), Rodrigo Sperandio (Brazilian viola), and vocalists Wesley Poison, Ana Carla de Carli, Andressa Alves, Caroline Grossi, Matheus Grossi, and Francis Botene.

“With Tales of a Changing Life Part 2, I believe I reached my peak as a musician and composer. Truly able to convey through music all the emotions of the transformation my life has gone through in the past 10 years. Moreover, I was fortunate to have the best team of musicians, each adding their unique and special touch to the work.” adds Rodrigues.

Recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Rush, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Angra, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 2” was released on October 18, 2024, and is available at the following links:

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3CwoigV​

Bandcamp (CD + Digital) – https://rodrodrigues.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-a-changing-life-part-2​

Video – “Inukshuk” ft. John Macaluso (drums), Angel Vivaldi (second guitar solo) – https://youtu.be/00i4UQ45AGw​

Video – “On The Road” ft. Rodrigo Sperandio (Brazilian viola) – https://youtu.be/T1du5ofuRCM​

Video – “Mom’s Lullaby” – https://youtu.be/rP6oSwPRxGE​

​

Track Listing:​
1 – Inukshuk – Feat. Angel Vivaldi and John Macaluso (6:31)
2 – On The Road (5:24)
3 – East Coast Memories – Feat. Roy Ziv (6:24)
4 – Dust In My Eyes (6:01)
5 – Saudade – Feat.Wesley Poison (1:41)
6 – Mom’s Lullaby (5:40)
7 – Tales Of A Changing Life Suite – Feat. Hugo Mariutti (11:32)
Total Time: 42:02

More info: Rodrodrigues.net | Facebook.com/rodrodriguesofficial | Instagram.com/rodrodriguesofficial​

About:

Fusing prog rock with Latin rhythms guitar virtuoso Rod Rodrigues has studied with renowned musicians Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth) and Greg Howe (Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson) and has received degrees from IG&T and Claretiano University. Since 1997, he has been sharing his knowledge and skills as a music teacher in Brazil, Canada, and Europe. His e-book Guitar Shred (2016) was released in both languages, Portuguese and English, and in 2018, the guitarist and teacher launched his online training course Extreme Guitar Workout, which has attracted hundreds of students from around the world. Over the years, he has also been a member of various bands, including Enemies of Reality and Falling Into a Dream (a Dream Theater tribute band).

As a solo artist, Rodrigues released his first EP in 2010, titled “The First Step: Introduction”, which gained recognition in several music publications, including Guitar Player, Cover Guitarra, and Guitarload, among others. In 2019, he released his single “T.A.G.” followed by his concept EP, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” in 2022. Notably, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” featured the talented Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, Premiata Forneria Marconi) on the track “Woodbine Sunset”.

Thanks to his outstanding work on “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1”, Rodrigues was voted one of the top 20 Guitar Players of 2022 by the readers of Brazilian Roadie Crew Magazine.

Released in October 2024, Rod Rodrigues produced his first full-length, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 2”, with mixing by Renato Osório and mastering by Kris Crummett (Nick Johnston, Issues, Sleeping With Sirens). For the album’s guests, Rodrigues recruited guitarists Hugo Mariutti, Angel Vivaldi, and Roy Ziv; bassists Heitor Tenorio and Bruno Ladislau; drummers John Macaluso (ARK, TNT, Yngwie Malmsteen, Riot), Rodrigo Abelha, and Lucas Emidio; as well as Orlan Charles (keyboards, piano, and saxophone), Rodrigo Sperandio (Brazilian viola), and vocalists Wesley Poison, Ana Carla de Carli, Andressa Alves, Caroline Grossi, Matheus Grossi, and Francis Botene.

Hard rock veteran Fear of Water remixes DMX classic for new single

Fear of Water, the solo project from hard rock veteran Dave Perry, has produced some of the most imaginative collaborations in the 2020s.
A series of one-off unions have seen them join forces with a host of names from across the musical spectrum. Clint Lowery (Sevendust), Marcos Leal (Ill Niño), Elias Soriano of Nonpoint, Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies, Aaron Nordstrom (Gemini Syndrome) and more have accompanied Fear of Water across the years, not only delighting a legion of listeners but oft-times shocking them as well. The only thing that’s guaranteed with Fear of Water’s new releases is – it’s nothing you were expecting.
Now, Perry unleashes his most audacious project yet, as he and mixing maestro Eric Emery join DMX for a coruscating reimagination of the rapper’s “X Gon Give It To Ya.”  Although, that said, it’s not as great a leap as you might expect, as Perry explains.
“DMX has always had a metal energy in his voice so this collaboration felt very organic. I’m honored to have this opportunity to breathe new life into such a classic bad-ass song.  I wish we could make an entire album together!”

Nu Metal torchbearer Tetrarch announces third album – New single Never Again (Parasite) out now with music video

Atlanta-based nu metal band Tetrarch announced today that they will release their third album ‘The Ugly Side of Me’. The album will be released on May 9th via Napalm Records.

Tetrarch released their second single ‘Never Again (Parasite)’ today, which features vocals from Diamond Rowe, who recently became Jackson Guitars’ first female signature artist.

The new song’s lyrics deal with loss of confidence and empowerment.

“We had a lot of fun writing this song. It’s dark and melancholic, but the lyrics are relatable. The song is about losing trust, but also finding yourself. Never Again (Parasite) is about taking back what’s yours and promising that it’ll never happen again,” the band commented.

The upcoming album was produced by Dave Otero, Diamond Rowe and Josh Fore, and the result is a combination of powerful, catchy melodies, strong lyrics and a fiercely intense performance. Having garnered worldwide attention, the band has worked hard to claim their place at the forefront of the new wave of modern metal.

The Ugly Side Of Me album track listing:

1. Anything Like Myself
2. Never Again (Parasite)
3. Live Not Fantasize
4. Erase
5. The Only Thing I’ve Got
6. Best of Luck
7. Crawl
8. Cold
9. Headspace
10. The Ugly Side of Me

TETRARCH is:
Josh Fore – vocals/guitar
Diamond Rowe – guitar
Ryan “Dooms” Lerner – bass
Ruben Limas – drums

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Luponero’s new single ‘Pickup Artist’ rocks in a romantic mood -The band heads for a European tour after releasing their debut album

Luponero, who are preparing for their debut album, which will be released on March 31st, served the rock crowd the first taste of the album last month with the single ‘Everything/Nothing’. In addition to the song that introduces a more serious and aggressive take, the band promised to surprise listeners at every turn.

Today, it’s the turn of the next surprise, as the band releases the single ‘Pickup Artist’. The theme of the song is the dating phenomena of this millennium, such as Tinder, Hinge and the legendary book The Game. Pickup Artist is a fast-paced, cheerful and engaging party rock song that, in its contradictions, is perfectly on the red thread of the upcoming album.

“In ancient history, before Tinder and Hinge, there was a time when getting dates was a craft. In this merciless battlefield, some people needed more help in the mystical science of seduction than others,” singer-bassist Marco Luponero muses, and continues:

“Neil Strauss’ ‘The Game’ became an international bestseller. The book was basically a step-by-step guide for the average frustrated male on how to hit on girls. There was also a similar book for women called ‘Catch Him and Keep Him’. The world has changed radically since then, but I’ve long thought it would be fun to write a song about this phenomenon. While so many cherish these teachings, critics found them somewhat ominous and manipulative. For others, it was a transformative experience to succeed at seduction for the first time. I guess the truth is that, like so many other powerful things, there was both a light and a dark side to this.”

The self-titled album Luponero will be released on March 21st. Pre-orders for the album are now open here.

Luponero album track listing:

1. Everything/Nothing
2. Bipolaroids
3. Killing Time
4. Running On Empty
5. Helsinki Intersection Mindfuck
6. Sapiens
7. Angelo
8. Pickup Artist
9. The Burden
10. The End

With the upcoming album, Luponero is also heading out on a European tour. The celebrations will start the week before the release at Bar Base, where you can listen to the album in advance. The band will start their international gigs in Stockholm on April 8th.

LUPONERO ”EVERYWHERE & NOWHERE MATTERS” TOUR 2025:

12.3 FIN Helsinki, The Base (album pre-listening party)
22.3 FIN Uusikaarlepyy, Stjärnhallen
8.4 SWE Stockholm, Encore*
9.4 DK, TBA*
10.4 GER Leipzig, Stö*
11.4 GER Essen, TBA*
12.4 LUX Crossfire (acoustic show)
13.4 GER Berlin, TBA*
15.4 POL Słupsk, Motor Rock Pub*
16.4 POL Gdansk, Paszcza Lwa*
17.4 POL Łomza, Pub pod Ratuszem*
18.4 LIT Vilnius, nArauti*
*w/ The Pyramids

Marco Luponero’s history, in addition to his career as an actor-director, also includes heavier music in bands such as Altaria, Terrorwheel and most recently Marco Luponero & The Loud Ones. The mission of Luponero band is to continue pushing boundaries with their unapologetic, rebellious sound and style. The music seamlessly blends classic rock influences with a modern punk attitude. With these elements, Luponero creates a unique entity that, with the upcoming album, will take listeners to a completely new world, where surprises await them at every corner.

Luponero is:
Marco Luponero – vocals, bass
Jim Heikkinen – guitar
Simon Grundvall – drums

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Rioghan to release album ‘Kept’ on Friday 14th – Special live stream show on February 13th

One of the most anticipated prog metal releases of the year will be released this Friday, when Rioghan‘s second album ‘Kept’ will see the light of day. Rioghan, who attracted widespread international attention with their debut, is now diving into deeper musical extremes with ‘Kept’. The band, which operates in the world of modern metal, has a strong gothic and progressive element in their music. The new album also features electronic sounds, organic soundscapes and dark pop elements.

Rioghan will present their album ‘Kept’ with a special live stream show on Thursday 13th. During the live stream broadcast from Alimus in Kallio, Rioghan will play their entire upcoming album from start to finish.
Tickets on sale here.

Rioghan – Kept (Album 2025)

Track list:
01. Dreams
02. Hands
03. Skin
04. Edge
05. Distance
06. Hopes
07. Motion
08. Here
09. Red
10. Grief

Cover photo: Mikko Parkkonen / Aarni Visuals

Cover layout: Sakari Tuokkola

Produced & mixed by Teemu Liekkala
Mastered by Miro Kiiski / Miro Mastering

About Rioghan:

The rising star of modern Finnish metal Rioghan has made an unforgettable expression to the metal scene with their multi-layered musical expression full of surprises. Strikingly beautiful yet violent imagery hand in hand with the music creates an otherworldly experience, easy to fall in love with.

Rioghan’s music is modern metal with progressive twist – ranging from melodic death metal moments to floating dark pop elements, while ethereal gothic darkness walks right beside you all the way.

Based in 2019 around singer-poetess Rioghan Darcy, the band has gained international attention from their very first EP Blackened Sky. Positive remarks grew even heavier with their debut album Different Kinds Of Losses, made in collaboration with Jonas Renkse (Katatonia) and Einar Solberg (Leprous).

The band consists of singer Rioghan Darcy, guitarist Teemu Liekkala (Red Eleven), guitarist Tero Luukkonen (Red Eleven), bassist Antti Varjanne (Joviac, Time Primer), and drummer Valtteri Revonkorpi (Leverage).

Rioghan’s live production consists of hardcore professionals, and every moment is thought through from lights to stage presence. Dedicatedly practiced show was presented to fans in autumn 2024, when Rioghan toured Finland with Wheel in Olympia, Tampere; Sawohouse UG, Kuopio; On The Rocks, Helsinki; Lutakko, Jyväskylä; Finlandia-klubi, Lahti and 45Special, Oulu.

The crowd’s warm welcome with the successful tour ensured Rioghan their place among the future exports to be reckoned with.

Line-up:
Rioghan Darcy – vocals
Teemu Liekkala – guitar & keys
Tero Luukkonen – guitar
Antti Varjanne – bass
Valtteri Revonkorpi – drums

Links: 
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

 

French alt-punk/metal/rockers MATW re-release sophomore mini album ‘Endless Loop’ worldwide

Nearly a six months after the initial release of the record, French alternative punk/metal band MATW is thrilled to announce its worldwide re-release of ‘Endless Loop’ across all major digital platforms, following the re-release of their previous mini-album ‘Through The Looking Glass’.

As part of this global launch, the album is now fully available for streaming on YouTube, allowing fans everywhere to immerse themselves in their powerful sound.

Stream the entire mini-album on YouTube

A Striking Fusion of Punk, Rock, and Metal
Since forming in 2013, MATW has become a standout force in the French alternative scene. Their debut EP, Find Your Way (Send The Wood Music), earned them a reputation for high-energy performances across southern France. In 2015, the band released their self-titled album Me Against The World, blending punk, rock, and metal with raw intensity.

A refreshed lineup in 2020 brought new sonic explorations, leading to a remastered version of their debut in 2022. In 2023, the EP Through The Looking Glass gained critical acclaim from Rolling Stone and Rock&Folk, propelling the band to major shows alongside Ignite (USA) and Mad Of Ace (UK).

Their 2024 release, Endless Loop, a companion to Through The Looking Glass, showcases their most ambitious work yet. Recorded in-house by Florian Cedard and mastered by Loran Saulus, the album received praise from Rock Hard and fueled a nationwide tour.

Poised for 2025, MATW is ready to bring their signature energy to new stages and audiences, determined to leave a lasting impact.

Tyrantti & Irvikuvat live at Monttu New Level, Pori (Finland) 1.2.2025

Finnish band Tyrantti released their album “Ihmispyramidi” last November, to promote it they went on a tour that touched several Finnish cities including Pori, where our reporter Cristina immortalized the band with her photos. Their performance did not disappoint the fans who crowded under the stage, an explosion of energy and virtuosity accompanied by fun and surprises. For this tour the band has grown, during the live shows in addition to the official members there are the keyboardist Koobra Kovanen (absent for this date) and the bassist Janne Viitanen. To replace the drummer who for family reasons is absent on this tour, in Pori Patrik Fält (Brymir) took care of it. In support the local Irvikuvat, who with their rock/metal alternated with comedy sketches, knew how to do the honors and warm up the audience.
Here the photos taken by Cristina Gregori.

THE PIT presents Award-Winning Documentary ‘The History Of Metal And Horror’

“In a way, ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ is about the end of the world, and I think that might be why Leatherface and ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ are so appealing in heavy metal. It’s really apocalyptic and Leatherface is an apocalyptic character. I think that’s where you start to see an overlap with the interests of a lot of heavy metal music.”

As new addition to its list of programs, THE PIT VOD platform presents “The History Of Metal And Horror”, a documentary that explores the history of heavy metal music and horror, and how the two genres ultimately crossed paths.

Various metal artists share their first introduction to horror, their favorite horror films, their influences, and more. Horror film icons also discuss how their films have influenced the horror genre, their connections to metal artists, and why metal and horror work well together

The full documentary is available right now on the platform with a 7-days FREE trial.

Stream the documentary on The PIT

The electrifying fusion of heavy metal and horror, showing how these two genres have inspired, influenced, and collided to create a lasting cultural phenomenon.

Directed by Mike Schiff, this captivating documentary explores the origins of heavy metal, its profound ties to classic horror cinema, and its enduring cultural impact. “The History of Metal and Horror” offers a deep dive into the dynamic relationship between these two iconic genres, featuring insights from over sixty prominent figures in metal and horror.

Adding a creative twist, the film weaves its chapters with segments of a post-apocalyptic short film hosted by horror legend Michael Berryman. Interviewees include some of the biggest names in the industries, such as Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, John Carpenter, John 5, Tom Savini, Kirk Hammett, Dave Mustaine, Corey Taylor, Kane Hodder, Jonathan Davis, Scott Ian, Doug Bradley, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, and Chris Jericho.

For reminder, THE PIT is and available right now through the following link and your best ISP.