Author: Crix

Neuroblade’s Debut EP “Desert Claw” Out on May 2nd

In a shared musical past, the idea of creating a new musical project together had already been present in the minds of Jochen and David. Flirting with an high amount of heavy/thrash metal with an old school catchy and melodic touch to complete the package. The seed was planted but due to daily concerns of the recruited members the project never found it’s liftoff.

Despite Jochen’s active involvement with ENCHANTRESS and David’s commitment to SHOCKER, a lingering desire to embark on something new persisted.

In 2023 Jochen and David decided to start the creative process, unwilling to let the musical ideas fade away, they took matters into their own hands. David, armed with his guitar and bass, recorded the instrumental components in his home studio. Utilizing contemporary technology, he seamlessly integrated supportive drumbeats with the riffs, creating a foundation that would later be pieced together into a cohesive arrangement with Jochen.

During one of their many collaborative sessions, Jochen added vocals to the existing riffs, gradually transforming them into fully-fledged songs.

This process unfolded several times until they found themselves with a collection of completed songs, prompting the inevitable question: “What do we do with this?”

We decided to have the songs mixed/mastered and released under the musical project name NEUROBLADE and naming the EP ‘Desert Claw’.

In summary, this is the genesis of “NEUROBLADE” and where we currently stand.

TRACKLIST: 
01. Endless Slaughter
02. Avalon
03. Desert Claw
04. In The Darkness Of My Mind
05. Left Behind

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LAMASHTU Unleashes the First Chapters of Their Music Book The Story of Eli

Sweden’s female-fronted symphonic metal powerhouse LAMASHTU continues to push creative boundaries with the release of a genre-defying concept: a music book. Titled The Story of Eli, the band will unveil the first three chapters of this immersive audio experience on April 29–30 and May 1.

Part audiobook, part soundtrack, The Story of Eli invites fans to dive into the rich lore and haunting beauty of the Lamashtu universe. Combining narrative storytelling and original music, this innovative format transforms their 2021 Swedish-language novel Eli and its companion album Tro (Lamashtu’s third release) into a compelling new form of musical expression.

“There are many ways to tell a story,” says frontwoman and writer Sandra Mattsson. “This music book is about merging art forms to deepen the emotional impact — it’s not just music, and it’s not just a book. It’s a complete experience.”

These are the first three chapters (of seven) of the original story, and the band is eager to know if fans want the rest.

Credits:
Written by Sandra Mattsson
Translated by Ian Manning
Production: Ian Manning (recording, mixing, mastering)
Narration: Elias Hartwood
Directed and engineered by Elias Hartwood, Hartwood Voiceover, LLC

Text © 2025 Sandra Mattsson & Vildhallon Publishing
Production © 2025 Sandra Mattsson, Ian Manning & Lamashtu

Listen to “The Story of Eli – A Music Book” on all major platforms starting April 29th.

Buy the original Swedish book Eli: Vildhallon Webshop
Explore more of Elias Hartwood’s work: eliashartwood.com
Check out Eldritch Bass: eldritchbass

www.facebook.com/lamashtudarkness
www.instagram.com/lamashtu_official
www.lamashtu.se

 Stream their latest album Längtan: Listen here
CD available via Aural Webstore

New York’s ARC Releases Tour Recap Video w/ Visions of Atlantis – New Lyric Video For “Magnitudes” Off EP “Awaken The Machine”

Genre-defying metal NYC outfit ARC is sharing a tour recap video from their two support show dates with Visions of Atlantis at the beginning of April in Mechanicsburg, PA, and Brooklyn, NY.

“TRANSMISSION COMPLETE // LOG ENTRY: APRIL 5TH]

Mission: ARC LIVE OPERATION Status: SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTED

“On April 5th, ARC deployed a full-scale sonic assault alongside the legendary Visions of Atlantis and the unstoppable force that is Seraina Telli. Frequencies were unleashed, systems overloaded, and the energy was out of this world. We extend our deepest gratitude to Visions of Atlantis and Seraina Telli for sharing the stage and the stars with us. It was an honor to journey through the soundscape together. To all who joined the transmission, you made it unforgettable.

TRANSMISSION LOG CLOSED // STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE SIGNALS,” comments the band.

Watch the tour recap video at https://youtube.com/shorts/tc4Oi8STM4o​

ARC is also sharing with fans its latest lyric video, “Magnitudes,” in support of its latest EP, “Awaken The Machine”. The track speaks about the part of your brain that shuts everything off so you can conquer anything.

“Robotizing your human aspects and pushing through life as a mindless machine so you can win,” adds the band.

Watch and listen to Magnitudes” at https://youtu.be/2bKnil2vlFw​

Founded on visionary Sonny Angell’s ambition to create a performance-based band with boundary-pushing music, ARC has rapidly established itself as one of the most innovative acts in modern metal. The band’s philosophy, ‘ARC EVOLVES,’ drives their constant reinvention and elevation of their sound and stage presence. They comment on what is in store:

“We constantly try to raise the bar, enhance our stage show, expand our thematic elements, and experiment with different musical styles. ARC is ambiguously mysterious, ARC is energy and machines. Human interpretations are on stage playing the music, however, ARC is all around us. Information being transmitted from… Somewhere in parts of your brain, you didn’t know you had.”

The band performs with meticulously planned choreography, custom costumes, specialized stage lighting, props, and synchronized on-screen visuals—all managed by a dedicated stage manager who travels with the band exclusively to orchestrate their technical production.

ARC‘s music seamlessly fuses the brutality and melody of extreme metal with retro-futuristic synth-wave electronica, creating an all-out assault on the senses. Their frenetic live shows combine lasers, smoke, blood, sweat, and the band’s relentless energy in a performance experience that must be witnessed to be believed. They are recommended for fans of Rammstein, Dark Tranquility, and Dance with the Dead.

Their latest EP, “Awaken The Machine” (released Nov 15, 2023) is available on Arc-evolves.bandcamp.com and Spotify.

Lyric Video – “Ghost Lights” – https://youtu.be/ImcuPCKPLK4​

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Track Listing:​
1 – Dark Road – (3:44)
2 – Ghost Lights – (4:22)
3 – Magnitudes – (4:08)
4 – Shadow Life – (5:55)
5 – Kingdom for my Corpse – (4:25)
6 – The Deep End – (3:43)
Album Length: 26:19

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

Ronnie Romero shares live video “I’ve Been Losing You” from upcoming album “Live At Rock Imperium Festival” out on May 23rd

Legendary singer Ronnie Romero is pleased to share the live version of “I’ve Been Losing You”, taken from his upcoming live album, “Live At Rock Imperium Festival”, set for release on May 23rd, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

“Live At Rock Imperium Festival” sees Romero delivering an impressive musical performance in front of a huge passionate audience, in one of the biggest European festivals, the Spanish Rock Imperium Festival, including songs from the first solo and some other highlights like the Dio cover “Rainbow In The Dark”.

 

Pre-Order “Live At Rock Imperium Festival” HERE

Ronnie Romero commented on the new single, by saying: “This is probably the song from my solo album the people enjoy and sing along the most in our shows! Catchy and melodic Hard Rock. This is a song I wrote a few years ago, way before I was thinking of a solo album, so it makes me feel very proud, and happy that everyone can listen to it now!”

Talking about the album, he added: “I really wanted to have a live album out, to show everybody how much I enjoy playing music and the capabilities of the musicians I have by my side! It is also a step forward in my solo career. And no better place than my beloved Rock Imperium Festival in Spain! Thanks a lot to Frontiers Music, Manu Giménez, Andy C, and my band for making this possible! I hope that everyone will enjoy this performance!”

The tracklist is mostly based on Ronnie’s latest solo album “Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters”, which marks the first time that Romero has been involved with 100% of the songwriting on an album he sings on.

Romero also co-produced the album with Andy C., marking another first for Romero. While these ‘firsts” certainly add to the excitement for the album, it is the songs that truly take center stage. Romero’s voice is completely at home on this diverse, hard rockin’ set which is certainly going to please any fan of his vocal style and his work with his other bands.

Romero’s voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, and the recently launched Elegant Weapons with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. With an impressive discography already under his belt, “Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters” is arguably the crown jewel of Romero’s recorded output thus far.

“Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters” follows Romero’s first two solo albums, both covers albums. 2023’s “Raised On Heavy Radio” saw Romero paying tribute to legendary artists from the metal world like Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Metallica, and more. It also featured special guests like Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Spirits of Fire), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween), and more.

Romero’s first solo album, “Raised On Radio”, featured covers of classics that meant something special to Romero over the years and helped forge this talented singer’s musical style. Songs by legendary acts like Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and more were given Romero’s talented vocal treatment.

“Live At Rock Imperium Festival” Tracklist:

1.    Castaway On The Moon
2.    I’ve Been Losing You
3.    Chased By Shadows
4.    Ferryman
5.    Too Many Lies Too Many Masters
6.    Crossroad
7.    Not Just A Nightmare
8.    The Last Ship
9.    Vengeance
10.    Rainbow In The Dark

Line Up:
Ronnie Romero – Vocals
Jose Rubio – Guitars
Fran Gil Torres – Keyboards
Andy C. – Drums
Aurelian Dinca – Bass Guitar/Vocals

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Wind in the sails and full of energy! – Alestorm releases the first single from their upcoming album The Thunderfist Chronicles

Alestorm, the Scottish pirates are back with new music! There will be fast-paced drinking rallies, pirate vibes and sing-alongs that are suitable for both the corner of the pub and the festival stage. The 8th full-length studio album, following the chart-topping Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum album in both Europe and the United States, will be released on June 20th. It will be released by Napalm Records.

The first single from the upcoming album, Frozen Piss 2, was released today.

“‘Frozen Piss 2’ is the first part of a three-track trilogy on the album, which combines the songs into an epic tale of a cursed treasure created by forgotten Sumerian gods, hidden beneath the streets of Bournemouth. The other songs in the trilogy are ‘The Storm’ and ‘Mega-Supreme Treasure of the Eternal Thunderfist’. These songs intertwine, and together they reveal ancient eldritch knowledge that will melt your brain. Enjoy the riffs, the dogs and the amazing guest vocals from Shiori Sasaki!”, the band commented.

The Thunderfist Chronicles tracklist:
1. Hyperion Omniriff
2. Killed to Death by Piracy
3. Banana
4. Frozen Piss 2
5. The Storm
6. Mountains of the Deep
7. Goblins Ahoy!
8. Mega-Supreme Treasure of the Eternal Thunderfist

Alestorm is:
Christopher Bowes – Vocals, Keytar
Gareth Murdock – Bass
Máté Bodor – Guitar
Peter Alcorn – Drums
Elliot Vernon – Keyboards

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FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils New Music Video “I’ll See You In The Stars”

Edmonton-based band Famous Strangers is proud to unveil their new music video for their latest single “I’ll See You In The Stars” in the lead up to their first hometown headlining show on May 10th at The Starlite Room with support from Black Friday, King Thief, and Embur. The show is part of a broader 2025 year of performances that include festival appearances at Loud As Hell Open Air (Drumheller, AB – Aug 1-3) and Decimate Metalfest (Millet, AB – June 13-14), and upcoming tour dates to be announced.

Ticket info for May 10th at Startlie Room at the following link: https://starliteroom.ca.

“This show represents a major milestone for us. It’s our first time headlining, and we’re doing it in our hometown, on our terms, with bands we respect. May 10th is more than a gig. It is a statement of who we are and where we’re headed.” – Famous Strangers

​

Since their formation in 2023, Famous Strangers‘ signature blend of haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive soundscapes has captivated listeners. The band brings together accomplished musicians whose past experiences in various musical projects have shaped their collective sound. Their diverse influences converge in a unique sonic experience characterized by atmospheric instrumentals and a dynamic vocal approach that seamlessly shifts between melodic and aggressive. They are recommended for fans of Halestorm, Judas Priest, Dio, and Arch Enemy.

Their latest single, “I’ll See You In The Stars,” draws listeners into a celestial dreamscape where emotional intensity meets cosmic wonder. The single represents another compelling chapter in Famous Strangers‘ evolving musical narrative, highlighting their ability to create dark, moody compositions that resonate on a deeply emotional level.

Watch and listen to the music video for “I’ll See You In The Stars” at https://youtu.be/OtdfaMp4Hec​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/44B8ci5​

Previous Singles:

George – https://youtu.be/fz85ChqELO4​

Deepstar – https://youtu.be/00jujvck9sM​

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More info:

​Famousstrangersband.com

​Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

​Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

​Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

Swedish synth powerhouse Priest play wicked games in the world of Goth Noir

Hot on the heels of Cleopatra Records’ Goth Top 100 countdown, Sweden’s mighty Priest usher in the next generation of dark rock, a lush, cinematic cover of Chris Isaac’s “Wicked Game” – a heartfelt homage to David Lynch’s Wild at Heart movie, wherein the original track appears.

An electronic project started by former members of the Grammy Award-winning metal band Ghost, the enigmatic Priest skillfully translate Isaac’s country-esque guitars and rhythms into haunting Moog synthesizers and 80’s LinnDrum-sounds.
Priest says: ”We think it’s one of the best pop songs ever written and we were very happy when Cleopatra asked us to do a cover of this kind. We covered some unexplored territory for Priest here. I will always see the dark highway in Wild at Heart when I hear it.”
Priest is touring the USA between July 1 to August 3 — tickets on priestnexus.com

“Wicked Games” can also be heard on Gothic Noir, a thrill-packed deep dive into both the music’s sainted past and it’s immediate future.  
 

No less than six of the 19 tracks are exclusive to Gothic Noir, including vivacious offerings from Buzz Kull, Soviet Soviet, Lamori (brilliantly tackling Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”), Shad Shadows and Deus Ex Lumina, reimagining George Michael’s “Careless Whispers.”

They are joined by the cream of Cleopatra’s goth community, including Chris McCarter’s IKON; Gene Loves Jezebel; The Mission (the immortal “Severina”); Razed In Black; Batcave arch-glamsters Sexagisma; punk pioneers The Damned; Fear Cult; Miranda Sex Garden; and Christian Death – artists who, across a variety of guises, devoured almost 25% of the Top 100.
Elsewhere, Ministry shine a light on the darkest corners of their Squirrely Years with a 1982 demo of “Work For Love”; and with Joy Division, A Flock of Seagulls and UK post-punk marvels 1919 also on board, Gothic Noir promises to completely reinvent your listening plans as we heard into summer.
But – as Sexagisma put it on the foot-stomping preview of their own forthcoming album, c’mon, c’mon, it’s MONSTER FUN!
Track Listing
1. Truly Madly Deeply – Buzz Kull
2. Iris – Soviet Soviet
3. Leaders Of Men (Martin Hannett Sessions) – Joy Division
4. Wicked Game – Priest
5. Black Roses (2024 Single Version) – IKON
6. Severina – The Mission
7. Brown Eyed Girl – Lamori
8. Serpent Queen – Gene Loves Jezebel
9. Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You) – A Flock Of Seagulls
10. Spectre (Love is Dead) (Kill Shelter Remix) – Christian Death
11. Work for Love (1982 Demo) – Ministry
12. Anxiety – 1919
13. Careless Whisper – Deus Ex Lumina
14. Strangers in the Night – Shad Shadows
15. Shadow of Love (Live) – The Damned
16. Monster Fun (Bat Cave Deadly Mix) – Sexagisma
17. Are You The One? – Miranda Sex Garden
18. Share This Poison – Razed In Black
19. She Loves Me Not – Fear Cult

Cassidy Paris returns with new video “Butterfly” out now

Australian rocker Cassidy Paris is thrilled to share her new single and accompanying music video, “Butterfly”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

“Lyrically the song Butterfly represents strength and independence. It can be applied to many facets of life. It encapsulates freedom, peace, growth and individuality. We feel very privileged and honoured to have had some greats like Paul Laine (The Defiants) and Gary Brandon (White Sister) contribute to make this song worthy of being the first single, from the new era”, commented Cassidy.

 

Stream “Butterfly” HERE

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. 22yo Cassidy Paris however is an exception.

Cassidy is 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.

Cassidy continues to deliver that message, promoting anti-bullying through performances at many schools around Melbourne, Australia and is an active campaigner for the worldwide ‘Metalheads Against Bullying’ organisation. Cassidy has built up a strong connection with her growing worldwide fanbase that has already seen her perform in America, Japan and the UK with the band.

Cassidy Paris released her debut full length album titled “New Sensation” in December 2023 to critical acclaim. “My debut album is 80s infused, mixed with a current vibe. Influenced by Rock Gods such as Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett & Lita Ford, I’m keen to put my spin on things in a modern original way”, she declared.

Cassidy Paris will embark on the Bittersweet Tour by playing live shows in Europe, the U.K. & Ireland in April, May & June 2025. The tour will also see the band perform at festivals such as Frontiers Rock Festival Italy, Chti Rock France, BEL-AOR Ireland and Call Of The Wild in England.

Cassidy & the band are endorsed by Fender Guitars, Anthony Bell Guitars, Ernie Ball, London Drumstick Co. & Wornstar Clothing.

Line Up:
Cassidy Paris – vocals
Tom Rogowski – guitar
Stevie Janevski – bass
Alex Rogowski – drums

Follow CASSIDY PARIS:
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Avatar Announce European Tour

Avatar, who have been touring the world extensively with their latest album Dance Devil Dance, today reveal their plans for next year, which will start with a major tour across Europe. The Avatar across Europe tour starts on February 5th in Stockholm. Alien Weaponry will be on the tour.

The biggest shows of the band’s career so far are promised, so the orchestra is understandably excited about what’s to come.

“We are die-hard addicts! Despite all the praise we’ve received on stage, we can’t get over the feeling that we’re just getting started. That’s why this tour is meant to break all previous records and boundaries. I’m not just talking about the size. Everything has to be better than ever before. This is what we live for – and this is what we promise,” says the band’s frontman Johannes Eckenström.

The band, who have been working diligently in the studio on their tenth album recently, are also heading to support Iron Maiden this year before their adventures next year. The trip will also take the band to their own Halloween-celebrating Noche De Brujas gig in Mexico.

AVATAR across EUROPE 2026

February:
05 – STOCKHOLM, SE – FÅLLAN
07- HELSINKI, FI – KULTTUURITALO
09 – OSLO, NO – SENTRUM SCENE
10 – COPENHAGEN – DK – VEGA
11 – OSNABRÜCK, DE – DIE BOTSCHAFT
12 – BRUSSELS, BE – A.B.
14 – LONDON, UK – EXHIBITION
15 – MANCHESTER, UK – ACADEMY
16 – GLASGOW, UK – BARROWLAND
17 – NOTTINGHAM, UK – ROCK CITY
18 – BRISTOL, UK – O2 ACADEMY
20 – AMSTERDAM, NL – AFAS LIVE
21 – ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE, LU – ROCKHAL
22 – ZÜRICH, CH – COMPLEX
24 – BARCELONA, ES – RAZZMATAZZ
25 – MADRID, ES – LA RIVIERA
27 – LISBON, PT – LAV
28 – BILBAO, ES – SANTANA 27

March:
02 – LYON, FR – LE CUBE
03- MILAN, IT – ALCATRAZ
04 – VIENNA, AT – GASOMETER
05 – MUNICH, DE – TO TONHA
06 – COLOGNE, DE – E-WERK
07 – PARIS, FR – LE ZENITH
09 – WIESBADEN, DE – SCHLACHTHOF
10 – ZLIN, CZ – SPORTS HALL DATART
11 – WARSAW, PL – STODOLA
12 – BERLIN, DE – COLUMBIAHALLE
13 – HAMBURG, DE – DOCKS

Tickets for all shows go on sale this week, Friday, April 25th at 10 a.m. local time in each country.

AVATAR supporting Iron Maiden, Europe 2026
7.5.25 – Madrid, ESP – Cívitas Metropolitano
7.6.25 – Lisbon, PR – MEO Arena
7.9.25 – Zurich, SZ – Hallenstadion
7.11.25 – Gelsenkirchen, DE – Veltins Arena
7.13.25 – Padova, IT – Studio Euganeo
7.15.25 – Bremen, DE – Bürgerweide
7.17.25 – Vienna, AT – Ernst Happel Stadium
7.19.25 – Paris, FR – Paris La Défense Arena
7.20.25 Paris, FR – Paris La Défense Arena
7.23.25 – Arnhem, NL – GelreDome
7.25.25 Frankfurt, DE – Deutsche Bank Park
7.26.25 – Stuttgart, DE – Cannstatter Wasen
7.29.25 – Berlin, DE – Waldbühne Berlin
7.30.25 – Berlin, DE – Waldbühne Berlin
8.2.25 – Warsaw, PL – PGE Narodowy

A Haunting Call from Beyond – “A Voice in the Dark” by Near Death Experience

As we await the long-anticipated CD release of Near Death Experience’s critically acclaimed debut album, Brief Is The Light, on May 30th, 2025, the French gothic doom metal ensemble reignites the shadows with a haunting re-release of their lyric video for “A Voice in the Dark.” This mesmerizing music video is a journey through life, death, and the yearning to return.

“A Voice in the Dark” is a melancholic yet powerful exploration of the fragile line between existence and oblivion. With ethereal melodies, crushing riffs, and haunting vocals, Near Death Experience creates a captivating narrative of love, loss, and the desperate desire to escape the shadows: “The waves crash, the sand shifts beneath weary feet—will they find their way back, or remain lost in the dark forever?”

Originally a solo instrumental project by Mathieu Bonfardin (drums) during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Near Death Experience (NDE) was fully formed as a band in Nantes, France, in May 2022. NDE blends gothic, melancholic doom metal with clean, lyrical female vocals. Influenced by bands like Paradise Lost, The Gathering, Draconian, Katatonia, Black Sabbath, Moonspell, and Metallica, NDE explores the dark and compelling theme of near-death experiences.

Their LP, Brief Is The Light, is a concept album telling the story of a woman, a victim of domestic violence, now in a coma and experiencing near-death visions. As she recalls her past life, she yearns to return to reality, despite the suffering and uncertainty.

Will you press ‘play’ and journey with her? Don’t worry—the light will shine at the end.

linktr.ee/ndemusic