Author: Crix

LAY OF THE AUTUMN Explores Struggle and Empowerment w/ New Video “Thrown Away” Off Latest Album “Of Love And Sorrow”

Rockshots Records and Lay Of The Autumn proudly present the official music video for “Thrown Away”, one of the standout tracks from their debut album “Of Love And Sorrow” released on October 25th, 2024.

A striking blend of Symphonic Power Metal, cinematic soundscapes, and electronic elements, “Thrown Away” explores struggle, catharsis, and empowerment themes. The song is driven by intense riffs, soaring melodies, and fast, intricate guitar and keyboard solos, complemented by ERIA’s evocative vocal performance, which captures vulnerability and strength.

Following the success of “Lost In Your Eyes”, this new track from “Of Love And Sorrow”, “Thrown Away” further establishes the band’s ability to craft music that balances melancholy with power, emotion with precision, and melody with intensity. The album, featuring 10 tracks blending Power Metal, Symphonic Metal, Melodic Death Metal, and cinematic influences, was mixed and mastered by Ettore Rigotti (Disarmonia Mundi) at The Metal House Studios, ensuring a rich, polished, and dynamic sound.

Lay Of The Autumn continues to deliver a fresh yet familiar take on the symphonic metal genre, blending grand orchestrations with driving energy. With “Thrown Away” they offer listeners an emotional and powerful journey through their signature sound.

Watch the official music video now and experience the next chapter of “Of Love And Sorrow”!

Music Video – https://youtu.be/ysfru7Ks4oM​

Digital Single – https://lnk.to/8lIVcg2a​

Digital Album / CD – https://lnk.to/jR59oz​

​

Track Listing:​
1 – When It Rains – 2:27
2 – Flowing Tears – 5:52
3 – Lost In Your Eyes – 5:51
4 – After All This Time? Always – 5:44
5 – Thrown Away – 5:53
6 – Undergo Deconstruction – 5:55
7 – Love You To Death – 6:20
8 – Si Sta Come D’Autunno Sugli Alberi Le Foglie – 5:02
9 – Of Love And Sorrow – 5:59
10 – Who Is To Blame – 5:39
​
​Lay Of The Autumn are:

Main Singer: Iryna Eria Boyarkina – ERIA​
Growl Singer: Andrea Gambaro​
Keyboards/Composition: Davide Scuteri Music​
Guitar: Davide Lovecchio​
Bass: Cesare Ferrari​
Drums: Michele Olmi​
Mix and Mastering: Ettore Rigotti at The Metal House​
Music Label: Rockshots Records​
Moviemaker: Moviedel Productions​
Photos: Flarescape​
Cover artwork: ProgArt Media – Artwork by Mattias Norén​
Jewel Designer: helenaromanova​

More info: ​
​Rockshots.eu​
​https://www.facebook.com/layoftheautumnofficial​
​https://www.instagram.com/layoftheautumnband​
​
​YouTube: eria_singer_official ​
​Instagram: anyri_mysterya
​Facebook: / eriaofficial ​
​Telegram: https://t.me/joinchat/rpJiGB9IyBo2YzVi​
​TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM83t243B/​

Shiraz Lane signs international deal with Frontiers Music, new album to be released this year and first single Dangerous on February 26th

Shiraz Lane, one of the leading exports in the Finnish rock scene, is starting 2025 with great album news. The band’s new studio album will be released later this year, and the first single Dangerous will start the journey towards the upcoming full-length on February 26th. At the same time, the band is returning to the field with the Frontiers Music Srl label, which is responsible for the international release of Shiraz Lane’s upcoming album.

“We are excited to announce our return to Frontiers. After weighing up different options, we concluded that this is the step that needs to be taken in order for the band to flourish. We believe that this collaboration will prove fruitful and give momentum to take Shiraz Lane to a new level of success,” the band describes, noting that the company’s established and extensive international network and expertise in this particular field of music will be an important support for the upcoming album.

“We will also always be grateful to our previous label, Ranka Kustannus, with whom we have mutually agreed that expanding beyond national borders is essential for the band,” continues Shiraz Lane.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Shiraz Lane back to the Frontiers Records family. Their music has the passion, energy and authenticity that also defines our label, and we can’t wait to share this new chapter with fans around the world. This agreement represents our continued commitment to supporting outstanding artists and bringing high-quality rock music to a global audience,” continues Serafino Perugino, President and CEO of Frontiers Records.

Shiraz Lane will head to the United States for the third time in early March on the Monsters of Rock cruise, performing on the waves of the Caribbean with legendary rock greats. After the tour, the band will return to studio work with their producer Per Aldeheim at Finnvox and Stockholm, but will also be playing a few select shows in Finland and Europe this spring and summer. The last show related to the Acoustic Archives EP release will be played on Saturday this week.

The currently announced shows are:

8.2. West Side Story – Vantaa (Acoustic Archives special)
10.-15.3. Monsters of Rock Cruise – US & Bahamas
18.4. Olympia – Tampere (including Block of Flats)
24.5. Wildfest – Belgium
19.6. Loverocks Festival – UK
27.6. Wildfire Festival – UK
8.11. Lion Rock Festival – ES

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Lord Of The Lost’s Chris Harms’ acclaimed 1980 solo album out now – The idea for the new Lunamor single was born in the moonlight of the Caribbean

Lord Of The Lost vocalist Chris Harms has finally been able to fulfill his long-standing dream on today. Chris’ first solo album 1980 takes listeners to the heart of that decade’s synthpop, without forgetting new wave and gothic elements, and the last single Lunamor, relesed early this week, sums up the album’s vibes in perhaps the most romantic way possible.

“Sometimes one word is enough to spark an entire song. I remember almost a year ago I was alone on deck on the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise and was enchanted by the Caribbean moon. The words luna and amor merged in my head to form the word lunamor and I thought what a great song name! A few months later, a whole story and its soundtrack emerged from it, which found a home on his solo album. From a metal cruise to a synapop album, great!”, Chris says.

As with all his previous singles, Chris is also releasing a music video for Lunamor, which you can watch here. Previously released singles from the album, along with their music videos, are now also available to watch on Napalm Records’ YouTube channel.

The upcoming 1980 concept album is a coherent whole that Harms has had time to think about for a long time.

“If I had to categorize this album and put a label on it, I would probably say that it’s a strange but successful mix of Depeche Mode, Modern Talking and Sandra performed by Chris Harms’ voice. But with less perm and hair in the back.”

The album is also available in several formats and special packages here.

The following songs can be found on the 1980 album:

1. I Love You
2. She Called Me Diaval
3. Somewhere Between Heaven And Armageddon
4. Missed Call
5. Madonna Of The Night (feat. Sven Friedrich)
6. Lunamor
7. Parallax
8. Past Pain
9. The Grey Machines (feat. Ronan Harris)
10. Vagueness Of Faith
11. May This Be Your Last Battlefield

Facebook | Instagram | Chris Harms Shop | Napalm Records

Cinematic prog metal master Elding opens the game with the over seven-minute single Solace in Oblivion – the full EP will be released on March 14th

Guitarist Finn Windsval’s Elding project, which started in 2017, has been nurtured with reverence over the years, and in March the band will finally be able to release their debut EP The Encroaching Malice Part I. The taster single Solace in Oblivion leads listeners into the band’s mystical and multidimensional world.

The Helsinki-based metal band also draws on classical music and film soundtracks – not forgetting game music. Spirituality, mysticism and a connection to nature are also strongly present in the song released today and throughout the debut EP, which will be released on March 14th.

“Our goal is to make music resonate in people’s hearts and gently move their souls; awakening comfort, clarity and also in an empowering way,” the band describes itself and adds:

“In addition to entertaining, the goal is to instill in listeners the desire to consider different perspectives, values ​​and practices that could help all of humanity to foster a better future – both individually and collectively.”

Based on Windsval’s strong vision, the band’s studio sessions have featured a fantastic array of metal experts over the years; including Matias Kupiainen (Stratovarius), Mika Tyyskä (Mr. Fastfinger), Tuomas Yli-Jaskari (Tracedawn), Rolf Pilve (Stratovarius), Mathias Lillmåns (Finntroll, Magenta Harvest) and Tommy Tuovinen (MyGrain, Crownshift).

Now the band has its permanent members, and in addition to Finn, the Elding line-up includes Aleksi Kärkkäinen from Reignited, Thomas Tunkkari, who played in Dark Sarah, and new additions bassist-vocalist Tony Helander, and most recently guitarist John Emslie, who originally came to Finland from Australia.

“It’s an incredible honor to work with such world-class musicians and great friends. I can’t wait to bring epic sagas to life through fascinating music for the whole world to experience,” says Emslie.

Elding consists of:
Aleksi Kärkkäinen | Vocals
Finn Windsval | Guitar
John Emslie | Guitar
Tony Helander | Bass and vocals
Thomas Tunkkari | Drums

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | RUOKANGAS.COM

Swallow the Sun drummer Juuso Raatikainen’s project Sounds Of Delusion releases new song – A tale of toxic people blessing everyone with their presence

Juuso Raatikainen‘s (Swallow the Sun, Hedonihil) Sounds Of Delusion releasing second, heavier track The Walking Cancer. With Okko Solanterä (Horizon Ignited, I Am the Night) on vocals the band introduces it’s sludgy side, telling the tale of toxic people blessing everyone with their presence. All hail the narcissist alphas, sometimes found in the mirror.
 

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/sod-walkingcancer

https://soundsofdelusion.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/soundsofdelusion

https://www.instagram.com/soundsofdelusion/

Muse’s hit song is newborn – Without Warning interprets the classic with a modern metal twist

The promising Finnish modern metal band Without Warning has released a new single which covers the Muse classic “Time Is Running Out” with an electronic metal twist. The original hit song got a fresh breeze of metal air without losing its familiar elements, which we all recognize. Without Warning has made sure to incorporate their compelling bass rhythms and strong vocals, which has become a noticeable element in their production. 

LISTEN to the single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/ww-time

Without Warning is known for their capability to combine the harshness of metal with modern fusion and interpretation. With the new single the band proves yet again, that rules are meant to be broken and the band is always curious to go beyond the limits.

– We had been thinking about doing a cover song for a while and we didn’t want to choose something mainstream. Muse is a well known band with a unique sound and they’ve made many hits along the way. Personally I’ve always liked their production. The choice felt right from the beginning and bringing it to life in our style came easily. The cover respects the original song as intended, but with a heavy influence of our metal sound, says producer and bassist Aleksi Rintala.

“Time Is Running Out” can now be found on all general streaming services.
The band has also released an official visualizer on their YouTube-channel.

SPRING LIVE SHOWS:
4.4.2025 METAL VISIONS, Skenesali Vantaa
Numento, Egres & Without Warning

16.5.2025 CYAN KICKS X IKINÄ mini-tour, Apollo Turku
Cyan Kicks & Ikinä + Without Warning

WITHOUT WARNING
Exploring the rough and dark sonic possibilities, Without Warning combines inspiration from various metal and electronic sub-genres. Creating a fusion that both shakes you with heavy modern features and soft melodic finishes. Without Warning continues to grow as they take their place in the modern metal scene, creating an exclusive brand beyond music. Dive into the world of electronic illusion, sink into the depths of darkness.
Become one – with Without Warning.

Without Warning – Time is Running Out (Single 2025)

Composers: Bellamy Matthew James, Howard Dominic James, Wolstenholme Christopher Tony

Text: Bellamy Matthew James

Arrangement: Aleksi Rintala
Production: Aleksi Rintala

Mixing: Aleksi Rintala

Mastering: Aleksi Rintala

ISRC: FI3FC2589501

Single picture by Michaela Tuomenoksa

Line-up:
Vocals: Michaela Tuomenoksa
Bass: Aleksi Rintala
Guitar: Juuso Javanainen
Drums: Lauri Tuomenoksa

Links: 
https://www.withoutwarningofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/withoutw4rning
http://www.instagram.com/withoutwarningband
https://withoutw4rning.bandcamp.com

 

QUIESCENT MANTIS To Perform On Cancer Benefit MOSHIGAN Presented By Michigan Metal Fest & Q106FM

Exitus Stratagem Records is proud to announce that Tennessee thrashers Quiescent Mantis will perform on MOSHIGAN 2025, the first annual cancer benefit event presented by Michigan Metal Fest and Q106 FM and hosted at The Music Factory in Battle Creek, Michigan on Saturday, May 3rd.

All of the proceeds from this event will go directly to a selected 2025 beneficiary. This inaugural Moshigan begins a planned annual event to benefit cancer patients in the surrounding areas.

Tickets – https://shop.michiganmetalfest.net/michiganmetalfest/moshigan2025/​

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE https://tinyurl.com/2vsuue44 THAT GO DIRECTLY TO THE RECIPIENT!

More info – https://www.facebook.com/events/667082205645888/​

​

Moshigan 2025 Lineup:
Nailbite
Traverse the Abyss
Quiescent Mantis
Demsfightinwords
Killcrown

​SPONSORS:​
Q106
Exitus Stratagem Records
Wayward Tattoo
Solve Design Create
Bloodlust Media
Pixel Paige Photography
Territorial Brewing Company
American Mosh Pits
My Merch Guy

Quiescent Mantis‘ debut album “Here Comes The Swarm” was produced by Yanic Bercier (Quo Vadis, Gone In April) at WaveTransform Recording Studio and unleashed in July 2024 on Exitus Stratagem Records. The genre-defying release blends elements of hardcore, thrash, death, and metalcore into a whirlwind of relentless aggression.

Formed during the tumultuous COVID-19 lockdown, Quiescent Mantis emerged from the fusion of former scientists Chris Trainor, Jordan McKenzie, and Johnny Mejia. Previously employed by the enigmatic Sub-atomic Weight Of Acceleration Research Mechanics (S.W.A.R.M.), the trio embarked on a musical journey after inadvertently opening a doorway to the mantis homeworld during a particle collision experiment, exposing themselves to a mind-altering pheromone. Thus, the Chapter 1 demo was born in 2021.

Inspired by a love for old science fiction movies and thrash metal, Quiescent Mantis presents a unique, aggressive, groovy, heavy, and relentless sound that blends old-school metal techniques with new-school innovations. The band aims to provide listeners with a groundbreaking experience, combining elements of classic and contemporary metal in a manner never before heard. They are recommended for fans of Orbit Culture, Havok, and Power Trip.

“With this album, it truly shows not only how we come together as musicians but as storytellers. This album is all the best elements of thrash metal and science fiction horror movies put into one single package. ‘Here Comes The Swarm’ is the sound we created to release the swarm to the world.”

Album order for “Here Comes The Swarm” are available at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-quiescent-mantis-here-come-the-swarm​

Music Video – “Primal Form of Aggression” – https://youtu.be/IIYyMydy8sM​

Bass Playthrough / Music Video – “P.R.E.Y.” – https://youtu.be/7mbCOb4Aysk​

Digital (Spotify) – https://linktr.ee/QuiescentMantis​

Quiescent Mantis is:
Chris Trainor – Guitarist / Backup Vocals
Jordan Mckenzie – Bass and Vocals
Johnny Mejia – Drums

More info: Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/QuiescentMantis | Instagram.com/quiescent_mantis

Big-chorus rock newcomer Star Crossed tackles the pitfalls of a twisted relationship with their single “Heal Me”

Finnish rock newcomer Star Crossed, who gave a storm warning with their single Star Crossed Lovers late last year, now releases the heaviest song of their career so far, Heal Me. The song’s subject matter is also heavy:

“Heal Me is the band’s musically heaviest work, the subject of which deals with an abusive and twisted relationship, where the narrator is not bothered by lies or pain, because he believes in the healing effect of the other person despite them,” the band says.

The band’s trademark has become a combo of catchy melodies and very tragic love stories. The band, which mixes elements of 2000s alternative rock with modern metal, has also set the guidelines on which their upcoming debut album will be built.

If the previous single was a melancholic and beautiful song, now there is also conscious playfulness in addition to heavy melodies. The song was once again produced by producer-co-writer Ben Varon, and the mixing and mastering were done by Lauri Hämäläinen.

“It works both on record and live, and it turned out well,” the band says with satisfaction.

Star Crossed will next be seen live at Bar Loose in Helsinki on February 27th.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Alternative band LUNA KILLS to embark on their first European tour

Last year, alternative metal band LUNA KILLS became the first Finnish band to sign a recording contract with the American label SharpTone Records, which specializes in modern metal, and will release their highly anticipated album DEATHMATCH on April 4. The band recently released the third single from the upcoming album, LEECH, which has given the band even more momentum: the song has garnered radio play on the prestigious Radio BBC1 as well as on Finnish and international rock radio stations, and its stylish music video has become the band’s most popular. Now, the band has revealed that the album promotion tour will continue not only in Finland but also abroad: LUNA KILLS will embark on their first European tour in May.

“This is our first European tour and we are visiting many countries for the very first time, so we are extremely excited about the tour! We are also really looking forward to the release of the album, and it will be cool to be able to perform new songs live,” the band comments.

In Finland, LUNA KILLS will next be seen live next week at the MARS festival in Seinäjoki, and more gig dates have also been added to the extensive album release tour.

LUNA KILLS live 2025:

13.2. MARS Festival, Bar15, Seinäjoki
14.2. 6 Feet Underground, Kannusali, Espoo
4.4. Z Rock, Kempele
5.4. On The Rocks, Helsinki (album release gig)
11.4. Olympia, Tampere (+ Balance Breach, Beyond Awareness)
12.4. House of Rock, Kouvola
17.4. Monttu, Pori (+ Awake Again)
18.4. Brummi, Rauma (+ Awake Again)
25.4. Kulttuuritalo Tempo, Mikkeli (+ Balance Breach)
8.5. U&F Turmzimmer, Hamburg, Germany
9.5. Iduna, Drachten, Netherlands
10.5. Cafe The Jack, Eindhoven, Netherlands
11.5. Club Hell, Diest, Belgium
12.5. MTC, Cologne, Germany
14.5. The Black Heart, London, UK
18.5. X-Tra Musikcafé, Zurich, Switzerland
20.5. Kranhalle, Munich, Germany
22.5. B72, Vienna, Austria
23.5. Chapeau Rouge, Prague, Czech Republic
5.6. Mystic Festival, Poland
26.7.2025 Qstock, Oulu
8.-9.8.2025 Hellsinki Metal Festival

LUNA KILLS is:

Lotta Ruutiainen – vocals
Samuli Paasineva – guitar
Lassi Peltonen – bass
Jimi Kinnunen – drums

WWW | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

Finnish old school death metal project Minuutti Hulluuteen to release debut mini-album featuring Mathias Lillmåns on guest vocals

Minuutti Hulluutteen is Lasse Laihola‘s (ex-MindMirror, Hauras) solo project and a sign of his love for heavy music. In music you are able to sense a mix of old school death metal, black metal and even more modern expression. Mathias Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans, etc.) is featured as a guest vocalist on the mini-album named ‘Uni’ which will be released on March 13th 2025 via Inverse Records. The first and only single ‘Palava Portti’ was unleashed on February 5th and is available on all major streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/mh-palava

“Uni” contains eight songs and each song takes you to different levels of nightmare. The album songs are mixed together and they create a story that takes you to the darkest place. The solo project waited for a moment before implementation, looking for its complete form of expression. The result is a delicious piece of music that moves from one mood to another.

Minuutti Hulluuteen – Uni (mini-album 2025)

Track list:

1. Uni vai Painajainen

2.  Vajoan

3. Painajainen

4. Synkkä Illuusio

5. Minä olen pimeys

6. Palava Portti

7. Tyhjyys

8. Loppu

Recorded, mixed & mastered by Vesa Viitanen / Napalm to thy Face Prod.

Album cover by Bjp PhotoGraphy

Minuutti Hulluuteen – Palava Portti (Single 2025)

Music & lyrics: Lasse Laihola

ISRC: FI3FC2590102

Single cover by Bjp PhotoGraphy

Line-up:

Lasse Laihola – Guitar, drums, bass & vocals
Mathias Lillmåns – Featuring vocals

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/minuuttihulluuteen
https://www.instagram.com/minuuttihulluuteen
https://minuuttihulluuteen.bandcamp.com