Author: Crix

Ashen Sky Video Interview

Ashen Sky is a modern metal band from Helsinki, Finland. Their music blends elements of modern and traditional metal. Catchy riffs, powerful choruses, and devastating breakdowns, steeped in deathcore influences, blend with melodic and melancholic tones, creating a striking contrast that conveys aggression and deep emotion.
After a rebranding in early 2025 and the addition of new vocalist Olli Laaka, the band is entering a new chapter with a series of new releases throughout the year. These will culminate in the highly anticipated second album, scheduled for release in early 2026.
We had the opportunity to meet the band before their show in Pori and learn more about Ashen Sky and their music.

https://linktr.ee/ashensky

 

Omnium Gatherum Video Interview

Omnium Gatherum will release their tenth album, “May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way,” on November 7th. The band, founded in 1996, also has a North American tour planned for November and December, a Finnish tour in January, and a European tour in February and March.
We had the opportunity to chat with frontman Jukka Pelkonen and learn more about the upcoming album, tours, and much more.

OMNIUM GATHERUM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Kneel Before The Death & ASHEN SKY live at Meara Klubi, Pori (Finland) 27.9.2025

Meara Klubi returns after the summer break with two bands that are making inroads into the Finnish scene: ASHEN SKY and Kneel Before The Death.

ASHEN SKY’s music blends elements of both modern and traditional metal. Catchy riffs, powerful choruses, and crushing breakdowns infused with deathcore influences merge with melodic and melancholic tones, creating a striking contrast that channels both aggression and deep emotion. Known for their intense, energetic, and unpredictable live performances, ASHEN SKY delivers a unique and memorable experience for their audience.

Finnish Kneel Before The Death mixes death metal, deathcore, symphonic metal, black metal and electronic music to produce their unique sound. In 2023 Kneel Before The Death started a new chapter in their story with the release of the single Eternal Sleep. Their vision was to create art with an aggressive, theatrical and epic approach. In late 2024 the band released first full-length album.

Both bands were a blast, the energy was clearly palpable, and the audience responded more than positively. Two bands to keep an eye on because they are sure to be talked about.
Here some photos taken by Cristina Gregori.

Metal Powerhouse Fraxures Return With Dramatic Depeche Mode Cover

Powerhouse metal quintet Fraxures follow up their acclaimed “Blackheart Serenade” single with a thunderous new slab of naked passion and an audacious assault upon Depeche Mode’s “Its No Good.”
Featuring vocalist Travis Neal (Divine Heresy, The Bloodline) and drummer Fred Aching (BulletBoys, Dead Groove, Kings of Thrash) alongside A Hero Within alumni Nolan Davis (guitar, vocals), Vinny Marvaso (bass) and Esteban Sanchez (lead guitar), Fraxure’s distinctive sound is firmly rooted in the members’ combined experience and rich history, and a shared passion for creating earth-shattering music.
With a lineup that blends raw intensity and technical precision, Fraxures continues to carve its own path in the modern metal scene, delivering crushing hooks and sinister melodies – Bravewords.com
Taken from Depeche Mode’s 1997 album Ultra, “It’s No Good” was described by Billboard as “a sleek sleaze-pop banger,” highlighted by unsettling bass tremors and “:zooming synths that crest and crash like ocean waves.”  A Billboard Hot Dance chart topper and a UK Top 5 smash, “It’s No Good” remains among Depeche Mode’s most recognizable tracks – or, at least, it did until Fraxures for their hands on it.  
Utterly transformed now, it is accompanied by an equally transformative video, atmospherically directed by drummer Aching and Holly West and effortlessly encapsulating the sheer weight and energy of this fast rising band.

Norway’s ALIEN ORCHESTRA Unveil New Single “The Last Horizons” – First Glimpse Into Upcoming Ep “Under My Pale Skin”

After years of silence, Alien Orchestra, the Oslo-based studio band led by Jan “EpicAlien” Mojdis, returns with a new sense of purpose and creative rebirth. The single “The Last Horizons”, taken from the upcoming EP “Under My Pale Skin” due out in December 2025 (release date TBA), marks a powerful comeback for a project that merges heavy metal intensity with cinematic orchestration, crafting an evocative and deeply emotional soundscape.

“The Last Horizons” features Mats Haugen (Circus Maximus) on lead guitar and Simen Sandnes (Evergrey, Temic, Shining) on drums, adding remarkable depth and musicianship to the song’s dramatic composition. The track blends soaring melodies, layered orchestrations, and heavy metal drive, embodying Alien Orchestra’s trademark fusion of epic atmospheres, melodic metal, and ambient textures.

Founded in 2014, Alien Orchestra has always existed at the intersection between metal and film music, exploring themes of the deep universe, extraterrestrial life, and the mysticism of Nordic nature. The upcoming EP “Under My Pale Skin” was written in the aftermath of Jan’s victorious battle against cancer — a struggle that profoundly shaped his outlook and songwriting.
​
While he composed the main riff for the EP on piano back in 2022, his true creative return took place in 2024 when he was finally able to play guitar again and give life to a new chapter of Alien Orchestra’s story. The record stands as both a reflection on survival and renewal and a tribute to those who fought and fell — especially children.

Mixed and mastered by Drop RMX at Downtone Studio and EpicAlien, “Under My Pale Skin” delivers four tracks that range from sorrowful cinematic passages to powerful metal energy — a sonic journey that captures the fragility and strength of the human spirit.
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With “The Last Horizons” and its official video, Alien Orchestra invites listeners to step into a world where sound meets emotion and metal meets infinity.

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LISTEN to “The Last Horizon” – https://lnk.to/eYeBFj​

Watch the video – https://youtu.be/axo2XZjI8gA​

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TRACKLIST:​
1. Inside The Worn Shell
2. The Last Horizons (Radio Edit)
3. Svært Mysterium
4. The Last Horizons

Credits:​
Songwriting:
All songs written by EpicAlien
Simen Sandnes – drum parts on “Inside The Worn Shell” and “The Last Horizons”
Mats Haugen – lead guitar writing, and performance on both versions of “The Last Horizons”
Production:
Mixed and mastered by Drop RMX at Downtone Studio and EpicAlien
Line-up:
EpicAlien – guitars, bass, alienscapes, orchestration

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/alienorchestraofficial | https://www.instagram.com/alienorchestraofficial​

ABOUT:

ALIEN ORCHESTRA is an Oslo-based cinematic metal project founded in 2014 by Jan Batista Mojdis, known artistically as EpicAlien. Initially conceived as an experimental studio act, the project quickly evolved into a unique blend of heavy metal, cinematic orchestration, ambient, and trailer music, merging the intensity of metal with the grandeur and emotion of film scores.

Alien Orchestra’s music often draws inspiration from science fiction, cosmic exploration, underwater worlds, and the vast Nordic landscapes, transforming these themes into soundscapes that feel both otherworldly and deeply human.

The project’s early releases, including the debut EP Fall of Mars and the single Dark Nordic Dramæ, established its distinctive atmosphere and storytelling approach. In 2021, EpicAlien returned to writing after a long battle with leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, channeling his experience of struggle and rebirth into a new creative cycle.

The result is the new mini album Under My Pale Skin — a deeply personal work that narrates a journey through pain, healing, and hope. Featuring renowned guests such as Mats Haugen (Circus Maximus) on guitars and Simen Sandnes (Evergrey, Shining, Temic) on drums, the EP marks a turning point where Alien Orchestra solidifies its identity as a metal-driven yet cinematic act.

As EpicAlien himself describes it, Alien Orchestra represents “the meeting point between the human spirit and the cosmic unknown — where heavy metal riffs collide with orchestral emotion and alien soundscapes.”

Heavy Metal Rising Force A.Y.M Presents Are You Ready EP

Swedish heavy metal band A.Y.M’s new EP Are You Ready is out now, and it’s definitely worth a listen.

Formed in Växjö in 2023, A.Y.M brings together five seasoned musicians from the Swedish hard rock and heavy metal circuit: Alex Vince (vocals), Oskar Hollingsworth (guitar), Tony Pettersson (guitar), Christoffer Elofsson (bass), and Johan Svensson (drums).

With many shows under their belts across Sweden, Europe, and beyond, the members of A.Y.M have united under one mission: to prove that heavy metal is very much alive. Their sound blends powerful riffs, thunderous rhythms, and undeniable hooks—crafted to make audiences bang their heads and sing along in unison.

“Are You Ready” EP captures the raw energy of the band’s live presence while delivering sharp songwriting and anthemic choruses. Featuring tracks like “We Wear the Crown” and the title track “Are You Ready”, the record embodies everything fans crave from modern heavy metal: power, passion, and authenticity.

Listen to Are You Ready:

Spotify: Stream Here

Apple Music: Stream Here

CD copies: aym-band.bandcamp.com/album/are-you-ready

Watch the videos:

“We Wear The Crown” →YouTube Link
“Are You Ready” → YouTube Link’

facebook.com/AYMrnr
instagram.com/a.y.m.band
youtube.com/@A.Y.MOfficial
www.tiktok.com/@a.y.m.band
www.aym-band.com

Tuska 2026 Announces More Artists: Megadeth, Trivium, P.O.D., Stam1na, and More

Tuska Festival, which will be held in Suvilahti, Helsinki, from June 26 to 28, 2026, has announced more of its lineup for next summer. The headliner is legendary Megadeth, one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal.

Founded in 1983, Megadeth, led by Dave Mustaine, has been creating the laws of thrash metal, firmly establishing the foundations of the genre, allowing future generations to build on them. Mustaine and his band have released numerous timeless albums, such as “Rust in Peace”, “Countdown to Extinction” and “Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?”, which have sold millions and millions of copies worldwide.

Megadeth will release their last, self-titled studio album in 2026 and head out on a long farewell tour, which will also include the Tuska performance.

Other new additions to the Suvilahti stage include American metal juggernaut Trivium, also American nu-metal greats P.O.D., Finnish metal Stam1na, Finnish heavy metal band Lost Society, who are taking Finnish heavy music to a new level and will soon release a new album, Zurich deathcore street band Paleface Swiss, Return To Dust from the virile rock scene in Los Angeles, electronicore trio The Browning, founded in Kansas City, mystical metal nun group Dogma, German band Slope, who are doing slippery funk rock with a chili pepper spirit, Danish heavy metal alternative band 802, Swedish band Allt, who are playing progressive metalcore, Atlas, who combine Finnish mythology and poetry with dark metalcore soundscapes, and the multifaceted Finnish extreme metal band Kneel Before The Death.

Tuska Band Performance Dates are now available. Exact Schedules to be Announced Later.

Friday 26.6.2026
Megadeth
Blood Incantation, Lost Society, Bloodred Hourglass, Ensiferum
Slope, Kneel Before The Death, 802

Saturday 27.6.2026
Bad Omens
Trivium, P.O.D.
Kublai Khan TX, Paleface Swiss, Rivers of Nihil
Majestica, Dogma, Melrose Avenue, The Callous Daoboys

Sunday 28.6.2026
Bring Me The Horizon,
Stam1na, The Plot In You, Queensrÿche
Malevolence, Soilwork, The Browning
Return To Dust, Neckbreakker, Allt, Atlas

The remaining Tuska 2026 artists will be announced later.

Remember to subscribe to the Tuska newsletter and you’ll be guaranteed to be up to date with the latest Tuska news.

Tickets:
All ticket categories are now on sale at Tuska’s official ticketing partner networks Tiketti and Lippu.fi.

One-day tickets from €149.00
Two-day tickets from €219.00
Three-day tickets from €239.00
One-day VIP tickets from €239.00
Three-day VIP tickets from €379.00

Tuska’s age limit is 18 years.

In collaboration with: Fortum, Helsinki, Karhu, Radio City, Redi

TUSKA 26–28 June 2026
Helsinki, Suvilahti
#TuskaFestival

Finnish Rock Quartet East Electric Releases Long-Awaited Debut Album “Road”

Helsinki-based rock band East Electric have released their long-anticipated debut album Road.  Bursting with style, attitude, and energy, the record presents an ambitious blend of grunge-edged intensity and melodic approach inspired by 70’s classic rock. Singles like “Remedy,” “Mothership,” and the title track “Road” gave audiences an early taste of the album’s sound.

“The album truly captures our own voice – it moves between moody lightness and heavy, hard-hitting power. It’s been a long but rewarding journey for us. Most of the recording was done independently in our rehearsal space and home studio”, the band explains.

Road is an album of striking contrasts ranging from delicate melodies to huge, crushing riffs. The band’s unique sound revolves around Jocke Levälampi’s charismatic vocals, while Toni Kajasti’s guitar work flows seamlessly between gritty riffing and sensitive picking. The rhythm section drives the groove with Matti Vähätalo’s progressive bass lines and Tuukka Ilmakari’s dynamic drumming. The band treated their audience with singles like Remedy, Mothership and title track Road.

The album opens with the lead single “Godmaker”, a commanding track whose massive guitars and driving pulse provide the perfect foundation for Levälammi’s powerful vocal performance.

In production, East Electric stayed true to their own creative vision while trusting the finishing touches to a seasoned team: mixing was handled by Robert Palomäki (Kingston Wall, Olavi Uusivirta) and mastering by Jaakko Viitalähde of Virtalähde Mastering. The same duo worked on East Electric’s debut EP, which received international airplay and landed on several Spotify playlists. To date, the band’s songs have accumulated over 200,000 streams on Spotify.

Throughout the year, East Electric has performed at major Finnish events including Espan Lava, Louhela Jam, and Konepaja Festival. This fall, the band will celebrate the release of Road with a series of high-energy club shows at On the Rocks (23.10.), Bar Loose (29.10.), and Semifinal (13.12.) in Helsinki — where the new songs will be performed live for the very first time.

“Road” Tracklist:
1. Godmaker
2. Remedy
3. Million Miles
4. Dangerous Game
5. Killer on the Run
6. Into the Darkness
7. Road
8. Arcade Stan
9. Mothership
10. We Made It

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

DECIMATE METALFEST 2026 – CALL FOR BAND SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

The thunder is rolling once more over the Alberta prairies, and Decimate Metalfest, the annual all-ages music and arts festival, is returning to the Millet Agriplex Arena on June 26 & 27, 2026. Once again, transforming the quiet town of Millet into a roaring epicenter of riffs, art, and community spirit.

Building a reputation as a home for underground and alternative talent, this festival champions diversity with an inclusive ethos and serves as a vibrant gathering point for the metal community, a space where all walks of metal unite, proving that the heart of heavy music beats strong in the Canadian West.

Gearing up for their 2026 edition, Decimate Metalfest is excited to announce that submissions for performers, vendors, and entertainers for its lineup are now open!

Join them for a Weekend of Live Music, Camping, Community, and Unstoppable Energy!

Festival Dates: June 26 & 27, 2026
​Venue: Millet Agriplex Arena, Millet, Alberta
​Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025

Applications can be submitted at the following link: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/performer-submission

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WHY DECIMATE?

Since its inception, Decimate Metalfest has earned its place among Western Canada’s most beloved grassroots festivals.

Founded and led by a woman in the heavy music scene, Decimate stands as a testament to passion, resilience, and inclusivity.

Built by musicians for musicians, it’s a space where independent artists thrive, underground scenes collide, and community comes first.

From blistering headline sets to youth band debuts and air-guitar contests to newfound relationships and camaraderie across the venue and campsite, Decimate Metalfest is more than a show. It’s a movement.

Who Can Apply?

Decimate Metalfest welcomes a diverse array of performance acts. We are looking for:

  • Bands and solo artists across all subgenres of metal, rock, alternative, and related styles
  • Youth acts (under-18 performers) – we remain committed to giving new talent a platform
  • Other entertainers, including (but not limited to) drag artists, dancers, comedians, DJs, magicians, performance art, and more

We encourage acts that push boundaries, blend genres, and bring unique energy. Whether you are local or international, emerging or established, we want to hear from you.

All Ages, All Welcome!!

Decimate Metalfest is firmly an all-ages festival. Everyone is welcome, from diehard metalheads to curious newcomers.

Our goal is to build an inclusive environment where families and fans of all generations can experience the metal family experience together!

Vendor & Artisan Opportunities

Do you create handcrafted goods, festival fashion, metal merch, artwork, or other unique offerings? Decimate Metalfest accepts vendor applications each year. This is your chance to bring your brand to a passionate crowd, grow your audience, and be part of the festival experience.

Vendor booths are placed throughout the venue, in high-traffic areas, and we offer support for setup and logistics. Applications are open now, along with performer submissions.

Apply at https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/vend​

Important Submission Details

  • All submissions must be received by October 31, 2025
  • Submissions will be reviewed by our programming team; accepted acts will be notified by early 2026
  • Provide links to demos and/or recordings, live performance videos (if available), a press kit, and stage requirements, and most importantly, “Tell us why we should book YOU!” Tailor your application to showcase what makes your act unique, what you’ll bring to the stage, and why Decimate Metalfest needs your energy in 2026. STAND OUT!
  • Vendor applications should include images of merchandise or product offerings, booth size requirements, and any special needs
  • More details, including the submission form and festival information, can be found at www.decimatemetalfest.com​

ABOUT DECIMATE METALFEST

Founded on passion and perseverance, Decimate Metalfest stands as one of Alberta’s loudest and most inclusive, woman-led festivals. Taking place annually at the Millet Agriplex Arena, the event unites fans and artists from across Canada and beyond for two days of music, art, and unity. With past lineups featuring acts like Into Eternity, FILTH, Narcotic Wasteland, The Order of Chaos, Arrival of Autumn, Ninjaspy, and dozens more, Decimate continues to build a legacy as a festival that truly represents the spirit of the underground.

Decimate Metalfest is a proud member of the Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance (WCMFA) alongside Armstrong Metalfest, Loud as Hell Open Air Festival, Hyperspace Metal Festival, and Glacial Mutilation Festival!

Stay Connected

For the latest updates, lineup announcements, and ticket purchases, visit the official Decimate Metalfest website. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:​

Website: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decimatemf/​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decimate_mf/​

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/decimatemf​

Bun to Be Wild – DEVOLVER Shreds in a Hot Dog Suit of Fury in New Playthrough “Merciless Storm” Off New Album “Non Compos Mentis”

Canadian metal outfit Devolver has dropped a new playthrough video for “Merciless Storm,” a standout track from their latest album “Non Compos Mentis,” released August 22nd. The video showcases the band’s precision, intensity, and collaborative firepower, offering fans a raw look at the musicianship behind one of the album’s most punishing cuts, along with a comedic side to them.

The band explains further:

“Merciless Storm” began as a tongue-in-cheek experiment in heaviness, but quickly transformed into a full-fledged monster. With slam riffs, groovy solos, and a breakdown written on the spot in the studio, the track embodies the album’s ethos: unrelenting force and the emotional wreckage left in the wake of disaster. Jayde and Jaylen mustered up the courage to hot dog suit their way through the playthrough, delivering a performance that’s both relentless and razor-sharp. True to Devolver’s spirit, the band doesn’t take themselves too seriously and just aims to have fun with their videos. Devin’s solo, featuring a wild “horsey squeal,” cements the song as one of the band’s most technically daring.”

Watch the “Merciless Storm” playthrough video now and experience the storm for yourself via its premiere on TheCirclePit YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/RleEVAAsdl4​

Formed in 2015 by guitarist Devin Babcock as a creative outlet for material outside his main project, Devolver has evolved into a five-piece force of nature. Their sound, described as “Gothenburg melodic death and 2000s metalcore,” has matured into a focused, aggressive, and massive sonic identity, thanks in part to the razor-sharp production of acclaimed producer Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Trivium, DevilDriver, Black Dahlia Murder).

Non Compos Mentis marks a major evolution for Devolver. Unlike their debut, which was written solely by Babcock, this album is the product of full-band collaboration. The result is a cohesive, emotionally resonant record that blends melody and brutality with surgical precision. From the haunting true-crime-inspired title track to the high-octane energy of “Merciless Storm,” the album is designed to be experienced front to back without pause.

The band also teamed up with legendary artist Travis Smith (Opeth, Avenged Sevenfold, Soilwork) for the album artwork, which depicts the chilling story of the 1805 murder of Amos Babcock’s sister in a religious frenzy, an ancestor of Devin Babcock. The art depicts Amos bloodied in the snow, surrounded by the ghostly eyes of his nine children.

Recommended for fans of In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Killswitch Engage, and As I Lay Dying, “Non Compos Mentis” is a bold leap forward, each track a chapter in a larger emotional and sonic narrative.

“Non Compos Mentis” is available at the following links:

Album order (released Aug 22nd) – https://devolvermusic.bandcamp.com/​

Spotify for Playlist Add – https://open.spotify.com/album/3eeLxBrxx55QvIm3EnahLm​

Music Video – Merciless Storm – https://youtu.be/o_6jcqK2qFQ​

Lyric Video – Suffocating Syndrome – https://youtu.be/mmRskxYe1q4​

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Track Listing:​
1. Deathtouch – 3:55
2. New Blood – 3:14
3. Jewels of the Maw – 3:30
4. Wraiths – 3:20
5. At Any Cost – 3:40
6. Non Compos Mentis – 3:53
7. Merciless Storm – 3:56
8. Suffocating Syndrome – 3:36
9. Dehumanize – 3:47
Album Length: 32:55

Album Credits:​
– All songs performed by: Devolver
– All songs written by: Devolver
– Produced, Mixed, Mastered by: Mark Lewis
– Album Artwork by: Travis Smith
– SOCAN members

Band Lineup:​
Chris Brown – Vocals
Devin Babcock – Guitar (lead)
Jayde Penner – Guitar (rhythm)
Bevin Booth – Drums
Jaylen Elias – Bass

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