Author: Crix

Finnish metal band Kaksonen releases their sophomore album in October – First single out now

Finnish metal band KAKSONEN has released the first single from their upcoming second album, VALO-OLENTO (to be released on October 17th 2025). VASTAVOIMAT (The Counterforces) was a natural choice as the first single of the Valo-olento album. The opening track introduces the concepts and basic settings of the album: the first half of the album ploughs through the darker side of humanity, while the second half sees light and hope in both people and the world. These two eternal forces, yin and yang, everlasting opposites, are bound in an eternal dance in this fierce thrash metal hit.

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

Valo-olento (Being of Light) is the second album by the metal band Kaksonen (Antti Lähdesmäki – guitar & vocals, Ville Koskivaara – bass & vocals, Tuomo Rinkinen – drums, Miika Vainio – vocals & guitar) hailing from Äänekoski, Central Finland. The eight-track album is musically and thematically a natural follow-up to the 2023 album Universumin kuningas (The Emperor of the Universe). As with the previous album, Inverse Records will also release Valo-olento.

https://www.facebook.com/kaksonenband

https://www.instagram.com/kaksonenband/

SOLENCE releases new single Dead_Alive – Angles Calling album to be released in October

Swedish electronic metal band Solence released their new single Dead_Alive on June 27th, which is a preview of the band’s fifth full-length album Angels Calling. The album will be released on October 3rd, and will be being published by Better Noise Music. The first taste of the album was released last month in the form of the single Where Were You..?.

Dead_Alive continues the band’s darker line. It is also one of the band’s heavier songs, combining Solence’s signature combination of catchy pop melodies, electronic production and melodic metal. The song’s lyrics deal with the chaos of the world. Dead_Alive was released accompanied by a visualizer.

“Dead_Alive is one of the heaviest songs on the new album. We wanted to go all out with this one. The song depicts a world on fire, where people walk around as the living dead. The chorus really grabs the listener by the chest – we can’t wait for the fans to hear this!” says singer Markus Videsäter.

Angels Calling album tracklist:
1. Angels Calling
2. Monsters In My Head
3. Where Were You..?
4. MESS
5. <alive
6. Dead_Alive
7. Wish You The Worst
8. Dangerous To Love
9. All of the Pain Must Go
10. Angels vs Demons

Solence is now based in Los Angeles, and consists of singer Markus Videsäter, guitarist David Strääf, keyboardist Johan Swärd and drummer David “Viking” Vikingsson.

The band garnered widespread attention early in their career by making heavy versions of pop songs. The band rose to international fame with their debut album Brothers, released in 2019. The single Animal In Me, taken from their 2020 album Direction, became SiriusXM Octane’s most-played song and also made its way onto the Active Rock radio charts. Solence’s previous full-length Hope is a Cult was released in 2023.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

“an aggressive album that does not hold back any emotions” – Finnish thrashers Indemon releases their debut album ‘Reclaiming Chaos’

Finnish thrashers Indemon released their debut album ‘Reclaiming Chaos’ on June 27th 2025 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to Reclaiming Chaos album: https://push.fm/fl/indemon-album

The band comments: 
“The album results from long-term development. Each track brings a different feel to the album, with a soundscape and overall delivery in vocals and instrumentals that differ from modern metal, as we’ve avoided gimmicks and shortcuts. The dynamism is present throughout, especially in the vocals, which drive the mood and connection. It is an aggressive album that does not hold back any emotions. ” 

BIOGRAPHY:
INDEMON is a four-piece metal band formed in 2020 in Kerava, Finland. Drawing influences from various subgenres of metal, they blend them uniquely to create a powerful and atmospheric sound. INDEMON’s debut EP Fear of Living was released in 2022, showcasing the band’s ability to create intense and multifaceted metal. The band’s lyrical themes explore fear, self-doubt, and inner struggles, immersing the listener into the music’s emotional world. INDEMON is known for their energetic live performances and distinctive music.

Line-up:
Joose Riihelä – vocals
Santeri Liesmala – guitar
Ville Kangasharju – bass
Patrik Kuitunen – drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/indemonband
https://www.instagram.com/indemonband
https://indemon.bandcamp.com

Ozzy’s Bob Daisley, Uriah Heep’s Mick Box team up with the BulletBoys To Drop Yacht Metal Bombshell As “Taking It to the Streets” Gets a Sleaze Rock Makeover

In a union as unexpected as a teapot on a Marshall stack, classic rock royalty and Sunset Strip legends have come together for a high-seas sonic adventure.
Just try and get your head around this.  On four strings, Bob Daisley—the thunderous bassist behind Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz.  On six strings,  Mick Box, the eternal guitar maestro of Uriah Heep. At front and back, vocalist Marq Torien and drummer Fred Aching of the glam-leaning, groove-heavy BulletBoys. And powerless to resist their hard rock temptations,  the Doobie Brothers’ anthem “Takin’ It to the Streets,” stripped naked and then reimagined in full yacht metal regalia.
The title track to the Doobies’ sixth album in 1976, “Takin’ It To The Streets” was both composed and sung by the band’s newly-acquired frontman Michael McDonald, and swiftly became one of their biggest hits yet, a number 13 Billboard smash.  Years later, that same magazine elected it the Doobie Brothers’ third greatest song, and of course, it’s been a yacht rock staple since before there was even a yacht to rock it on.
Well, now it’s on course to become a metal staple too, as the BulletBoys​– no strangers to turning up the heat on classic tunes – bring their characteristic Sunset Strip swagger and vocal bravado to the mix, crafting a version that glides as smoothly as a speedboat in Monaco but hits like a bottle of Jack at soundcheck.  And with Daisley and Box on the deck alongside them, you know that soundcheck is gonna be loud.
Produced in Los Angeles with a mix of analogue warmth and digital bite, this yacht metal version of “Takin’ It to the Streets” is more than a cover—it’s a seafaring reinvention, custom-built for late-night drives, dive-bar jukeboxes, and yes, possibly the top deck of a very dubious cruise liner.
The track drops today on all streaming platforms, while Yacht Metal itself – a limited-edition vinyl compilation positively overflowing with like-minded reinventions – is sailing closer every day.
So polish your deck shoes, crank up the stereo, and prepare to set sail on the smoothest, loudest voyage you didn’t know you needed.

Parashyne’s next chapter began with a new guitarist – What I’ve Known single and video continue the band’s bold theatrical line

Parashyne, who released their debut album Calibration last year, is back this year with a new line-up, and the first song What I’ve Known, made with new guitarist Aitor Jimenez, was released on June 25th. As befits Parashyne, the new single is also a powerful and theatrical entity, which was accompanied by a spectacular music video directed by Juho Virinkoski.

The video was shot at Velho Light & Sound studio in Pasila, Helsinki.

“The video aims to highlight references to the song’s message: information bombardment and how to distinguish false information from truth,” says Parashyne’s primus motor and vocalist Tanja Härkönen.

The band’s previous guitarist Samuli Federley had to withdraw from the band due to lack of time, but Härkönen is very pleased with Aitor Jimenéz joining the band – there were big boots to fill, and they have fit Aitor’s feet perfectly.

The newly released What I’ve Known, spiced with a big beat, is a song of big emotions for Härkönen as well.

“The lyrics are about stepping into the shoes of someone who experiences bad cognitive dissonance and is unable to accept a new perspective or being wrong. The song is an invitation to question what you have learned,” says Tanja.

Although the song is easily recognizable as a Parashyne song, the band’s sound has changed somewhat from previous releases.

“The development towards a heavier metal direction also continues, if you compare the new single to the material from two or three years ago,” Härkönen adds.

Parashyne is:
Vocals: Tanja Härkönen
Guitars: Aitor Jimenéz
Bass: Sofia Kaipainen
Drum programming: Tomas Kasprzyk

PARASHYNE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY

“Even though everything is fine, things are different inside your head” – Shadecrown’s new single and music video ‘Inadequate’ out now

Finnish melodic death/doom metal band Shadecrown is set to release their fourth studio album 0 on July 25th 2025 via Inverse Records. 

The third and last single ‘Inadequate’ was unleashed on June 25th with a music video.

 

The band comments single:
“The song is about feelings of inadequacy and the difficulty of appreciating your own achievements. Even though everything is fine, things are different inside your head.”  

LISTEN to ‘Inadequate’ single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/shadecrown-inadequate

Biography:
The Finnish Shadecrown is a versatile melodic death metal band founded in Viitasaari in 2012, whose melancholic melodies and lyrics tell stories about the dark side of life. The band has released three full-length albums so far: Agonia 2016, Riven 2019, Solitarian 2021. The fourth album 0 will be released in 2025.

WATCH music video of first single ‘The Art of Grieving’ https://youtu.be/pPIwGDcOgRQ

WATCH lyric video of second single ‘Tear-Blind’ https://youtu.be/ypr8Mivciyc

Line-up:

Jari Hokka – Vocals
Joonas Vesamäki – Guitar
Tomi Tikka – Guitar
Saku Tammelin – Keyboards
Janne Salmelin – Bass & clean vocals
Kalle Varonen – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/shadecrownband
https://www.instagram.com/shadecrownband
https://shadecrown.bandcamp.com

SECRET RULE Launches New Music Video “Echoes Of The Earth” Off Upcoming 10th Studio Album “X”

Rockshots Records and Secret Rule are excited to announce the release of the band’s new single “Echoes Of The Earth,” accompanied by a music video and available on all digital platforms starting from June 24th. The track is the second preview of Secret Rule’s highly anticipated tenth studio album “X”, due for release late 2025.

With “Echoes Of The Earth”, Secret Rule explores a more introspective and spiritual side of their sound. The song blends heavy grooves, atmospheric tension, and layered electronics, creating a powerful and immersive soundscape. Lyrically, it reflects on the human need to reconnect with what is real and primordial in a chaotic, artificial world.

“It’s about listening for something ancient to guide you. I wrote the lyrics during a time when I needed to feel grounded again. That chorus is the moment of awakening,” says vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo.

Guitarist and producer Andy Menario adds:

“We wanted a track that felt direct and alive—something that could carry both chaos and order, like a dialogue between the modern world and the earth itself.”

Fresh from a 15-date European tour with Temperance and Induction earlier this spring and gearing up to hit major summer festivals across Europe, including Masters of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal), Secret Rule continues to prove they are entering a bold new chapter.

Listen to “Echoes Of The Earth” at the following links:

Digital (Spotify): https://lnk.to/K8cHIS​

Music Video: https://youtu.be/NXuMLHQyMds​

​

First Single “Just A Sacrifice”:

Listen to the single (Spotify): https://lnk.to/H61jMl​
Music Video: https://youtu.be/8yyd_1TLZAA​

SUMMER FESTIVALS:​
27.06.25 ES – Imperium Rock Festival
12.07.25 CZ – Masters of Rock
20.07.25 PT – Laurus Nobilis
​
​ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals​
​ANDY ‘MENARIO’ MENARINI: Guitar​
​SOFIA BASILI: Bass​
​ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums

More info: ​
​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

Website: https://www.secretrule.it​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretruleband​
​Instagram: https://instagram.com/secret_rule_official​

ABOUT SECRET RULE:

Formed in 2014 by vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo and guitarist/producer Andy Menario, Secret Rule has emerged as a powerhouse in the symphonic modern metal scene. Now joined by Andrea Miazzetto (drums) and Sofia Basili (bass), the band seamlessly blends crushing metal riffs, cinematic symphonic layers, and cutting-edge electronic elements, all elevated by Angela’s commanding and emotive vocals. Hailing from Italy, Secret Rule has attracted audiences worldwide with their unique sound and high-energy performances.

With nine studio albums, the band has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre, crafting richly layered compositions and thought-provoking lyrics. Their dedication to musical innovation has earned them a global following and a reputation as trailblazers in modern metal.

Career Highlights:

Extensive Touring – Secret Rule has performed in over 20 countries, sharing the stage with renowned acts like Delain, Serenity, Visions of Atlantis, Rage, Xandria, Kobra and the Lotus, and Semblant. They have also delivered electrifying performances at major festivals such as Barcia Metal Fest, Metal Fest Event – Femme, Camorock Festival, Rock Castle Open Air, Rock Fest Prague, and Festo Die Hydra.

Critically Acclaimed Discography – Albums like “The Key to the World” (2017), “Against” (2020), and “The Resilient” (2022) have garnered widespread praise for their innovative soundscapes and polished production. In May 2019, “The 7 Endless” was ranked 20th among the best imported albums in Japan’s esteemed BURRN! Magazine.

Streaming & Video Success – With millions of streams across Spotify, YouTube, and digital platforms, Secret Rule’s music continues to reach a growing global audience. Their hit “The Song of the Universe” has amassed over 2 million views, highlighting their international appeal.

High-Profile Collaborations – Secret Rule has worked with iconic musicians from Within Temptation, Sonata Arctica, Delain and Firewind, further cementing their status as a dynamic force in the genre.

Chart Success – Their singles have hit the Top 10 on iTunes rock/metal/all-genre charts in Finland, Japan, Italy, Canada, and Norway.

Hungarian Heartkiller released the last single and music video from their upcoming debut album

Hungarian metal band Heartkiller is set to release their debut album ‘Üdv A Világomban (Welcome To My World)’ on August 15th 2025 via Finnish Inverse Records.

The fourth and last single ‘Életre ítélv’ was released on June 24 with a music video.

“Hi Guys!
Sometimes you find that the person you trusted, the person you planned your future with, the person you wanted to build a new life with, is not really the person you once fell in love with. You try to compromise and please the other person, but sooner or later you realise that, you are denying yourself if you give in, resulting in a bleak, empty life. Instead, stand up for yourself, end the suffering, accept the pain and then, go on your way with your head held high! One way or another, you have to live. That’s what happened to me a few years ago. That’s what this song is about.”
-Nagy Gábor “Kenny”

LISTEN to Életre ítélv on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/heartkiller-eletre

WATCH ‘Hajsza közben’ music video which is a cover of famous Hungarian rock band Prognózis: https://youtu.be/qn7jABUQXEQ

WATCH ‘Lépned muszáj (Néha fáj)’ music video: https://youtu.be/xxt8KOr2wKs

PRE-SAVE album on Spotify/Deezer

Line-up:
Scream, vocals and backing vocals – Nagy Gábor “Kenny”
Lead guitar – Kis Sándor
Rhythm guitar – Szabó Loránd
Bass – Gulybán Márton
Drums – Csiszár Gábor
Guest appearances on Hajsza közben:
– Vocals and backing vocals – Vörös István- Vocals and backing vocals, solo guitar – Arany Máté (Akela)

Links: 
https://heartkillermusic.hu
https://www.facebook.com/heartkillermusic
https://www.instagram.com/heartkillerhungary
https://www.tiktok.com/@heartkillermusic?

Jack The Joker announce debut album “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” out August 22

Progressive metallers Jack The Joker are thrilled to announce that they will release their debut album “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” on August 22, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Following the first two singles “Denied” and “Sun”, the quartet share the new track “Between The Sky Lines”, along with an official video.

“Between The Sky Lines” is a gaze beyond the blinding glow of our cities, a song for the forgotten skies observable from the countryside. It’s a reminder of how small we are, in a world that still breathes, suffers, and endures beyond the edge of our comfort”, the band commented.


Pre-Order “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” HERE

Jack The Joker is a modern progressive metal band with a twist, hailing from the Northeast of Brazil. The band consists of Raphael Joer (vocals) Felipe Faco and Lucas Colares (guitars), Gustavo Pinheiro (bass), and Vicente Ferreira (drums).

What sets Jack The Joker apart is their ability to incorporate traditional cultural influences from their homeland, infusing elements of maracatu, forró, baião, and frevo into their sound. Their music draws inspiration from the iconic Brazilian novel of the same name, navigating the metaphysical backlands where human will clash with the raw forces of nature.

Their instrumental approach mirrors this thematic landscape, using regional rhythms as a foundation for dense, complex arrangements and layered compositions that fuse tradition with the intensity of progressive metal.

The band has already made a name for themselves in the modern prog scene with their 2024 singles, generating buzz with their blend of cultural authenticity and musical innovation.

Produced by Adair Daufembach (Angra), “The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” is an ambitious, genre-blending journey that will delight fans of technical metal, groove, and melody alike. Jack The Joker bring a fearless and refreshing perspective to the progressive metal genre.

“The Devil To Pay In The Backlands” Tracklist:

1.    Devir
2.    Between The Sky Lines
3.    Denied
4.    XV
5.    Neblina
6.    Sun
7.    You Where I Belong
8.    Thousand Witnesses
9.    Cabaret
10.    Saudade
11.    Hope

Line Up:
Vocals – Raphael Joer
Electric/Acoustic Guitars – Felipe Facó e Lucas Colares
Bass Guitars – Gustavo Pinheiro
Drums and Percussions – Vicente Ferreira

Follow JACK THE JOKER:
Facebook
Instagram
X

Unén announce debut album “Forever Winter” set for release on August 29

Finnish melodic metal band Unén are thrilled to announce the release of their debut album, titled “Forever Winter” and set for release on August 29, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The track “Black Heart” is available today, along with an accompanying official video.

 

Pre-Order “Forever Winter” HERE

Vocalist Stina Girs talked about writing the new song:

“Black Heart was the first song I was given to shape with lyrics and vocal melodies, and it instantly resonated with me. The title had been echoing in my mind for a while, and the moment I heard the music, I knew – this was it. The song dives deep into the darkness of a toxic relationship, one ruled by manipulation and control at the hands of a narcissist. But at its core, the song is about reclaiming your strength. It’s the breaking point – the moment you rise, take back your power, and refuse to be broken”.

Talking about the album, the band said: “Forever Winter” began to take shape in the spring of 2023, marking a real turning point for us with the arrival of our lead vocalist, Stina Girs. At the time, we had a handful of instrumental tracks in progress – including an early version of what would become “Black Heart” – but when Stina started working on the material, her passion and emotional depth brought everything to life”.

“The creative energy between us took off, and with multiple composers in the band, the songs came together quickly. Musically, the album moves through driving melodic rock, cinematic progressive metal, and moments of haunting stillness – tied together by Stina’s powerful, expressive voice”, they added.

Unén continued: “Lyrically, “Forever Winter” is deeply personal. Stina poured her own lived experiences into every song, transforming pain into melody and storytelling. Each track is a chapter in a journey of catharsis, resilience, and rebirth. Over the following year, we focused on shaping the sound and capturing the heart of the album – an intense but rewarding process that led to our signing with Frontiers Music, who believed in our vision from the beginning. Now, “Forever Winter” is ready to meet the world, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created.”

Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Unén are a modern melodic metal band, whose music also incorporates elements ranging from progressive to pop, blending intensity with sensitivity in its sound.

Unén was originally founded in late 2021, laying the foundation for the band’s musical style. In 2022, Unén focused on composing and refining production independently, resulting in the release of two self-published tracks. However, after a rollercoaster year, there was a need to change the lineup to accelerate production.

The word “Unén” was derived from the band’s original idea that lyrics would be based on the world of dreams. However, due to lineup changes, this concept took a different direction, but the name remained.

In the beginning of 2023, there was a shift in Unén’s lineup due to the change of lead singer, which notably accelerated all activities. The band members coming together was a series of fortunate coincidences and determined searches, including encounters with old acquaintances. The right people had found each other.

In May 2023, Unén released their first single “Made Of Stone (cover)” with new lead singer Stina Girs, who rose to national attention after placing 5th in the Finnish TV show “Idols” in 2010. She later signed a solo contract with Sony Finland, releasing two Finnish language albums.

Inspired by the sound of Evanescence, the current lineup of Unén showcases their unique identity and creative direction. The band has since focused solely on original compositions, with each member contributing equally to the creative process. Bound together by their passion for music – despite having completely different day jobs – Unén stands out for its collaborative spirit and emotionally rich sound.

“Forever Winter” Tracklist:

1.    Prelude For The Wicked
2.    My Love’s Broken
3.    In My Bones
4.    Black Heart
5.    Forever Winter
6.    Sky
7.    Game Over
8.    Ice Queen
9.    Spoil Me
10.    Rose
11.    Disappear
12.    I Will Always Find You

Line Up:
Stina Girs – vocals
Kimmo Pitkänen – guitars
Petteri Sinervä – keyboards
Harri Moilanen – guitars
Tomi Kallava – bass
Timo Larjo – drums

Follow UNÉN:
Website
Facebook
Instagram