Author: Crix

Toronto Prog DEREV Explores The Inner Beast With New Lyric Video “Darker Self” Off Debut Album “Troubled Mind”

Wrapping up their Western Canadian Tour this past May, in support of their first full-length, “Troubled Mind”, Toronto prog rock Derev is sharing their latest lyric video “Darker Self”. It is the album’s closing track and speaks of embracing our true selves. Specifically, the instinctual, animalistic side we often suppress in an attempt to please others. Ignoring the value that this side of us brings in dire times renders us weak, fragile, and miserable.

“Our darker self is portrayed as a beast in hibernation, the lyrics start by enticing this animal to ‘Rise up and shake the dust off..”. As the song progresses, we begin to understand the true value of these traits that were deemed disgraceful and learn to embrace them, rather than bury them,” adds the band.

Watch and listen to “Darker Self” – https://youtu.be/lLDZfkebxkM​

Derev‘s new album “Troubled Mind” is the follow-up to their 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith,” and takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility (a fixation on the past), and depression stemming from loss.

Offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

The band adds:

“This album is very personal and introspective. It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”

Derev was conceived after founding member and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

Derev‘s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on “Troubled Mind”.

Recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Soen, and Riverside, “Troubled Mind” was released on March 26th, 2025, and is available at https://www.derevmusic.com/store (on Vinyl, CD, Tour Pass) and all digital platforms (Spotify, Bandcamp).

Music Video – “Tides of Time” – https://youtu.be/rklJp_t3CdM​

Lyric Video – “Cyclone” – https://youtu.be/1il9zsnxl0U​

Animated Video – “Room 9” – https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M​

Live Video – “Cyclone” at Supermarket in Toronto – https://youtu.be/lhwZR9ItKIo​

​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Buried Voice (7:23)
2. Cyclone (5:39)
3. Crawl Space (1:16)
4. Room 9 (6:15)
5. Paracusia (4:35)
6. Tides of Time (5:59)
7. Darker Self (5:44)
8. Trace Within (5:01)
​
​Album Band Line Up:​
Adel Saflou – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys
​
​Live Band Line Up:​
Mike Symons – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys

More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic​

About: “Divided by war, United by music”

Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.

After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

Derev’s debut release, “Leap of Faith,” melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of the traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.

The band’s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev’s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who replaces previous singer Adel Saflou, who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering “Troubled Mind”. Symons’ compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.

As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album, “Troubled Mind,” on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.

Discography:
2025 – Troubled Mind – LP
2021 – Leap of Faith – EP

LET SHADES DO Shake International Metal Scene with First Single

LOST is the debut single from LET SHADES DO, a new heavy metal project born in Italy from the collaboration between composer, guitarist, and vocalist Alex Under and lyricist and vocalist Candice Hellish, featuring contributions from renowned international musicians such as Zachary “Zak” Stevens (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle), Giovanni Giuliani (Shinedirt), Neil Zaza (Neil Zaza Band), Brooke St. James (Tyketto, Lionsheart), Maestro Mistheria (Vivaldi Metal Project, Bruce Dickinson), Oliver Holzwarth (Sieges Even, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire), Andrea Ra (Andrea Ra Band), Enrico “Chan Choosy” Cianciusi (Headless, Neil Zaza Band), and John “Mac” Macaluso (TNT, Ark, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Romeo).

LOST is the first chapter of a four-part series featured in the band’s upcoming debut EP. The song explores themes of inner turmoil, loss of self, and the search for a guiding light in a world adrift. Its powerful sound and dark atmosphere well represented in the intense official video available on YouTube, reflect the band’s artistic identity: a distorted yet sharp vision of reality, hitting listeners with raw emotional intensity and cutting-edge sonic impact.

The track was written by Alex Under (music) and Candice Hellish (lyrics) and features:
– Alex Under: guitar and vocals
– Candice Hellish: vocals and lyrics
– Oliver Holzwarth: bass
– Enrico “Chan Choosy” Cianciusi: drums

LOST is a scream in the dark, a manifesto of resistance that paves the way for the debut EP, soon to be released by Volcano Records & Promotion.

Listen to LOST on all digital platforms https://music.imusician.pro/a/69CEKExZ/

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/letShadeSdo

Pressure Points Video Interview

Pressure Points is a melodic metal act founded in Heinola, Finland, in the summer of 2004. Its music has been described as exceptional in the field of melodic and progressive metal, blending many different styles with a strong sense of melody combined with innovative and dynamic constructions.
After their debut in 2011, the band released two albums, “False Lights” (2015) and “The Island” (2023). In late 2024, they released two new singles, “The Chase” and “Shapeless”. Now the band is focusing on writing their fourth album, while continuing to perform live.
We had the chance to sit down with drummer and founder of the band Vili Auvinen and talk about their long career, the upcoming album, gigs and much more.

https://linktr.ee/pressurepointsofficial
https://www.facebook.com/PressurePointsBand
https://instagram.com/pressurepointsofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@pressurepointsofficial
https://pressurepointsfin.bandcamp.com

Omnivortex & Vanguardian live at Mera Klubi, Pori (Finland) 24.5.2025

On May 24th, Meara Klubi delighted the audience in Pori with two stratospheric bands: Vanguardian and Omnivortex.

Vanguardian is an extreme metal band that ruthlessly combines the influences of all its members in its own style and gives the middle finger to art that is shabby, inauthentic and insensitive.  The band demonstrated in their performance professionalism, technique, energy and fun. No musical base or sampling during the live, only drums, bass, guitar and screams. The rhythmic part leaves the audience breathless, rare to find drummers and bassists of this level, especially in the underground scene.

Omnivortex is a technical/blackened death metal band that presents their music in a frenetically twisted and ever-changing way. Be it clean melodic passages or raw, dissonant chugs with explosive bass and endless slaps, the band always have new ideas to offer the listener. The band’s performance was a wave of pure energy, fun and headbanging. The work of the drummer is remarkable, as in addition to being the rhythmic base he is also one of the singers of the band.

If you have the chance to see these two bands live, don’t miss them, they are really worth it and will leave you speechless.
Here are some shots taken for you by Cristina Gregori.

Rock icon Glenn Hughes returns with new album “Chosen” out September 5th

Rock legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Hughes returns with his new studio album “Chosen”, set for release on September 5th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
To mark the announcement, Glenn shares the title track, along with an accompanying music video, available now.

This year will also see Glenn Hughes busy touring across Europe and South America, with “The Chosen Years” tour starting in Zoetermeer, Netherlands, on September 2nd, and ending on November 29th in Bogota, Colombia. For the full list of dates, please see below and HERE.

Pre-Order “Chosen” HERE

Commenting on the new album, Glenn stated: “Songwriting is deeply personal to me, and l generally write and record when I have something to say. It’s been nine years since I recorded my last solo album, “Resonate”. There have been recordings and collaborations with other artists, since 2016”.

“When writing “Chosen”, I went back to my life drawing board, writing about the human condition, love, hope, faith and acceptance. I write about how I feel on the inside and not externally. My life is lived from within, in the present moment. It’s an album of soul food, and I’ve never been so grateful, right here, on planet earth. Music is the healer!”, he added.

Vocalist/bass guitarist/songwriter Glenn Hughes is a true original. No other rock musician has carved such a distinctive style blending the finest elements of hard rock, soul and funk. That astonishing voice is his calling card. He’s known as a singer’s singer. Stevie Wonder once called Glenn Hughes his favorite white singer.

After a nine years hiatus as a solo artist, Glenn Hughes is back with “Chosen”, his brand-new solo record: an album which presents Glenn in his most hard rockin’ fashion. An explosive record that offers Glenn Hughes at its absolute best with a state-of-the-art album, both from a songwriting and production standpoint. A truly captivating return!

Glenn Hughes, a native of Cannock, England, absorbed all kinds of influences, including early British hard rock, the Beatles and, most importantly, American soul and R&B. The sleek Motown sound from Detroit and the gritty Stax/Volt sound from Memphis left their mark on him.

Glenn Hughes first found success in the early ’70s with the band Trapeze, before joining Deep Purple in 1973 during a pivotal lineup change that introduced him and David Coverdale to the group. Despite initial scepticism, the revamped band silenced critics with the release of “Burn” (1974), a powerful album that revitalized Purple’s sound and remains a classic.

During this era, the band headlined the iconic California Jam in front of over 300,000 fans, toured the world aboard their private jet The Starship, and released two more studio albums, “Stormbringer” and “Come Taste The Band”, before disbanding in 1976.

Glenn’s first solo album “Play Me Out” was released in 1977. He joined former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form Hughes/Thrall, which released an acclaimed self-titled album in 1982. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Glenn Hughes made countless guest appearances (both credited and un-credited) as a vocalist, bass guitarist or songwriter on other artists’ albums. The endless list includes – among others – Gary Moore, John Norum, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.

Since 1992, Glenn has started a prolific solo career with a dozen studio albums where he explored all the different sides of his songwriting and influences: from hard rock to funk and more contemporary sounds. He collaborated – among others – with such musicians as Chad Smith (RHCP), Dave Navarro, John Frusciante and many others.

He also founded or took part in some amazing musical alliances such as California Breed (with Jason Bonham and Andrew Watt), Black Country Communion (with Joe Bonamassa) and The Dead Daisies.

Glenn has collaborated with Robbie Williams on his new single “Rocket”, which was released on May 22nd, 2025. The track also features a collaboration from Tony Iommi and will be the first time Glenn has been featured on a record with Tony since 2005, when they released “Fused” together.

Glenn Hughes has also recently joined forces with Satch Vai, a new collaboration by legendary guitar icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, by writing and singing on their new single “I Wanna Play My Guitar”.

“Chosen” Tracklist:

1.    Voice In My Head
2.    My Alibi
3.    Chosen
4.    Heal
5.    In The Golden
6.    The Lost Parade
7.    Hot Damn Thing
8.    Black Cat Moan
9.    Come And Go
10.    Into The Fade

Line Up:
Glenn Hughes – Vocals
Soren Andersen – Guitar
Ash Sheehan – Drums
Bob Fridzema – Keys

Follow GLENN HUGHES:
Facebook
Instagram
X
Website

THE CHOSEN YEARS TOUR 2025 – TICKETS HERE:

02/09 – De Boerderij – Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
04/09 – Fabrik – Hamburg, Germany
06/09 – Kulturhaus Stadtgarten – Neuruppin, Germany
08/09 – Klub Studio – Krakow, Poland
10/09 – Progresja – Warsaw, Poland
12/09 – Alter Schlachthof – Dresden, Germany
14/09 – Club Vaudeville – Lindau, Germany
16/09 – Hirsch – Nuremberg, Germany
17/09 – Spectrum – Augsburg, Germany
19/09 – Muziekgieterij – Maastricht, Netherlands
20/09 – Doornroosje – Nijmegen, Netherlands
22/09 – Capitol – Mannheim, Germany
24/09 – Z7 – Pratteln, Switzerland
26/09 – Festiviteten Bar & Scene – Hamar, Norway
28/09 – Byscenen – Trondheim, Norway
30/09 – Hyvinkääsali – Hyvinkää, Finland
01/10 – Tampere-Talo – Tampere, Finland
03/10 – Kulttuuritalo – Helsinki, Finland
04/10 – Madetojansali – Oulu, Finland
14/10 – O2 Academy – Bristol, UK
15/10 – Guildhall – Portsmouth, UK
17/10 – KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, UK
18/10 – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – London, UK
21/10 – O2 Ritz – Manchester, UK
22/10 – Boiler Shop – Newcastle, UK
24/10 – Rock City – Nottingham, UK
25/10 – The Garage – Glasgow, UK
11/11 – Opinião – Porto Alegre, Brazil
13/11 – Mister Rock – Belo Horizonte, Brazil
14/11 – Circo Voador – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
16/11 – Vip Station – São Paulo, Brazil
18/11 – Tork n’ Roll – Curitiba, Brazil
20/11 – Abbey Road – Mar Del Plata, Argentina
21/11 – Arena Sur – Buenos Aires, Argentina
23/11 – Club Paraguay – Córdoba, Argentina
25/11 – Teatro del Huerto – Salta, Argentina
27/11 – Teatro Coliseo – Santiago, Chile
29/11 – Teatro C.E.G – Bogota, Colombia

Multi-hued modern metal with a new generation’s sense of style – STORM released a joint song with Fixation

Norwegian STORM has been signed to Indie Records since he was in middle school, proving that the future of Norwegian heavy music is in good hands. The artist, who enjoys widespread international popularity, joins forces with Fixation, with the single Suffocating released today. The artists’ shared story goes back many years.

“I’ve been working with the guys from Fixation since I was 11 years old. Martin Selen produced my debut EP Invincible, and he mixed the entire upcoming album. Fixation was the first band to make Norwegian heavy music feel like it could have a global impact,” says STORM.

Fixation frontman Jonas W. Hansen says he immediately noticed that Suffocating was special:

“Suffocating emerged as a very special song during the editing process. It had to sound like both STORM and Fixation, so we added a breakdown and more edge and grit.”

“Suffocating is a middle finger to all preconceived expectations. It’s about not being put into a mold or silenced. It’s about the rage that comes when people see your independence as a threat. When the song sings ‘I’m a demon,’ it doesn’t mean evil, it’s about how people treat you when you stop being nice. I’m ready to fight so that no one can stifle my voice,” STORM comments.

The song was released with a chilling music video. The video was shot in the middle of winter in Trondheim, Norway. The video, directed by Helmet Productions, features Jonas performing a demonic version of STORM.
“He was standing in the freezing water screaming while I sat in the warm trailer watching him fully immerse himself in the role of the demon,” STORM laughs. “He looked scary, which is funny because he’s one of the nicest guys I know.”

Suffocating is more than just a song. It’s a boundary-pushing collision of two expressions, two generations, and two artists. The result is raw, intense, and unapologetically authentic. It’s a statement that in 2025, Norwegian heavy music still has something new and important to say.

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Progressive metal layered with Finnish melancholy – Marsh Tea Releases Long-Awaited Debut Album ‘Disturbances In Movements’

After nearly being laid to rest, Marsh Tea makes a triumphant return. Known for crafting emotionally intense and technically intricate progressive metal, the Jyväskylä-based band made an immediate impression with their first singles, like ‘Mirrors’, ‘Chairs’, and ‘Convert My Dreams’. Single’s sparked high expectations for the band’s debut album, but when the album was ready to be released, Marsh Tea went to halt.

Following a period of reflection and the formation of a new lineup, fans of progressive metal are treated today with the full experience of ‘Disturbances In Movements’ album. Originally recorded by the band’s previous lineup, the release marks both a cleansing of the slate and the beginning of a new chapter in Marsh Tea’s story.

“’Disturbances In Movements’ is an album that reflects a deep personal confusion – the feeling of being insignificant”, says bassist and founding member Nils Ursin. “There’s a lot of anger and despair channelled into these songs. The lyrics are fragments of thoughts; words shouted in my head during difficult moments. Letting them out was a form of relief. The album has a personal narrative for me, one that formed as I worked through the lyrics with Valtteri Revonkorpi. But that is a story I don’t want to reveal – I hope that listeners find their own stories in the music.”

“The track called ‘Grown’ is about the moment when you recognize the person in the mirror as yourself again – for the first time in a long time. I’ve always promised to be there for my loved ones. My intentions were strong, but somewhere along the way I lost myself. I became transparent and invisible. I carry scars that aren’t mine. I wish I didn’t have to, but there’s no other option. My self-image is slowly returning, though sometimes I have to remind myself of who I am.”

The Disturbances In Movements album was created by Nils Ursin together with Valtteri Revonkorpi (drums) and Teemu Liekkala (guitars, vocals, mixing). When Ursin expressed a desire to take the project live, Revonkorpi and Liekkala stepped aside to focus on their other project, Rioghan.

“Once the album was finished, my hunger for more grew out of proportion. That led to a situation where our time together with Teemu and Valtteri just wasn’t enough anymore. I pushed hard to get the band ready for live shows—too hard, in fact. When they left, Marsh Tea was ready to be buried. But with the encouragement of people close to me, I decided to give it one last chance.”

Marsh Tea’s new lineup includes an impressive roster of professional musicians:
– Tony Kaikkonen (Red Eleven) – vocals
– Mikki Rousi (Dead Season, ex-Humavoid) – guitar
– Jaska Raatikainen (Children of Bodom, Mercury Circle) – drums
– Nils Ursin (Trio Niskalaukaus) – bass

The band is currently working on new music with the refreshed lineup. Ursin confirms that live performances are also on the horizon – once the time is right.

‘Disturbances In Movements” track listing:
1. Chairs
2. Convert My Dreams
3. Breathe
4. Peel Me
5. Rain
6. Another Tear
8. Mirrors
9. Stenched Pride
10. Grown

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Sublime Eyes Returns With New Album IV: The Serpent`s Coil – First Single Wrath From The Sky Out Now

From the rainy shores of Stavanger, in the southwest of Norway, Sublime Eyes has relentlessly moved towards bigger stages and a broader audience. Over the years, they have shared the stage with some of the bigger names in metal, and no matter where Sublime Eyes performs, the crowd is always left with sore necks and an adrenaline rush like nothing they’ve experienced before.

Now, the epic and thrashing melodeath onslaught is back with their most majestic release yet! We present the album IV: The Serpent’s Coil, which will be released on 5 September 2025, via Wormholedeath.

More brutality, more melody, more groove, and more energy. This is Norwegian melodic death metal cranked up to eleven! The sound is more epic and powerful than ever, as Sublime Eyes has taken the best elements of their previous releases and injected fresh inspiration into their new album, leaving the metal crowd trembling all the way to their raised horns.

Chugging riffs, relentless drumming, epic soundscapes, blazing guitar solos, tasty bass, and ferocious vocals. These are just a few of the explosive elements that await you on this album, as well as some great guest appearances!
If you enjoy bands like Testament, At The Gates, The Black Dahlia Murder, Machine Head, and Insomnium, then this album is for you!

Raise your horns, crank up the volume, and let IV: The Serpent’s Coil take you on a melodic death metal odyssey you won’t forget.

www.facebook.com/SublimeEyesBand
www.instagram.com/sublimeeyesband
www.tiktok.com/@sublimeeyesband

Hellsinki Metal Festival expands to the waves of the Baltic Sea – First Hellsinki Metal Cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm on November 7th

Hellsinki Metal Festival will put on a black leather vest and set sail for the end of the year! The first Hellsinki Metal Cruise will be held from 7th to 9th November, when the Viking Cinderella will be loaded with metal music and a side program with artist meetings on its journey from Helsinki to Stockholm and back.

The first performers of the two-night metal cruise, which is intended to be a tradition, will be revealed soon, but promoter Toni Törrönen is already giving a hint of what is to come:

“The Hellsinki Metal Cruise will be very similar in spirit to the Hellsinki Metal Festival. And this is not limited to the bands, but also to the spirit of the entire cruise. There will also be other programs that I hope will be a hit,” Toni says with a smile.

All tickets and cabin classes for the cruise are now on sale at: www.vikingline.fi/hmc.

www.hellsinkimetalfestival.fi

Sabaton’s new single Hordes of Khan released with cinematic music video

Sabaton announced this spring that they have signed with Better Noise Music. With the new recording contract, it was naturally time to announce the release of the band’s 11th studio album! The first taste of the upcoming album was released in April, when the Templars single saw the light of day.

Today, it’s the turn of the next taster in the form of the Hordes of Khan single. Vocalist Joakim Brodén says that the story of Genghis Khan is really interesting, and much more profound than they had initially expected:
“The song ended up having a lot more depth than we expected. Genghis Khan was not just a conqueror, he was a complex figure who left behind a huge legacy. He built the largest unified empire in history, and his influence continued to grow even after his death. Honestly, we couldn’t have chosen a more appropriate subject for Sabaton’s new direction!

The band’s bassist Pär Sundström adds:
“Joakim wanted to write a proper heavy metal song, and we happen to know that many of our fans appreciate pure and damn heavy metal! That’s what Hordes of Khan represents. When you listen to it with your eyes closed, you can easily imagine Genghis Khan riding into battle.”

Hordes of Khan is being released with a cinematic music video set in the future. It was filmed at the Natural History Museum in London and Harrow School. The main character is a young girl who plays in a band and loves Sabaton. However, she will not have the chance to see the band live, because in 2039 all wars have ended. The world is now at peace, and there are no more wars – and therefore no more Sabaton. The girl sneaks her band into the museum to see an exhibition about Sabaton. Inside, they are greeted by a hologram that tells them that Sabaton’s instruments have magic that brings history to life. Ignoring the warning, the children grab the instruments and start playing. This brings Genghis Khan to life, and that’s when things get really exciting!

The children in the music video didn’t just want to look like they were playing instruments – they really wanted to learn how to play the song and perform it properly. At first, it was thought to be too challenging, but everyone learned the song by heart.

“We were really proud of them all! The sound in the video is playback, of course, but each of them knows their part and can really play Hordes of Khan! The son of our former drummer Daniel Mullback played the drums and acted in the video. He pulled it off with a professional touch. A true top drummer for the future!”, Sundström enthuses.

Sabaton will kick into touring in the fall, starting in Australia next September, followed by Europe.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE