Category: Press Releases

HYPERSPACE METALFEST Reveals First Batch of Bands for 2026 Lineup with SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, LYCANTHRO and more

Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METAL FEST, is gearing up for its 7th edition after another year packed with unforgettable, high‑energy performances. Taking place at The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, and at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18, the festival has unveiled its first wave of 2026 performers, including SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, WITCH KILLER, OPHELIA FALLING, LYCANTHRO, THORSGUARD, VALLEY OF DESPAIR, with more bands to be announced soon.

“We are beyond stoked to finally announce the first wave of bands for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will be headlining night 1, which will have a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you’ve been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let’s rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!” adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.

Hyperspace Metal Festival VI – April 16th – 18th.​
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at http://hyperspace-vii.eventbrite.ca/​

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/858534116963447​

HMF 2026 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29rcYoWLyYXPFyN7OKdPDB?si=7Kke2MVVSyS6v_Lxe5-KSg​

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This year’s headliner, Sanctuary, is making their exclusive Canadian HMF appearance a very special one as they will be performing their highly praised 1990 album “Into The Mirror Back” in its entirety.

The American heavy metal band Sanctuary was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1985, and quickly became a key part of the city’s influential heavy metal scene. The band’s sound, centered on the distinctive high-pitched vocals of the late Warrel Dane and established them as a prominent force. Their debut album, Refuge Denied (1988), was notably produced by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, helping to launch the band into the global metal consciousness. Sanctuary gathered supporters all around the globe, upping the ante considerably when unleashing the darker, more refined masterpiece that is “Into the Mirror Black” in 1990. While the grunge style brought the band’s commercial career to an unfortunate halt, the end of the band’s first phase meant the rise of Nevermore, who released several much-acclaimed albums via Century Media Records between 1995 and 2010. In 2011, Sanctuary reformed and celebrated their live comeback, performing at high-profile festivals such as Wacken, Metalcamp, Bloodstock, and 70K Tons Of Metal cruise. In 2014, they released “The Year The Sun Died” and landed at #39 in the German charts. In 2017, the restored and remixed 1986 demo recordings were released as the historical “Inception” release, which charted at #53 in Germany. On December 13th, 2017, vocalist Warrel Dane tragically passed away. The band initially embarked on a tribute tour, recruiting Witherfall singer Joseph Michael to fill the vocal spot. The reaction to Michael’s performances was very positive, and the band chose to continue with the focus shifting to new material. The band is aiming to deliver a unique sound that remains familiar to die-hard fans. The current lineup of Sanctuary includes Joseph Michael on vocals, alongside original members Lenny Rutledge (guitars) and Dave Budbill (drums), and George Hernandez on bass. Sanctuary has, and always will be, a two-guitar band and will have a second guitar player for all upcoming live shows. You can catch the band performing special sets of Refuge Denied or Into The Mirror Black at festivals in 2026.

The band is actively working on a new full-length album, tentatively titled Transmutation. Sanctuary is eager to bring a new show and new music to Europe and the rest of the globe once again! See you on the road!

​https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/​

Video – Future Tense – https://youtu.be/v5NCBaPE3k0​

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Forced to cancel their 2025 performance at HMF, Owlbear has its sights set to take the stage at the 2026 edition. Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. A rapid exchange of demos led to the creation of their debut album Chaos to the Realm, and the runaway success of that release in 2023 transformed the band from a remote project to a full-fledged outfit, with their debut live performance occurring at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024. Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous role-playing game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that is equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the release of their widely praised sophomore album Feather & Claw, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon.

​https://www.facebook.com/OwlbearMetal​

Lyric Video – Hawkriders Of The Waste – https://youtu.be/1AXFZ3ZmF5o​

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Atavistia (HMF Alumni) is a Canadian symphonic melodic death metal band that blends aggressive riffs, cinematic orchestrations, and melancholic atmospheres. The band has built a strong international following, particularly across Europe, through consistent releases and extensive touring alongside established acts. Known for their powerful live performances and polished production, Atavistia continues to push their sound forward while remaining rooted in melodic death metal.

​https://linktr.ee/atavistia​

Video – Eternal Oceans (Reforged) – https://youtu.be/vthxzis6lzs​

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From Montreal and Stockholm, Voidchaser is a progressive metal band. Since their inception in 2023, the band has quickly gained momentum with standout, high-caliber singles that have resonated across North America, South America, and Europe, earning widespread attention from influential outlets such as Prog Magazine, Decibel Magazine, The Progspace, Prog-Sphere, Metal Universe, and others.
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In 2024, they released Solace, their 30-minute debut concept album written as a single continuous piece. Fusing crushing riffs, intricate arrangements, and evocative storytelling, the record ranges from the explosive Only Human (featuring Ashbreather) to the haunting acoustic ballad Alien. The album quickly amassed over 250,000 streams on Spotify, charted on Apple Music and iTunes top metal albums in multiple countries across Europe, North America, and South America, and solidified their status as one of prog metal’s most promising new voices.
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Their follow-up EP, Trust (2025), features collaborations with Jim Grey (Caligula’s Horse), members of The Anchoret and Universe Effects, and over 10 contributors from around the world.
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Voidchaser will embark on their debut international tour in summer and fall 2025, including performances at ProgPower Europe (25th Anniversary), the inaugural ProgStorm Festival in Montreal, and shows alongside Threshold, Kingcrow, Vulkan, Nospūn, Omnivide, Ok Goodnight, and Lux Terminus.

​https://www.voidchaser.net/​

Video – Time (feat. Universe Effects) – https://youtu.be/nnxaEiAmBv4​

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Artificial Language is a progressive rock/metal band from Fresno, California, crafting music that blends technical precision with cinematic atmosphere. Since emerging in 2017, the group has built a reputation for intricate songwriting, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged performances that push the boundaries of modern prog.
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Their sound fuses soaring melodies with complex rhythmic interplay, creating immersive sonic landscapes that reward both casual listeners and devoted prog fans. With a style that bridges the intensity of metal and the expansiveness of progressive rock, Artificial Language has carved out a distinct identity in the genre.
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The band continues to evolve through ambitious studio work and compelling visual storytelling, including striking releases like their “Skinwalker” music video.

​https://www.artificiallanguagemusic.com/​

Video – Skinwalker – https://youtu.be/nyHudUCLQIM​

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Forged in Ottawa’s early‑’80s metal underground, Witchkiller emerged as one of Canada’s most compelling contributions to the era’s heavy metal surge. Blending the power and theatricality of classic heavy metal with the melodic intensity of the NWOBHM movement, the band quickly carved out a cult following with their commanding musicianship and dramatic songwriting.
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Formed in 1981 by drummer Steve Batky and guitarist Kurt Phillips, Witchkiller solidified their place in metal history with their iconic 1984 EP Day of the Saxons, released through Metal Blade Records. The record’s soaring vocals, galloping riffs, and apocalyptic themes cemented its status as a collector’s favourite and a defining release of Canadian metal’s formative years.
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Despite lineup changes and an initial split in 1985, the band’s legacy only grew. Witchkiller re‑emerged in 2012 with renewed fire, reuniting key members and introducing their sound to a new generation of fans. Their return has been marked by a resurgence of interest in their early work, new recordings, and a revitalized presence in the metal underground.
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Today, Witchkiller stands as a testament to the enduring power of true heavy metal spirit, a band whose influence continues to echo through collectors, die‑hard fans, and the modern revival of traditional metal.

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064302991214​

“Day of the Saxons” LIVE Headbangers Open Air 2025 – https://youtu.be/zcVtxUuhRmk​

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Emerging from Vancouver’s rain‑soaked streets, Ophelia Falling (HMF Alumni) delivers symphonic metal at its most powerful, soaring vocals layered over driving power metal, orchestra, and choir. Formed in 2013 by guitarist Mark Anthony Richardson, the band found its voice when powerhouse singer Chelsea Rose joined in 2015, leading to the creation of early fan favourites like “Savage Love” and “Anybody’s Daughter.” With James Meyer on board, their explosive 2018 debut made them one of Vancouver’s most talked‑about metal acts, quickly landing them on the stage of the Rickshaw Theatre for Hyperspace Metal Festival.

Bassist Sylvain Maltais joined in 2018, helping propel the band through a breakout period that included their 2019 EP Savage Love, soundtrack placements in Karen Lam’s The Curse of Willow Song and Kevin Schultz’s Guiltless, and performances at Wacken Battle Canada (BC Finals) and Calgary’s Decimate 2.0 Festival. Drummer Chris Pallot completed the lineup in 2020.

Their debut album, “Destroyed in Delight,” arrived in October 2020, featuring the single “Tangled” and the track “Save Me,” selected for gameplay by Hipsterbait. Songs from the album continue to receive college and internet radio play worldwide. With multiple music videos released and more in production, Ophelia Falling is now writing new material and gearing up for their return to the stage.

​https://www.opheliafalling.com/​

Music Video – Destroyed in Delight – https://youtu.be/ksRUe2mCS5I​

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Lycanthro – Photo Credit – Dana Zuk

Lycanthro (HMF Alumni) is an enigmatic power metal band hailing from Ottawa, Canada. Their unique fusion of power, thrash, and traditional metal delivers an epic soundscape that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Savatage, W.A.S.P., Bling Guardian, and more, Lycanthro proudly hunts in the world of true metal. Calling out to the realms of classic horror, pop culture, and mythology, their music is a journey through the imagination via tales of personal struggle and howling victory. After an early demo and EP, their critically acclaimed full-length album, Mark of the Wolf (2021), showcased powerful storytelling, dynamic arrangements, and even collaborations with a chamber choir. Lycanthro has hunted on stages such as Power Metal Quest Fest in the UK, Legions of Metal in Chicago, and is fast inviting a worldwide audience to join the pack. Now, after joining US-based metal label Psychomanteum Records, the wolven-metal outlanders are hard at work crafting their highly anticipated second album for release in 2025. With every note, Lycanthro proves that the howl never dies, the hunt never ends, and the night is never quiet. IN METAL WE TRUST!

​https://lycanthrometal.com/​

Video – Far Beyond The Walls – https://youtu.be/g5ImX4EEwjk​

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Thorsguard is an epic Viking metal project forged in the cold winds of Alberta, Canada. Founded in early 2022 by multi‑instrumentalist and vocalist Damien Hicks, known artistically as The Skald, the band was created with a singular purpose: to revive the ancient sagas through thunderous riffs, sweeping melodies, and battle‑hardened storytelling. According to public listings, Thorsguard is based in the Edmonton/Sherwood Park region and is driven by a passion for Norse myth, warrior culture, and cinematic metal soundscapes.
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Drawing inspiration from genre giants such as Amon Amarth, Sabaton, Ensiferum, Equilibrium, and Brothers of Metal, Thorsguard blends melodic death metal, folk elements, and symphonic textures into a sound that feels both mythic and modern. The project’s lyrical themes revolve around Viking exploits, legendary battles, and the enduring spirit of the North, all delivered with the dramatic flair of a wandering skald recounting heroic deeds by firelight.
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With its roots planted firmly in epic metal tradition and its eyes set on the horizon, Thorsguard stands ready to carve its name into the modern Viking metal landscape one saga at a time.

​https://www.facebook.com/THORSGUARDofficial​

Stream – Danelaw – https://youtu.be/A1Hmt5TBLJs​

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Valley of Despair is an independent Canadian metal band blending together elements of modern rock, power metal, and thrash. The Edmonton, AB-based group released their debut EP “Burn At The Stake” on November 29th, 2024. The EP charted #1 at college radio stations across Canada and landed a spot on the Earshot National Loud Chart.

Valley of Despair toured with their EP across Western Canada in 2025 with festival stops in Armstrong, BC, and Yellowknife, NT. VoD is preparing to write their full-length debut with plans to release new music in 2026.

The band consists of Cheryl Leia (vocals & rhythm guitar), TJ Buggins (lead guitar), Joel Croft (Bass), and Preston Lehoux (drums).

​https://valleyofdespair.ca/​

Video – Burn At The Stake – https://youtu.be/vJcccWhNpUs​

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To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2026, please visit the following links:
​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​

Festival Press Materials Dropbox HERE.

Over the six editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator, Enforcer, Psyhostick, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Into Eternity, Witherfall, Lunar, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.​

Start Off 2026 with Norwegian Rock Maiden LILY LÖWE’s New Single “Love Like This” From New Album “Beautiful Disaster” Out On February

Norwegian melodic hard‑rock band Lily Löwe unveils “Love Like This”, the final single before the release of their upcoming sophomore album “Beautiful Disaster,” due out on February 6, 2026. A soaring, emotional power ballad, “Love Like This” closes the album with intensity, vulnerability, and the kind of unforgettable hook that lingers long after the last note.
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​“Love Like This is the end. It’s a strong power ballad that sticks to your head for a long time,” adds the band.
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​“Love Like This” arrives as the ninth and final track on “Beautiful Disaster”, a record built on contrasts: strength and fragility, chaos and clarity, darkness and release. The single showcases Lily Löwe’s signature blend of big riffs, emotional storytelling, and commanding vocals, but with a more cinematic, heartfelt edge.
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​“This album is all killer, no filler, every track hits different. We want to give fans a real experience, that feeling of power, emotion, and release you get when music truly hits. Each single represents a different side of who we are as a band,” adds the band.
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​“Love Like This” embodies that mission. It’s the emotional exhale after a record full of fire, a final moment of catharsis that ties the album’s themes of desire, transformation, and inner conflict together.
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Listen to “Love Like This” at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcHP4C9MwvI​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/1JMj25qB8oisfjfg40XU6n​
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​“Beautiful Disaster” explores the tension between vulnerability and power, both lyrically and musically. The album moves between raw emotion and high energy, blending modern production with the heart of classic hard rock.

Across its nine tracks, listeners are taken through a world of dark atmospheres, heavy guitars, and dramatic storytelling, from the haunting introspection of “Haunted House” to the glam‑punk chaos of “Glitter & Gore”, the explosive rebellion of “Wild”, and the emotional storm of the title track “Beautiful Disaster.”

The album’s writing process begins with vocalist Lily, who crafts toplines, hooks, and lyrics before the rest of the band builds the songs into full‑scale rock anthems.

“It starts with Lily’s ideas, but we build everything together; it’s 100% a team effort,” the band explains.

Formed after Lily’s solo debut at Melodi Grand Prix 2022, Lily Löwe quickly grew into a full band featuring some of Norway’s top heavy rock talent: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt (Jorn), Patrik Svendsen (Tonic Breed), Stian Hansen (Suicide Bombers), and Eiliv Sagrusten (Invasion). Their debut album LÖWE earned critical acclaim, and their upcoming release promises to push boundaries even further.
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With “Beautiful Disaster” arriving February 6, 2026, Lily Löwe is gearing up for a year of new music, live shows, and expanding their international footprint.

Previous Videos:

Haunted House – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5AF-owxPc​
Glitter & Gore – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BbJj1HISHI​
Puppet Master – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xs3dLGsyk4​
Wild – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cX8I3PDkao​

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Track Listing:​
1. Demons – 2:49
2. Haunted House – 3:26
3. Puppet Master – 2:43
4. Beg For Your Life – 2:54
5. Beautiful Disaster – 2:54
6. Glitter & Gore – 2:36
7. Our Secret – 3:36
8. Wild – 2:48
9. Love Like This – 3:15
Album Length: 27:06
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​Album Band Lineup:​
Lily Löwe / Lill Sofie Wilsberg: Vocal
Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt: Guitar
Eiliv Sagrusten: Drums
Patrik Svendsen: Bass
Stian Hansen: Guitar
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​Album Credits:​
Album Cover Photo: Jarle Nyttingnes
Mixed and Mastered: Jonas Holteberg Jensen (The Woods Norway)
Mastered for Vinyl: Steve Kitch
Demons – Producers: Ola Frøyen, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Co-producer: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Songwriters: Elsbeth Rehder, Ola Frøyen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt

https://www.lilylowe.com | Facebook.com/iam.lilylowe | Instagram.com/iam_lilylowe​

Bastion Rose Explores the Beauty of Transience with New Single “Dust”

Building on the global momentum of their David Bottrill-produced debut Traces of Gold, cinematic hard rock outfit Bastion Rose returns with a haunting and philosophical new single, “Dust.” The track serves as the lead offering from their newly announced second album, Blue Rising.

While the band continues to see massive success with the ongoing promotion of Traces of Gold—an album produced by three-time Grammy-winner David Bottrill (Tool, Rush, Peter Gabriel)—the release of “Dust” marks a prolific new chapter for the project. Bastion Rose is striking while the iron is hot, expanding their sonic universe with a track that captures the band’s signature blend of monumental riffs and atmospheric depth.

The song explores the inevitable fading of all things—a theme that sits at the very heart of the Bastion Rose identity.

“I have always been fascinated and disturbed by the inevitable fading of everything,” says frontman Austin Frink. “Our lives are temporary. Everyone you love, everything you are… it will eventually return to dust. But there is a power in that realization. You can use the transience of all things to know that in times of struggle, you can eventually rise above whatever hole you have fallen into.”

Musically, “Dust” leans into 90’s alternative metal influences as well as the classic aggressive hard rock that landed the band acclaim in Metal Hammer, SPIN, and Classic Rock Magazine.

The announcement of the single coincides with the reveal of the band’s next studio record, Blue Rising. Arriving only 2 months after the release of Traces of Gold, while the album remains a fixture on rock charts and playlists, Blue Rising delves deeper into the foundational themes of resilience and the “Cinematic Hard Rock” scope that has become the band’s calling card.

With over 1.5 million streams earned in the last year and a rapidly growing YouTube community of 60,000 subscribers, Bastion Rose is positioning themselves as one of the most compelling and active new voices in rock.

STREAM “DUST” NOW: https://linktr.ee/bastionrose

Bastion Rose is a high-impact hard rock project blending 1970s tones with 21st-century cinematic atmosphere. With a David Bottrill-produced debut and over 1.5 million streams, the band specializes in a sophisticated brand of ‘heavy’ that emphasizes both technical precision and raw emotional honesty.

bastionrose.com
facebook.com/bastionrosemusic
instagram/bastionrosemusic
youtube.com/@bastionrosemusic
www.tiktok.com/@bastion.rose
Spotify –tinyurl.com/SpotifyBastionRose

CITOVITZ AND FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY Surprise Release “My Story” – A 12 Track Album of Survival, Truth And Unspoken Pain

In an unexpected New Year’s Day release, Citovitz and Fireflies of February—the musical partnership of songwriter and guitarist Andrzej Citowicz and his wife, Shereen Shoukry Citowicz—have released “My Story,” a surprise 12-track album available now on all major streaming platforms.
Unlike their recent Italian Christmas collaboration, “My Story” represents something far more personal and unexpected: an entire album where Andrzej composed every song, but Shereen wrote all the lyrics—transforming 53 years of lived experience, overlooked pain, and unspoken trauma into music.
A SURPRISE ALBUM BORN FROM SURVIVAL
“My Story” arrives without advance promotion or industry fanfare—released on January 1st, 2026, as an honest beginning to a new year following one of the darkest periods in the couple’s life.
“This album wasn’t planned as a surprise release,” Andrzej Citowicz explains. “But after everything we’ve been through—the loss of our son, the grief, the struggle to keep breathing—we realized this couldn’t wait for traditional album cycles or marketing strategies. These songs needed to exist in the world. My wife’s words needed to be heard. On the first day of 2026, we wanted to give something real, something honest, something that might help someone else who’s been overlooked, unappreciated, or broken by life.”
The 12-song collection translates trauma into music, grief into melody, and survival into art—continuing the couple’s evolution from Andrzej’s deeply personal “Living Room Rockstar Part 2” (dedicated to their stillborn son Jonasz) through their Italian Christmas singles, and now into this complete collaborative statement.
SHEREEN’S VOICE: 53 YEARS OF UNTOLD STORIES
While Andrzej Citowicz has spent years processing emotion through music, “My Story” marks the first time his wife Shereen has claimed the narrative entirely through her own words.
“My wife sums up her 53 years of life in this album,” Andrzej states. “It is her message to the world—a world that was often cruel and unfair to her. She was overlooked and unappreciated for so long. With my music, she is voicing her own traumas and laying out the truth. If you too are overlooked and unappreciated, this is for you.”
The discovery of Shereen’s remarkable voice during their Italian Christmas recordings revealed one hidden dimension of her talent. “My Story” reveals another: her ability to transform personal pain into universal truth through lyrics that speak for anyone who has been dismissed, diminished, or denied.
“These aren’t just her stories,” Andrzej emphasizes. “They’re the stories of everyone who was told they didn’t matter, everyone who carried trauma in silence, everyone who survived what they were never supposed to survive. She’s giving voice to all of that. Every lyric comes from lived experience. Every word is earned.”
“NOW I UNDERSTAND” – THE ALBUM’S OPENING STATEMENT
Leading the album is “Now I Understand,” accompanied by a lyric video released simultaneously on New Year’s Day.
“This song is crucial,” Andrzej explains. “It represents that moment when everything suddenly makes sense—when you look back at your life and understand why things happened the way they did, why you had to go through what you went through, why the pain had purpose. My wife wrote these lyrics from a place of hard-won wisdom. After 53 years of being overlooked, she finally understands her own story. And now she’s sharing that understanding with anyone who needs it.”
The lyric video allows listeners to connect directly with Shereen’s words—to read, absorb, and recognize their own experiences reflected in her truth.
“We wanted people to see the lyrics as they listen,” Andrzej notes. “These words matter. They deserve to be read, considered, felt. This isn’t background music. This is someone’s life, translated into language that might help someone else survive theirs.”
FROM LOSS TO MUSIC: TRANSLATING EVERYTHING
The couple’s recent journey—from the devastating loss of their son Jonasz to the revelation of Shereen’s musical gifts—has been marked by their choice to transform unbearable pain into creative expression.
“We translate everything into music and lyrics,” Andrzej states simply. “It’s how we survive. After losing Jonasz, music was the only language I had. Now, with ‘My Story,’ my wife has found her own language too. We’ve taken the hardest moments of our lives—loss, grief, trauma, being overlooked and unappreciated—and we’ve made something from them. Not to glorify the pain, but to prove that even the worst experiences can be transformed into something that matters, something that connects, something that helps.”
The album continues the musical evolution established in their earlier collaborations, with Andrzej’s guitar-driven compositions providing the foundation for Shereen’s unflinchingly honest lyrics.
“I write the music from my heart,” he explains. “She writes the lyrics from her lived experience. Together, we’re creating something neither of us could make alone. That’s what ‘My Story’ represents—two people who’ve survived the unsurvivable, creating art from the wreckage.”
A MESSAGE FOR THE OVERLOOKED AND UNAPPRECIATED
Throughout “My Story,” the album speaks directly to those who have felt invisible, dismissed, or denied their truth.
“If you’ve ever felt like the world didn’t see you, like your pain didn’t matter, like your story wasn’t worth telling—this album is for you,” Andrzej emphasizes. “My wife spent 53 years being overlooked. She spent decades with her trauma unacknowledged, her experiences diminished, her voice unheard. ‘My Story’ is her way of saying: I was here. I survived. My story matters. And so does yours.”
The surprise release on New Year’s Day carries symbolic weight—a declaration that new beginnings are possible even after profound loss, that voices can be found even after decades of silence, that stories can be told even when the world tried to silence them.
“Starting 2026 with this album feels right,” Andrzej reflects. “It’s a statement of survival, of resilience, of refusing to let pain have the final word. My wife’s lyrics prove that even when life has been cruel and unfair, you can still create something beautiful from what tried to destroy you.”
TECHNICAL AND ARTISTIC APPROACH
Musically, “My Story” maintains Citovitz’s signature approach—guitar-driven compositions influenced by classic rock craftsmanship while embracing contemporary production techniques. But the lyrical focus shifts entirely to Shereen’s perspective, creating an album that balances Andrzej’s melodic sensibility with Shereen’s narrative truth.
“I wanted the music to serve her words,” Andrzej explains. “Every guitar line, every arrangement choice, every production decision was about creating space for her lyrics to breathe, to be heard, to land with the weight they deserve. This isn’t a guitar showcase. This is her story, supported by my music.”
The 12-track collection covers the full range of human experience—from trauma to healing, from being overlooked to being seen, from survival to understanding.
“We didn’t hold anything back,” he states. “These songs are honest about the hardest parts of life. But they’re also honest about hope, about resilience, about the possibility that understanding can come even after decades of pain. That’s what ‘My Story’ offers—not false optimism, but earned hope.”
CONTINUING THE JOURNEY: FROM ITALIAN CHRISTMAS TO “MY STORY”
“My Story” follows the couple’s Italian Christmas singles “Notte Di Stelle” and “Un Altro Domani,” which marked their first musical collaboration and the discovery of Shereen’s vocal abilities.
“Those Christmas songs revealed that my wife had this incredible voice,” Andrzej recalls. “But ‘My Story’ reveals something deeper—that she has stories that need to be told, experiences that need to be voiced, truth that needs to be heard. The progression feels natural. First, we discovered she could sing. Now, we’re discovering what she needs to sing about.”
The couple’s evolution from Andrzej’s solo grief processing in “Living Room Rockstar Part 2” through collaborative holiday celebration and now into full album-length storytelling demonstrates music’s capacity to hold everything—from individual mourning to shared joy to collaborative truth-telling.
“Every project has been necessary,” he reflects. “‘Living Room Rockstar Part 2’ was me trying to survive losing Jonasz. The Italian Christmas songs were us celebrating life and partnership after that darkness. ‘My Story’ is my wife claiming her own narrative after 53 years. They’re all connected. They’re all part of the same journey from loss toward healing, from silence toward voice, from alone toward together.”
AVAILABILITY AND FUTURE PLANS
“My Story” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and all major streaming platforms. The lyric video for “Now I Understand” is available on YouTube.
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/49gPbwNQGB0?si=HyRO5EaJ66dNk4Wu
The couple plans to continue their collaborative work, with more music from the “My Story” collection to be promoted throughout 2026.
“This is just the beginning of my wife’s voice being heard,” Andrzej promises. “She has more to say. The world needs to hear it. And I’ll keep writing music that gives her the platform she deserves—the platform she was denied for too long.”
STREAMING LINKS:

French post-metal quintet Sick Sad World release ‘Deuil’: An immersive journey into grief and darkness

Six years after the haunting echoes of Imago Clipeata, French post-metal quintet Sick Sad World returns with their most ambitious work to date. Having bridged the silence with a raw reimagining of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” and the claustrophobic intensity of their “Lockdown” studio session, the band has emerged with Deuil—a 41-minute immersive journey through the five stages of grief.

This release serves as a visceral soundtrack to a story of profound loss, charting a slow, deliberate ascent from the depths of sorrow back toward the light.

The sonic odyssey begins with Denial, a nine-minute descent into a suffocating atmosphere of hypnotic guitars and pained, primal cries, before transitioning into the melodic clarity and rising intensity of Bargaining, which acts as a desperate plea for hope against fate.

The descent continues through the dark, leaden weight of Depression and its heartbreaking interlude, leading directly into the crushing riffs and raw agony of Anger—a moment of pure power that evokes the atmospheric titans of the genre, from Memories Of A Dead Man to Cult Of Luna. Finally, the cycle breaks with Acceptance, where relentless double-pedal percussion eventually gives way to luminous melodies, closing the album on a defiant note of hope.

Boasting a production that is massive, powerful, and pristine, Deuil captures a band at the height of their technical and emotional prowess. It is more than an album; it is a conceptual immersion that demands the listener take the time to truly feel every shadow and every spark of light.

Italian Melodic Death KARMIAN New Single “Beastmaster Of The Void” From Upcoming Album “Horror Vacui” Out March 2026

Italian melodic death metal force KARMIAN open a new and uncompromising chapter with the release of their first single, “Beastmaster of the Void”, taken from the forthcoming full-length “Horror Vacui“. The track arrives accompanied by an official visualizer published on the Rockshots Records YouTube channel.

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/PMCdGh​

“Beastmaster of the Void” stands among the album’s most direct and unrelenting compositions – a surge of sharp riffing, relentless pacing, and psychological intensity. Drawing from the real-life crimes tied to the Bestie di Satana case, the song transforms adolescent alienation, obsession, and spiritual distortion into a violent descent through the existential void that defines the entire record. Here, the band channels the chaos, confusion, and moral collapse at the heart of the narrative, turning true events into stark allegory.

The single also offers a first glimpse into the conceptual breadth of “Horror Vacui“: a collection of nine songs, each inspired by a different Italian murderer, revealing how psychological emptiness, social disintegration, and spiritual vacuum mutate into violence. Rather than glorifying crime, the album examines the roots of human collapse – the internal abyss that corrodes empathy, identity, and meaning. Musically, it merges the ferocity of melodic death metal with narrative tension and introspective depth, confirming the band’s distinctive approach to extreme music.

“Horror Vacui” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi at Audiocore Studio, with artwork and the new Karmian logo created by Sheila Franco. All songs were written by Andrea Baraldi and Nicholas Badiali, with lyrics by Andrea Bertolazzi and arranged collectively by Karmian.

With a career stretching from their early beginnings in 2005 to their present incarnation, Karmian have become one of the most distinctive voices of Italian melodic death metal, known for merging aggression, drama, and conceptual storytelling. Their upcoming full-length marks their most mature and introspective work to date, deepening the psychological and existential focus that has defined their evolution.

For fans of: The Haunted, Kataklysm, Heaven Shall Burn, At The Gates, early Dark Tranquillity, and early In Flames.

New album “Horror Vacui” out March 20th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “Horror Vacui” – https://rockshots.eu/products/karmian-horror-vacui-cd​

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Track Listing:​
1. One Thousand Shining Bubbles – 06:38
2. Beastmaster of the Void – 03:21
3. Gott Mit Uns Nicht – 04:38
4. The Call of the Abyssal Bell – 06:17
5. Black Magical Soap Opera – 03:54
6. Temple of the Fleshless Goddess – 03:23
7. Libido et Mors – 03:40
8. Beyond the Dream Gate of Fear – 04:16
9. Maker of Angels – 04:43
Album Length: 40:50

Karmian Line-Up:​
Andrea Bertolazzi: Vocals
Andrea Baraldi: Guitars
Michele Perla: Guitars
Luca Marmi: Bass
Nicholas Badiali: Drums

Originating from Modena, Italy, Karmian stands as one of the most consistent and distinctive voices in Italian melodic death metal, forging a sound that blends raw aggression, melodic nuance, and strong conceptual depth. Their music draws from the sharp-edged intensity of the Swedish tradition while embodying a uniquely Italian sense of drama, history, and emotional resonance.

The band’s earliest incarnation dates back to 2005, when founders Andrea Baraldi, Mauro Leone, and Nicholas Badiali formed a project under the name When the Storm Broke. Though the group disbanded in 2009 after several lineup changes, the experience laid the foundations for what would later become Karmian. In 2011, the founding members revived the project with the addition of vocalist Andrea Bertolazzi, giving rise to the definitive identity of the band and solidifying their path within melodic death metal.

Karmian debuted in 2012 with the EP “Ways of Death”, a conceptual release exploring psychological decline and the “ways of death” – themes that would become central to the band’s artistic identity. Years of touring across Italy and Europe further strengthened their presence within the extreme metal scene, leading to their first full-length album, “Surgere et Cadere” (2018). Rooted in historical and mythological narratives, the album recounts the struggle of the Celtic Boii tribe against the Roman Empire, showcasing the band’s lyrical ambition and intricate musicianship.

Following extensive touring, including performances with Dying Fetus, Mortuary Drape, and Venom Inc., Karmian released “Live at Slaughter Club” (2022), a testament to their intensity and authenticity on stage. After the pandemic years, the lineup evolved with the arrival of Luca Marmi (bass) and Michele Perla (guitars), marking the beginning of a darker, more elaborate creative phase.

This evolution culminates in their most ambitious work to date: the 2026 full-length “Horror Vacui”, recorded at Audiocore Studio with Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi. The album explores the psychological and existential void behind real acts of Italian murder and madness, transforming nine true-crime cases into allegorical portraits of emptiness, collapse, and human frailty. Musically, “Horror Vacui” expands the band’s soundscape through intricate dual-guitar writing, powerful rhythmic structures, and Bertolazzi’s blend of guttural intensity and narrative expressiveness.

Across their discography, Karmian have built a reputation for merging conceptual storytelling with extreme metal intensity. Whether navigating historical epics or psychological abysses, their work is defined by a commitment to exploring the deeper forces that drive human behavior – resistance, decline, obsession, and the void within. “Horror Vacui” stands as the culmination of this journey: a mature, uncompromising statement of artistic vision, philosophy, and melodic death metal identity.

​https://rockshots.eu/​
https://www.instagram.com/karmian_official/​
https://www.facebook.com/KarmianBand/​

Norway’s ALIEN ORCHESTRA Unveils New EP “Under My Pale Skin”

Oslo-based cinematic metal project ALIEN ORCHESTRA unveils its new EP “Under My Pale Skin”, a deeply personal and emotionally charged release that brings together the full artistic and conceptual arc previously introduced through the singles “Inside The Worn Shell”, “The Last Horizons”, and “Svært Mysterium”.

Written in the aftermath of founder Jan “EpicAlien” Batista Mojdis’ battle with leukemia and subsequent bone marrow transplant, “Under My Pale Skin” stands as a sonic chronicle of near-death experience, recovery, and renewed purpose. The EP captures a fragile yet powerful emotional spectrum where sorrow, resilience, and hope coexist within a carefully sculpted cinematic metal framework.

Musically, Alien Orchestra blends orchestral arrangements, ambient textures, and evocative “alienscapes”, creating soundscapes that feel equally suited to introspective listening and cinematic storytelling. Each track represents a different emotional stage of the journey: from isolation and inner struggle to reflection, healing, and forward momentum.

The EP features an acclaimed lineup of collaborators, including Simen Sandnes (Evergrey, Shining, Temic) on drums and percussion and Mats Haugen (Circus Maximus) on lead guitars for “The Last Horizons”. All songs were written by EpicAlien, with production handled by Drop RMX at Downtone Studio in collaboration with EpicAlien himself, ensuring a cohesive and deeply atmospheric sound.

With “Under My Pale Skin”, Alien Orchestra further defines its identity as a studio-focused project, where ambient elements are enriched by cinematic soundscapes. The EP also serves as a tribute to those who fought similar battles and did not survive, with a particular emotional dedication to children affected by serious illness.

This release not only completes the narrative introduced by the recent singles but also lays the foundation for Alien Orchestra’s next chapter, anticipating a more expansive full-length album currently in development.

“Under My Pale Skin” is available now on all digital platforms.

LISTEN to“Under My Pale Skin”: https://lnk.to/W4p0ay​

Music Video – The Last Horizon – https://youtu.be/axo2XZjI8gA​

Visualizer – Svært Mysterium – https://youtu.be/O6-WN7v2-xw​

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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

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.”

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

LET SHADES DO Released New Single ‘Straight Hell’

Volcano Records & Promotion is proud to present ‘Straight Hell’, the new single by LET SHADES DO, available on all digital platforms.

Straight Hell marks the final chapter of the four-part series that accompanied the band’s debut, a powerful and dark sonic journey featuring major names from the international metal scene, where intense lyrics meet razor-sharp riffs. With Straight Hell, the duo led by Alex Under and Candice Hellish draws the listener into a dystopian dimension where pure souls are corrupted by power and salvation seems almost impossible to attain. The track, defined by its dramatic atmosphere and evocative arrangements, features top-tier international musicians, including John Macaluso as special guest on drums, alongside Brooke St. James and Maestro Mistheria. Candice Hellish’s lyrics explore themes of rebellion, despair, and awakening, while Alex Under’s musical composition crafts a sonic fresco of energy, depth, and emotional impact. Recorded at Acme Recording Studio, Straight Hell confirms the project’s unique artistic signature: powerful, narrative-driven, and emotionally compelling metal.

 

“It seems I have crossed a dimensional gap… in the new unworld, aimlessly lobotomized creatures suffer the tyranny of the Lord, pure and fragile souls, educated by the demons of power, develop disturbed energies… I prayed for a chance, and my salvation hangs in the balance… Am I destined to become one of them?…”

Also listen to earlier singles:
–‘No More Lies’: https://youtu.be/vLPjxhlrytw
–‘Lost’: https://music.imusician.pro/a/69CEKExZ/ and: https://youtu.be/ICBpPIjamr4?si=5F-6pn4JVGi7QpTP
–‘A New Unworld’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Df4Ax4ohAo

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

French heavy metal band The Losts released their third studio album ‘Venom Within’

The French dark and melodic heavy metal band The Losts, formed in 2010, released their third studio album Venom Within via Finnish record label Inverse Records on December 19th 2025.

LISTEN to ‘Venom Within’ album on all major streaming platforms: https://push.fm/fl/the-losts-venom-within 

About Venom Within:

DGC: “With this new record, we wanted to recapture the extreme edge and darkness that Phil Reinhalter (PUTRID OFFAL, MERCYLESS, NOISE EMISSION CONTROL, …) had brought to Mystery of Depths. We also wanted to push the boundaries of production further. Working with Phil again was an obvious choice—we gave him more freedom to push us to our limits. It was a tough ride, but we’re really proud of the outcome.”

PPG: “This album gave me the chance to bring in my groovy vision of the bass. On the last record, I had just joined the band and the production was already far along, so I couldn’t really express myself freely. Here, thanks to Phil’s work, the bass stands out and adds a unique soul to the songs.”

YGC: “The Losts has always been a playground for the diversity of our tastes and personalities. But with Venom Within, we’ve delivered our most collective work so far—a true statement of music with many faces, forged together into one vision.”

JCR : “The artwork for this new album is the remarkable creation of independent artist Alec Vladski. Together, we envisioned it as a kind of ‘cabinet of curiosities.’ Since the concept of The Losts ultimately questions the very notion of existence, what better way to illustrate it than through the struggle for survival—at every scale of life?”

BIOGRAPHY:

THE LOSTS is a Dark & Melodic Heavy Metal band from the North of France, touring since 2010 in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It has shared stages with bands such as SERENITY (Austria), DIRTY SHIRT (Romania), ZORNHEYM (Sweden), LONEWOLF (France), WIZARD (Germany), KING HEAVY (Chile), CAPILLA ARDIENTE (Chile), DRAKKAR (Belgium), FIREFORCE (Belgium), DOOMOCRACY (Greece), LOUDBLAST (France), and many more.

The music of THE LOSTS, always led by a melodic side, reflects the tastes of each member. Thus, Hard, Dark, Black, Doom, Thrash, Oriental, even Rock, enrich the Heavy Metal which represents the roots of the band. The band cites MEGADETH as well as ARCTURUS, MERCYFUL FATE, JINJER, THERION or even IMMORTAL for major influences.

All the lyrics and designs are linked by the same concept: the mythology of the “Losts”, a fictional story and a pretext to portray a satire of our societies. Born from nowhere and driven by a thirst for humanity, these characters draw closer to human civilizations. As their story unfolds through the songs, they embody and then question the essence of human nature, its power, and the meaning of existence.

Formed by DGC (guitars), JCR (drums), YGC (vocals/guitars) and GGV (bass), this line-up released its first self-produced EP, “No God, No Devil”, in 2013. This EP received a warm welcome from the musical media (reviews in Metallian and Rock Hard France for example). In 2016,  its debut full-length album “…Of Shades & Deadlands”  was released in partnership with Ellie Promotion. The artwork was designed by the renowned Stan W. Decker. Thanks to sales and media coverage, the album reached audiences beyond Europe, gaining traction in Asia and South America, with enthusiastic feedback from both the press and fans.

In 2020, during the recording of the second album, GGV left the band. This marked the first lineup change, welcoming PPG on bass — a new member who brought fresh energy and direction to the band. This new formation completed “Mystery Of Depths”, produced by Phil Reinhalter at WaveLight Studio (PUTRID OFFAL, MERCYLESS, NOISE EMISSION CONTROL, HYLDR…) and mastered by Frédéric Motte at Conkrete Studio (LOUDBLAST, ETHS, GOROD, TGOO,…). The cover art was created by American artist Chadwick St John, known for his work with DARKTHRONE. Released in 2021 in collaboration with Ellie Promotion and distributed by Season of Mist, the album received critical acclaim and was included in several “Best of 2021” lists across the international metal press. The band has also appeared on numerous compilations (Howl, Pavillon 666 sampler, Ultraje Portugal sampler, French Metal, etc.).

“Venom Within”, the third album, is once again mixed and mastered by the duo Phil Reinhalter and Frédéric Motte. The 11 new tracks continue the musical exploration that defines THE LOSTS, pushing boundaries while offering a wide playing field where a multitude of vocal “characters” come to life. Released under Inverse Records, the Finnish label that has placed its trust in the band, this new creation is eager to claim its place in today’s musical landscape.

Line-up:
DGC – Lead & rhythm guitars, thrash & backing vocals
JCR – Drums, extreme & backing vocals
PPG – Bass guitars, backing vocals
YGC – Lead & backing vocals, lead & rhythm guitars

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/TheLostsBand
https://www.instagram.com/thelostsband 
https://thelosts.bandcamp.com

Arched Fire is back with a banger! The new single “So Far” reveals a rarely seen side of the Finnish metal band

Arched Fire is back with a banger! The new single “So Far” reveals a rarely seen side of the Finnish metal band. 

LISTEN to ‘So Far’ single: https://push.fm/fl/arched-fire-so-far

“I went through Kristian’s demo folder and found this gem of a song that had been lying there for a while already”, says Ari Väntänen. “I thought it had a great hook and that it would be cool to release something different for a change. I mean, we aren’t really known for pretty ballads, are we?” 

More mournful than pretty, the song weighs on you like a looming storm until it exploding into a thundering middle part followed by cathartic final choruses, a gem of a song indeed. 

And the lyrics, you ask, what are they about? This is not a love song, that’s for sure.

“The is song about the difficulties in communication. It relates to the false consensus effect, individualism, conformism and neurodiversity”, says Kristian Herkman, the man behind the music and the lyrics.

“In some societies you have to be like the others to cope,” the singer elaborates. “Some people are neurotypical and some are not. Sometimes neither have the best social skills.”

There certainly is room for improvement. Maybe emotional intelligence and structured communication should be subjects in school.

“People like different things and usually they like familiar things,” Kristian continues. “People fear uncertainty, so they want to be in control. Money is power and conformity makes the masses easier to control. The more you know, the more you know what there is yet to understand.”

The temporary line-up on “So Far” is Kristian Herkman (vocals, lead guitar, kantele, 12 string acoustic guitar), Ari Väntänen (rhythm guitar), Mika Rytilahti (bass), Miika Niemelä (keyboards) and Fabio Alessandrini (drums).

Line-up:
Kristian Herkman: vocals
Ari Väntänen: guitar
Mika Rytilahti: bass
Miika Niemelä: Keyboards
Fabio Alessandrini: drums

Links:
https://archedfire.com
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialArchedFire
https://www.instagram.com/arched_fire_official
https://archedfire.bandcamp.com