Category: Press Releases

Prog Rock Visionaries LUFEH Announce New Album “Overwhelmed” Out May 2026 – Streaming First Single “He Commands The Sun and The Stars”

Progressive rock outfit LUFEH returns with their most ambitious and emotionally charged work to date, “Overwhelmed,” the band’s long‑awaited new studio album, set for release on May 29, 2026. Leading the preview to the full-length is the explosive first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” a track that captures the band’s signature blend of technical mastery, soaring melodies, and cinematic storytelling.
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Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, “Overwhelmed” marks a major evolution for LUFEH, musically, lyrically, and creatively. The album introduces the band’s new featured vocalist and electric violinist, Ginny Luke, whose dynamic performances add a new dimension to LUFEH’s sound.
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​“This album is the result of a lot of dedication, maturity, and the realization of a dream. We focused on strong, memorable vocal melodies while keeping the complex musicianship our fans love. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and catchiness,” says founder and drummer Lufeh Batera.
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While LUFEH’s 2020 debut “Luggage Falling Down” leaned heavily into technical, instrumental complexity, “Overwhelmed” takes a more melodic and vocal‑driven approach, without sacrificing the band’s progressive roots.
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“We wanted songs people could sing with us. All eight tracks have choruses that stick with you. It’s complicated music that’s also catchy, and I think fans will really dig that blend,” explains Batera.
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The album features eight meticulously crafted tracks, each around four minutes long, shaped through a collaborative writing process between members in Los Angeles and São Paulo. Despite the distance, roughly 70% of the album was created online, showcasing the band’s modern, global workflow. “Overwhelmed” explores emotional turbulence, spiritual renewal, and the struggle to stay grounded in a chaotic world. From the uplifting message of “Breathe” to the rock‑opera drama of “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” the album blends heavy moments with melodic clarity and introspection.
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​“Overwhelmed” also marks the debut of Ginny Luke as LUFEH’s featured vocalist. An internationally recognized electric violinist and singer, Luke has performed with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Miguel, and many others.
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Her violin appears on three tracks, “Overwhelmed,” “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” and “Live the New Today”, adding a dramatic, orchestral edge to the band’s progressive sound.
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​“Ginny brought a whole new dimension to this album. Her voice and violin transformed the music into something unique and powerful,” adds Batera.

LUFEH’s lineup is built on decades of friendship and collaboration. Guitarist Deio Tambasco and bassist Duca Tambasco have been playing with Batera since the early ’90s in their original band Anno Domini. Their long‑standing chemistry fuels the band’s tight, expressive sound.
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​“We’re all in our 50s, but we feel like we’re 30. We’ve been friends forever. There’s no ego in this band, just honesty, passion, and a lot of love,” adds Batera.

The first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” is a rhythmic tour‑de‑force anchored by Batera’s intricate drumming and a massive, unforgettable chorus. Lyrically, the song explores the rise and unraveling of a powerful figure worshipped by the masses, until the crowd begins to question him.
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​“It’s one of my personal favorites. It’s complex, but the chorus stays in your head. That’s exactly the balance we aimed for,” comments Batera.

Recommended for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Sleep Token, and Tool, listen to “He Commands The Sun and The Stars” at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0WG8j9ovlU​

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/3F0lCl87w8HoigLE1jPOnJ​

Bandcamp – https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/​

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Track Listing:​
1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
2. Breathe – 4:03
3. Double Dip – 4:39
4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
6. Live The New Today – 4:50
7. War of Emotions – 3:50
8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, Lufeh Batera, and Ginny Luke
• All songs written by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, and Lufeh Batera
• Produced by: Gera Penna
• Mixed by: Adair Daufembach
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Lufeh Batera

Album and Live Band Line Up:​
Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
Lufeh Batera – Drums
Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)

More Info:

​http://www.lufehband.com​

​https://www.facebook.com/lufehband​

​https://www.instagram.com/lufehband/​

About:

LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical musicianship with emotional depth, jazz fusion influences, and Brazilian musical roots. Founded by drummer Lufeh Batera, the band is known for its sophisticated arrangements, dynamic performances, and genre‑defying creativity. Overwhelmed is the band’s second studio album, following their 2020 debut Luggage Falling Down.

Rock God Thor Joins Nuclear Messiah For A Taste Of Death Or Glory

As the April 24 release of Nuclear Messiah’s much-anticipated Black Flame concept album draws closer, Cleopatra Records are thrilled to release what even producer Brian Perera describes as “one of the best and most under-rated metal songs of all time”… and all who have heard it agree wholeheartedly.
A deep cut from New Wave of British Heavy Metal heroes Holocaust, “Death Or Glory” … like the remainder of the album … features a dazzling array of all-star musicians to accompany frontman Chris Poland [Megadeth] through the storm.
But with a title like “Death Or Glory,” who more fitting to handle lead vocals than the mighty Thor?
He says, “I had to sing a searing brand of rock on this track as I was amongst strong swords such Chris, Bob Daisley [Ozzy Osbourne], Jurgen Engler [Die Krupps], Glen Drover [Megadeth and Fred Aching [Dead Groove].
“I was psyched, and sang with power and intensity. I was honored to be included on this album along with these great legendary artists.”
Neither is this all you’ll be hearing from Thor over the next few months, as he wraps up​ his next album… which is also the last one he’ll ever make..  Yep, that’s right.  Thor hasn’t just lived the rock ‘n’ roll life — he’s abused his body to keep it like a gladiator: relentless weight training , and pushing through injuries while punishing himself night after night onstage.
And now, it’s caught up with him.
After 40 years and 40 records of bending steel, breaking bones, and driving himself past the limit in the name of rock ‘n’ roll, the wear and tear is real — and Thor is finally stepping away.
But he’s not going quietly.
Over the coming months, he unleashes The Final Battle — and he is resolute.  “It is my ultimate and absolutely final album.  “It’s Ragnarok!”
There’ll be more details and information coming soon.  But don’t fear.  As Nuclear Messiah’s “Death Or Glory” proves, the Thunder God’s hammer is still in full flight, the lightning is blinding, the thunder is explosive… and still “Death Or Glory” is only one of its highlights.
How could it be otherwise, with fellow guest vocalists the caliber of Arthur Brown, Sebastian Bach and William Shatner (himself hard at work on his forthcoming metal album for Cleopatra Records!), and a staggering lineup that represents every era of heavy music, from Vanilla Fudge to the Kings of Thrash, via Guns N’Roses, Uriah Heep, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, UFO, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Testament, Night Ranger, the Michael Schenker Group, Yes and more.
“This record has so many metal icons playing on it,” says Chris Poland.  “It’s really a must for any metal head’s record collection.”
Track listing
1. The Prophet Of Fallout feat. Chris Poland & William Shatner
2. Devil Won’t Let Go feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Vinnie Moore, Vinny Appice, Don Airey, Steve Di Giorgio
3. Death Or Glory feat. Chris Poland, Thor, Bob Daisley, Glen Drover, Fred Aching
4. Ride The Sky feat. Chris Poland, Arthur Brown, Vinny Appice, Alan Davey
5. Dice And Thunder feat. Chris Poland, Rick Wakeman, Ronnie Romero, Bumblefoot, Steve Di Giorgio, Fred Aching
6. For Mad Men Only feat. Chris Poland, Pat Travers, Joe Lynn Turner, Alan Davey, Shawn Drover
7. Nuclear Messiah feat. Chris Poland, Lance Lopez, Greg Walker, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Vinny Appice, Don Airey
8. Look At Yourself feat. Chris Poland, Sebastian Bach, Derek Sherinian, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Carmine Appice
9. She’s So Evil feat. Chris Poland, Joel Hoekstra, David Ellefson, Don Airey, Andrew Freeman, Simon Wright
10. Black Flame feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Jonathan Cain, Phil Soussan, Glen Drover, Chris Adler
11. Electric Burn feat. Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, Joe Bouchard, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler

Finnish Fuzz Rock Quartet Heezer Return with Powerful New Single “Horse”

Great news from the Finnish fuzz rock underground: Heezer are back. The band makes a strong return to the scene with their brand-new single “Horse,” out today alongside an official music video. The track also serves as the first glimpse into Heezer’s forthcoming second album.

With “Horse,” Heezer’s direction is clear — the quartet delivers a gritty and infectious blend of desert rock and stoner energy, driven by shamelessly catchy classic rock melodies and a no-nonsense groove.

According to the band, the song came together fast and with ease.

“‘Horse’ was an exceptional song to write, because the parts and vocal melodies were basically finished in about five minutes,” says vocalist/guitarist Sami Kääriäinen. “Of course we refined it together in pre-production, but the core idea stayed the same. At the time I had a hectic project going on at work and long days, so the song is kind of a reminder to myself of what actually matters.”

However, the track’s place on the album was far from guaranteed.

“This is one those songs, where getting the groove and tempo just right is crucial — otherwise the song just doesn’t work,” drummer Ville Häsä recalls. “We had to rehearse it a lot and were already ready to shelve it completely. But once we got to the studio, we decided to give it a chance, and it turned out so well that we had no choice but to choose it as the album’s first single.”

The accompanying music video underlines the song’s theme of raw, hard work. True to the band’s twisted sense of humor, the visuals feel like a strange collision between Finnish cult comedy Kummeli and the eerie atmosphere of Twin Peaks.

“I don’t know where the idea of sawing wood and messing around in the forest work came to mind, but for some reason Kimmo Koskinen, who shot, directed and edited the video, agreed to do it! We wrote the script together and went off to buy a sled. The shoot itself went smoothly, but after weeks of freezing temperatures, it suddenly got above zero, and after spending the whole day soaked in wet snow, I ended up being sick for three weeks. Well, everything has its price”, Kääriäinen recalls.

Heezer is a band that strongly supports a professional DIY approach. They also feel they’ve taken a major leap forward in their evolution — with stronger songwriting, higher production quality, and a sharper, more confident identity shining through. Still, the core principle remains the same: making music has to stay fun, now and in the future.

Heezer line-up:
Sami Kääriäinen – vocals, guitar
Ville Räsänen – guitar
Antti Vesikko – bass
Ville Häsä – drums

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Whispered returns after years of silence – New single Ikikaere released today

The legendary Finnish melodic death metal act Whispered makes a long-awaited return with their epic new single ‘Ikikaere’! Fast, fierce, and rich with sweeping orchestrations and the Japanese folk influences the band is known for, the track marks a powerful comeback setting the tone for their upcoming fourth album.

Earlier this year, Whispered also joined forces with Spinefarm Records founder Riku Pääkkönen’s new label Ranka Kustannus (Blind Channel, Cyan Kicks, Kalmah) for the release of their fourth album, set to arrive this fall. Ikikaere, released today, is the band’s first new material since their 2016 album Metsutan. It’s also been ten years since Whispered and Ranka last crossed paths.

”Ranka was interested in Whispered back in 2016 when the band released their previous album. At that time, things didn’t move anywhere, but when the band contacted us about a new album, it didn’t take long to make the decision. It’s a great honor to be able to release the next album from this unique and ambitious band.” says Riku Pääkkönen.

This time around, the collaboration came together effortlessly, driven by a shared enthusiasm from the start.

”Things have felt right with Ranka from the very first meeting. Despite such a long creative break, they immediately believed in what we’re doing and gave us the opportunity to take on and complete our most ambitious and biggest project to date, Whispered’s fourth album.”

The band comments and adds about the single:

”’Ikikaere’ is the first single from the upcoming record, and it only reveals a fraction of what’s to come. Our fastest track so far delivers an intense sense of rebirth, just as the name suggests, along with a massive atmosphere.”

The visually striking music video for the track, directed by the band’s driving force Jouni Valjakka, can be watch here.

With the new release, Whispered will also return to the live stage. The band will perform throughout the year both in Finland and internationally. The run begins on May 9 at On The Rocks in Helsinki, followed by a European tour in late May and a series of summer festival appearances.

Already announced shows are:

09.05.2026 – On The Rocks, Helsinki

European tour:

23.05.2026 – Stellwerk, Hamburg
24.05.2026 – Stengade, Copenhagen
25.05.2026 – Helvete, Oberhausen
26.05.2026 – Musigburg, Aarburg
28.05.2026 – Club DVG, Kortrijk
29.05.2026 – Hellraiser, Leipzig
30.05.2026 – Subzero, Prague
31.05.2026 – Club Gwarek, Krakow

10.07.2026 – Dark River Festival, Kotka
15.08.2026 – Saarihelvetti, Tampere

“Orders to all warriors: stream the new track relentlessly and march to the shows in full force to witness the return of the shogunate. Ikikaere! – Whispered

Lineup:
Jouni Valjakka – Vocals, Guitar
Mikko Mattila – Guitar
Olli Paajanen – Bass
Filip Gäddnäs – Drums

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | X

Whispered’s music represents True Finnish Samurai Metal – melodic death metal that blends influences from Japanese traditions with epic orchestration. The band was founded by Jouni Valjakka in 2004 out of a love for metal music and Japan, giving birth to Whispered.
Their debut album Thousand Swords (2010) introduced this distinctive fusion to the metal scene. A darker and more mature continuation followed with their second album Shogunate Macabre (2014), and their third full-length Metsutan – Songs of the Void (2016) elevated the band’s multi-layered vision to a new level.
Whispered’s music and visual identity have earned the band widespread international recognition for its cross-cultural approach to heavy music. The band has toured in Finland, across Europe, and in Japan, building a strong live reputation and a loyal fanbase. After several years on hiatus, their long-awaited next album will be released this year.

Melodic dark metal band SOULFALLEN from Finland releases the second single from their upcoming fourth album

Finland’s melodic dark metal masters SOULFALLEN return with a second single from their long-awaited upcoming fourth album, set to be released later this year. ’Flesh Unearthed’ is the shortest track of the album, representing its faster and more aggressive side.

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

”Flesh Unearthed, or FU for short, was one of the first songs we composed for the new album. It is blasting assault that grips its listener from start to finish with its tight riffs and haunting melodies. We can’t wait to unleash this beast live,” accounts vocalist-frontman Kai Leikola.

Watch the lyric video for the song: 

https://youtu.be/wbh3px-FaXM

Next live dates:

3.4.2026 Hatefeast Metal Festival, Kuopio, Finland

13.6.2026 Hard Rock Korppi, Laukaa, Finland

SOULFALLEN is:

Kai Leikola – vocals

Aapeli Kivimäki – guitars

Jari Kinnunen – guitars

Teemu Vähäkangas – bass

Aaro Lappalainen – drums

Discography:

World Expiration (2007)

Grave New World (2009)

The Promise of Hell (2012)

https://www.soulfallen.com/

https://www.facebook.com/soulfallenofficial

https://www.instagram.com/soulfallen_official/

New electronic heavy goth rock duo ORDER takes listeners into a dark yet beautiful future – ‘Terminal Phase’ debut single and video out now

A new act quietly in the making, ORDER – combining futuristic electronic elements with the darkness of heavy goth rock – releases its debut single today. ‘Terminal Phase’ was first refined together with Lauri Hämäläinen, known for his work with Poets of the Fall. The final polish was done by Stefan Brown at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Alongside this team, the duo is also working on new material with Jaani Peuhu, known for his work behind the scenes with Swallow the Sun and Lord of the Lost.

“’Terminal Phase’ dives into a situation that is, to some extent, familiar to all of us, set within the shadows of ORDER’s dystopia. The track portrays an individual’s pain and decay as they struggle under the grip of addiction and dark thoughts. It captures the moment when the inevitability of the end is understood, yet at the same time accepted,” the band explains.

Operating in a similar sonic landscape as SKYND, HEALTH, Priest, Bad Omens, and Placebo, ORDER is fronted by two familiar figures from the Finnish metal scene, who remain hidden behind pseudonyms.

“ORDER is about something bigger than our personalities or egos,” S.P. and D.V. state.

ORDER will bring strong cyberpunk visual elements to its future live shows and plans to release more music during this year. The band’s dark yet visually striking world can now also be experienced through the Terminal Phase music video, available here.

weareorder.net

Neocracy releases new single “Guilt”

German band Neocracy released new single “Guilt”. The song addresses the consequences and impact of wars and global conflicts on the people and soldiers of every side, who are always the ones who suffer, while the perpetrators usually operate far from the action. The song’s message is especially dedicated to those who return from the battlefield but never truly feel at home. Unfortunately, these issues are more relevant than ever.

In the summer of 2020 Volker Pannek, Tim Pannek (father and son) and Franziska Stolze decided to record some songs just for themselves to pass the time of the pandemic in a meaningful way.
The three are connected through various band projects and have a lot of live experience.
Their goal was to create well structured songs with a high recognition value and to maintain the organic sound of the instruments.
A name for this project was found fast. NEOCRACY, a wordplay for new democracy.
NEOCRACY was a former project of Volker which has released two albums a few years earlier.

“The drummer for our album was the former drummer of the original band.
In the first place the songs were just written for ourselves because in the current times there should be no illusions about gaining fame or an income in the music business. But in the studio something wonderful happened. Everyone of the three musicians has put so much heart and personal emotions into the songs that they maybe should be presented to a larger audience. Either way we think that music only works through emotions and personal experiences.” Says the band.

Line-Up:
Volker Pannek – Guitar
Franziska Stolze – Vocals
Tim Pannek – Bass, Vocal

Linktree

Instrumental Prog-Metal Quartet PHAETON Announces “The Cosmic Dissonance Tour” Across British Columbia in Support of New Album “Neurogenesis”

British Columbia’s all‑instrumental progressive metal force PHAETON is gearing up to hit the road for their 2026 Canadian West Coast “The Cosmic Dissonance Tour,” supporting their latest third full‑length album, “Neurogenesis,” released this past October 2025. The tour marks the band’s first extended run across the province of British Columbia since the release of their 2020 sophomore album “Between Two Worlds.” It promises a blistering showcase of their evolving, hyper‑melodic, and technically ferocious sound.
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Formed in 2017 in the mountain city of Kimberley, BC, Phaeton, Kevin Thiessen (guitars, keyboards), Daniel Airth (guitars), Ferdy Belland (bass), and Colin Righton (drums) have carved out a unique place in Canada’s metal landscape. Their fusion of neoclassical melodicism, crushing riff architecture, and cosmic prog-metal atmospherics has earned them a growing international following and stages alongside Beyond Creation, Anciients, and Bison.
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​“We’re beyond stoked to finally pull off a tour like this. We impress many people through our recordings, but live it’s a souped‑up, heavy‑hitting experience that gets in your face right before it’s melted down to the skull. We’re playing selections from all three of our albums and bringing our A‑Game. This won’t be the last time we rock across British Columbia, but we plan to make this first stint something special for everybody to remember,” says bassist Ferdy Belland.

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Phaeton 2026 Canadian West Coast Tour:​
April 4 – Cranbrook, BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ The Honeymans, Brotherhood of Lost Souls, and Garuda (Ferdy’s 55th Birthday Party) – info​
April 8 – Kamloops, BC – Blue Grotto Nightclub w/ Tortion – info​
April 9 – Kelowna, BC – Dunnenzie’s Downtown w/ Tortion – info​
April 10 – Vancouver, BC – Cobalt w/ Vaegon, Quasicosm, No Faith in Fortune (Hyperspace Metal Festival VII Pre-Party) – info​
April 11 – Mission, BC – Captain’s Cabin Pub w/ Anthem (Rush tribute), The Bifurcated – info​
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Following their acclaimed releases, self-titled (2018) and “Between Two Worlds” (2020), the band’s new and third album, “Neurogenesis,” sharpens their signature sound into something more concise, more dynamic, and more thematically unified. Inspired by concepts surrounding the technological singularity, cybernetic evolution, and the future of human identity, the album blends jazz‑fusion sensibilities with prog‑metal precision, djent‑infused heaviness, and neo‑classical melodic architecture.
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Tracks such as “Tethys Rising,” “Isochron,” “Synesthesia,” “Arachnid,” and the expansive title track “Neurogenesis” explore everything from cosmic awe to psychological phenomena to dystopian futurism, without a single lyric. Phaeton’s instrumental approach allows listeners to project their own narratives, guided only by the band’s kaleidoscopic riffs, soaring leads, and tectonic rhythmic shifts.
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Named after the mythical proto‑planet believed to have collided with primordial Earth, Phaeton channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted instrumental soundscapes. Their music draws from Dream Theater, Rush, Devin Townsend, Meshuggah, Mastodon, Gojira, and the jazz‑fusion giants of the 1970s, while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in technical virtuosity and interstellar imagination.
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The band’s writing process is a fluid, collaborative effort, with each member contributing compositions and refining arrangements as a unit. Their live performances are heavier, crunchier, and more visceral than their polished studio recordings, an unexpected duality that has become a hallmark of their reputation.

“Neurogenesis” (released Oct 24th, 2025) is available now on digital platforms via INB Music. Vinyl editions arrive later this year.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV​

Bandcamp – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/​

Previous Singles:

Band Playthrough – Augmented – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy28HaTZjvY​

Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxyU0U-vSOc​

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri8wXGYJcJg​

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Track Listing:​
1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
2. Discontinuum (6:37)
3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
4. Synethesia (6:24)
5. Arachnid (4:48)
6. Augmented (4:37)
7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
Album Length: 39:19

Band Lineup:​
– Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
– Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
– Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
– Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial​

Fun facts about the band:

Bassist Ferdy Belland owns nearly 8,000 vinyl records, collects Bronze Age comics and militaria, and has a long career as a respected music journalist.
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Drummer Colin Righton is an exceptional chef and tennis fanatic, known as the “Gordon Ramsay of prog‑metal.”
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Guitarist Daniel “Danimal” Airth is the quietest member of the band despite his ferocious riff output.
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Guitarist/keyboardist Kevin Thiessen is one of BC’s top recording engineers and a die‑hard Back to the Future fan.

Blood Red Delusion Unleash Third Album “Bloodlust Awakening” – New Video Single “Now I Am” Out Now

Finnish melodic death metal act Blood Red Delusion return with full force as their third studio album, “Bloodlust Awakening”, was released March 13th. Following two previous full-length albums and over one hundred live shows, the band has evolved into a more uncompromising and focused force. The uncompromising and hard-hitting record showcases the band at their most intense yet, combining relentless aggression with sharpened songwriting and dynamic execution. Their melodic death metal is now heavier and tighter than ever, packed with aggression and explosive energy.

“Bloodlust Awakening” has been met with international attention and glowing reviews, praised for its relentless intensity, sharp songwriting, and the band’s ability to fuse crushing aggression with memorable melodic hooks.

Marking the album’s release, the band unveiled the final single “Now I Am” accompanied by a music video. According to vocalist Hannu Mikkola, the track pushes performance to the limit, while guitarist Juuso Laitinen describes it as a quintessential Blood Red Delusion piece:

“It features all the elements you’d expect from us – sheer intensity, dynamic shifts, raw energy, blazing guitar work, and gigantic chorus.”

This balance is also evident in earlier singles such as “A Cavern of Emptiness” which leans into a more atmospheric and melodic side of the band. The track highlights their ability to move beyond sheer force while maintaining their signature intensity.

Another standout cut, “Never Fading Hate” pushes the band’s technical limits even further.

“It’s easily one of the most demanding tracks on the album, both compositionally and technically,” Juuso Laitinen explains. “At times, it pushed me close to my physical limits as a player. We even considered scrapping it at one point but thankfully we didn’t. The result is a track that naturally led to darker, more aggressive lyrical themes and a fitting visual concept.”

Bloodlust Awakening tracklist:
1. To The Past
2. Devastating & Profound
3. Never Fading Hate
4. Now I Am
5. Hollow Queen
6. Wrath Of Hearts
7. Devils InOur Eyes
8. Into The Dirt
9. Conviction In Chaos
10. A Cavern Of Emptiness

Upcoming shows:
17.4 – Musta Wappu, Lappeenranta
10.7 – Dark River Festival
12.8 – Bar Loose, Helsinki (Dying Reverie, Post Pulse)
15.8 – The Van, Kotka (Dying Reverie, Post Pulse)
21–22.8 – Rock Am Sippola

Line-up:
Hannu Mikkola – vocals
Juuso Laitinen – guitar
Tomi Laitinen – guitar
Patrick Hakamäki – bass, drums

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE

Vanden Plas return with acoustic album “AcCult II” out on June 12

German progressive metal pioneers Vanden Plas are back with “AcCult II”, a new acoustic album set for release on June 12, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

To coincide with the announcement, the single “Far Off Grace”, along with an official video, are available now.

Andy Kuntz commented: “The single “Far Off Grace” exemplifies the unpretentious, pure, and at the same time artistic, multifaceted acoustic expression of all the songs on “AcCult II”. They say you can recognize a good song when it works even in a stripped-down version. Compared to the studio version first released in 1999, however, this interpretation opens up on top many new avenues of understanding”. 

“It allows the song’s once bombastic beauty to blossom in the virtuosic interplay between Stephan Lill’s exquisite guitar work, Alessandro Del Vecchio’s shimmering grand piano, and Kuntz’s vocals, ranging from sensitive to ecstatic – only to then be driven, by the unbridled power of an exceptional band with Andreas Lill on drums and Torsten Reichert on bass, to a hypnotically intensifying, furiously breathtaking finale”, he added. “This is far more than an acoustic version of a song; it is the ultimate reinvention of a classic in its own light.”

Watch the official video for “Far Off Grace” HERE

Pre-Order “AcCult II” HERE

“AcCult II” is the highly anticipated acoustic sequel to Vanden Plas’ 1996 landmark album “AcCult”.

Stephan Lill explained how the album came to life: “When we released our first acoustic CD, “AcCult”, in 1996, it was special to us in many ways. For this release, we arranged songs from our debut album, “Colour Temple”, into new acoustic versions. And we did the same with songs by other artists or bands that didn’t necessarily fit our usual musical style. Ever since that release, we’d always had it in the back of our minds to produce another acoustic CD at some point. But then came tours, more regular CDs, many theatre productions we were involved in, and time flew by…”

“When Frontiers approached us with the idea of another acoustic CD, we knew that we had the time needed for it, and with the right songs, it could work. And we can now say, it worked out. We sticked with the concept of the first “AcCult” CD, and so “AcCult II” once again features acoustic versions of Vanden Plas songs, as well as two cover songs: “Nothing Else Matters” (Metallica) and “Boat on the River” (Styx)”, he continued. “We are more than happy that, exactly 30 years later, we can write the next “AcCult” chapter. And all Vanden Plas fans can look forward to a truly extraordinary release.”

Building on the innovative concept that first reimagined tracks from their debut “Colour Temple” in a stripped-down, unplugged setting, this new release revisits select songs from their extensive catalog with fresh acoustic arrangements, offering fans a completely new perspective on the band’s music.

In addition to reworked originals like “Far Off Grace”, “Holes In The Sky”, “The Ghost Xperiment”, and “You Fly”, “AcCult II” features inspired interpretations of classic songs by other artists, including Styx’s “Boat On The River” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”, blending reverence for the originals with Vanden Plas’ signature emotional depth and musical sophistication.

Notably, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album’s closing track, “You Fly”, adding a unique, melodic touch to the album’s finale.

The album showcases the band’s current lineup – Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards) – whose synergy brings a nuanced warmth to each track.

With “AcCult II”, Vanden Plas demonstrates that their progressive sensibilities translate seamlessly into intimate, acoustic settings, creating a compelling experience that resonates both with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

“AcCult II” Tracklist:

1.    Far Off Grace
2.    Holes In The Sky
3.    The Ghost Experiment
4.    Boat On The River
5.    Healing Tree
6.    Postcard To God
7.    Nothing Else Matters
8.    You Fly (Ft. John Helliwell)

Line Up:
Andy Kuntz -vocals
Stephan Lill – guitars
Andreas Lill – drums
Torsten Reichert – bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards

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