Category: Press Releases

Serpent Gates’ Maidenian debut album to be released at the end of February – Furious second single takes a swipe at religions

Serpent Gates, a new and bold flag-bearer of traditional heavy metal from Finland, will release their debut album “The Veil of Darkness” on February 20. Conceptually, the album’s roots go back decades to the dreams of elementary schooler Juho Hakalax, who was crazy about music and wanted to make his own album. But it is only now, after years of passionate and uncompromising dedication, that the planned and prepared debut is ready for everyone to hear.

This full-length album, which is firmly rooted in the heart of Central Finnish metal expertise, is not only a showcase for the talents of drummer Juho Hakalax and guitarist Tuomas Västilä, but also features Antony Parviainen (Psychework, Machine Men) as a session vocalist with his powerful voice.

Now, the second single from the album, the powerful Down the Cross, has been released. Lyricist Jegori Miinin says the following about it:

“War and religion, the basic fuels of humanity and metal lyrics, are strongly present throughout the album’s lyrics, in addition to the general gloom. Thus, Down the Cross also deals with religion and everything that is done under its guise.”

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

“When you’re a drummer writing songs, the starting point for the composition is often the rhythm. This was the case with the debut single Metamorphosis, but this time the rhythm pushed the whole thing in an even more extreme direction. The song’s aggressive beat was accompanied by a big riff and really fierce vocals, which Antony delivered magnificently. The C section is a great example of his versatile sound,” Juho Hakalax continues, explaining the background of the single.

Line-up:

Antony Parviainen – Vocals (session member)
Juho Hakalax – Drums
Tuomas Västilä – Guitar
Sami Tapola – Bass

Discography

The Veil of Darkness (Venomoon Records, 2026)

https://www.facebook.com/serpentgates

https://www.instagram.com/serpentgates

Crowen’s second single The Unwritten End from the EP Through the Dying Mist paints a dreamlike world with wistful melodies

Finnish melodic death metal band Crowen released a new single and music video ‘The Unwritten End’. The track is taken from the forthcoming ‘Through the Dying Mist’ EP which is set to be released on February 20th 2026 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to The Unwritten End on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/crowen-unwritten-end 

Crowen’s new single The Unwritten End tells a story where every step is both a beginning and an ending. The song portrays the dreamworld as a place that is dark yet beautiful. Its protagonist walks toward the unknown, carrying with him both uncertainty and the inevitability of fate, striving to escape a world with no way out.

The melody is sorrowful yet beautiful. The clean vocals in the choruses inspired the song’s entire melodic landscape. In the verses, melodic passages and heavy rhythms alternate. The opening contrasts Crowen’s traditional death metal assault with acoustic guitar and a calm, atmospheric mood. “Guitarist Sami Sandberg managed to fit the melodic line perfectly into the song’s atmosphere. Listening to Sami’s playing gives me a hypnotic feeling,” says vocalist-songwriter Esa Uusimaa.

Crowen is a Finnish melodic death metal band consisting of Esa Uusimaa and guitarist Sami Sandberg. On this track, the bass is played by Tuomas Saukkonen.

WATCH ‘Ember Wraith’ music video of first single: https://youtu.be/0N_QWg4VI-w

EP Line-up:
Esa Uusimaa – vocals, guitars, keyboards
Sami Sandberg – guitars, lead guitar
Tuomas Saukkonen – bass

http://crowenofficial.net
https://www.facebook.com/CrowenOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/crowenofficial
https://crowen.bandcamp.com

Swedish metallers Confess announce new album “Metalmorphosis” out May 15

Sweden’s sleaze/metal stalwarts Confess are back with their fourth studio album, “Metalmorphosis”, set for release on May 15, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

To give a taste of what’s to come, the band unleashed the first single “Wicked Temptations”, along with an official video.

The band commented: “Wicked Temptations” can be described as a classic Confess anthem. It’s a song about releasing the inner animal and just “Go for it!”

 

Pre-Order “Metalmorphosis” HERE

Swedish rockers Confess are finally back with their long awaited fourth record, their most ambitious album to date marking a bold evolution in their sound.

The band described “Metalmorphosis” in the following way: “It’s definitely the ten most well-crafted songs we’ve ever written, both music and lyric wise. It’s fully packed with heavy riffing, big choruses and a whole new level of dynamics. We’ve pushed ourselves harder than ever and it really shows”.

“The album is mixed and mastered by Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) and he has really taken the band’s sound to a whole new level”, they added.

While staying true to the gritty, hard-hitting energy that has defined the band since their early days in Stockholm, “Metalmorphosis” expands their musical palette with more commercially resonant material, crafting a sound that is both polished and explosively energetic.

Fronted by John Elliot, whose commanding vocals have also been showcased with the legendary Crashdiet, Confess demonstrate a rare balance of raw sleaze-metal grit and melodic sophistication.

On drums, Samuel Samael drives the rhythm with precision and power, while Ludwig Nordlander and Asser Hakala weave dynamic guitar textures that range from shredding riffs to soaring solos. Bassist Lucky anchors the band with a solid low-end punch, rounding out a lineup that is firing on all cylinders.

Since their formation, Confess have earned a reputation for their relentless commitment to the sleaze/metal aesthetic, infusing their work with memorable hooks, arena-ready choruses, and a devil-may-care attitude.

With “Metalmorphosis”, the band take this ethos to a new level, delivering songs that are as catchy as they are ferocious, and as bold as they are accessible. It’s a record that will appeal to longtime fans of the band while opening doors to a wider audience, showcasing Confess at their most confident and inspired yet.

“Metalmorphosis” is not just another entry in the band’s discography – it’s a statement of artistic growth, a powerful celebration of sleaze-metal craftsmanship, and a must-hear for anyone who loves hard-hitting, melodic rock with attitude.

“Metalmorphosis” Tracklist:

1.    Colorvision
2.    The Warriors
3.    Wicked Temptations
4.    Metalmorphosis
5.    Beat Of My Heart
6.    Pursuit Of The Jenny Haniver
7.    The Other Side
8.    Running To My Death
9.    Plague Of Steel
10.    Silvermalen

Line Up:
John Elliot – Vocals
Samuel Samael – Drums
Ludwig Nordlander – Guitars
Asser Hakala – Guitars
Lucky – Bass

Follow CONFESS:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

RAVENMOCKER Unleashes A Fierce First Step Into a New Era of Melodic Death Metal w/ Debut Single “Infallible”

Southern California’s newest force in melodic death metal, Ravenmocker, has released their debut single, “Infallible”, accompanied by a music video to mark the band’s official arrival and the first of several tracks set to drop throughout the year. Formed in 2025 by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney, the band emerges from a period of personal upheaval, creative rebirth, and a desire to carve out a culturally rooted identity inspired by Native American lore.

Joined by guitarist George Patmas (ex‑Dianthus), drummer Dylan Suierveld (Levinia), and bassist Will Buckley (Levinia, Anubis), the band quickly developed a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Their influences span Children of Bodom, Insomnium, Amon Amarth, Kalmah, and Dark Tranquillity, while each member brings unexpected flavors, country, jazz fusion, blues, funk, and classical choral music into the mix.

Ravenmocker’s writing process is collaborative, dynamic, and rooted in emotional honesty. While Tierney currently leads much of the songwriting, every member contributes ideas, arrangements, and refinements.
​
​“We want to write good songs, not just content. These songs were years in the making. The melodies should stick with you. We want people singing with us at shows. We want to give fans something they can feel together,” adds Tierney.

The band’s first single, “Infallible,” represents the moment everything changed for Tierney, the song that pushed him to leave behind a project he’d been part of for five years and fully commit to forging Ravenmocker’s path.

“‘Infallible’ was the turning point. It came from a place in my life that was harming me more than helping me. The guys immediately heard the potential, and it became the first song we worked on. A small clip online hit over 75,000 views, and that connection really showed us this was the right direction. This song started it all,” explains Tierney.
​
​“Infallible” tells the story of a man who has spent too long in darkness, giving everything to an entity that never gave anything back. The track captures the moment he finally walks away, choosing growth, clarity, and self‑determination over turmoil. Musically, the song is energetic and uplifting, while lyrically, it remains cold, rigid, and emotionally raw. This contrast reflects the duality of stepping into a new future while still carrying the weight of resentment, anger, and frustration.
​
The single artwork mirrors this theme: A lone figure stands in the ruins of a devastated city, surrounded by collapsed towers and shattered structures. Amid the destruction, a statue of a raven remains standing, wings spread, defiant, symbolizing resilience, rebirth, and the courage to rise from ruin.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Infallible” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Spotify pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ravenmocker/infallible/​

​

About:

Formed in Southern California in 2025, Ravenmocker is a melodic death metal band founded by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney (formerly of Thrown Into Exile). Joined by George Patmas (guitar), Dylan Suierveld (drums), and Will Buckley (bass), the band blends soaring melody with raw aggression, drawing influence from melodic death metal giants while infusing elements of country, jazz, blues, funk, and classical orchestration.
​
Their music explores personal struggle, emotional catharsis, cultural identity, and the resilience found in confronting darkness head‑on.
​
In 2026, Ravenmocker will introduce themselves to the global metal community with their debut singles “Infallible” and “Where the Raven Flies,” leading into their first EP.

More info:

​http://www.ravenmocker.net/​

​http://www.instagram.com/ravenmockerofficial​

​http://www.facebook.com/ravenmockerofficial​

​http://www.tiktok.com/ravenmockerofficial​

Venus 5 share new visualizer for “Far Away” from the upcoming album “March Of The Venus 5” set for release on March 20th

International metal group Venus 5 – comprised of Karmen Klinc, Jelena Milovanovic, Tezzi Persson (Hell in the Club), Herma (Sick N’ Beautiful), and Erina Seitllari – share their new single and accompanying visualizer video, “Far Away”, taken from the upcoming new album, “March Of The Venus 5” set for release on March 20, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.


Pre-Order “March Of The Venus 5” HERE

Venus 5, the all-female European pop-metal sensation – return with a stronger, heavier, and more focused second album.

Uniting five distinctive voices from across the continent – Karmen Klinc (Slovenia), Jelena Milovanovic (Serbia), Tezzi Persson (Sweden, singer of Hell in the Club), Herma (Italy, singer of Sick N’ Beautiful), and Erina Seitllari (Albania) – the band pushes its sound to new heights, embracing a more traditional metal direction while retaining the massive hooks and glossy production that defined their debut.

Once again produced by Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere), with songwriting contributions from Jake E. (ex-Amaranthe, Cyhra), the album showcases a more mature, riff-driven approach, rich with symphonic and electronic elements, layered vocal harmonies, and explosive choruses tailor-made for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, and modern European metal.

Erina Seitllari stated: “This album feels like a storm made of fire and velvet! Wild, electric, and impossible to hold. Every track carries that spellbinding feminine force, the kind that rises, glows, and refuses to be tamed”.

“The new Venus 5 album is crafted with all the qualities needed for every listener to discover something that resonates. Within it lie unexpected sonic delights, powerful and surprising, that we cannot wait to unveil and let reach the ears of our audience”, continued Karmen Klinc.

With performances at several major festivals already under their belt, Venus 5 are now gearing up to return to the stage in support of the new album – ready to prove that their power is just as undeniable live as it is in the studio.

“March Of The Venus 5” Tracklist:

1.    March Of The Venus 5
2.    Like A Witch
3.    Far Away
4.    Set Me Free
5.    Stereotypes
6.    Surrender
7.    Satelite
8.    Invincible
9.    Winter On My Skin
10.    Take It From The Start
11.    The Other Shore

Line Up:
Karmen Klinc – Vocals
Herma – Vocals
Jelena Milovanovic – Vocals
Tezzi Persson – Vocals
Erina Seitllari – Vocals

Andrea Buratto – Bass
Gabriele Robotti – Guitars
Antonio Agate – Keys
Marco Lazzarini – Drums

Aldo Lonobile – Additional guitars
Serena Torti – Additional Vocals

Follow VENUS 5:
Facebook
Instagram

Progressive Metal Phenomenon MANUEL Signs With Wormholedeath Records

MANUEL Led by the visionary guitarist Manuel Urgiles, who fuses virtuosic technicality, infectious Latin rhythms, and an uncompromising socio-political edge, creating a sound that is both raw and utterly essential. Their EP “Parasite” will drop on 27 February 2026, via Wormholedeath.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Manuel Urgiles has forged a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary progressive metal. His band MANUEL merges intricate, virtuosic guitar work with authentic cultural influences, creating a sound that is both visceral and intellectually charged. Grammy Award winner Stacy Parrish calls MANUEL “a true musical revelation, pushing boundaries with genre-defying fusion and emotionally charged, virtuoso guitar performances.”

“Parasite” boldly confronts the oppressive grip of the wealthy elite who manipulate and divide us for their own gain. It exposes how those in power intentionally pit us against one another while continuing to grow richer and more dominant.

“We reject the idea of rulers or masters. Instead, this EP serves as a rallying cry to unite against the true enemies—the corrupt systems and individuals who exploit us. It’s a call to shift our focus toward dismantling their control and building a future rooted in genuine change,” states Manuel. “Parasite” is more than just a title; it’s a reflection of the parasitic forces at work in our society. I’m eager to hear your thoughts—what do you think of this message and direction?”

Featuring collaborations with guest vocalists, “PARASITE” showcases MANUEL’s ability to seamlessly blend crushing progressive metal with Latin percussion, socially conscious lyricism, and genre-defying experimentation. The EP explores themes of immigrant resilience and cultural pride while delivering unrelenting sonic intensity.

MANUEL has already established themselves as a formidable live force, performing at major New England festivals including All Roads and VICES Fest, with a relentless touring schedule across the Northeast. Their high-energy performances have captivated audiences across metal, punk, and alternative scenes alike, proving that authentic artistry transcends genre boundaries.

Pre-save Parasite: orcd.co/parasiteep

MANUEL is:
Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar
Jason Ingalls – Drums
Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar
Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar
DJKTF – Keys/Percussion

Official Website: manuelguitarist.com
Bandcamp: westboundmusic.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/manuelguitarist
Instagram: www.instagram.com/manuelguitarist
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MANUELGUITARIST

Within Temptation and Smash Into Pieces released together the massive single Somebody Like You

Smash Into Pieces and Within Temptation have joined forces with the joint song Somebody Like You. The song immediately ended up being played on several European rock and metal radio stations, and the momentum increased on Wednesday, when the music video made for the single was also released.

Combining cinematic orchestrations and modern rock, the song is an emotional ballad that deals with vulnerability, longing and the human need for connection. The single also features a 22-piece orchestra, and the end result was very dynamic. At the same time, the collaboration merged two different musical worlds into the same song: the symphonic depth and storytelling of Within Temptation and the modern edge of Smash Into Pieces.

“We’ve known each other for a long time and also toured together, so this is the perfect song to finally join forces. Adding an orchestra to this song felt like a trip to the memories for us, but at the same time it nicely complemented the more modern rock sound. We’re proud of what the song has become and grateful for the collaboration that brought it to life,” says Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel.

Within Temptation
Smash Into Pieces

Finnish Prog CANVAS OF SILENCE Unveils New Vocalist w/ Video “The Great Unknown” From Debut Album “As The World Tree Fell” Out Now

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “The Great Unknown”, the new official video by Finnish progressive metal act Canvas Of Silence. Featured on the band’s debut full-length album “As The World Tree Fell,” the song is now presented in a new version introducing Aino Vuorenmaa as the new lead singer of the band, marking an important step in Canvas Of Silence’s ongoing evolution.

Following the previously released singles “Drown”, “One With The Wind” and “Humanimal”, the latter having been featured in Spotify’s editorial playlist Metallia Suomesta, alongside the album focus track “Wayfarer”, this new version of “The Great Unknown” represents a pivotal moment within the record’s conceptual and emotional journey, while also signaling a renewed artistic direction.

Musically, “The Great Unknown” stands as one of the album’s most direct and immediate compositions, while remaining unmistakably true to the band’s sonic identity. Progressive metal foundations are enriched by expansive melodic lines, atmospheric textures, and dynamic arrangements that balance intensity and accessibility. With the introduction of the new vocal line, the song unfolds with renewed momentum, allowing its emotional weight to emerge with even greater clarity and purpose.

With “As The World Tree Fell,” Canvas Of Silence delivered a cohesive and emotionally charged debut album exploring themes of collapse, transformation, and renewal. Within this broader arc, the new version of “The Great Unknown” functions both as a moment of focus and as a statement of renewal, reflecting the band’s evolving identity and the beginning of a new chapter.

For fans of Pain of Salvation, Nightwish, In Flames, and all those drawn to music that challenges, moves, and transforms, will find much to explore in the world of Canvas Of Silence’s debut album, “As The World Tree Fell,” released on October 31, 2025.

Album Order – https://www.rockshots.eu/CanvasOfSilence​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://lnk.to/YFjpYgMB​

Track Listing:​
1. Watching the World Tree Fall – 6:20
2. Humanimal – 4:02
3. Anthem for Ashes – 4:54
4. Drown – 5:41
5. One With the Wind – 4:33
6. Wayfarer – 8:32
7. The Great Unknown – 4:38
8. Garden of the Fallen – 4:46
​

ALBUM LINE UP:

Hanna Uimonen: Vocals
Tatu Hanhikoski: Guitars, programming
Jaakko Puusaari: Guitars, backing vocals
Mikael Minkkinen: Bass
Iiro Vuori: Drums

CURRENT LINE UP:​
​
Aino Vuorenmaa: Vocals
Tatu Hanhikoski: Guitars, programming
Jaakko Puusaari: Guitars, backing vocals
Mikael Minkkinen: Bass
Iiro Vuori: Drums​

ABOUT:

Canvas of Silence is a catchy prog-influenced female vocal-driven metal band from Finland. Starting as a solo project by Tatu Hanhikoski (guitars, programming, songwriting), Canvas of Silence has since formed into a full band, including Aino Vuorenmaa (vocals), Jaakko Puusaari (guitars, vocals), Mikael Minkkinen (bass), and Iiro Vuori (drums). The music of Canvas of Silence paints its pictures on silence with complementary colours. It’s heavy but melodic, occasionally complex yet at the same time somewhat simple and catchy, glued together with female vocals and symphonic elements. Or, as the drummer Iiro Vuori put it, the music can be described as ”Prog-influenced Chorus Metal”.

​Rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/canvasofsilence | https://www.instagram.com/canvasofsilenceband/​

The 69 Eyes announce signing to BLKIIBLK and unveil new video “I Survive (Feat. Steve Stevens)”

Finnish rock band The 69 Eyes is thrilled to announce that they’ve officially joined BLKIIBLK, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group.

Starting a brand new chapter in their career, they proudly unveil a new track, titled “I Survive”, along with an official music video, available below.

The song features American guitarist Steve Stevens, best known as Billy Idol’s guitarist and songwriting collaborator, and for his lead guitar work on the theme to Top Gun (“Top Gun Anthem”), for which he won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1987.

The band commented: “Our new single, “I Survive”, written by guitar legend Steve Stevens and Jyrki 69 is The 69 Eyes at our best: simply rocking! The track is mixed by Barry Pointer (Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe etc) to bring the extra Hollywood magic in”.

Stream “I Survive (feat. Steve Stevens)” HERE

Once you’ve survived the 80’s rock scene, you become unstoppable – and The 69 Eyes are living proof. Formed in Helsinki in 1989 and still going strong with the same line-up some four decades later, the Helsinki Vampires have earned their legendary status.

In a world with fewer and fewer true believers in leather jackets, midnight sunglasses and low-slung guitars, The 69 Eyes keep the Johnny Thunders’ flame burning like an endless sleazy club night back in the days.

Their biggest hit, “Lost Boys”, from 2005, was made into an iconic music video by MTV’s Jackass star and skater Bam Margera and the song still remains on annual Halloween rock playlists.

One foot on glam, another one on goth, The 69 Eyes have released thirteen albums, reaching gold and platinum and a mainstream status in their native Finland. They have been touring without any notable breaks all over the world the last twenty years.

Vocals, a lead and a rhythm guitar, a bass and drums are the classic rock band line-up. The 69 Eyes have that magic on stage that is needed for these elements to carry on beyond the rock’n’roll dreams, theirs and their cult following.

Line Up:
Jyrki 69 – vocals
Bazie – guitar, backing vocals
Timo-Timo – guitar
Archzie – bass, backing vocals
Jussi 69 – drums

Follow THE 69 EYES:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Frostmorner Channels Medusa Myth in New Track “Gorgone”

Rising blackened atmospheric death metal force Frostmorner is proud to unveil the official visualizer for “Gorgone,” the visceral new single from the upcoming debut full-length, Orbital Kaos. Set to drop on February 13, 2026, the album marks a definitive statement from one of the genre’s most promising solo visionaries.

Rooted in the myth of Medusa and shaped with a cinematic mindset, “Gorgone” is built to feel immersive rather than conventional. What began as an influence drawn from Nile soon developed into a personal statement, where atmosphere plays a central role. The track layers brutal riffs with monster-like sound design inspired by film and video game audio, creating a dense and unsettling soundscape.

Structurally, “Gorgone” hits hard and moves with intent. Fast, aggressive riffing and slam-driven sections dominate the opening, before giving way to a slow, oppressive final act. This closing passage relies on steady, unyielding drumming and dark ambient textures, conjuring the image of a Gorgon carrying out a ritual. The narrative follows Medusa as she turns her victims to stone, then reshapes them through a dark rite into a monstrous force that spreads fear wherever it moves.

Hailing from Sicilian roots, Mario began the Frostmorner journey in 2019. After evolving from a collaborative effort into a solo powerhouse, Frostmorner has carved out a distinct niche in the Blackened Atmospheric Death Metal landscape. Handling all duties from guitars and drums to artwork and design, Frostmorner represents the ultimate DIY spirit in extreme metal, earning acclaim from fanzines and radio stations worldwide.

linktr.ee/FrostMorneR
www.instagram.com/frostmorner
www.facebook.com/FrostmornerMusicOfficial
www.tiktok.com/@frostmorner
x.com/FrostMorneR_
www.youtube.com/@frostmorner
frostmorner.bandcamp.com