Category: Press Releases

Everything from viking metal to swinging guitar chugs – Folkrim releases a new EP and music video

Following in the wake of their previous full-length album, Embers [2024], Folkrim are once again bringing new chaotic folk metal to the table for all metalheads to enjoy. Their new, almost accidentally created EP, bears the name of a mythical Finnish creature ‘Näkki’.

‘’The first song ‘Jack In A Box’ was originally supposed to be a one-off release, but as the launch day grew closer we realized that there’s no point in squeezing out just a nugget if we got more to push!’’, the band tells jokingly

‘’The songs have a lot of variety, but ultimately you can see Folkrim’s fingerprints all over them. We didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel, but tried to step outside the box somewhat’’

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Finnish Heavy Metal Unit Crimson Day Ignites the Horizon with New Lyric Video “Song of Fire”

Finnish metal outfit Crimson Day have released the lyric video for their new single “Song of Fire,” the latest track to be unveiled from their highly anticipated fourth album Dark Dimension, due out on May 22nd, 2026, through Wormholedeath.

With “Song of Fire,” Crimson Day channels biblical apocalypse and existential dread, telling the story of a final day where promised salvation never arrives and the world is left to burn. The track is driven by their trademark fast-paced metal, blasting heavy riffs, memorable choruses, the inimitable and powerful voice of Milka Uusitalo, and the kind of relentless energy that has always set the band apart, delivering soaring melodic hooks and a darkly cinematic vision that is entirely their own.

The single joins “False Prophet” and “Hexed” as previews from Dark Dimension, painting a picture of an album that is ambitious, cohesive, and unafraid to push into darker thematic territory. Together, the three singles establish Dark Dimension as a fully realised statement from a band that has been quietly and steadily building toward this moment.

Watch ‘False Prophet’: https://youtu.be/yo11yiHjMgg

Watch ‘Hexed’: https://youtu.be/bDP7_bKFPDQ

Founded in 2013 in Tampere, Crimson Day has spent over a decade forging their own lane within the heavy metal landscape, blending the timeless power of classic heavy metal with a broad sweep of genre influences, wrapped in dark intensity, high-octane energy, and sharp, soaring melody.

The band’s story began with a self-titled EP in 2013, followed by their debut full-length Order of the Shadows (2015). They expanded their sonic vision on At the Mountains of Madness (2018) before returning with the bold, self-titled Crimson Day in 2023. A pivotal lineup shift in 2020 introduced new frontwoman Milka Uusitalo, ushering in a reinvigorated era marked by standout singles including “Raising the Fury” and “Black as the Heavens Above,” and bold, genre-defying covers of “Immigrant Song,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “Objection (Tango)” that further demonstrated the band’s dynamic range.

Now, with Dark Dimension on the horizon, Crimson Day is stepping into their most ambitious chapter yet.

With over 100 live shows across Finland and Europe, sharing stages with Sonata Arctica, Turmion Kätilöt, Turisas, Reckless Love, and Korpiklaani, and international performances spanning the Baltics, Germany, and Sweden, the band has built a reputation as a formidable live force. Their music has earned global radio airplay, and their YouTube catalog has surpassed 100,000 views.

Crimson Day is:

Milka Uusitalo – vocals
Ari Balzar – lead guitar
Janne Rantanen – guitar/screams
Jesse ”Kämy” Kämäräinen – bass
Janne Ollikainen – drums/percussions

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Beyond Awareness’ debut album “Reflections” is out now – featuring Dead by April’s Pontus Hjelm on the opening track

Tampere-based new wave metalcore band Beyond Awareness have released their highly anticipated debut album “Reflections“ last Friday. The record began taking shape with the band’s breakout debut single “Crime”, which has already amassed over four million streams, and now comes together as a cohesive ten-track album.

“This album has been in the making for several years, so we’re incredibly excited to finally share this emotional release. Reflections is an honest and, true to its name, deeply self-reflective body of work. It explores inner conflicts and heavy emotional states, while maintaining a constant drive to confront oneself and understand the thoughts that lead to despair and pain. Musically, the album blends modern metalcore with elements of experimental electronic production and raw metal, forming a tight and dynamic whole,” the band explains.

During the final stages of production, the band’s producer James Carey suggested collaborating with Pontus Hjelm of Swedish metal band Dead by April. Hjelm immediately came on board after hearing the demo of the album’s opening track, “Rerun“.

”When I was approached by Beyond Awareness to sing on their track ‘Rerun’ I was very grateful and excited. Because, when I had listened to it the first time, I instantly knew I wanted to contribute to it. What an amazing song!! Huge chorus, heavy riffing, and world class production. I feel proud to be a part of it. Also, working with these guys has been super smooth. They are very humble, professional and focused on the vision of their art.”

“Rerun” leans toward a more melodic take on metalcore while still delivering enough weight to resonate with fans of the genre’s heavier side.

“’Rerun’ deals with a mentally exhausting state where past mistakes and traumatic experiences keep replaying in your mind on a loop—as if you’re forced to relive the same distressing moments over and over again. There isn’t much hope offered in the song, but perhaps the key lies in accepting the ghosts of the past and moving forward. Pontus joined the track at the suggestion of our producer James Carey, and his vision proved absolutely right—Pontus brought exactly the extra dimension the song needed,” the band adds.

To celebrate the release, Beyond Awareness are touring across Finland. The run kicked off yesterday at Tavastia Club in Helsinki, where the band opened for Hokka, and continues this weekend through Finland. 

BEYOND AWARENESS

French cosmic death-metallers Breeding Chaos re-released debut album ‘Distant Planets’

Breeding Chaos, a French modern death metal band, making a renewed push for wider coverage with their debut album ‘Distant Planets’, released in September 2024 on LP & Digital via Great Dane Records.

Massive riffs. Controlled dynamics. A sonic concept rooted in astrophysics and interstellar phenomena. ‘Distant Planets’ operates at the intersection of groove-heavy extremity and melodic precision — no speed saturation, no genre clichés. Just dense, atmospheric, purposeful metal.

Already praised internationally for its distinctive guitar identity and head-driven songwriting, the album is now pushing further into new territories. Tracks like “Birth of the Abyss” and “Stone Cross” showcase the band’s ability to combine memorable rhythmic structures with a consistently dark, immersive atmosphere — favoring weight and impact over excess.

Breeding Chaos has forged a sound that sits between the melodic discipline of Dark Tranquillity and In Flames, and the rhythmic precision of Textures — with a darker, more atmospheric backbone drawn from the ambition of Blood Incantation. Progressive in structure, uncompromising in heaviness.

With a second album in development and the band actively building its live presence across France and Europe, now is the right moment to get ahead of what they’re becoming.

https://linktr.ee/breedingchaos

Greek Folk Melodic Death KOSMOGONIA Shares New “Oblivion” Guitar Playthrough Video For Latest Album “Aella”

Athens-based folk melodic death metal force Kosmogonia have released the official guitar playthrough video for “Oblivion”, a powerful, emotionally charged track from their sophomore album “Aella”.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPmAvghJ2B0​

Listen to single “Oblivion”: https://lnk.to/qJcMfa4z​

Driven by aggressive riffing, melodic lead work, and dark pagan atmospheres, “Oblivion” captures the band’s distinctive fusion of melodic death metal ferocity, symphonic arrangements, and evocative folk elements. The playthrough video offers an up-close look at the intricate guitar interplay and dynamic songwriting that shape Kosmogonia’s sound – balancing mythological grandeur with modern extreme metal intensity.

Formed in Athens in 2015, Kosmogonia have steadily established themselves within the European folk and melodic death metal scene through a sound deeply rooted in ancient mythology, pagan traditions, and epic storytelling. Their second full-length album, “Aella,” received strong praise across Europe and Latin America, earning recognition from Metal Hammer Portugal and expanding the band’s international visibility. Through Rockshots Records, the album now reaches a broader international audience while the band simultaneously works on new material for its next studio chapter.

Set in 350 B.C., “Aella” tells a tragic story of war, destiny, and forbidden emotion following the encounter between the Scythian princess Aella and the Greek mercenary Lykon during a brutal conflict between civilizations. Across the album, Kosmogonia combine dual vocal dynamics, atmospheric flute passages, layered orchestrations, and modern melodic death metal aggression into a powerful and immersive listening experience.

For fans of Eluveitie, Ensiferum, Epica, and Nightwish.

Listen to “Aella”: https://lnk.to/w3NtMoYV​

Music Video – The Oracle – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6eB8tUV3fQ​

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Kosmogonia Line Up:

Dimitra LeFay: Vocals
Kostas Magalios: Vocals & Guitar
George Kanellopoulos: Guitars
Odysseus Poulos: Keyboards
Kyriakos Konstantinou: Bass Guitars
Alex Papavangelis: Drums
Ismini Vasileiou: Flute

More info: https://rockshots.eu/​
​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kosmogonia_official/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kosmogoniafolk​
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​Biography

Formed in Athens in 2015, Kosmogonia fuse folk melodies and symphonic textures with the ferocity of melodic death metal. Founders Kostas Magalios (guitar/vocals) and Christos Drosos (guitar) debuted with the demo “Fallen Pegasus” and, later that year, a self-released EP. After a stylistic shift in 2017 marked by the single “Triiris,” the band built momentum through Greek festival appearances and international radio play. Their debut album, titled “Enthrone the Gods,” released in 2020, earned a 9.1/10 average review score, a Metal Hammer Portugal mention, and multiple chart placements across Europe and Latin America. Despite the pandemic, Kosmogonia accepted an invitation to Hammer Fest XIV in Birmingham – rescheduled to February 2023 – and delivered a standout performance at the O₂ Academy alongside genre stalwarts such as Lordi and Primordial. Now five years on from their formation, the band returned with “Aella” (January 2025), expanding their epic scope with richer orchestrations and guest folk instruments. With strong international press, radio support, and a dedicated fanbase, Kosmogonia stands poised for extensive touring and further mythic adventures.

German Black Metal Force AKANTOPHIS Sign with Wormholedeath for “Erneuerung” Reissue

Wormholedeath is pleased to announce the signing of German black metal band AKANTOPHIS. The label will handle the reissue of the band’s album Erneuerung, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the group.

“AKANTOPHIS are absolutely delighted to announce that we have signed a deal with Wormholedeath,” the band said. “This is a huge step for us as a band – and we can’t wait to share our music with the world. To you, our listeners: thank you for joining us on this journey and for continuing to support us. None of this would be possible without you! Together with Wormholedeath, we look forward to bringing even more energy, even more sound and even more AKANTOPHIS straight to you. This is just the beginning – and we can’t wait to experience this next chapter together with you!“

The album „Erneuerung“ features seven tracks with a total running time of 42 minutes, blending atmospheric intensity and aggression. Recorded live at Liquid Aether Audio and mastered under the direction of Mario Dahmen, the album captures an organic and dynamic feel. The lyrics are primarily in German, adapted to the themes of each track, and presented with more variety than before.
With “Erneuerung,” Akantophis explores a broader sound while staying true to their roots, aiming to connect with a wider audience through this release.

AKANTOPHIS is a German black metal band with a modern, atmospheric, and dissonant sound. Their approach leans progressive, with a dense dystopian atmosphere and touches of death metal, a combination that sits outside any easy genre classification. For them, black metal is less about aggression than about inner transformation and artistic renewal.

Founded in 1998, the band had a stable line-up by mid-2000. A year later, Galaria: Terra@ Exitus put them on the underground map. Live im Klima followed, featuring four live tracks that haven’t been released before. By 2004, they’d gone on hiatus — personal circumstances, and a period spent exploring other projects, including Hidden in the Fog, Throat Cut, and Psykra.

They returned in April 2017 with a slightly altered line-up. Wiederkehr, a 7-inch vinyl, came out in 2018. Exitus XX (MCD, 2020) closed out the band’s earlier chapter and pointed toward what was next. Their current album is the result, and the one they believe can bring them to a wider audience.

The band’s visual identity is reflected in the previously released “Perforation” music video, available online.

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Belgian Speed/Heavy Metal veterans Drakkar Sign With Wormholedeath

Wormholedeath is pleased to announce the signing of Belgian speed/heavy metal band Drakkar. The label has entered a licensing agreement with the band for their forthcoming album Invasion, scheduled for release on June 19, 2026.

Founded in 1983, Drakkar built their reputation on the European metal circuit throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Their 1988 debut album X-Rated, released through New Musidisc (Paris), earned strong critical recognition and led to support slots on major European tours with Queensrÿche, Metallica, Overkill, and Slayer. The record has since become a touchstone of the Belgian metal scene.

After a period of inactivity, the band reformed in 2011 with a new lineup. X-Rated was remastered and reissued in 2012, produced by Simone Mularoni (DGM), with original vocalist Fab “Leni” Vanbellinghen returning to the fold in 2013. The reformed band recorded Once Upon a Time in Hell in 2014, featuring Jonas Sanders of Pro-Pain on drums, and went on to play over 80 dates across Europe, including the Power, Prog & Metal Festival in Mons. A live album, Once Upon a Time Hellive, followed in 2016.

The band suffered a significant loss when founding member Thierry Del Cane passed away shortly after. They chose to continue in his memory. Subsequent years brought further lineup shifts alongside new recordings, including three singles and a music video released between 2022 and 2025.

Invasion marks a new chapter: Leni Andersen returns on vocals, and founding member Guy Duvy is back on bass. The current lineup is completed by Thomas Vanhorebeek and Nico RR on guitars, and Adrien Delgambe on drums (member since 2015). Adrien is the son of former drummer and founding member Tim Delval, bringing the band back to its roots alongside Guy and Leni, and continuing to deliver their signature furious heavy/speed metal.

To celebrate the announcement, the band has released the single and video “666 ‘n’ Rock’n’ Roll (Tribute to Them)”, a track dedicated to two icons of metal: Ozzy and Lemmy.

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Norwegian metallers Triosphere announce new album “Oceans Above, Stars Below” out in August

Norwegian heavy metal band Triosphere are pleased to announce the release of their new studio album, titled “Oceans Above, Stars Below”, scheduled for August 28, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Following the recent release of the single “Monster’s Ball”, Triosphere now share the new track “Of Tyrants”, along with an official video, available below.

The band described the song by saying: “While our music over the years has been described as heavy metal with elements of thrash, “Of Tyrants” is more thrash with elements of heavy metal! In-your-face attack with a catchy chorus and fierce guitar solos! Lyrically, it falls in the same category as the first single off the album, “Monster’s Ball”; how the history of mankind is one that’s layered thick with self-righteous destruction, led by a handful of tyrants, yet the tyrant lies dormant within us all”.

“For the video, we went to Rome and the brilliant Greta and Ray in Kinorama Studio! These two hold a wide range of talents and have created killer visuals for this song! This studio already comes with a strong recommendation, and we will certainly add to that!”, they added.

Watch the official video for “Of Tyrants” HERE

Pre-Order “Oceans Above, Stars Below” HERE

The band commented: “This has been a long, loooong haul! But we are happy and proud to say that we once again feel we’ve made a strong and killer album and thrilled to have teamed up with the great Frontiers Music for bringing this out into the world! It’s a more intense album, both in atmosphere and speed, with hooks and melodies that’s cooler than ever, and we deeply hope and believe the listeners will feel it was well worth the wait!”

“As with our previous album, we knew that we wanted legendary Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios to do the mix of the album. The studio could at that time offer brand new, stellar facilities, so we decided to also record the drums and vocals there together with the excellent engineer/producer Alexander Backlund”, they continued. “This has lifted the audio quality of our albums to a new level, and we’re just so excited to finally share it all with the rest of the world!”

Furthermore, they added: “We’re also thrilled to properly share with you the album cover artwork by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design! We were well familiar with Giannis’ quality-work when we first reached out to him, and based on our discussions around the album title and lyrics, he has created a truly intriguing eye-catcher of an artwork!”

Triosphere’s music moves in between hard rock, power prog and thrash metal, and presents uniquely honest and hard-hitting songs; from the heaviest to the calmest, from intricate to classic, all led by strong melodies and compelling guitarwork.

Triosphere released their debut album “Onwards” on FaceFront Records in 2006/2007. It received rave reviews, and the award “Best Metal Album” from the world’s largest independent music organization JPF’s at their annual JPF Awards in Nashville in 2009.

In 2010, the band signed with AFM Records, who released their sophomore album “The Road Less Travelled” (2010), and “The Heart Of The Matter” (2014). Both albums received huge critical acclaim worldwide and consequently a growing number of listeners.

Throughout the years, the band has had the privilege of touring with some of the truly great names within the rock and metal genre: their first tours in 2006 and 2007 was with W.A.S.P., and in the years to follow they have toured Europe with Arch Enemy, Sonata Artica, Kamelot, Timo Kotipelto, Jorn, Crimson Glory and Sirenia.

They’ve opened for Dio and Nightwish, and played festivals like Wacken Open Air, Progpower USA, 70 000 Tons of Metal, Tons of Rock and Metaldays, to name a few.

The bands’ solid quality both on record and stage have earned them a steadfast audience and listeners around the world, and their long-awaited new album perfectly encapsulates the essence of Triosphere, standing the test of time.

“Oceans Above, Stars Below” Tracklist:

1.    Premonition
2.    Of Tyrants
3.    Oceans Above, Stars Below
4.    Monster’s Ball
5.    Through The Phantom Wall
6.    Shorelines
7.    Lightning In A Bottle
8.    Encore
9.    Embers
10.    Orpheus’ Bane
11.    Cadence Of Chaos
12.    Gjenklang

Line Up:
Ida Haukland – bass and vocals
Marius Bergesen – guitars
Tor Ole Byberg – guitars
Kenneth Tårneby – drums

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Finnish doom metal musician Harri Kauppinen introduces his new post-metal project Abandoned Ocean

Abandoned Ocean is a new project that introduces the English written material by Finnish post metal / doom metal artist Harri Kauppinen. Now released debut release Inner Dusk -EP could be described as post-metal. Kauppinen once again combines elements of lo-fi and doom into his intimate singer-songwriter style.

“The last time my music was released was in 2016. After a long break, it’s great to see that I still get excited when a whole (and damn dark) song is built out of total emptiness. It’s one of the greatest experiences music offers me.” -Harri Kauppinen

Check the lyric video of the track “Unpleasant Light”:

https://youtu.be/2uNxmYTPN70

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

Although the EP’s music was written by Harri Kauppinen, there’s also other players involved: Teemu Liekkala (Rioghan, Red Eleven), Otto Närhi (Psychework, Nestruction) and producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (Kypck, Swallow the Sun, HIM).

These four gentlemen last came together on a unifying theme in 2016, when Kauppinen’s debut solo album, Helvetin laulut, was released. Not forgetting the fact that Kauppinen, Liekkala and Närhi share a common history from 2005-2014, when they were part of the dark metal band Beyond The Dream.

Inner Dusk is a narrow passageway into a gloomy world, but one where there is hope for a way out. Step inside. You can come back if you want, but before you do ; close your eyes and immerse yourself in the inner dusk.

SELIAS Unleashes New Era with Vocalists Neil and Ania — New Metal Album in the Works

SELIAS, darker and heavier than ever, with the announcement of two new vocalists, Neil and Ania, marking a decisive shift toward a more aggressive, stand-out sound.

Alongside this lineup evolution, the band confirms that a brand-new album is in the works.

Known for atmospheric textures and bringing the heavy, SELIAS is now poised to deliver a new performance on their upcoming tours and shows.

Neil brings a commanding vocal presence, blending cleans with his own standout scream. His delivery cuts through the low, down-tuned instrumentation, adding grit and authority to the band’s sound.

Ania counters with brutal guttural screams that showcase constant intensity. —creating a dynamic that amplifies the band’s sound.

“This is a turning point for SELIAS,” said Steve (guitarist). “Neil and Ania bring fire and versatility. We’re building something that hits hard.”

Fans can expect a fusion of melody and heaviness expanding forward from KILLKARMA.

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