Solus Released New EP 4

Finnish dark‑minded heavy music gains a powerful new chapter as Solus, the Rauma‑based melodic dark/death metal outfit, unveiled their latest EP, 4. Since forming in 2020, Solus has carved out a distinctive space within Finland’s extreme music landscape, blending brooding atmospheres with sharp modern influences.

“4” is a melancholic, timeline-driven work that follows the arc from birth to the end of
everything. The songs guide the listener with delicate metaphors, yet in an easily relatable way, through the winds of life, darkness, and dangers — moving from a state of ignorance toward trials and ultimately toward accepting the end of all things. Both the lyrics and the music create a constantly shifting mental landscape, and the way of thinking evolves as the songs progress — perhaps even toward reincarnation, as suggested by the album’s cover art.
The work carries several artistically layered themes and thought patterns around which the story unfolds:
– A person and life are like a painting — everyone strives to create their own version
– A person and life are like a plant, continuously tested and shaped by the environment, and not everything can be controlled
– The work can be compared to life, a phase of life, or even relationships — from which some lyrical elements are also drawn. Each of these begins and eventually comes to an end.
Key themes of the album include carefreeness, ignorance, disappointment, dependence, letting go, surrendering and loneliness.
The EP’s title comes from several factors. Firstly, this is Solus’s fourth release, excluding singles. It is also the first release on which all four members of the band contributed to the composition and final polishing of the songs — and it shows in the result. Most importantly, the EP contains four tracks, each portraying slightly different stages of life that together form the story. Nothing more complicated than that.
“4” is an excellent showcase of what Solus is capable of after all these years. This time, the stylistic direction leans heavier and more melancholic in line with the theme, but given the band’s versatility, Solus will surely be heard in different forms in the future as well.

Tracklist:
1: First Breath (03:29)
2: Sapling (03:27)
3: Black Roses (05:55)
4: Morior Solus (03:12)

Solus (Est. 2020, Rauma, Finland):
Toni Mäkynen – vocals, guitar
Toni Nurmi – guitar
Kristian Saine – bass
Eetu Valtanen – drums
(Juuso Itänen – backing vocals)

Composing: Toni Mäkynen, Toni Nurmi, Kristian Saine, Eetu Valtanen
Lyrics: Toni Mäkynen
Production, mixing and mastering: Kristian Saine
Recording: Taboo Music
Drum recording: V.R. Studio
Cover art: Toni Mäkynen (alkup. akryylimaalaus)
Label: Taboo Music
Music video production: Jami Määttänen

www.wearesolus.com
www.taboomusic.fi

Northern Krig released new single

Norwegian Black Metal band Northern Krig released their new single Return of the Elfking. The single was recorded/mixed at “Icelandic Fire Records” by Jan Reichel, and mastered at “Totenklang Studios”.
Formed in Oslo in 2021 by Morfran, Erik Lund, Mikkel Stein, and Jonar Gunnarson, Norwegian black metal force Northern Krig emerged from the ashes of “Skyrsdag”. Now fronted by Morfran (vocals/guitar), Miasma (bass/guitar), and Maikon Q. (drums), the band established their raw sound on the 2022 demo “Myrk Blóðfórn”. Key milestones include their 2024 debut “Concept of a Suicidal Journey” and the February 2026 release of their devastating full-length album “Worship Files for Anthropophagolagnia Predators” via Icelandic Fire Records, promoted by GlobMetal Promotions.

French heavy-metal outfit Parallel Minds unveiled new music video “Sekigahara”

‘French modern heavy metal outfit Parallel Minds unveil a brand new music video for their latest single “Sekigahara” — a powerful and cinematic new chapter in the band’s evolving universe.

Fusing razor-sharp precision, progressive structures, and sheer intensity, “Sekigahara” stands as one of the most striking pieces taken from their recently released album ‘Cairn’.

The track channels both violence and introspection, echoing the historical weight of its name while delivering a deeply immersive sonic experience.

With ‘Cairn’, Parallel Minds deliver their most ambitious work to date — a modern heavy metal statement driven by emotional depth, technical mastery, and a strong conceptual backbone.The album explores the human condition through themes of suffering, resilience, and reconstruction, moving seamlessly between progressive complexity, thrash aggression, and epic orchestration.

Parallel Minds is a French modern heavy metal project driven by a clear artistic direction: combining technical precision with strong emotional and conceptual depth.

Their music navigates across genres, drawing influence from the progressive structures of Symphony X, the aggressive edge of Testament, and the epic dimension of Blind Guardian — while maintaining a distinct and cohesive identity.

With Cairn, Parallel Minds expands its scope through international collaborations, reinforcing the album’s thematic focus on shared human experiences.

French cosmic death-metallers Breeding Chaos released digital exclusive new single “Legion Of The Dead”

Following the renewed international push around their debut album ‘Distant Planets‘, French modern death metal band BREEDING CHAOS are bringing one of their most overlooked tracks back into the spotlight.

Released as a stand-alone single in Spring 2025, “Legion of the Dead” largely flew under the radar.

It deserved better.

While ‘Distant Planets’ established the band’s identity through massive riffs, controlled dynamics and a sonic concept rooted in astrophysics and interstellar phenomena, “Legion of the Dead” pushes that formula beyond the album.

Dense. Groove-heavy. Atmospheric. Purposeful.

No speed saturation. No genre clichés. No unnecessary excess.

Just modern death metal built around weight, memorable structures and impact.

“Legion of the Dead” stayed under the radar the first time around. It shouldn’t stay there.

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.

 

LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Confronts Creative Silence with New Music Video “The Blank Page”

Levinia returns with “The Blank Page,” the fourth and final single in their ambitious 2026 release cycle, a year defined by evolution, sharpened identity, and a darker cinematic edge. Following the momentum of “Bite,” “Silver Tongues,” and “The Thorn,” this new single arrives as the band’s most emotionally vulnerable and haunting offering yet, paired with a striking music video that visually amplifies its themes of isolation, creative paralysis, and inner conflict.

Produced by Brandon Friesen, whose credits include Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach, “The Blank Page” represents one of the most dramatic transformations in Levinia’s catalog. While vocalist Kourt Henson had already crafted the lyrical and melodic core, Friesen helped expand the track into a sweeping, cinematic experience, heightening its tension, atmosphere, and emotional payoff. The result is a single that begins in fragile stillness before erupting into one of the band’s most crushing choruses to date.

With all four singles released, Levinia closes their 2026 cycle with a powerful statement: the band is entering its most confident and defined era yet. And with new material already in development, “The Blank Page” is not an ending; it’s the beginning of what comes next.

The video for “The Blank Page” mirrors the song’s emotional weight through stark, unsettling imagery. A lone house sits in a desolate landscape, symbolizing mental confinement and the suffocating silence of creative paralysis. A burnt, ruined page becomes the central metaphor, representing ideas destroyed before they ever had the chance to exist. The visuals echo the song’s haunting atmosphere, creating a unified emotional experience between audio and imagery.

“The Blank Page may be the biggest shock. It opens in a slower, more vulnerable, and almost haunting space, which is not what some listeners may expect at first, but once the chorus hits, it erupts into something crushing. We think that contrast will make it one of the more memorable tracks emotionally,” adds vocalist Kourt Henson.

Recommended for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, and Delain, listen to “Blank Page” at the following links:

Music Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnWntWSKHR0

Spotify https://hypeddit.com/levinia/theblankpage

Levinia blends symphonic atmosphere, modern metal aggression, and cinematic storytelling into a sound influenced by Epica, Lacuna Coil, Sabaton, Disturbed, and Evanescence. Formed from the ashes of Los Angeles power‑metal band Aerius, the group has spent nearly a decade refining its identity into something bold, emotional, and unmistakably its own.

Across their 2026 singles, Levinia showcases a wide emotional and stylistic range. “The Blank Page” is a haunting exploration of writer’s block, pressure, and emotional paralysis. “Bite” is a Dracula‑inspired anthem of resilience and transformation. “Silver Tongues” is a groove‑driven warning against idol worship and blind influence. “The Thorn” is a sharp, modern metal strike at internal conflict. Each single reveals a different facet of the band’s identity, pushing their sound into heavier, more deliberate territory while preserving the cinematic drama fans have come to expect.

Levinia’s writing process has evolved into a deeply collaborative effort. Guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal and vocalist Kourt Henson typically build the foundation, instrumentals, melodies, and lyrical direction before drummer Dylan Suierveld and bassist Liam Alexander shape the rhythmic and dynamic backbone. This approach has led to a more cohesive, vocal‑driven sound that balances aggression with emotional depth.

Working with Brandon Friesen has marked a turning point for the band. His guidance helped refine the strongest tracks from an initial pool of developing ideas, shaping them into a four‑part release that feels intentional, cinematic, and emotionally charged. Each single serves a distinct purpose, forming a cohesive narrative of Levinia’s ongoing evolution.

Previous Singles:

Bite – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Uw9l0cmAA

Silver Tongues – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqhk6j6wzKs

The Thorn – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30EmGiQL7ug

Levinia:
Vocals – Kourt Henson
Guitar – Alon Mei-Tal
Bass – Liam Alexander
Drums- Dylan Suierveld

More info:

https://www.leviniaofficial.com/

https://instagram.com/leviniaofficial

https://www.facebook.com/LeviniaOfficial/

ARTEMISIA Unveil New Single ‘Eroi Di Plastica’ – an Act of Resistance Against the Power That Crushes & Erases

“Eroi di plastica”, the new single by ArtemisiA, is available on all major digital platforms from Friday, July 17 via Volcano Records.

Direct, dark and deeply personal, the song draws from real-life experiences, but develops into a broader reflection on the power dynamics that still affect many women in oppressive workplaces ruled by arrogant, incompetent authorities unable to recognise the value of the people around them. “Eroi di plastica” explores the systematic attempt to erase individual identity, suppress independent thought and make those subjected to abuse believe they are not worthy enough. Personal experience thus becomes collective material, taking the form of a denunciation of mechanisms sustained by fear, control and constant devaluation.

Musically, the single reinforces ArtemisiA’s heavy rock and progressive metal identity through songwriting that combines energy, narrative tension and dark atmospheres. The heavier side of the band’s sound supports a highly evocative lyric in which anger, memory and the desire for redemption coexist within an intense and uncompromising narrative. In this context, the choice to sing in Italian carries particular significance. For a band released by Volcano Records, a label long recognised for its international activities and global promotional work, the Italian language is neither a limitation nor a form of geographical isolation. On the contrary, it becomes a vehicle for poetry, beauty, identity and powerful ideas, capable of conveying emotional and narrative nuances that do not need to be translated in order to feel universal.
With “Eroi di plastica”, ArtemisiA show how a song can remain firmly rooted in a specific cultural identity while still speaking to a much wider audience. The language of music, protest and dignity ultimately transcends linguistic boundaries, especially when it emerges from authentic experience.

Listen to “Eroi di plastica” on all major streaming platforms and watch the official video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3itWP5ImteM

Also check out the previous single ‘Ciò che l’acqua mi ha dato’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEFnLMeXCI4

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.artemisiaband.it

In This Moment’s new album coming next month – New single Crawl out now with music video

Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum American metal giant In This Moment is opening a new chapter in their career by announcing the release of their ninth studio album, Witch, on August 28th. The album is also the band’s first full-length album under Better Noise Music.

Along with the news, the band is releasing the album’s next single, Crawl, accompanied by a music video. The song offers everything In This Moment is known for, namely heavy riffs, a hypnotic atmosphere and singer Maria Brink’s recognizable and powerful interpretation. The song combines the band’s dark aesthetic with catchy melodies in the band’s unique style. Listen to Crawl here.

Singer Maria Brink says the song is about the abuse of power and the consequences of actions:

“Crawl is a kind of reckoning. It reminds us that those who use their power to hurt others will sooner or later face the consequences of their own actions. Those who have climbed on top of their heads may eventually end up on their knees.”

Guitarist and founding member Chris Howorth also sees a broader social message in the song:

“The song describes how those in power have oppressed those in a weaker position throughout history. It’s a raw and direct statement, but at the same time an empowering reminder that injustice can be fought back.”

The upcoming album brings together all of In This Moment’s signature elements – a balance between heavy and delicate, theatricality and strong emotional expression. The album also features several guest appearances, including Dayseeker, Kim Dracula, and Kat Von D.

“This album is my declaration of inner transformation. It’s about accepting my own duality and how pain, adversity, and being judged can be turned into strength. The album reflects both ancient trials and my own journey. To me, ‘witch’ is a creative force – a person who is connected to the world around them and creates their own reality.”

Witch track listing:
1. Shame
2. I Want To Believe (feat. Dayseeker)
3. Crawl
4. Into The Dark
5. Sleeping With The Enemy
6. Wrapped Around Your Finger
7. Heretic (feat. Kim Dracula)
8. Father
9. Without Me There’s No You
10. Another Brick In The Wall (feat. Kat Von D)
11. Something I Can Never Have

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Soulgrind released the last single ‘A Whispered Curse Upon the Gale’ from their 10th album ‘Ad Pulchram Mortem’

The legendary Finnish metal band Soulgrind, founded in 1992, is set to release its tenth album ‘Ad Pulchram Mortem’ on August 14th 2026 via Inverse Records. The last single ‘A Whispered Curse Upon the Gale’ is unleashed today and it’s available here: 

https://push.fm/fl/soulgrind-whispered-curse

The band comments:

The lyrics are about love and loss, braided together with imagery of battle. The central tension is that love, instead of offering comfort, has become a haunting presence — “love’s specter,” “a whispered curse.” It’s a striking inversion: here, love is part of the darkness, or at least inseparable from it. The narrator is grieving while also facing a kind of metaphorical war.

The chorus is the strongest part — “In the arms of the night, I find no peace, my sorrows increase” has a clean, singable cadence.

Music-wise, the song starts with a death-metal-ish riff and grows into dark, even gothic spheres. Ms. Tanja Lilith delivers exceptional vocals. This song features Lord‘s growls, not Azhemin‘s.

Production is solid, as is the whole Ad Pulchram Mortem album.” 

WATCH music video of first single ‘Jylhä Metsämies’ https://youtu.be/aoBIyV44VOY
LISTEN to the second single ‘Tears of the Earth’ https://push.fm/fl/soulgrind-tears
LISTEN to the third single ‘Dark Water Wide’ https://push.fm/fl/soulgrind-dark-water

BIOGRAPHY:

Soulgrind is a Finnish metal band formed in 1992, known for blending gothic metal, thrash and black metal into a dark, melodic atmosphere. The band was founded by Lord Heikkinen, who has consistently contributed guitar and programming. Since 1999 Miika ‘Azhemin’ Niemelä has handled keyboards and programming, later adding harsh vocals.

Soulgrind’s music often explores themes related to the darker aspects of Finnish history and psyche, combining passion, war, and the “dark side of mind” into their lyrical content, reflecting a deep connection to Finland’s cultural and historical roots. But there has always been the bride side for the aspects as well. Classic war of love and hate.The  sound has evolved over the time, but Soulgrind has maintained a core identity rooted in metal with a dark, atmospheric edge, resisting strict genre categorization and embracing musical development freely. Freedom of metal has always been the theme. And so it shall be.

Soulgrind is recognized for their intelligent and unique approach to metal, merging melodic and dark elements to create a distinctive sound within the Finnish metal scene. Their long-standing presence since the early 90s marks them as a significant act in the gothic and black metal genres in Finland.

Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA New Single “Chasing The Sun” From Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” Out September 2026

Following the release of their debut single “Shame“, Italian melodic power metal band Aletheya unveil “Chasing The Sun“, the second single taken from their upcoming debut album “Chance To Reborn“, due out on September 18th, 2026.

Supported by an official music video, produced by Kinorama Studio, “Chasing The Sun” reflects Aletheya‘s own definition of power metal: speed, power, and melody brought together through dynamic songwriting and carefully crafted arrangements.

While “Shame” introduced the album’s darker and more introspective side, “Chasing The Sun” highlights its brighter counterpart. Built around driving rhythms, soaring melodies, powerful guitar work, and cinematic orchestral arrangements, the song demonstrates how those elements come together in a composition that prioritizes memorable songwriting over technical virtuosity alone.

Lyrically, “Chasing The Sun” explores resilience, determination, and the constant pursuit of hope even when the destination seems uncertain. Rather than offering escapism, the song reflects the band’s recurring focus on personal growth and inner strength, transforming moments of struggle into the motivation to move forward. It represents another chapter in “Chance To Reborn“, an album that explores change, self-awareness, and rebirth through songs inspired by real human experiences.

The official music video presents Aletheya in their natural environment: performing together with the same intensity and chemistry that shaped the album throughout its writing and recording process. Alternating energetic band performances with atmospheric lighting and dynamic editing, the video translates the song’s energy into a compelling visual performance while highlighting the musicianship at the core of Aletheya‘s sound.

Speaking about the new single, the band comments:

For us, ‘Chasing The Sun‘ is our definition of power metal: speed, power and melody. Beyond the energy, it’s a song about refusing to surrender, continuing to move forward and searching for hope even during life’s most difficult moments. It’s one of the tracks that best defines who we are as a band.

The line-up features musicians with extensive experience across the Italian and international metal scene, including David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Neurasty), Francesco Menale (Risen Crow, Last Prototype) and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept), bringing together technical expertise, songwriting depth and a clear artistic vision. Rounding out the line-up is bass player Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon). At the same time, the album also features acclaimed keyboard player Alessio Lucatti (Deathless Legacy, ex-Vision Divine), who performs additional keyboards throughout the entire record.

Recorded and produced by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio, “Chance To Reborn” combines melodic power metal foundations with symphonic textures, progressive influences, and contemporary production, creating a sound that balances the genre’s classic roots with a modern musical approach. With each new single, the album continues to reveal the different themes and musical directions explored throughout the record.

For fans of: Helloween, Gamma Ray, Angra, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica

Listen: https://lnk.to/s2ezTR
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfyahKs7_v4

Chance To Reborn will be released on September 18th, 2026, on Digital and CD digipak versions.

PRE-ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/aletheya-chance-to-reborn

ALETHEYA lineup:

  • David Folchitto: Drums
  • Francesco Menale: Guitars
  • Gianni Carcione: Vocals
  • Fabrizio Sclano: Bass

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/aletheya__official/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Aletheya/61578108544801/

BIOGRAPHY:

Aletheya is an Italian melodic power metal band formed by experienced musicians united by a shared artistic vision rooted in the legacy of classic heavy and power metal while embracing a contemporary and emotionally driven songwriting approach. Although “Chance To Reborn” represents the band’s debut full-length album, Aletheya brings together years of experience gained across the Italian and international metal scene.

The line-up features David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Fleshgod Apocalypse) on drums, Francesco Menale (Risen Crow) on guitars, and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept) on vocals, Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon) on bass, combining technical expertise, compositional depth, and a strong artistic identity shaped through decades of musical activity.

Aletheya’s sound blends soaring melodies, powerful rhythmic structures, dynamic vocals and refined guitar work, balancing the grandeur of traditional European power metal with symphonic textures, neoclassical influences and progressive sensibilities. Deeply inspired by the German power metal tradition of the ’80s and ’90s, the band also draws from Scandinavian melodic metal, progressive metal and, at times, darker tonal shades connected to classic death metal influences. Their songwriting reflects a conscious effort to bridge the genre’s roots with a modern and personal artistic perspective.

Lyrically, Aletheya explores themes of resilience, rebellion, inner conflict, and personal awareness, transforming human struggles and emotional tension into songs driven by determination, introspection, and hope. Rather than relying exclusively on fantasy imagery, the band seeks to establish a deeper emotional connection with the listener through themes rooted in direct human experience.

Conceived as more than a simple collection of songs, “Chance To Reborn” represents both an arrival point and a new beginning for the band: the synthesis of past musical experiences and the foundation of a precise artistic identity aimed at bringing melodic power metal into a more contemporary and emotionally resonant dimension.

With their debut album, Aletheya position themselves as a new force within the modern melodic power metal landscape, combining experience, vision, and a profound respect for the genre’s past and future.

Egokills’ new Shine & Glow single is a pompous and empowering metal anthem

Egokills from Tampere, who are turning 15 this year, are currently preparing for the release of their 4th full-length studio album. The band, which plays distinctive rocking metal, returned to the release scene in May with the single Knuckle Choke. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the single Shine & Glow released today and take a closer look at the information about the upcoming album.

Egokills also returned to the stage on July 16th after a break of over two years, at On The Rocks in Helsinki together with Black Royal from Tampere.

“At the gig, we played material from the upcoming album, so the audience was among the first to experience what Egokills will sound like in 2026. The new songs work exactly as we hoped – they have power, energy and, above all, a live feel,” says drummer Vilho Rajala.

The release date for the Brainbanger album is set for October 2nd, and the release will be celebrated at Bar Kotelo in Tampere on October 9th. Produced by Juha Nevala (Huora, Somehow Jo, etc.), the album represents the most metallic and rough side of Egokills’ catalog. The album was mainly recorded at Lammaskallion Audio studio in Tuusula. Mellowhead Creations Oy is the publisher.

Work on the Brainbanger album began back in 2024. A lot has happened since then. The band’s lineup returned to four members, and singer Janne Selo decided to pick up a second guitar after having only been on the singer’s side until then.

“When I picked up the guitar at the rehearsal room, it felt like twenty years had fallen off my shoulders. After that, new songs started to emerge at a rapid pace,” Selo recalls.

There have also been difficulties, sadness, losses and uncertainty along the way. Last year was spent dealing with them, but now the difficulties have been overcome, and Egokills is ready to head towards the future, propelled by the new album. The Brainbanger album is available for pre-order on CD and vinyl from well-stocked record stores and the band’s official online store.

Brainbanger tracklist:
1. Brainbanger
2. Shine & Glow
3. Swan
4. Rat King
5. Knuckle Choke
6. Transition
7. Dead Flowers
8. Light So Pale

Upcoming gigs:
9.10.2026 Bar Kotelo, Tampere (w/ We Are Still)

Egokills is:
Janne Selo – vocals, guitar
Niko Viita-aho – guitar
Mika Pusa – bass
Vilho Rajala – drums

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