Category: Press Releases

Finnish melodic heavy metal band Ikirouta releases new disco metal influenced single

Finnish melodic heavy metal band Ikirouta has released a new song “Uusi päivä” (A New Day). This is the 19th single by this Kajaani -based band. On this tight song the band cut to the chase immediately and the first chorus strikes in after half a minute.

Guitarist and composer Teemu Kuosmanen tells about the song: “Uusi päivä is something quite different from our band but it still got the familiar Ikirouta-sound. We wanted to try some new stuff and we used some synth-bass, electric drum fills and mixed in a little bit of disco metal twist. Really big thanks to Janne Tolsa about the soundscape. Especially on the chorus got some traditional Finnish pop touch. And the length – I have never before written a song this short. It’s actually quite a challenge to push all the important elements into a three minute song. We are really excited to see how people will react to this!”

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

Watch the lyrics video: https://youtu.be/Zz-KLPKZ-dQ?si=lH1EfGVcljN8rPHF

Ikirouta is hard working live band playing constantly all around Finland. The band is also active organizing popular Facebook -live streams from their rehearsals that have had over 10 000 viewers on most popular streams.

Ikirouta:

Jori Kärki – vocals
Teemu Kuosmanen – guitar, keyboards
Jere Pellikka – bass
Jani Partanen – drums
Mikko Niiranen – technician

https://www.facebook.com/ikiroutayhtye

Finnish progressive metal sensation Rioghan to release second album in 2025 – First single ‘Edge’ featuring Vikram Shankar on keys

Finnish progressive metal band Rioghan is set to release the second studio album ‘Kept’ on February 14th 2025 via Inverse Records. The first single ‘Edge’ was unleashed on October 10th and the stunning music video shot and edited by Aarni Visuals can be seen here: https://youtu.be/SYz0locEGn4

Rioghan comments Edge -single:
” ’Edge’ sets the directions to the new album’s scenery, describing the harsh duality of deeply cut adoration and sickening disappointment, through the eyes of a wounded muse seeking for her revenge. Instrumentally the song is a quite unexpected take. We really pondered if it should be the first single at all, but after thorough thought we understood no other song would fit better for the first taste. This is our “shovel to the face” -opening act!”

Finnish Tour with Wheel:
31.10.2024 Tampere, Olympia
01.11.2024 Kuopio, Sawohouse Underground
02.11.2024 Helsinki, On The Rocks
07.11.2024 Jyväskylä, Lutakko
08.11.2024 Lahti, Finlandia-Klubi
09.11.2024 Oulu, 45 Special

LISTEN to Edge single on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/rioghan-edge

BIOGRAPHY
Rioghan is a fresh breeze to progressive metal scene from Finland. The band consists of singer Rioghan Darcy, multi-instrumentalist Teemu Liekkala, guitarist Tero Luukkonen, bassist Antti Varjanne and drummer Valtteri Revonkorpi.

Their debut album ‘Different Kinds Of Losses’ was made in collaboration with Jonas Renkse (Katatonia), Einar Solberg (Leprous) and Teemu Koskela (ex-Celesty), and it was rolled out during 2022 sparking interest widely. The singles got airtime in Finland and also internationally, and after the album release in December, Rioghan’s monthly listeners on Spotify peaked at 40 000. The songs also got into multiple Spotify editorial playlists.

Live line-up was put into action in 2023, and this autumn Rioghan will return to stages supporting Wheel on their Charismatic Leaders -tour, bringing their stellar show to Tampere, Kuopio, Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Lahti, and Oulu.

With new full-length album well on the way, the first single ‘Edge’ opens up a completely new portal to Rioghan’s mindset with more straight forward and even aggressive approach. Astonishing range of Rioghan Darcy’s vocals, rowdy djenty guitars and guest performer Vikram Shankar’s flowing keyboards will keep you on the edge of your seat for the whole song.

Rioghan started out as a solo project by singer and poetess Rioghan Darcy, based in Lapua, Finland. After years of writing poetry and lyrics, Rioghan was founded in 2019 with an intention to fleshen up some of her words with music. After a while, it grew into a trio with Teemu Liekkala (guitars, bass, keys, production) and Valtteri Revonkorpi (drums) added as permanent stars for the band, and in 2024 guitarist Tero Luukkonen and bassist Antti Varjanne also officially joined the band from live line-up. Rooted deeply in both gothic and progressive metal scenes, they sure should bring something interesting on the table.

­Rioghan – Edge (Single 2024)

Composed by Teemu Liekkala & Jenni PerämäkiLyrics by Jenni Perämäki
Arranged by Tero Luukkonen, Antti Varjanne, Valtteri Revonkorpi, Vikram Shankar
ISRC: FI3FC2550104
Cover photo: Aarni VisualsCover
layout: Sakari Tuokkola

Line-up:
Rioghan Darcy – vocals
Teemu Liekkala – guitar
Tero Luukkonen – guitar
Antti Varjanne – bass
Valtteri Revonkorpi – drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/rioghandarcy
https://www.instagram.com/rioghandarcy
https://rioghan.bandcamp.com
https://spoti.fi/36nTHP7
https://www.rakkausrunot.fi/runoilijat/emma-rioghan-darcy

Newcomer metalcore band Lust For Lily released new single “Glitter”

Lust For Lily is a band that was founded in Tuusula (Finland) in the summer of 2022. The band’s music represents the subgenre of heavy metalcore, which combines the sensitivity of melancholic alternative pop with the explosive energy and expressive power of modern metalcore.

Along with hard gigging, Lust For Lily has also started working on new material, of which we got the first taste today in the form of “Glitter” single. With the song, the band’s musical expression takes a turn towards a new, darker and rawer sounding direction.

“Glitter is a bleak, dark and melancholic metal ballad about a person reaching their ultimate breaking point. In the song, sensitive and catchy lyrics are supported by impressive production and crushing electric guitars. Glitter has also established its position as an atmospheric highlight of live gigs,” the band commented

The band’s camp also hints that, in addition to “Glitter” , another song has been in the works, which will be released in the near future.

Lust For Lily, who released their “Relinquish” debut EP last spring, quickly attracted attention in Finnish music circles. The songs were selected for Spotify playlists, and the single “Pale Fondness” got its premiere on YleX. Convinced with their serious production and fresh compositions, the young band has been touring hard since the release of their EP. At the band’s debut gig, many people rubbed their eyes when the drummer, who had broken his hand, arrived to perform with, among others, Mika “Kaasu” Karppinen, known from HIM.

Upcoming gigs:
Monttu, Pori 5 October 2024
Nirvana, Turku 11.10.2024
Semifinal, Helsinki 19.12.2024
Varjobari, Tampere 11.1.2025

Lust For Lily:
Aku Olli / Vocals and guitar
Oskari Hyökyvaara / Solo guitar
Verneri Hyökyvaara / Drums
Aaro Kankaanpää / Bass

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY

Hellsinki Metal Festival – Winter Edition 2024 at Helsinki Kaapelitehdas on December 14 – Dark Funeral, Belphegor, Kyy and Omnivortex

The Hellsinki Metal Festival, which sold out on its second day last August, is also expanding into a winter event. Hellsinki Metal Festival – Winter Edition 2024 roars on December 14 at Helsinki’s Kaapelitehdas, and the performers of the first indoor festival will be Dark Funeral, one of the best in Swedish black metal, Belphegor, Austria’s gift to lovers of blackened death metal, and domestic experts in the field Kyy and Omnivortex.

Kaapelitehdas was not chosen as the venue for the event by chance – metal has been celebrated in the same place during the years of the Finnish Metal Expo fair, and Hellsinki Metal Festival promoter Toni Törrönen also remembers those events fondly.

“Ever since FME ended, I’ve wanted to bring a metal event to Kaapelitehdas that would have a somewhat similar atmosphere. I and many others have been missing that mood and I hope this event will now meet those wishes,” says Toni Törrönen.

Hellsinki Metal Festival – Winter Edition 2024 tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster. In addition to the basic tickets, RIP tickets are also available for the event, already familiar from Hellsinki Metal Festival, which include, in addition to admission, a private area with a direct view of the stage, private sanitary facilities, a bar and a smoking area. RIP people also get a working lanyard and wristband as an entrance ticket to the RIP area.

Hellsinki Metal Fest Winter Edition 2024
14.12.2024
Helsinki Kaapelitehdas
K18

Tickets: Ticketmaster

Basic ticket €59
RIP ticket €99

Peruslippu 59 €
RIP lippu 99 €

www.hellsinkimetalfestival.fi

Finnish guitarist Tomy Laisto has released his melancholic acoustic solo album “Penumbra”

Tomy Laisto is a guitarist known from Finnish bands as Insomnium, Pain Confessor, Mors Principium Est, Omnium Gatherum and Arc Spectra. His debut solo album “Penumbra” is released today October 4th via Inverse Records. The album features many well known artists such as Derek Sherinian (Ex-Dream Theater), Christopher Amott (Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity) and Rainer Nygård (Diablo). Although musically the album is something totally different than metal music. Penumbra is an ambitious package of atmospheric acoustic songs. A hint of jazz and blues twist blended with melancholic singer-songwriter material.

Listen to the album on music services (Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer etc): https://push.fm/fl/tomylaisto-penumbra

https://www.facebook.com/laistotomy

Finnish stoner rock band Rückwater have released a new album, Bored Machine, which explores and sometimes criticizes society and the world around us

Finnish Tampere-based alternative stoner rock band Rückwater released their second studio album Bored Machine on October 4th 2024.

LISTEN to the Bored Machine album on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/ruckwater-bored

The band comments:
“Musically, Bored Machine is a more progressive work than its predecessor (Supernova). The songs have been written with a deliberate risk-taking approach and an attempt to diversify the song structures. All the material was recorded live, as on the previous album, capturing the band’s strong chemistry and groove.

Bored Machine is a strongly thematic work that explores and partly criticises society and the world around us. Follow the Money is about social media influencers who have power because of their large number of followers, but who do not take responsibility for their actions/words. Mental health issues are addressed in several pieces, for example, Look at the Sky, Blue Lake Escape and Waiting for the Ride. Homo Economicus is about human greed, while No More Air is about dictators and authority. N.O.T.S.Y. is about forgiveness and Birthday Boy is a birthday rally.” 

Rückwater  – Bored Machine (Album 2024)

Track list:
1 N.O.T.S.Y.
2 Birthday Boy
3 No More Air
4 Homo Economicus
5 Follow The Money
6 Look At The Sky
7 Blue Lake Escape
8 Waiting For The Ride

Album cover by Tanja Rämö, picture taken by Juhana Kauppinen

Line-up:
Markku Makkonen: Guitar, Vocals
Jussi Vehman: Bass, Vocals
Jape Makkonen: Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ruckwater
https://www.instagram.com/ruckwater
https://ruckwater.bandcamp.com

Is It “Real or Fantasy” – France’s KINGCROWN Unveils New Music Video + New Album “Nova Atlantis” Out Nov 2024

French power metal band KINGCROWN releases their new single “Real or Fantasy” with an official music video. The track is the first glimpse into their highly anticipated upcoming album “Nova Atlantis” from Rockshots Records.

“Real or Fantasy” stands as the true manifesto of KINGCROWN’s sound combining their signature powerful riffs with soaring, melodic passages and unforgettable, catchy choruses. It perfectly encapsulates the evolution of KINGCROWN’s music, following their previous albums “A Perfect World” and “Wake Up Call” and showcases a maturity in songwriting while staying true to their core elements.

Produced by Simone Mularoni (DGM), “Real or Fantasy” sets the stage for what fans can expect from “Nova Atlantis” — an album deeply rooted in mythological and historical themes, brought to life with Kingcrown’s dynamic sound and impactful metal energy.

Watch the official music video for “Real or Fantasy” at https://youtu.be/dbt9BPiK5Ug​

Digital – https://lnk.to/vp4YxG​

​

Kingcrown’s sound is shaped by a wide range of influences, from metal giants like Iron Maiden, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Masterplan and Helloween, to more extreme genres such as death metal and melodic black metal. The result is a powerful mix of melodic metal, catchy choruses and diverse themes that resonate deeply with listeners.

The band has successfully combined a mythological and historical atmosphere with their powerful music, resulting in a compelling and layered listening experience.

Now, KINGCROWN pushes their creative boundaries even further with their new studio album, “Nova Atlantis”, set to be released on November 22nd, 2024.

Pre-order & pre-save “Nova Atlantis” – https://lnk.to/GX9GNQ​

​

Tracklist:​
1. The Magic Stone
2. Nova Atlantis
3. Real or Fantasy
4. Guardian Angels
5. Letter to Myself
6. Judgement Day
7. A Long Way to Valhalla
8. Souls of Travelers
9. Utopia Metropolis
10. When Stars Are Aligned
11. Endless Journey

About:

Kingcrown is a French heavy metal band known for its powerful sound and dynamic performances. Emerging from the ashes of the band Öblivïon, Kingcrown has carved out a niche in the metal scene with their compelling albums and captivating stage presence.

Kingcrown was formed in 2018 by former members of Öblivïon, a band that had gained a significant following in the metal community. The transition from Oblivion to Kingcrown marked a new chapter, bringing with it a refined musical direction and a fresh start for the band members.

Line-up:​
Joe Amore: Vocals
Ced Legger: Guitars
Bob Saliba: Guitars
Seb Chabot: Bass Guitars
David Amore: Drums

More info: www.Rockshots.eu | https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off​

LOUD AS HELL Open Air Festival Opens Band Submissions For 2025 Lineup

Nestled in the badlands of Drumheller, AB, one of Canada’s loudest decibel-breaking open-air extreme music events, LOUD AS HELL FESTIVAL announces band submissions for their 2025 lineup are now open from October 1st to 31st.

Last year’s festival had its most ferocious lineup with headliners Beyond Creation, Striker, Anciients, Green Jello, The Convalescence, Terrifier, Super Monster Party, and many more.

This 13th annual festivities will be hosted from August 1st to 3rd, 2025, and will showcase some of the best Canadian and international talent to roar through the country’s largest dinosaur badlands.

Bands interested in applying to perform at LAHXII can submit at the following link – https://www.loudashell.ca/bands

Since its inception in 2012, LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has exposed hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their 2024 edition was host to the most stacked lineup to date featuring BEYOND CREATION, STRIKER, ANCIIENTS, GREEN JELLY, THE CONVALESCENCE, SUPER MONSTER PARTY, TERRIFIER, and lots more. Previous years have witnessed well-known bands such as Jungle Rot, Narcotic Wasteland, Necronomicon, Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Battlecross, Fit for An Autopsy, Anciients, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Striker, KEN mode, Obey The Brave, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, Divinity, Neck of The Woods, Endast among many more.

Video – Terrifier – Depths Of The Storm Scepter – Live LAH 2024 – https://youtu.be/ZEm4ncOlbH4​

ideo – Art of Attrition – …And It Will All End Forever – Live LAH 2023 – https://youtu.be/Idp1d6s2MRk​

Video – Necronomicon – Pharaoh Of Gods – Live LAH 2023 – https://youtu.be/bVWR5d5zEbM​

Video – Narcotic Wasteland – Sex, Lies and DNA – Live LAH 2023 – https://youtu.be/q-AraxYaEfA‪

Video – Jungle Rot – A Call To Arms – Live at LAH 2023 – https://youtu.be/b5GCaJ–lZo​

More info:
​LoudAsHell.ca​
​Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival​
Twitter: @LoudAsHellFest
Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
​Social Media Hashtags #LAHXIII, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2025

Festival Press Materials – Posters, Band Links, EPKs, Photos – HERE.​

About:

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012 with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country.

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2025 will be celebrating its thirteenth festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!

LAH Partners:​
WCMFA – Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance
Asher Media Relations
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Ghost Cult Magazine
Valley Brewing
Canalta Hotels
Neighbors’ Corner Pub
Prairie Fire Productions Ltd
Big Nate Productions
Trash Talk with Nate Trash
Slimbztv
MetalHeads United
Heavy Metal A Way Of Life
QMR (Queen Metal Radio)
Unity X Radio

Quebec’s TROLLWAR Reveals Teaser & Artwork For New EP “Tales from the Frozen Wastes” Out Nov 2024; EP Guests From Kalmah, Atavistia

Quebec-based melodic symphonic metal band Trollwar gearing up to release their fifth record “Tales from the Frozen Wastes” on November 15, 2024. The band is excited to reveal the stunning album artwork, along with offering fans a glimpse into the dark and epic world they’ve created with a new album teaser. They share their thoughts on the recording:

“We think our album could really be described as a renewal. A renewal of our music and a new maturity for our music. We do think that you can hear it through our songs in this release. “The Unseen One” and “In the Fields of Frost” are both great songs that we wrote a couple of years ago, while “Bane of the Underworld” and “The Offering” are pretty much the new Trollwar that you should expect going forward. These two songs show a clear upgrade of how we write our music.”

“Tales from the Frozen Wastes” promises to be Trollwar‘s most complex and complete release to date, showcasing the band’s evolution towards a more melodic and symphonic sound while incorporating progressive elements. The EP features five tracks, including a prologue, that will transport listeners into a darker dimension ruled by shadows and supreme deities.

The album artwork, unveiled today, depicts a desolate landscape ruled by a higher force, where darkness looms over all. This visual representation perfectly captures the essence of Trollwar‘s music – epic and hopeful, yet dark and malicious. It is recommended for fans of Wintersun, Ensiferum, and Amon Amarth.

EP Teaser – https://youtu.be/-k5SH3biGjk​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Prologue (2:00)
2. The Unseen One (7:05) ft. Keyboard Solo by Veli-Matti Kananen (Kalmah)
3. Bane of the Underworld (5:26)
4. In The Fields of Frost (4:05)
5. The Offering (5:46) ft. Clean Vocal / Choir by Mattias Sippola (Atavistia)
EP Length: 24:24

More info:

​Trollwar.wixsite.com/trollwar | Facebook.com/Trollwar | x.com/trollwarqc | Instagram.com/trollwarmetal/​

Get Turmion Kätilöt’s single “Pulssi” and “En tahdo unohtaa koskaan” book while still warm – Beast in Black’s Kasperi Heikkinen is featured on the single

More early warning has been received from Turmio Kätilöt’s “Reset” album, which will be released on October 25. The new single “Pulssi” also features Beast in Black guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen. Yesterday, the band also raised a toast to the release of their book “En tahdo unohtaa koskaan” at On The Rocks.

“You know you’re alive when you can feel the pulse in your gums. The arrangement and lyrics of the song came about in one evening without any preplanning or notes, the night when the moon burned my face.”, MC Raaka Pee says and continues:

“This time the song was kept really simple and I wanted to include a riff that I could have played when I was 14. So a bit like people finds Smoke On The Water when they start playing guitar. It represents the 90s to me and that high school riffing that I think works hell good. Try it yourself!”, he urges.

A video was also filmed, which you can now watch Here.

Like the previous album, “Reset”, will be released through Nuclear Blast, promises to go even steeper.

“I could say that Reset is the bastard child of our previous albums, seasoned with new spices. It has everything you could want from Kätilöt in the same package and even more. One special thing on the upcoming album is the vocal parts, which are infused with big melodies alongside furious screams – often even at the same time,” MC Raaka Pee adds.

Turmion Kätilöt, who also toured in Europe during Nightwish’s journey, for example, states that “Reset” is the most appropriate name for the future entity. The journey has taken the courage to combine fierce musical and lyrical perspectives – but that’s exactly what Turmion Kätilöt is all about at its best.

“For us, Reset means that we can sum up everything we’ve learned over two decades and add new nuances to the whirlwinds of our metal disco. We’ve raised our own bar record after record, and Reset is our best album to date. We couldn’t be happier about it,” says MC Raaka Pee .

The album includes the following songs:
Yksi Jumalista
Päästä Irti
Pulssi
Sinä 2.0
Musta Piste
Trauma
Otava
Se Mitä Et Näe
Kerran Kuollut
Puuttuva Naula
Schlachter
Reset 7 (not to be continued)

Turmion Kätilöt is:
MC Raaka Pee – Vocals
Shag-U – vocals
Bobby Undertaker – Guitar
Master Bates – bass
RunQ – Keyboards
DQ – drums

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