MANILA HEMP, the renown Italian alternative rock band, released “Oblivion”, their new EP available on all digital platforms through Volcano Records & Promotion. Featuring six intense and inspired tracks, Oblivion is a psychedelic journey through rock, alternative, electronic, and post-grunge sounds, exploring themes of loss, rebirth, and the discovery of new inner dimensions.
“Time loses its color. It becomes oblique light, the sound of a world that breaks down. And you see new stars, unknown maps, dimensions without borders. Every loss is a passage and every passage is an oblivion, and a new beginning.” – Manila Hemp
Alongside the release of Oblivion, the band unveils the official video for ‘Bright Door’, a song that symbolizes the passage towards new awareness and a transformative experience. The video, now available on YouTube, brings to life the powerful and evocative imagery of the song’s inner journey. Oblivion marks a new chapter in Manila Hemp’s musical evolution, offering a mature and deeply emotional work that captivates listeners and transports them into a soundscape suspended between dream and reality.
Listen to Oblivion now on Spotify, Apple Music and all major digital platforms.
Finnish metal quartet Pohjoisen Soturit have been delivering their own unique twist of heavy-metal for over twenty years, blending thunderous riffs, industrial driving beats and the rumble of death metal vocals, following in the footsteps of Scandinavian giants such as Moonsorrow, Korpiklaani and Finntroll. In the beginning there were two sons; brothers Anssi and Ossi Leinonen, who in 2004 formed the band off the back of their childhood passion for Metallica, Pantera, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir and Moonsorrow. The bands name was taken from Moonsorrow’s song “Taistelu Pohjolasta”. Immediately in the founding year, bassist Teemu Hynynen joined the ranks, and the first original songs started to emerge, amongst various covers like ‘Smoke on the Water’. Originality was their drive, and covers were just the stepping stone.
The following year in 2005, Riku-Pekka Savolainen joined as second guitarist, and the first demo entitled “Verisuot” was born, recorded at the Lapinlahti, Purkki-Studio. Anssi’s early day vocals delivered a low and monotonous roar, lending more to the sounds and ferocity than the words themselves. The following the demo for “Kertalaaki” was also created. With the first two demos, no one really knew where the bands sound came from, or yet what it was to develop into, stitching together distorted guitars, powerful vocals and the drive of the double bass drum.
In 2005-2006, the bands’ first shows were performed. School parties, bar gigs, any stage they could take to, with their main drawback being that Anssi was the only adult in the whole gang.
In 2008, the debut EP named “Pohjoistuuli” was recorded at Kujalandia studio in Lahti, southern Finland.
During the years of 2009-2013 the crew underwent lineup changes, all the while recording 2011’s ‘Naimahauta’ EP at Make Saaranen‘s studio.
Make Saaranen came to lead guitar and 2016 band released first full album ”Oksat pois ja osa latvuksista…” via Inverse Records.
After few quiet year band activates again 2019. Make Saaranen leaves the band and Juuso Tujunen jumps in with keyboard. 2020 ”Halaus” music video was released and full ”Halaus” album born in 2022. Band played also their first gig outside of Finland at Camden Underworld in London.
2024 There was a five show tour in Bulgaria with Blax and Arallu. Sami Kokkonen leaves and Jussi Ruotsalainen came back as bass player.
2025 New album ”N” is coming. Two singles, ”Kuiskaus” and “Tolokun Musta” were released from the album.
Line-up:
Guitar & vocals – Anssi Leinonen
Drums – Ossi Leinonen
Bass – Jussi Ruotsalainen
Guitar – Ville Normi
Keyboards – Juuso Tujunen
The theme of the album revolves around the title, as it explores the mindset of a person who has been pushed to the edge mentally, with no way out. The lyrics, as usual, touch on the darker side of life, but also address the current state of the world. The compositions on the album are somewhat darker than those on the previous release, “Shattered.” There is also a song on the album, titled “The Creator,” which is a bit different from the band’s usual style. Falling From Grace’s characteristic energy and aggression are also present on this release.
At The Edge combines various genres of metal, with a focus on groove metal and melodic death metal. The songwriting is once again handled by the band’s guitarist Timi Tonteri.
Nils Courbaron (Sirenia, Bloodorn, T.A.N.K.) is featuring on the album’s last track The Creator.
“With At The Edge, we’ve taken a step forward from the last album and incorporated elements we haven’t used before. The timing of the album release is perfect, with Tuska Festival just around the corner, where we will also perform.”
Progressive metal innovators WIND DOWN have released the mesmerizing lyric video for “Connection Point”, a standout track from their critically acclaimed album The Burning Past, out now via Wormholedeath Worldwide.
“Connection Point” is a sonic odyssey inspired by Native American culture, shamanic rituals, and the profound link between the human soul and extraterrestrial energy. The song captures a transformative journey inward, where self-discovery meets cosmic awakening. It’s not just music—it’s an exploration of spirituality, energy, and the mysteries of existence.
Blending technical precision, melodic harmonies, and heavy, pulsating riffs, WIND DOWN sound can be best described as Progressive Groove Metal. Drawing influences from bands like Nevermore, Alter Bridge, and Dream Theater, they create a powerful and dynamic musical experience.
Getting set to hit the road for their Western Canadian tour (dates listed below) in support release of their first full-length, “Troubled Mind”, Toronto prog rock Derev is sharing their latest live video performing their track“Cyclone”, which was filmed during a hometown album launch show at the Supermarket.
“The Troubled Mind’s release show at the Supermarket was one of the best experiences we’ve had on stage to date. That night was one of those nights when the stars were aligned and everything went as well as we could have hoped. From the energy of the crowd to the impeccable sound and lighting on stage. We wanted to release a video of that night to give people a glimpse of what they can expect coming to see us live. We can’t wait to kick off the tour and bring the whole “Troubled Mind” live experience to our fans out west and all across Canada,” adds the band.
Derev‘s new album “Troubled Mind” is the follow-up to their 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith,” and takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility (a fixation on the past), and depression stemming from loss.
Offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
The band adds:
“This album is very personal and introspective. It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”
Derev was conceived after founding member and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.
Derev‘s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman andvocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on“Troubled Mind”.
Recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Soen, and Riverside, “Troubled Mind” was released on March 26th, 2025, and is available at https://www.derevmusic.com/store (on Vinyl, CD, Tour Pass) and all digital platforms (Spotify, Bandcamp).
DEREV – Troubled Mind – Western Canada Tour
May 2 – Sudbury, ON – The Townhouse w/ Jeidei, Codos
May 3 – Marathon, ON – Biloxys Wings and Things
May 4 – TBA (North Western Ontario)
May 6 – TBA (Manitoba)
May 8 – Regina, SK – Revival Music Room w/ Fame Fatale, 66 Aces
May 9 – Saskatoon, SK – Amigos Cantina w/ Out Of Frequency, 66 Aces
May 10 – Edmonton, AB – Rendezvous Pub w/ Darkened Skies, Silent Script, Misplaced Intentions
May 12 – Grand Forks, BC – 4th St. Studio w/ guests
May 13 – Kamloops, BC – The Blue Grotto w/ Augur, Gregarious
May 14 – Vancouver, BC – The Roxy Cabaret w/ guests
May 16 – Vernon, BC – Longhorn Pub w/ None The Wiser, Scared Soul Empire
May 17 – Cranbrook, BC – The York Public House w/ Phaeton
May 18 – Calgary, AB – Verns w/ Humans As Totems, The Future Relics, Rocky Mountain Maniacs, 13 Strikes
May 20 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage w/ Valley Narrow, Sunbreather
May 22 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub w/ Cycle Of Disobedience, Along The Lines, The Fixer
May 23 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Soo Blaster w/ guests
May 24 – Timmins, ON – Victory Tavern w/ guests
Track Listing:
1. Buried Voice (7:23)
2. Cyclone (5:39)
3. Crawl Space (1:16)
4. Room 9 (6:15)
5. Paracusia (4:35)
6. Tides of Time (5:59)
7. Darker Self (5:44)
8. Trace Within (5:01)
Album Band Line Up:
Adel Saflou – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys
Live Band Line Up:
Mike Symons – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys
The musical alliance of guitar legend George Lynch and powerhouse singer Casandra Carson shares a new digital single, “Wicked Woman.”The track is from their recently released studio album, ‘Garden of Earthly Delights,’ out via Frontiers Music Srl.
Casandra comments on “Wicked Woman”:
“In a nutshell, ‘Wicked Woman’ encapsulates all the names I’ve been called by my exes at one time or another. When I got the track from George, I was getting these tough, bad-bitch vibes, so when I started writing the lyrics, I took all that ammo, ramped it up to 100, and created this ‘wicked woman’ character who embodied all of those names plus a few more.”
About the song’s music video, Casandra adds:
“It was really hard getting a video done for this project at first, just due to our touring schedules this past year, but all the stars finally aligned on the Final Ride Tour. Adrienne Beacco (Exceleration Media) was on the road with Paralandra during the tour, so we were able to put our heads together and create the concept for this video in just a couple of weeks, and then shot it at the Newton Theatre in NJ one day, just a couple of hours before soundcheck. It’s always a pleasure working with Adrienne; she always gets my vision, and I have to give major props to George for showing up and relearning the song at half speed for this shoot. But beyond all the details, I’m just thrilled that Casandra’s Crossing now has a music video to go along with the album.”
The musical chemistry between these two talented artists has created a magnificent modern hard rock album that showcases Lynch’s trademark riffage driven by the outstanding voice of Casandra Carson, who is set to be the next rock singing sensation.
About ‘Garden of Earthly Delights,’ Casandra also adds:
“It’s a major milestone and accomplishment, not only to have collaborated with a legend like George Lynch, but to have created music that I’m so proud of.
“I wrote the lyrics and melodies of each song without any expectations in mind, other than to serve the music George had written. In doing so, the lyrics are eclectic yet relatable. I truly feel like there’s a song in here for everyone, no matter what genre of music you’re into, and I’m extremely proud of that.”
1. Stranger
2. Impatient
3. Closer to Heaven
4. Ring Me Around
5. Devastating Times
6. Waltzing Nites
7. Just Business
8. Mind Eraser
9. Run for Your Life
10. Wicked Woman
11. Kneel Before You
George Lynch emerged from the ’80s hard rock scene with the L.A.-based group Dokken
and went on to become a world-renowned guitarist. Aside from Dokken, he has also enjoyed great success with LYNCH MOB, the group he founded after leaving DOKKEN.
Lynch has gone on to become a prolific music creator, continuing with Lynch Mob, releasing solo albums, and a wealth of collaborative efforts over the decades. Those include but are not limited to, KXM with Doug Pinnick (King’s X) and Ray Luzier (Korn), The End Machine with Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, ex-Dokken), Mick Brown (ex-Dokken), and Girish Pradhan (Girish & The Chronicles), Sweet & Lynch with Michael Sweet (Stryper), Ultraphonix with Corey Glover (Living Colour), and The Banishment with Joe Haze.
Casandra Carson is best known for her work fronting the Midwestern hard rock band Paralandra. Founded in 2013 with a strong DIY ethic, Paralandra found themselves on radio charts and festival stages in no time and by 2018 had a record deal, national tours supporting the likes of Saliva, Tantric, and Dokken, and even found themselves performing aboard the KISS Kruise! The band remains active and their most recent studio album, produced by the legendary Michael “Elvis” Beskette, came out in April of this year.
Finnish thrash metal titans BLOODRIDE are thrilled to announce their signing with Wormholedeath Records for the release of their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Deafening. The album is set to unleash its sonic fury on July 25th.
Formed in 2000, BLOODRIDE has been a relentless force in the global thrash metal scene. Known for their signature blend of old-school thrash infused with darker death metal elements and hardcore intensity, the band has carved out a reputation for delivering raw, neck-breaking energy both in the studio and on stage. Their previous album, Idiocracy (2021), received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, solidifying their position as one of Finland’s most formidable metal acts.
With Deafening, BLOODRIDE promises to push the boundaries of thrash metal even further. The album is a testament to their unyielding dedication to the genre and features a ferocious lineup of tracks guaranteed to leave no neck unthrashed.
Paris-based alternative/metal band Maps And Foils has just released the video for “Après l’éclipse,” the first single from their upcoming album ‘Nulle Part.’
Blending dissonant hardcore and ethereal melodies, the track offers a powerful glimpse into the album’s introspective world—centered on themes of wandering and self-destruction. The video marks both the end of an era for the band’s original lineup and the beginning of a new chapter with renewed energy and vision.
Maps And Foils is an alternative/metal/post-hardcore band from Paris, founded in 2016 by Tristan (vocals, guitar) and Thomas (guitar, backing vocals). Over the years, they have explored a wide musical spectrum, releasing two full-length albums—#1 and Less Is Mort—as well as diverse projects, including the grindcore EP Les Anathèmes and the documentary At Spes Non Fracta.
Following Thomas’s departure, the band evolved into a power-trio, with Ewen on bass and Lucas on drums. In 2024, with its renewed line-up, M&F released the EP Dies Irae, a prelude to their next full-length record.
In 2025, Maps And Foils returned with Après l’éclipse, the first single from their third album, Nulle Part. This conceptual record delves into themes of wandering and self-destruction, blending dissonant hardcore with ethereal melodies to amplify its introspective lyrics. Marking the end of an era with the original lineup, the album also signals a new chapter for the band. With Antoine now on bass, Maps And Foils is stronger than ever, ready to bring their latest work to life on stage.
Hungarian metal band Heartkiller is set to release their debut album ‘Üdv A Világomban (Welcome To My World)’ on August 15th 2025 via Finnish Inverse Records.
The third single ‘Haldokló belső, halott szív (Pengékkel ágyba hív)’ is released today and it’s available on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/heartkiller-haldoklo
“Hi Guys!
Here’s our next single “Haldokló belső, halott szív (Pengékkel ágyba hívni)” from our debut album (Üdv a világomban), which will be released in the fall. The song is about a sad chapter in my life. Nearly eight years ago, after a very serious break-up and the difficult and struggling year that followed, I began to search for new love and a new relationship. Of course I wanted love and care, but I also felt that part of my soul had died before. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that somehow it all made me stronger. Not long afterwards I met a girl who completely enchanted me, but it was very difficult to believe and trust her honestly and without doubt. After successfully overcoming myself and my doubts, I fell in love. Unfortunately, we broke up after a short time and I was again alone in the dark, wondering once more, “Where did I go wrong?”
/Nagy Gábor “Kenny”/
WATCH ‘Hajsza közben’ music video which is a cover of famous Hungarian rock band Prognózis:
Line-up:
Scream, vocals and backing vocals – Nagy Gábor “Kenny”
Lead guitar – Kis Sándor
Rhythm guitar – Szabó Loránd
Bass – Gulybán Márton
Drums – Csiszár Gábor
Guest appearances on Hajsza közben:
– Vocals and backing vocals – Vörös István
– Vocals and backing vocals, solo guitar – Arany Máté (Akela)
Women-led, talented Brazilian Rock band Malvada are excited to announce the release of their self-titled album, out on June 13th via Frontiers Music Srl.
Their new single and accompanying video, “I’m Sorry”, are also available now.
The band commented on the new album: “It is the result of two years of work, and we are very excited to show the world how much Malvada has grown. We believe it is the best work of our lives and everyone will like it, as it shows our real essence. You will have a real experience”.
About the new single, they added: “It is a song that reflects our reality, being in music means that sometimes we have to be away from people we love. It is a song we made for them. And it is very emotional for us”.
The rising star of the Brazilian rock scene has a name: Malvada, and they are ready to take over the world!
Malvada was initially formed in March 2020, during the beginning of the pandemic. With a rock n’ roll style full of personality, the band quickly attracted attention as one of the most promising acts in the Brazilian rock scene.
In January 2021, Malvada released their first single entitled “Mais Um Gole”, which gained greater prominence in the scene. Shortly afterwards, in May of the same year, it was time to release the second single “Cada Escolha uma Renúncia”, which preceded the launch of the band’s debut album, “A Noite Vai Ferver”.
In the years 2022 and 2023, Malvada solidified its presence on the national rock panorama, performing more than a hundred shows in several cities in Brazil. The band had the privilege of participating in huge festivals, such as Rock in Rio, Best of Blues and Rock, Angra Fest and Chama Rock, sharing the stage with renowned national and international rock names, like Pitty, Ira!, Angra, Viper, Edu Falaschi, Matanza, Golpe de Estado, Extreme and Tom Morello.
In November 2023, Malvada, composed of Indira Castillo, Bruna Tsuruda, Rafaela Reoli and Juliana Salgado surprised with a big announcement: the band has become the newest signee of the prestigious Italian label Frontiers Records, which has renowned bands in its catalog such as Mr. Big, Asia, Whitesnake, Jeff Scott Soto, among others, promising to take them to a new level, with opportunities to expand their reach and conquer the global market.
The new album, produced by the Brazilian Grammy awarded producer Giu Daga, promises a powerful and exciting musical experience and will be the band’s first work featuring tracks in English/Portuguese, aiming to conquer a global audience.
Malvada’s vibrant rock passion will take no prisoners!
“Malvada” Tracklist:
1. Down The Walls
2. Yesterday (My End, My Beginning)
3. Veneno
4. Fear
5. After
6. Como Se Fosse Hoje
7. Bulletproof
8. So Sweet
9. Aversão
10. I’m Sorry
11. Dead Like You
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