Category: Press Releases

Royal Sorrow released catchy new single and video “Evergreen”

Royal Sorrow, who received a lot of attention with their debut single “Metrograve” late last year, are starting the new year with the single “Evergreen”. The new release continues the band’s powerful songs on the waves of progressive melodic metal, following the path blazed by VOLA, Sleep Token, Leprous and Tesseract, among others.

Evergreen‘s lyrics explore themes of feelings of control and mastery. How much is too much?

“It is very common for us humans to stubbornly try to control situations, relationships and events to such an extent that they eventually become toxic and harmful. The feeling of control brings security in our own insecurity, but it can also lead to complete collapse. The title of the song Evergreen reflects healing from our own destructive behavior patterns. Water must flow”, the band formulates.

A spectacular music video for “Evergreen” was also released today, directed by Altti Heinilä.

Royal Sorrow creates a sound that is characteristic of the band for Evergreen; a hypnotic mix of heavy riffs and catchy melodies. The song was very different when Eero brought it to others.

“Evergreen started out as a very different, soulful pop song that Eero co-wrote with Helsinki musician Aino Tikkanen. The song had a lot of potential for a heavier arrangement and the band’s handling of the song gave it a new life. The end result was a successful mix of ethereal atmosphere and heavy prog rock riffs!”

Royal Sorrow signed an international recording deal with InsideOutMusic, part of the Sony Music label family, last year, and the band is heading to international stages with British concert sales company Atonal Music Agency. In Finland, the band’s concerts are sold by Nem Agency.

Royal Sorrow is:
Markus Hentunen – Vocals, Guitars
Eero Maijala – Bass
Janne Mieskonen – Drums
Juha Rapanen – Guitars

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

California Power Metal NIVIANE Unleashes Powerful New Video for “Tomorrow’s A New Day” Off New Album “Queen of Phantoms” Out March 2025

Sacramento, California Niviane, the powerhouse of American power metal is unveiling their latest single “Tomorrow’s a New Day”, accompanied by an official video. Taken from their upcoming album “Queen of Phantoms” —set for release on March 7th, 2025—this track showcases the band’s signature blend of soaring melodies, intense riffs, and emotional depth while exploring a profound and deeply personal theme.

Unlike the other songs on the album, “Tomorrow’s a New Day” was a spontaneous creation that originated during a live-streamed writing session in the midst of the COVID lockdowns. Initially conceived as a demonstration of the band’s songwriting process, the track’s impact was undeniable, leading Niviane to keep it and ultimately include it on the album.

Lyrically, the song delves into mental health struggles, touching on themes of depression, drug abuse, and emotional turmoil. Sung from the perspective of a friend or family member witnessing a loved one spiral downward, the track delivers a powerful and poignant message. As the band explains, “We decided to touch on some deeper subject matter on a few songs for this album, and this track was definitely one of those”.

Musically, the song delivers everything fans of Judas Priest, Queensrÿche, Primal Fear and Nevermore crave—blistering guitars, commanding vocals, and anthemic power metal energy—all wrapped in a poignant and cinematic atmosphere.

With its gripping narrative and powerful composition, “Tomorrow’s a New Day” stands out as one of the most emotionally charged tracks in “Queen of Phantoms”. The official video further amplifies its message, bringing the song’s raw emotions to life.

LISTEN TO “Tomorrow’s a New Day” – http://lnk.to/0PeUts​
​OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvsYzy3h2WI​

First single “12 BC: Legions” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/PTB6RGW0v-E​

​Spotify​

CD pre-order (Out March 7th, 2025) – https://rockshots.eu/products/niviane-queen-of-phantoms-cd​

​

Tracklist:
1. Queen of Phantoms
2. 12 BC: Legions
3. 12 BC: Germania
4. Beacon In The Darkness
5. Some Wounds… Never Heal
6. All Debts Repaid
7. Tomorrow’s A New Day
8. Event Horizon
9. Our Maze
10. Gunslingers & Graves
11. Under Black Flags
​
Band line up
Aaron Robitsch: Keys & Orchestration
Gary Tarplee: Guitars
Isaiah AR: Drums
Mark Miner: Guitars
Norman Skinner: Vocals
Tyler Satterlee: Bass

More info: ​
​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

​https://www.niviane.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/nivianemetal/​

​https://www.instagram.com/nivianemetalofficial/​

​https://x.com/nivianeofficial​
​

About:

Niviane is an American metal band formed in 2015 hailing from Sacramento California. The band melds together their collective influences of classic heavy metal, thrash, and power metal.

The line-up consists of guitarists Mark Miner & Gary Tarplee, bassist Tyler Satterlee (Blessed Curse), Drummer Isaiah AR, Keyboardist Aaron Robitsch (Grave Shadow, Crepuscle) & vocalist Norman Skinner (Forbidden, ex-Imagika).

Niviane has toured and performed with such bands as Amon Amarth, Testament, Warrant, Hammerfall, Primal Fear, Angra, Delain, Soulfly, Rhapsody, Amorphis, Butcher Babies & more.

The band has released 2 studio albums “The Druid King” in 2017 & “The Ruthless Divine” in 2020 including 3 spectacular music videos for their songs “The Berserker”, “Fires In The Sky” & “Psychomanteum”. A 3rd album “Queen of Phantoms” is completed and scheduled to be released in 2025.

HIGHWAY QUEEN’s New EP “Extendead Play” and Music Video “Lies” out now

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of Highway Queen’s new EP, “Extendead Play”, a fresh chapter in the Finnish rockers’ journey through melodic hard rock and metal-infused soundscapes. The EP is available on all major platforms.

“Extendead Play” continues to showcase Highway Queen’s signature style, blending 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, powerful riffs, and dynamic rhythms. This new collection of songs dives deeper into the band’s ability to tell stories through music, with lyrics that explore themes of anger, lust, bitterness, and longing. The EP captures the brutality of life, both good and bad. An official music video for the track “Lies” is out today adding a visual dimension to the band’s compelling storytelling.

Since their formation in late 2019, Highway Queen has been a rising force in the melodic hard rock scene. After the successful release of their debut album, “Bitter Soul” in 2022, the band has continued to evolve and refine their sound. The songs on “Extendead Play” like those on “Bitter Soul” were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, who has also worked with bands such as Waltari and Before The Dawn. Their music is recommended for fans of melodic hard rock, heavy rock, and the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).

With “Extendead Play” Highway Queen reaffirms their position as torchbearers of melodic rock with a modern edge, delivering music that resonates with the heart and soul. Prepare to turn up the volume and join the ride as Highway Queen takes you on another electrifying musical journey.
​
​LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF​

WATCH “Lies” at https://youtu.be/Lb-DQVPGPuk​

​

Track Listing:​​
1. Lies
2. I Will Take You To Hell
3. Come To Me
4. I’m Calling You
​
​Album Credits:​​
All songs written by
– Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
– Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
– Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
– Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
– Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
​
​Highway Queen are:
​
Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
Henri Backman: drums

For more info:​
​www.rockshots.eu​
​www.highwayqueenband.com​
​www facebook.com/highwayqueenband​
​www.instagram.com/highwayqueenband​

Canadian Thrashers MUTANK New Video “Abortron” Off New Album “Think Before You Think” Out Now

Canadian thrashers MUTANK have their next headbanging video for fans to check out for their track “Abortron” from their latest album “Think Before You Think” released this past November from Boonsdale Records.

Band members comment about the track:

Costa: “Elon Musk is jealous he didn’t invent this robot who sucks the lives out of your uterus!”

Stephen: “The lyrics for Abortron are disgusting and no one should read them.”

Watch and listen to the video for “Abortron” at https://youtu.be/Lvls4psV5MI​

After a short hiatus, MUTANK has exploded back on the thrash scene with their new album “Think Before You Think” to follow the highly praised 2017 EP “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T” also released on Boonsdale Records and was named by Metal Injection as “1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know” (Read here). This new full-length features a rampage of ten thrash happy tracks with fan favourites such as “Running Reds”, “Abortron”, and “Thrash Primordial”.

“We want this album to energize people and make them feel the way we do when we listen to some of our favourite artists. This album is the most material we have ever put out! 50 minutes of pure metal across 10 tracks. The songs really picked themselves as we kept writing tracks we really enjoyed playing. This is Thrash for Metalheads by Metalheads! We have evolved from crossover to a more refined thrash band with longer and more intricate songs, it can be a bit proggy… The level of seriousness in songwriting is evident on this new record.” adds the band.

With a passion for classic thrash and a desire to play radical riffs, MUTANK made a big impression on the Canadian metal scene in 2014 with their debut EP “M.E.C.H METAL” and being declared champions of the Wacken Metal Battle Canada to garner them a performance at Wacken Open Air (Live Video – https://youtu.be/yQrLaG8BPL4). By 2017, the band took their distinctive sound and hit the road to tour across Canada supporting ANNIHILATOR alongside Australia’s MASON.

Kicking off 2025, MUTANK plans to be a tour de force, hitting moshpits everywhere and anywhere in support of “Think Before You Think”.

Recommended for fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Overkill, and Exodus, “Think Before You Think” is available at the following links:

CD Pre-Order (Limited to 250 copies) – https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/product/mutank-think-before-you-think-cd-pre-order​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3NLOS88​

Bandcamp – https://mutankthrash.bandcamp.com/album/think-before-you-think​

Previous Videos:

Illuminatus – https://youtu.be/NcmZtePbI3M​

Bad Magnitude – https://youtu.be/P7XFJzQD5m8​

Channel Change – https://youtu.be/HLvI8ignuLE​

​

Track Listing:
​1. Illuminatus – 6:14
2. Payback – 5:24
3. All Against All – 4:43
4. Channel Change – 5:11
5. Bad Magnitude – 5:30
6. Abortron – 3:37
7. Groundbreaker – 2:08
8. Metalheads For Hire – 5:37
9. Running Reds – 6:27
10. Thrash Primordial – 4:40
Album Length: 49:38

More Info: Boonsdalerecords.com | Facebook.com/bonebrainsnotdemolishers | Instagram.com/mutank_or_die | X.com/MUTANK​

Moon Shot releases stunning new single Broken Bones – EP and first headliner tour in Central Europe in April

Moon Shot, who got off to a flying start with their ‘Confession’ and ‘The Power’ albums, today releases their brand new single ‘Broken Bones’, and the song paves the way for their upcoming EP release of the same name on April 4th. The new EP captures the band’s unbridled energy, creativity, and Moon Shot’s signature powerful lyrics and convincing melodies – not to mention the dynamics.

The music video of Broken Bones was directed by Sami Joensuu, watch it here.

“This song is like a rock bullet train, packed full of groove, melodies and emotions,” says Moon Shot guitarist and song writer Jussi Ylikoski.

“And at the same time, it’s a celebration of the imperfect beauty of life,” adds vocalist Ville Malja.

April is also significant for Moon Shot because the band will head to German-speaking Europe for their first headlining tour at the end of the month. The band has previously played the same gigs as the opening act for The New Roses. Before that, the band is touring Finland extensively, with the first gig being played on January 24th at Olympia in Tampere.

Upcoming gig dates announced so far are:

24.1. Olympia, Tampere
25.1. Helsinki, Tavastia
4.4. Sawohouse Underground, Kuopio
5.4. Finlandia-klubi, Lahti
24.4.  – DE  Berlin, Badehaus
25.4  – DE  Leipzig, Hellraiser
26.4. – DE  Hamburg, Logo
30.4. – DE  Bochum, Rockpalast
1.5. – DE  Würzburg, Posthalle
2.5. – DE  Munich, Backstage Club
3.5. – AT Vienna, b72
7.5. – DE Cologne, Helios 37
8.5. – DE Frankfurt, Nachtleben
9.5. – DE Weinheim, Café Central
10.5. – DE Lindau, Club Vaudeville
6.–7.6. The Rock House Open Air 2025, Saksa
12.6. Rockfest, Turku
27.6. Summerside Festival 2025, Sveitsi
27.–28.6. Rock am Hartsfeldsee 2025, Saksa
10.-13.7. Masters Of Rock Festival 2025, Tsekki
17.7. John Smith Festival, Laukaa

Moon Shot is:
Jussi Ylikoski – Guitar
Henkka Seppälä – Bass
Ville Malja – Vocals
Mikko Hakila – Drums

Moon Shot (moonshotofficial.com)
Moon Shot (@moonshotmusic) | TikTok
Moon Shot | Facebook
MOON SHOT (@moonshotmusic) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos
Moon Shot – YouTube

Avantasia’s new single ‘Against The Wind’ features H.E.A.T’s Kenny Leckremo

Melodic metal fans got some good news in December when Avantasia, led by Tobias Sammet, announced that they would be releasing their tenth studio album, ‘Here be Dragons’, on February 28th. The album will be released by Napalm Records. The first taste of the album was given in December when the single ‘Creepshow’ was released, accompanied by a hilarious horror-themed music video.

Now, the album’s second single, ‘Against The Wind‘, is being released, and will be accompanied by a lyric video. The up-tempo power metal song features a guest appearance by H.E.A.T singer Kenny Leckermo.

“Against The Wind is full of speed and powerful melodies. This song attacks you with full force, and tears you along to a better place. This is an empowering song that encourages you to stay true to yourself, and to show the middle finger to those who try to limit you,” Sammet says and continues:
“This is quite a demanding song, especially the singer has to have the full power metal singer’s toolbox. I knew that H.E.A.T’s Kenny Leckermo would have the vocal range needed, and he would be able to handle this task with ease. In all my modesty, I dare say that we sound absolutely fantastic together. I love this song!”

Here Be Dragons track listing:
1. Creepshow
2. Here Be Dragons
3. The Moorlands At Twilight
4. The Witch
5. Phantasmagoria
6. Bring On The Night
7. Unleash The Kraken
8. Avalon
9. Against The Wind
10. Everybody’s Here Until The End

Avantasia’s successful career has resulted in hundreds of millions of streams, awards, number one singles, sold-out arena tours and headline performances at the biggest festivals, cementing the band’s place at the top of the international metal scene. The band’s tenth studio album is sure to surprise old and new fans alike, and the Here Be Dragons tour that follows the album will bring their biggest and most spectacular show to European arenas to date.

“I’m full of energy and can’t wait to perform the songs from the new album live! After the release, we’re heading out on a big European tour with a completely new show. In addition to new material and classics, there will be some rarities, and the whole spectacle will be served with the most amazing stage show in Avantasia’s history,” Tobias Sammet enthuses.


WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Funky grooves, improvised solos and a little buzz of doom – Finnish prog trio Pujus Of Jukra released their debut album

The long-awaited debut album “Tree Wishes” by the Finnish progrock trio Pujus of Jukra has been released today.

The album is the result of years of work, with each member of the band leaving their own handprint. The end result sounds a bit heavier, more complex and more “Pujus” than on the band’s eponymous 2018 debut EP. The songs took final shape as a result of jamming and tight collaborative playing.

“It’s hard to categorize the album because the songs are so different from each other. The album has funky grooves, improvised soloing and doomy grooves. There’s a nice amount of chaos and prog in the background. It’s part of our style. I like to write different songs and it shows in this album”, says guitarist-singer Tuomas Riekkinen.

“Tree Wishes” was recorded at Tonehave studio in Lievestuore, Finland and was mixed by Tom Brooke. The mastering was done by Janne Hakanen.

Listen to “Tree Wishes” on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer etc): https://push.fm/fl/pujusofjukra-treewishes

Tree Wishes (2025)

01. Sunbathing with trees – FI3FC2463801
02. Close enough – FI3FC2463802
03. Out of time – FI3FC2463803
04. Loser – FI3FC2463804
05. Femme – FI3FC2463805
06. Two Flamingos – FI3FC2463806
07. Declaration of principles – FI3FC2463807
08. Last breath of a unicorn – FI3FC2463808

Line-up:
Tuomas Riekkinen – guitar & vocals
Sasu Tammelin – bass
Jonne Turunen – drums

https://www.instagram.com/pujusofjukra
https://www.facebook.com/pujusofjukra

 Ten songs of northern melancholy – Finnish death metal youngsters Pestilent Scars have released their debut album “Meadows of Misfortune”

Pestilent Scars is a five-piece melodic death metal band from Oulu. All the members are between 18 and 19 years old. The band’s central themes focus on melodic songwriting, pure emotion, tight gigs and overall the old school way of getting around.

The band released their debut album ‘Meadows of Misfortune‘ on January 17th 2025 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to the album: https://push.fm/fl/pestilent-scars-meadows

The band comments:
“Well, here it is.
We’ve been waiting for this moment like the rising sun, and we’re more than happy to finally let you all listen to our day’s work!
We’re talking of course about our just released debut album entitled ‘Meadows Of Misfortune’. A collection of raw, young emotion scattered across 10 songs that showcase northern melancholy, rage and loss through fast riffs, blast beats and horrid screams.
We really hope you enjoy the album and maybe find something you can relate to!”

WATCH earlier released Golden Maiden music video: https://youtu.be/_Up67XRlgsk

BIOGRAPHY:
Pestilent Scars was born in the winter of 2022/2023. The band has had the same line-up for almost its entire existence. Pestilent Scars released their first single “Deceitful Phoenix” in the summer of 2023. The single was a relative success. Deceitful Phoenix” was followed by “All On My Own” in the autumn of the same year.

The band played several live shows in 2023 and 2024, which were energetic and showcased the band’s overall idea. At their last gig the band performed their forthcoming album “Meadows Of Misfortune”. The album will be released in early 2025.

Strictly limited CD available on HERE

Pestilent Scars – Meadows of Misfortune (Album 2025)

01. Into The Meadows
02. Internal Torment
03. Golden Maiden
04. Deceitful Phoenix
05. Unreality
06. A Reaching Hand
07. Democide
08. All On My Own
09. In Search Of Reason
10. False MessiahAlbum cover by Topi Ilmola

Line-up:
Pasi Matinolli – Vocals
Elias Vierimaa – Guitars
Artturi Kauppi – Drums
Sampo Jylhä – Bass
Topi Ilmola – Guitars

Links: 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564947165481
https://www.instagram.com/pestilentscars
https://www.tiktok.com/@pestilentscars
https://pestilentscars.bandcamp.com

One Morning Left aims for Eurovision with brand new single & video Puppy

Finnish metalcore veterans One Morning Left unveil their brand new single and video ‘Puppy’. The song has been selected to compete at UMK, Finland’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The UMK song ‘Puppy’ is exactly what the name suggests. It is, very simply, about a puppy. 

The band describes themselves as a hyperactive, boundary-pushing feel-good act. Their unique sense of humor sets them apart from other Nordic metal bands. 

“Musically, we rely on the 80s and 90s, and we do not take ourselves too seriously. Sometimes, people look at you in a funny way if you mess around too much. You can dance to the beat of our music, and that’s fantastic,” vocalist Leevi Luoto says. 

The band had been planning to apply for UMK for a long time. 

“We already spoke with our previous drummer that UMK would be a great experience. After meeting Kiro, who produced ‘Cha Cha Cha’ for Käärijä, we began to think about making an UMK song with him,” singer and founder Mika Lahti reveals. Käärijä placed second in 2023’s Eurovision Song Contest.  

One Morning Left has been making music for 16 years, and consists of five members from different parts of Finland. The founder and lead vocalist of the band is Mika Lahti, second lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Leevi Luoto, bass player and background vocalist Miska Sipiläinen, drummer Dennis Hallbäck and songwriter, guitarist and background vocalist Juuso Turkki. The story of the band began when Lahti met Teemu Rautiainen from Jyväskylä in early Finnish social media. They had a similar taste in music, which led them to found One Morning Left in 2008. 

The band’s first EP was released in 2008, and the following year they went on their first European tour. In 2010, the band signed a recording contract with Spinefarm Records and the following year released their first full-length album, ‘The Bree-Teenz. Metalcore Superstars’, which was released in 2016, featured the hit song ‘You’re Dead, Let’s Disco’. The song became particularly popular in Japan, and the band’s gigs in Tokyo sold out. 

In 2022, One Morning Left toured Europe with UMK winner Blind Channel and the German band Electric Callboy. Today, the band makes music under the German record company Arising Empire. 

Two weeks until The Night Flight Orchestra’s album release – The last sneak peek, the album’s title track Give Us The Moon continues the band’s stylish line

The Night Flight Orchestra, the most daring airline in the AOR nation, will release their studio album ‘Give Us The Moon’ on January 31st, and today the Swedish orchestra takes listeners into the mood of the album’s title track. The song, which will be released with a lyric video, is guaranteed TNFO-quality.

“Give Us The Moon is not only the title track of the album, but also a star that glides through the dance floor towards the night. The song delves into human needs and the longing to be somewhere else – without forgetting the idea that something bigger, more rewarding and mysterious is somewhere far away,” the band formulates.

The orchestra itself is heading towards the album’s release with satisfaction:

“We’ve never worked harder on an album before, and what a journey it’s been! We feel like we’ve squeezed everything we have into this album, and we couldn’t have done it better. The album captures an explosive atmosphere of emotions and cinematic landscapes, where you are thrown into space and land back in the shelter of your home. It is paradise and a great escape all in one package.”

The band, who have received Grammy nominations throughout their career, are heading on an extensive tour with the album’s release, which will begin in the Netherlands on the eve of the album.

The album’s sound themes, which boldly mix different genres, echo the 1980s in many songs. The album was produced together with the band by Sebastian Forslund, who is also responsible for mixing the album. Mastering was done by Plec Johansson of The Panic Room Studios.

Track-list:

1. Final Call (Intro)
2. Stratus
3. Shooting Velvet
4. Like The Beating Of A Heart
5. Melbourne, May I?
6. Miraculous
7. Paloma
8. Cosmic Tide
9. Give Us The Moon
10. A Paris Point Of View
11. Runaways
12. Way To Spend The Night
13. Stewardess, Empress, Hot Mess (And The Captain Of Pain)

The Night Flight Orchestra is:
Björn Strid – Vocals
Sharlee D’Angelo – Bass
Jonas Källsbäck – Drums
Sebastian Forslund – Guitar, Percussions
John Lönnmyr – Keys
Rasmus Ehrnborn – Guitar
Anna Brygard – Backing Vocals
Åsa Lundman – Backing Vocals

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY