Category: Press Releases

SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION Release New Single and Video ‘Spezza Le Catene’ – Does Hard Rock Speak Italian?

Is it possible to create pure and genuine hard rock song in Italian? SUPER SEVERANCE EVOLUTION respond with power through their new single, ‘Spezza Le Catene’, available today on all digital platforms via Volcano Records.

This track is a cry for freedom and rebellion, an anthem to uncompromising creativity. Its captivating melodies and powerful lyrics invite listeners to break every chain, follow their inner vision, and rediscover the rebellious passion that lies within each of us. Super Severance Evolution combine the experience of established musicians with the energy of fresh talent from the Italian rock scene, creating a unique project capable of inspiring and moving audiences.

Composed and arranged by Massimo Iannantuono, Walter Bertolo, Stefano Tessaro, and Francesco Cannavale. Mixed and mastered by Enrico Bulla and Massimo Iannantuono.

The official music video for SPEZZA LE CATENE is available at https://youtu.be/RYK7YPm6_rs?si=8IKfmd8FBKkpHC7C

Line-up:
Max Iannantuono: Drums and percussion
Riccardo Fontanarosa: Bass
Stefano Dallas: Vocals
Jack Palmieri: Guitars

For more info:
www.volcanopromotion.com

Luminous Mind, who conjure up atmospheric progressive rock, released new single ‘Borderline’

Luminous Mind is a quintet from Tampere, Finland, that plays atmospheric, progressive rock. In addition to atmospherics, the band’s music also has a rockier edge and a suitable amount of meandering. The band’s EP ‘The Reverie’s Lament’ , which will be released in February, will present the first songs featuring the band’s new soloist Topi Aalto. Finding a new singer took some time, but now the band’s lineup is in place, and Luminous Mind is ready to put a new gear in its sights.

The first single from the EP, the ten-minute prog epic ‘Waking Dreams’, was released last December. Today, we have the EP’s next single, ‘Borderline’, which also clocks in at a whopping 8 minutes and 52 seconds.

“Borderline is the culmination of years of creativity and dedication. It is a true masterpiece of our band, combining subtle elements and versatile instrumental parts in an inspiring way. We’ve been honing this song for a long time and now we’ve finally brought it to the form it was always intended to be,” the band says

‘The Reverie’s Lament’, which will be released on February 27th, is a four-song story that explores the nuanced emotions and experiences of falling asleep and dreaming. This whole thing takes the listener on a journey where dreams and reality mix, and waking up is not a given. The songs combine elements of progressive rock and metal, creating a soundscape that reflects the chaos and beauty of being on the border between sleep and wakefulness.

With the new EP, you can also witness the band heading to the gig stage at the band’s home ground in Tampere, Bar Kotelo, on February 22nd. An evening full of progressive music is promised, as the gig is part of Rioghan’s Kept Spring Tour 2025. In addition to Luminous Mind and Rioghan, Tampere-based Indistinct will also be on stage.

Luminous Mind is:
Topi Aalto – vocals
Antti Soini – guitar
Aleksi Korkee – keyboards
Sami Kepsu – bass
Touko Lehto – drums & backing vocals

LUMINOUS MIND | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

Cardinal Fleet’s third single is a story about people who pay the highest price from the choices of very few

”The Sound of a Dying Breed” is the third single from Finnish modern metal band Cardinal Fleet’s upcoming EP ”Surfaces” to be released this spring. Compared to the previous releases, the song takes steps toward harsher soundscape, still not forgetting catchy riffs and sharp melody hooks.


”The Sound of a Dying Breed” is a story about people who pay the highest price from the choices of very few. About people whose questions are answered solely with lies or silence.

”Why do you shatter the skies above me? Why do you crumble the ground beneath me? Is this cracking noise around me the sound of a dying breed?”

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

Cardinal Fleet:
Samuli Rasmus – Bass & vocals
Tatu Latvala – Guitar
Joni-Antti Haveri – Guitar
Ville Jyrkkä – Drums

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

Vanguardian, one of Finland’s most extreme bands, is on its way to releasing its album with the powerful single Peripherals

Vanguardian, who combine punk, rock’n’roll, extreme sludge, metal and hazy spices into a whole with their own sound, is starting the new year with a bang. The Finnish quartet, who paved the way for their upcoming studio album with the single ‘Demolition Hour’ at the end of last autumn, now releases the song ‘Peripherals’, which delves into a very topical topic: the idea behind the song is the interconnection of the human body and technology. With technology, humanity is freed from the limitations of humanity, but at the same time gives up the power of decision-making for a better tomorrow.

“Technological development is creeping deeper into people’s lives; we are constantly reachable, we live our reality through smart devices and the integration between machines and people is deepening at an accelerating pace. We throw out the idea; has a human being, made up of biological building blocks, reached the end of his life? Will the next great leaps in the human era only come when we accept that we are no longer enough as biological beings to take this world to the next stage?”, the band ponders.

Vanguardian‘s fundamental pillars include making and performing music based on the basics: nothing more is needed than drums, bass, guitar and screamed vocals, and this concept has been one of the most captivating, especially live.

Formed five years ago in the aftermath of the burial of thrash metal band Inkvisitor, Vanguardian has evolved year by year towards a more menacing and brutal essence, both musically and visually. A certain ruthlessness and surprise were already evident on their 2021 debut EP ‘I: The Witchhammer’, and now the band is preparing to release their debut album this year. The official release date of the upcoming studio album will be announced later.

Vanguardian is:
Markus Martinmäki – vocals
Tino Jäntti – drums
Mikko Saviranta – guitar
Sakari Soisalo – bass

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Finnish Melodic Death Metal band Defiled Serenity released a stunning Rihanna cover Unfaithful – featuring songstress Karisma

Finnish melodic death metal band Defiled Serenity is set to release their long-awaited debut album Within the Slumber of the Mind on February 21st 2025 via Inverse Records.
The third single is Rihanna cover ‘Unfaithful’ and this track also features Karisma on vocals.

WATCH Unfaithful video: https://youtu.be/gdX5VsLCrVM

Vocalist Paavo Laapotti comments:
”I’ve always loved making cover songs and especially when you do a metal cover of a pop song. I heard this song when I was younger and the melody got stuck in my head. This song is very suitable as a melodeath cover and I got the vision for it pretty quickly. We also got a very talented singer Sonja Lindberg to do a feature for this track. I met her while filming The Voice Of Finland program. She did an excellent job and I really like her unique sound a lot.”

LISTEN to ‘Unfaithful” on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/defiled-serenity-unfaithful

BIOGRAPHY: 
Defiled Serenity is a melodic death metal band from Loimaa, Finland. It was founded by the vocalist and Before The Dawn frontman Paavo Laapotti in 2021. The band’s music is for the fans of old In Flames, Amorphis, Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquillity etc. Their sound relies heavily on the 90’s melodeath sound, but with modern twists. The songs are filled with low growls, chunky guitars, beautiful melodies and tight rhythm sections.

They released their first stand-alone single ”Voices from the Void” in 2022 and it has reached over 25,000 streams on Spotify alone. Since then, the band has been writing new material and now it’s time to unleash their long-awaited debut album!

LISTEN to the first single ‘Your Worst Enemy’ on streaming https://push.fm/fl/defiled-serenity-your-worst-enemy

LISTEN to the second single ‘Exiled to Infinity” on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/defiled-serenity-exiled

Defiled Serenity CD/VINYL/MERCH Pre-Orders from HERE

Defiled Serenity – Within the Slumber of the Mind (album 2025)

Track list:

1. Alkutaival (feat. Juha Tapio)
2. Voices from the Void

3. Exiled to Infinity

4. Death

5. Mortal

6. Within the Slumber of the Mind

7. Through the Chaos

8. Your Worst Enemy

9. Tears of Black

10. Unfaithful (Rihanna cover) (feat. Karisma)

• Recorded & mixed by Lauri Seppälä
• Mastered by Juho Räihä / SoundSpiral Audio

Album cover by Nikos Stavridakis / VisionBlack

Line-up:

Paavo Laapotti – Vocals
Jarkko Mäkelä – Lead guitar
Lauri Seppälä – Rhythm Guitar
Mikko Sormunen – Bass
Arttu Airo – Drums

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/defiledserenity
https://www.instagram.com/defiledserenity
https://www.tiktok.com/@defiled.serenity
https://defiledserenity.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Tc6Fx3eJPc9XKqgBxnh7p?si=qK4J0_ljR-WlSitHQvsRwQ

The second single ‘Burn’ taken from the upcoming third studio album by Finnish progressive metal band Joviac is out now

Finnish progressive metal band Joviac released the second single ‘Burn’ taken from the forthcoming third studio album ‘Autofiction Pt. 1 – Shards’ which is set to be released via Inverse Records on May 16th 2025. 

LISTEN to ‘Burn” on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/joviac-burn

Vocalist-guitarist Viljami Jupiter Wenttola comments:
“Burn is an intensely personal song for me, and heavily inspired by my
personal experiences of dealing with the mental illness of a loved one.
When faced with a reality altering mental illness, one often feels like running
into a brick wall. No two days are the same, and the words that seemed to
get through yesterday aren’t connecting today. It leads to frustration, anger
and resentment among a plethora of other feelings. Together combined the
feelings become a storm that blows through, leaving inner destruction in its
wake.” 

This song is about all of the above, knowing that going against the storm is
futile, but still demanding at least something for all the uninvited suffering
you’ve gone through. It’s about being at the end of one’s tether and reaching
the point of no return, about having to make incredibly difficult decisions
even if it means collateral damage.
Finland is known as the land of metal, but so far has yet to offer the world a breakthrough progressive metal act. Joviac has been working tirelessly since 2017 to change that. With the singular vision of combining the compositional freedom of progressive music, the full range of human emotion, addictive hooks and crafty arrangements, the end result is a versatile and deep marriage of catchy riffs and melodies with a conceptual and thoughtful twist.

Joviac is a seasoned live band with countless shows under its belt and looking to branch out globally in a BIG way.

The band has released two albums to date with the latest full-length
“Here And Now” reaching the #8 spot on the official Finnish charts for physical albums!

Autofiction Pt. 1 – Shards CD Pre-Orders from HERE

WATCH music video of first single Shine: https://youtu.be/MphGeT3q9jE

Line-up:

Viljami Jupiter Wenttola – vocals, guitar
Johannes Leipälä – guitar
Tuomas Honkkila – keys
Antti Varjanne – bass

Rudy Fabritius – Drums on album

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/JoviacBand
https://www.instagram.com/JoviacBand
http://www.joviac.com
https://joviac.bandcamp.com
https://spoti.fi/2RAh02c

Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS: Historic 2010 Concert Video Premieres on YouTube

Kimmo Kuusniemi, the visionary behind Finland’s first heavy metal band
SARCOFAGUS, proudly announces the release of the full “Live for the Last
Time at Dante’s 2010” concert video on YouTube. This immersive 1h 15min
video captures Sarcofagus’ final live performance in 2010, enhanced with
archival footage, classic music videos, and exclusive visuals.

This performance holds special significance as it features the legendary
keyboardist Esa Kotilainen, whose artistry shaped the band’s sound.
Kotilainen’s passing in 2023 makes this release an emotional tribute to
his lasting legacy.

Sarcofagus “Live for the Last Time at Dante’s 2010” YouTube Premiere here.

A Life of Conviction: From Sarcofagus to ASA

While Sarcofagus officially ended in 2020, Kimmo Kuusniemi’s lifelong
commitment to environmental and social issues continues through his work
with ASA (Ancient Streaming Assembly). ASA is not about Sarcofagus’
legacy but reflects the same convictions that have driven Kuusniemi’s
career, from his 1980s environmental documentaries to the WWF
International Dream On project in the 1990s.

“This release is a reflection of a journey, not just of music but of
purpose,” Kuusniemi explains. “Sarcofagus, Moottorilinnut, Core Values,
and now ASA are all expressions of the same passion: raising awareness
and inspiring action for a better world. I hope this concert inspires
fans to explore these themes in their own lives and discover how ASA
continues this important conversation.”

Limited Collector’s Vinyl and CD/DVD Releases

To commemorate this historic performance, Sarcofagus will release a very
limited-edition double vinyl of “Live for the Last Time,” featuring
unique one-off copies. In addition, a special CD/DVD set of the concert
will also be available for fans who want to own a high-quality physical
version of this monumental performance. Both the vinyl and CD/DVD
editions capture the raw, unaltered energy of Sarcofagus’ final bow and
serve as lasting tributes to its creative vision.

Witness the Legacy

The release of this concert video is not just a celebration of
Sarcofagus but a continuation of Kimmo Kuusniemi’s commitment to
addressing critical issues through music, film, and storytelling. Fans
can now experience the band’s electrifying final performance while
exploring the deeper connections to Kuusniemi’s broader mission in ASA.

Sarcofagus Live Limited Edition Vinyl: Available soon (details to
follow).
Sarcofagus Live Limited Edition CD/DVD: Available soon (details to
follow).

About ASA (Ancient Streaming Assembly): http://www.ancientstreaming.com/

ASA YouTube Channel: YouTube

RISEN CROW Shares Next Single “Believe In Me” Off New Album “Requiem For A Damned Love” Out February 2025

Italian power/gothic metal band Risen Crow returns with their second single, “Believe In Me”, from the upcoming album “Requiem For A Damned Love”, dropping February 28th, 2025 from Rockshots Records.

“Believe In Me” is an anthem of trust, inner turmoil, and connection, blending symphonic textures, intricate guitars, and emotive vocals. Concept-driven, haunting, and melodic, this single sets the tone for a journey through obsession, madness, and the destructive power of love. The music video delivers a cinematic experience, perfectly complementing the emotional depth of the track. Don’t miss it! Let Risen Crow take you into their world of powerful storytelling and atmospheric metal.

Watch the official music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zNqJ0UKs_TA​
Stream “Believe In Me” – https://lnk.to/1MMluz​
​
Formed in 2020 in Rome, Risen Crow stands out in the Italian metal scene with their distinct fusion of power metal and gothic elements. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Kamelot, and Lacuna Coil, the debut album, “Requiem For A Damned Love” delves into themes of obsession, damned love, and sacrifice, taking listeners through an intense narrative filled with emotion and depth. With a strong lineup and a unique blend of influences, the band is ready to make their mark on the international metal scene.
​
​Risen Crow’s “Requiem For A Damned Love” is available for digital pre-save and CD pre-order at https://lnk.to/4DdftW​

Music Video – Risen Crow – https://youtu.be/mgYBWxVzZDo​

​

Track Listing:
1. Never surrender
2. Black Widow
3. Funeral Jack
4. Risen Crow
5. Revelation
6. Dark In my life
7. Believe in me
8. Black Rose
​
​Recording, Mixing & Mastering: Francesco Mattei and Kate Nord at Underworld Studio​
​underworldstudiocasperia.com | Facebook.com/UnderworldStudio​

Cover, Artwork & Layout Design: Harley Velasquez at Infinity NucleArt Studio​
​Instagram: @HarleyVelasquezArt | Facebook.com/InfinityNucleArtStudio​
​
​Risen Crow Line Up:​
Antonella Della Monica: Vocals
Claudio Vattone: Vocals
Giuseppe Longo: Guitars
Francesco Menale: Guitars
Alessandro Bernabei: Keyboards
Flavio Cicchetti: Bass
Filippo Martini: Drums

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/risencrowband | https://www.instagram.com/risencrow​

DEREV Returns With Powerful New Single “Cyclone” Ahead of Upcoming Album “Troubled Mind” Out March 2025

Canada’s progressive metal band Derev is unveiling their latest single “Cyclone” a dynamic exploration of inner turmoil and redemption that showcases the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The track follows their earlier single “Room 9” and is the latest preview of their highly awaited first full-length album “Troubled Mind” slated for release on March 26, 2025. The band comments on the lyrical content:

“Building on the narrative, this song revolves around the negative thoughts that plague our minds, constantly reminding us of our perceived unworthiness and shortcomings. This mental state, “Imposter Syndrome” makes us doubt our skills and successes, leaving us feeling unworthy, ashamed, and fearful of being exposed.”

“Cyclone” demonstrates Derev‘s masterful blend of technical prowess and emotional depth, featuring intricate instrumentation that builds from a tension-filled atmosphere to a captivating climax. The song opens with a haunting guitar riff that gradually intensifies as layers of bass and drums create an underlying sense of unrest. This tension ultimately gives way to a soaring, heartwarming guitar solo that brings a moment of clarity before concluding with a memorable cliffhanger riff.

The forthcoming album “Troubled Mind” promises to take listeners on an emotional journey, featuring both energetic highs and poignant lows. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Cyclone” at https://youtu.be/1il9zsnxl0U​

Spotify – https://show.co/XRS9Tlm​

​

Due out March 26, 2025, “Troubled Mind” is available for album pre-order at https://www.derevmusic.com/store​

First single – Animated video for “Room 9” at https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M​
​

​

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

More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic​

About: “Divided by war, United by music”

Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.

After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member, and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

Derev’s debut release “Leap of Faith” melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.

The band’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 and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering “Troubled Mind”. Symons’ compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.

As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album “Troubled Mind” on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.

Discography:
2025 – Troubled Mind – LP
2021 – Leap of Faith – EP

Rock band Luponero releases first single from their upcoming debut album

Rock band Luponero, who announced their signing to Swedish boutique label Icons Creating Evil Art at the end of the year, attracted widespread attention last year with their humorous single ‘DAD BOD ROK GOD’. As promised back then, “slightly” different winds will blow in the future.

The single ‘Everything/Nothing’, released today with a music video, presents a more serious and aggressive Luponero. Diving headfirst into the midst of the modern existential crisis, the song oscillates between introspection and cathartic chaos.

“This song clearly crystallizes the central themes of our upcoming album – nihilism, frustration and the search for meaning in a meaningless world. The repetitive, almost mantric, bass riff takes the song from serenity to chaos. The perfect soundtrack for when you stare into the void and face the absurdity of existence,” comments the band’s singer-bassist Marco Luponero.

The self-titled album Luponero will be released on March 31st. Pre-orders for the album are now open here.

Track-list:
1. Everything/Nothing
2. Bipolaroids
3. Killing Time
4. Running On Empty
5. Helsinki Intersection Mindfuck
6. Sapiens
7. Angelo
8. Pickup Artist
9. The Burden
10. The End

In addition to his career as an actor-director, Marco Luponero’s history consists of heavier music in bands such as Altaria, Terrorwheel and most recently Marco Luponero & The Loud Ones. However, the artistic framework of the bands was found to be too narrow. So it was the right time to rename the band and create a completely new skin.

The mission of Luponero is to continue to push boundaries with its unapologetic, rebellious sound and style. The music seamlessly blends classic rock influences with a modern punk attitude. With these elements, Luponero creates a unique entity that, with the upcoming album, will take listeners to a completely new world, where surprises are waiting for them at every corner.

Luponero is:
Marco Luponero – vocals, bass
Jim Heikkinen – guitar
Simon Grundvall – drums