Category: Press Releases

Cinematic metal band Atlases returns to the release roster

Pori-based Atlases, mixing moody atmospheres with heavy sonic waves, returns to the release roster. Originally released in 2017 via Romanian Pest Records, Atlases’s debut EP “Penumbra” has been given a new treatment and anointing. The re-recorded, mixed and mastered EP is titled Penumbra: Recast, and is the first release from the band Atlases, which has undergone a crew change, and the debut of Jesse Simola, who has previously produced samples, synthesizer and backing vocals, as the band’s front vocalist.

The idea for a new treatment of the Penumbra EP arose when the band discovered that the original output had disappeared from digital music platforms.

At the same time, the band underwent a crew change, with original vocalist Jamppa Lamminpää stepping aside. Rather than immediately start working on a new and upcoming album, the band felt that bringing in a new vocalist to front the band, making the old one updated, would be pleasing to all parties involved and concerned, says Atlases. The band is currently working on a follow-up to their 2023 album “Between The Day & I”, which is in pre-production phase.

Penumbra: Recast EP´s drums was recorded by Jesse Simola. Other recording and production, mixing, mastering and cover art was done by bassist and singer Jerkka Perälä.

The digital release of Penumbra: Recast will be produced by Meara Music, an agency, record label and event producer based in Ulvila, Finland.

Atlases, from Pori, Finland, is a strong forward-looking five-piece band, whose brushes have been stuck with plenty of experimental attitude in addition to the metallic starting point. Atlases have taken an unprejudiced leap towards increasingly original expression. The band’s atmospheric metal combines the use of two vocalists, crushing riffs and experimental soundscapes with a sense of danger and serenity.

Discography:

Penumbra EP (Pest Records 2017)
Atlases/Besra – split 8″ (Self-released 2018)
Haar (Rain Without End Records 2019)
Woe Portrait (Lifeforce Records 2020)
Epsilon (Lifeforce Records 2021)
Between The Day & I (Lifeforce Rercords 2023)
Glacial & Violent Cold (Lifeforce Records 2024)
Penumbra: Recast EP (Meara Music 2025)

Line-up:
Rasmus Forssell – Guitar
Ville-Veikko Laaksonen – Guitar
Arttu Leppänen – Drums
Jerkka Perälä – Bass, Vocals
Jesse Simola – Vocals, Synth, Samples

https://www.instagram.com/atlasesband/
https://www.facebook.com/atlasesband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3J0Xvj8KIkSVIURJlZBQhj?si=3b6rFIxVSBWGn7bvgi6HzA&nd=1&dlsi=d43d0f396b9845c7

 

Italian HOLE IN THE FRAME Release New Single + Official Video ‘3 A.M’

The crossover groove metal band HOLE IN THE FRAME is ready to shake souls with their brand-new single 3 A.M., released under Volcano Records. 3 A.M. is a sonic journey that captures the restlessness and tension of those sleepless nights when the mind is besieged by thoughts. With a powerful and sharp sound that blends groove metal and nu metal, the track delves into inner torment and the determination of those who choose to fight for their dreams.

“Now I can see again my face, feeling the power in my veins”, with these words, Hole In The Frame transform anguish into pure energy, turning it into a battle against insecurities and a pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Korn, Slipknot, and Pantera, Hole In The Frame create a striking sonic impact, mixing sharp riffs, pounding rhythms, and a voice loaded with raw intensity. The official video, available on YouTube, was filmed during the recording sessions of the track in the studio, capturing the energy and adrenaline of a band with an untamable live presence. The release also marks a new chapter for the band, with the addition of the talented drummer Gemma Sofia Salvatori to their lineup.

Watch the video and listen to 3 A.M. here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCpsLO9O4AY

Also check out the earlier released:
– Monotony Live 2024 – https://youtu.be/ewT2uvy5-7M
– ‘Insomnia Pt.2’ – https://youtu.be/hCPDxX56c20
– ‘Oppression Live 2024’ – https://youtu.be/x_MmY7wXvfk
– ‘Monotony’ – https://youtu.be/5aAbqVpLZPc
– ‘I Crossed The Line’ al link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyNI8AyvyyY
– ‘Resist’ al link https://youtu.be/rJogkXQqWio
– ‘To Fall Down’ al link – https://youtu.be/t1bn_alxLyU

Further Info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/holeintheframeband

Canada’s DREAM HEAVY’s New Single “Filthy Rich” Is A Rock Attack On The 1% + New EP Coming 2025

Weaving together ethereal vocals, rich harmonies, and intricate guitar along with violin melodies, Dunster, BC, Canada’s Dream Heavy is a melodic and enchanting world folk metal group. Revealing two singles in 2024, “Song In The Dark” and the thought-provoking single “Survival” featuring Haida hip-hop artist Ms. Panik, the band is kicking off 2025, with their next single “Filthy Rich”, which will be featured on the band’s planned EP due out later this year. The track is an aggressively progressive rock attack on the 1%, specifically aimed at the likes of Elon Musk and his narcissist stooge Trump. Seth Macdonald (Guitars/Vocals) explains the single further:

“People are pissed off in Canada right now and throughout the Western world where Oligarchs and con-men are attempting to usurp our systems of governance and trample on our democratic rights and freedoms, all for the sake of more money and power for the already “filthy rich.”

This song is a battle cry to BRING THEM DOWN! It starts slow and dirgy and builds into a driving attack on the disgustingly rich. The lyrical sections of the song have been left deliberately “open” for audiences to be able to hear and understand the message and identify with the lyrics. As per the usual Dream Heavy style, there is a big build-up before the lyrics start to set the stage for battle so to speak. This gives a chance for each of the musicians in the band and our guest player Mary Ancheta to truly showcase their talents and style. It finishes with a choreographed progressive guitar solo building to a full band walk-down to the roots of the song.”

Listen to Filthy Rich” at the following links:

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/41JqsCZ​

Youtube – https://youtu.be/nX5C35CoJg0​

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Dream Heavy was formed from the ashes of beloved bands like Mamaguroove and Samson’s Delilah. The band credits its unique sound to influences from metal, Latin, Celtic, and other world music traditions. Its music, characterized by its intensity and thought-provoking lyrics, has captivated audiences across Canada and beyond, earning them a place on campus radio’s Top 10 lists.

Reflecting on the band’s long journey, they share that Dream Heavy‘s sound has evolved from each member’s collective passion for sound, movement, and justice. With their forthcoming EP, they aim to create a sonic and lyrical soundscape that demands to be heard in its entirety—a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. Dream Heavy is recommended for fans of boundary-pushing music in the vein of Porcupine Tree, Kalandra, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Previous Singles:

“Song In The Dark” – https://youtu.be/UgDw7HXXjYU​

“Survival” ft. Ms.Panik – https://youtu.be/VFIKX_3J0iI​

More info: Dreamheavy.ca | Facebook.com/dreamheavyproject | Instagram.com/dreamheavyproject​

Female Fronted Gothic Doom Metal Act Near Death Experience Signs with Wormholedeath

The gothic doom metal landscape is about to be transformed as Near Death Experience (NDE), the French quintet that breathes haunting life into the shadows, announces their groundbreaking partnership with Wormholedeath Records for the worldwide CD release of their critically acclaimed debut album, “Brief Is The Light”. More info coming soon!

Born from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Near Death Experience emerged as a testament to artistic resilience. What began as Mathieu Bonfardin’s solo instrumental project has blossomed into a powerful five-piece ensemble that defies musical boundaries, weaving a tapestry of sound that is at once brutal and breathtakingly beautiful.

“We are very happy and proud to sign with Wormholedeath, a renowned label, for the worldwide release of our first album ‘Brief is The Light’.” The band declares.”We truly think this will help us get our name out there and bring people into the world we’ve created.”

NDE’s sound is a masterful alchemy of gothic doom metal, characterized by Anne Soazig Couëdel’s ethereal, lyrical vocals that float above a landscape of crushing riffs and introspective melodies. Drawing inspiration from legends like Paradise Lost, The Gathering, Draconian, Katatonia, and Moonspell, the band crafts a sonic experience that is both visceral and vulnerable.

Their debut album, “Brief Is The Light”, is a ten-track exploration of near-death experiences and the raw, often unspoken realities of domestic violence. Each song serves as a window into profound emotional territories, challenging listeners to confront the darkness within and without.

Since their first live performance in June 2023, NDE has completed ten shows, building a reputation for emotionally intense and musically precise performances.

The album is now available for streaming on all major digital platforms:
linktr.ee/ndemusic
www.facebook.com/neardeathexperiencemusic
www.instagram.com/near_death_experience_nde_band
www.youtube.com/@ndemusic
www.tiktok.com/@neardeathexperience_nde
neardeathexperience3.bandcamp.com/album/brief-is-the-light

Luponero, who flies the flag of positive nihilism, released their debut album

New-age rock band Luponero, signed to the Swedish boutique label Icons Creating Evil Art, is about to release its debut album today. The band’s self-titled album is a multi-layered entity in terms of both lyrics and composition.

The band’s frontman Marco Luponero states that in a time when a constant flood of single releases has become the norm, he has remained passionately loyal to album-based releases.

“Playlists can never offer the same holistic experience as an album that you listen to from start to finish. Art can take shape in unexpected ways countless times along the way, but that’s what makes it so magical – you never know where the universe will lead you,” says the band’s singer-bassist Marco Luponero, and continues:

“As a lyricist, I’m not particularly enthusiastic about concept albums, for example, but I really enjoy working with a central theme. With this album, I set out to explore the ‘positive nihilism’ that is so strongly present in contemporary culture. Sometimes it feels like we’ve already given up, and we’re just standing there watching everything turn to shit. At the same time, we’re throwing around laughing emojis and desperately clinging to completely unnecessary material. The album explores this from many perspectives. There are also some really personal songs like Angelo, which is about my father.”

The album was previously released with the aggressive Everything/Nothing and the romantic party rocker Pickup Artist, which was also accompanied by a music video showcasing a futuristic dating game. As the last track from the album, the band presents the song Killing Time, which is also accompanied by a music video.

“Killing Time showcases the hardest rock side of our album. It also contains synapse-like stuff that pays homage to the ‘Amblin-esque’ aesthetic of 80s sci-fi movies. I think the song represents the album quite well, as our diverse sound includes everything from grunge and post-punk to classic hard rock and synthwave,” Marco Luponero comments.

Luponero album tracklist:
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

With the brand new album, Luponero will start their celebrity tour tomorrow in Uusikaarlepy. In April, the band will start their European tour in Stockholm.

LUPONERO “EVERYWHERE & NOWHERE MATTERS” TOUR 2025:
Sat 22.3 FIN Uusikaarlepyy, Stjärnhallen
Tue 8.4 SWE Stockholm, Encore*
Thu 10.4 GER Leipzig, Stö*
Sat 12.4 LUX Crossfire (acoustic show)
Tue 15.4 POL Słupsk, Motor Rock Pub*
Wed 16.4 POL Gdansk, Paszcza Lwa*
Thu 17.4 POL Łomza, Pub pod Ratuszem*
Fri 18.4 LIT Vilnius, nArauti*
Fr 6.6 FIN, Hard Rock Korppi
*w/ The Pyramids

Marco Luponero’s history consists of a career as an actor-director, as well as heavier music in bands such as Altaria, Terrorwheel and most recently Marco Luponero & The Loud Ones. The mission of the Luponero band is to continue to push boundaries with their unapologetic, rebellious sound and style. The music seamlessly blends classic rock influences with a modern punk attitude. With these elements, Luponero creates a unique whole that, with the album, takes 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

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

ROCKSHOTS RECORDS ANNOUNCES NEW COLLABORATION WITH SECRET RULE FOR UPCOMING ALBUM

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the signing of SECRET RULE, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the band’s decade-long journey.

With a refreshed lineup and a renewed artistic vision, SECRET RULE is gearing up to unleash its highly anticipated tenth studio album in 2025, slated for release after the summer.

Known for their unique ability to blend symphonic atmospheres with modern metal vibes, SECRET RULE is stepping into a bold new sonic era.
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The upcoming album will showcase an evolved sound, a powerful fusion of influences, combining the cinematic edge of Within Temptation’s latest works with the raw energy of Falling In Reverse.

From this new chapter, fans can expect a dynamic, high-energy sound, enriched with the band’s signature melodies and anthemic choruses.
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With a fresh lineup, SECRET RULE continues to push boundaries, reaffirming its role as a driving force in modern metal.

The album explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the battle against inner and external struggles, delivering an intense and immersive experience.

In the meantime, the band is currently on the road as a supporting act for Temperance and Induction, part of an intense 15-date European tour. SECRET RULE is also set to play some of the most prestigious summer festivals, including Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic), Rock Imperium Festival (Spain), and Laurus Nobilis (Portugal), with more dates and exciting news coming soon!

A brand new single will be unveiled very soon, giving fans a first taste of what’s to come.
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A new era begins, and we are ready to bring our energy to the stage! 🤘 This March, we hit the road across Europe with Temperance and Induction, and we cannot wait to see you all! Plus, we are beyond excited to play at three incredible festivals this summer: Imperium Rock Festival, Masters of Rock, and Laurus Nobilis.

​
​NEXT SHOWS (supporting TEMPERANCE and INDUCTION)​
​
20.03.25 DE – Bochum / Matrix
21.03.25 BE – Kortrijk / DVG
22.03.25 NL – Drachten / Iduna
23.03.25 DK – Copenhagen / Stengade
​
​SUMMER FESTIVALS:​
​
27.06.25 ES – Imperium Rock Festival
10-13.07.25 CZ – Masters of Rock
20.07.25 PT – Laurus Nobilis

​

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

Website: https://www.secretrule.it​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretruleband​
​Instagram: https://instagram.com/secret_rule_official​
​Spotify: Stream Now​

Finnish progressive death/post-metal band Ashes In The Fall released their debut EP Where Serenity Prevails

Finnish progressive death/post-metal metal band Ashes In The Fall released their debut EP ‘Where Serenity Prevails’ on 21 March 2025 via Inverse Records. The band was formed in 2019, and all members are between 17 and 18 years old.

LISTEN to Where Serenity Prevails EP: https://push.fm/fl/aitf-ep

The band comments:
” “Where Serenity Prevails” is our debut EP about the destruction of humanity and the Earth after it. The EP features acoustic sections and clean vocals as well as distorted sections and harsh vocals, polyphonic vocal harmonies and shifting time signatures. Jazz influences and breakdowns that break the traditional moulds bring additional flavours. From start to finish, the EP has an immersive atmosphere that creates strong images. During the composition process, our biggest musical influences were Gojira, Alcest and especially Opeth. The story was inspired by Studio Ghibli films. We highly recommend this EP for fans of progressive death metal and post-metal as well as fans of the bands mentioned above. And for all those who like a rough and authentic production, the EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by the band.”

Biography:
Ashes In The Fall is a Finnish progressive death metal/post-metal band. During the band’s 6 years of existence it has gone through numerous changes in personnel, with the current roster consisting of:

Touko Kaihola – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Samuel Routama – lead vocals, samples
Anton Valros – bass, backing vocals
Simon Valros – guitars
Jennifer Evans – keyboards, samples, backing vocals, percussion

The band takes influences from many different sources, with our biggest influences probably being Opeth, Mastodon, Insomnium, Ulver, Neurosis, Alcest and Gojira. We also take influences from music outside the metal genre, such as jazz, folk, progressive rock and hardcore punk to name a few.

After laying dormant for a long time, Ashes In The Fall have finally started to pick up their pace, with the EP “Where Serenity Prevails” being scheduled for release in this spring on Inverse Records. The EP’s lead single Dusk of Mankind will be released to the public on January 30th 2025. With the release of this new material, Ashes In The Fall will also be playing even more live shows, with an upcoming highlight in the band’s career being a performance at Tuska on the KVLT stage in June 2025.

Single version ‘Dusk of Mankind’ available here: https://push.fm/fl/ashesinthefall-dusk

Line-up:

Touko Kaihola – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Samuel Routama – lead vocals, samples
Anton Valros – bass, backing vocals
Simon Valros – guitars
Jennifer Evans – keyboards, samples, backing vocals, percussion

Links: 
https://www.facebook.com/aitfband
https://www.instagram.com/ashesinthefall.band
https://ashesinthefall.bandcamp.com
https://bsky.app/profile/ashesinthefallband.bsky.social
https://www.tiktok.com/@ashes.in.the.fall

Piper’s new single delicately moves through the concepts of time’s limits and boundlessness with senses wide open

Melodic atmospheric rock artist Piper from Finland releases this year both live album and new studio album. Now she presents the first single from the upcoming studio album!

The album’s title track and opening piece, A Bridge Across Time, asks “for more time”. It poses big questions across the blurred boundary of time. The song delicately moves through the concepts of time’s limits and boundlessness, with senses wide open. The steady influence of nature in the sound and the flickering, shifting tempo of time create the tensions in this piece.

Watch the lyric video

Listen to the single on music srevices (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/piper-abat

Piper’s signature multifaceted style is also present in this single, just as it is throughout the whole album. The collaboration, familiar from the debut album What is the heart for, continues here, with Päivi Sihvonen composing and writing the lyrics, while Saku Anttila arranges and plays all other instruments.

In A Bridge Across Time, as in the rest of the album, there is a recognizable melancholic depth, but the music for this second full-length album has evolved, maturing into new forms along its journey. The rising start of the opening track, with its grand and “explosive” final beats, elevates the mood that unfolds throughout the album. The song leaves an open mood, creating space for the questions to linger. It invites the listener to receive the following tracks.

https://linktr.ee/musicpiper

Finnish melodic death metal band Northvoid released Entrusted single & music video – new EP Ember Remains to be released in April

Finnish metal band Northvoid is set to release a new EP ‘Ember Remains’ on April 25th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single Entrusted was released yesterday and music video is available here: https://youtu.be/wmQPiw4xAcw

Entrusted takes the listener to the depths of the mind, driven by heavy riffs and deep-rooted vocals. It is the slowest and heaviest song in the band’s output so far. The band’s guitarist and composer Markus Heikkinen says the following about the song:

“Entrusted is the band’s most melancholic, even oppressive song to date. Despite its anxiety, the song has become an important part of the band’s story.”

“I see that the lyrics of the song have different meanings, depending on the listener. They can describe men who, without speaking to each other, watch an autumn campfire somewhere in the woods. The lyrics also have a melancholic side, which I think fits well with the heavy guitar sound of the song,” continues the band’s drummer and lyricist Timo Korkalainen.

LISTEN to Entrusted on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/northvoid-entrusted

Forged in North Karelia in January 2020, Northvoid delivers a musical assault rooted in the melodic death metal of the 90’s. With a bond forged in childhood, our members now channel the raw, untamed energy of the past & present into every note. 

Our music is a fusion of melodic heaviness and groove, inspired by the harsh environment and wilderness of the north. Experience the power and versatility of our music, which broadly covers different elements of metal music, guided by the attitude of the frost-bitten north. Northvoid isn’t just music – it’s a journey into the heart of coldness and wilderness.

Join us and feel the fury!

LISTEN to the first single Wilderness: https://push.fm/fl/northvoid-wilderness

Line-up:
Markus Heikkinen: guitars
Timo Korkalainen: drums
Kimmo Timonen: vocals
Risto Aittola: bass

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/northvoid
https://www.instagram.com/northvoid.band
https://northvoid.bandcamp.com

German metal giant Lord of the Lost releases OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 on August 8th – Video for new single My Sanctuary out now

Lord of the Lost gives listeners a glimpse into the world that awaits them with their new studio album OPVS NOIR Vol. 1, which will be released on August 8th. The music video for the single My Sanctuary is now also released and can be watched here.

The upcoming studio album is the first part of the OPVS NOIR trilogy, in which the chart-topping band returns to heavier sounds – without forgetting gothic harmonies or the power of the orchestra.

At the same time, the song and the upcoming album are a kind of dance invitation to discover your own melancholic and dark inner self. The trilogy concludes the Blood & Glitter era in the band’s career, opening the door to the heart of darkness.

“We have 33 songs to choose from, of which My Sanctuary is a kind of gateway song that opens the door to the entire world of OPVS NOIR,” describes vocalist Chris Harms.

The upcoming album will also define what Lord of the Lost will be in 2025. Produced by Chris Harms, the album was recorded at Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, and while everything is new, it still sounds familiar.

Chris Harms gives us a preview of the upcoming album as follows:

“Darkness, melancholy, loneliness are all words that often have negative connotations and that we might associate with danger, sadness and loss. But darkness can also be safety, melancholy, the warm and sentimental feeling of our memories. Loneliness can also become silence, peace and a guide through the dark sides of our inner world, which so often move between what we emotionally classify as positive or negative. And this is all just the beginning of this three-part journey.”

OPVS NOIR Vol. 1 album contains the following songs:
1 Bazaar Bizarre
2 My Sanctuary
3 Light Can Only Shine In The Darkness (& Within Temptation)
4 I Will Die In It
5 Moonstruck (& ​​Stimmgewalt)
6 Damage (feat. Whiplasher Bernadotte)
7 Ghosts (feat. Tina Guo)
8 Lords Of Fyre (& Feuerschwanz)
9 The Things We Do For Love
10 The Sadness In Everything (feat. Anna Maria Rose)
11 Dreams Are Never Alone

The band is also heading to gigs with the album, the following of which have now been released:

LORD OF THE LOST Live 2025

LATIN AMERICA TOUR 
25.04.25 MX – Ciudad de México
27.04.25 CR – San José w/ Powerwolf
29.04.25 CO – Bogotá
01.05.25 AR – Buenos Aires
04.05.25 BR – São Paulo
05.05.25 CL – Santiago de Chile w/ Powerwolf

LORDS OF FYRE CO-HEADLINE TOUR 
LORD OF THE LOST & FEUERSCHWANZ
w/ The Dark Side Of The Moon
02.10.25 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle
03.10.25 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee
04.10.25 DE – Offenbach / Stadthalle
10.10.25 DE – Hanover / Swiss Life Hall
11.10.25 DE – Fürth / Stadthalle
17.10.25 DE – Munich / Zenith
18.10.25 DE – Düsseldorf / Mitsubishi Halle

UK + IRELAND TOUR  
30.10.25 UK – Wolverhampton
31.10.25 UK – Manchester
02.11.25 UK – Glasgow
04.11.25 UK – Belfast
05.11.25 IE – Dublin
07.11.25 UK – Bristol
08.11.25 UK – London
09.11.25 UK – Southampton

LORDFEST 
13.12.25 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
Tickets: tour.lordofthelost.de

FESTIVALS
13.06.25 DE – Gardelegen / Metal Frenzy Festival
14.06.25 CH – Interlaken / Grienfield Festival
20.07.25 DE – Cologne / Amphi Festival
02.08.25 RO – Rasnov Fortress / Rockstadt Extreme Fest
06.08.25 ES – Villena / Leyendas del Rock
10.08.25 UK – Derbyshire / Bloodstock Open Air
19.10.25 NL – Den Bosch / The Rock Circus
01.11.25 UK – Whitby / Tomorrows Ghosts Festival

LORD OF THE LOST is:
Chris Harms – vocals, guitar
Pi Stoffers – guitar
Benjamin “Benji“ Mundigler – guitar, keyboards
Klaas Helmecke – bass
Gerrit Heinemann – Piano, keyboards, percussion
Niklas Kahl – drums

lordofthelost.de | feuerschwanz.de | Napalm Records