Category: Press Releases

Melodic Prog Metal Sensations Diamantide Presents “Poor Kings” Music Video

Female-fronted melodic prog metal powerhouse Diamantide unveils the captivating music video for “Poor Kings”, a standout track from their self-titled album, Diamantide, available now via Wormholedeath Records.

Blending poetic storytelling with their signature dynamic sound, “Poor Kings” dives deep into the symbolic parallels between kings and queens, exploring themes of power, love, and vulnerability. The track’s evocative lyrics challenge the cold pursuit of authority, questioning why kings, burdened by dominance, fail to fight for the love of their queens, who represent longing and emotional depth. With its thought-provoking narrative and haunting melodies, “Poor Kings” captures the heartbreaking cost of isolation and detachment, creating a profound commentary on the human condition.

Diamantide’s music stands as a remarkable fusion of progressive, melodic, and power metal. The self-titled album features standout guest contributions from Tom Englund (Evergrey), Mark Basile (DGM), and Roberto Tiranti, whose performances add extraordinary depth to the band’s already intricate and emotionally resonant sound.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Diamantide – an album that masterfully balances intensity with melodic sophistication while delivering a poignant exploration of life’s complexities.

Stream the album now: orcd.co/diamantide

Formed in September 2023 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Diamantide was born from a long-awaited vision brought to life by guitarist, main composer, and producer Massimiliano (Max) Maggiari. The band’s distinct sound blends heavy guitars, orchestral elements, and deeply melodic vocals, creating an experience that is both grand and introspective. A project marked by international collaboration, Diamantide brings together talented musicians from around the world, each with unique musical experiences and stories.

The line-up includes:
Nadin Zakharyan — Vocals
Massimiliano (Max) Maggiari — Guitars & Keyboards
Alex Sandor Tamas — Bass
Joe Londeree — Drums

Connect with Diamantide
www.youtube.com/@Diamantide
www.facebook.com/DiamantideBand
www.instagram.com/diamantideofficial

 

Balance Breach release long-awaited third full-length album Save Our Souls

Metalcore band Balance Breach have been dropping a string of tighter singles since their third release, and now the band’s full-length album Save Our Souls has been released via Out Of Line. The album, produced by Rami Nykänen, has already been praised in album reviews as a production gem, and the ten-track album’s modern and raw metalcore sounds and screams are also balanced by clean vocals. The album’s title track, Save Our Souls, combines the album’s most important elements: catchy choruses, powerful guitar riffs and furious energy.

“From the first demos of the song Save Our Souls, there was something about the song that made me feel that the song would define the entire album in some way. The song has a really strong energy charge, as well as a unique feeling that carries through the whole song, without forgetting the nuances of melancholy, which has become a strong part of Balance Breach’s sound over the years,” singer Aleksi Paasonen describes and continues:

“This song is a kind of cry for help in a situation where a person has reached a point in their life where they realize that this is not how they want to use their only chance on this planet. We have one life and one chance, and it shouldn’t matter how we use it. I personally believe that by striving to use this chance by doing the most meaningful things for ourselves and finding the answer to what is truly meaningful, we can each ‘save our souls’.”

The most ambitious music video of Balance Breach’s career has been filmed for the song. The music video, directed by Vin Valentino, combines the interlude Distress with the title track Save Our Souls, and the result is a work that has reached the proportions of an action movie.

“With the music video for the song Save Our Souls, we wanted to do things more spectacularly and epically than ever before. Instead of showing what it’s like to struggle with your neck in a slippery squirrel and life slipping through your fingers, we took the feeling associated with it as far as possible. The ‘rebel group’ in the music video is a group that makes a journey deep into the depths of the soul in an attempt to find something beautiful and alive and save it. The world around us is dangerous and so toxic that it is necessary to use extreme means to protect yourself. In the video, the main character has to face his inner demons as the group tries to save the treasure they found.”

Balance Breach will celebrate the release of the Save Our Souls album at On The Rocks in Helsinki and will then tour extensively around Finland:

Sat 22.3.2025 On The Rocks, Helsinki (+ Beyond Awareness)

Fri 28.3.2025 Torvi, Lahti

Fri 11.4.2025 Olympia, Tampere (+ LUNA KILLS, Beyond Awareness)

Sat 12.4.2025 45 Special, Oulu (+ LOWHILL)

Fri 25.4.2025 Kulttuuritalo Tempo, Mikkeli (+ LUNA KILLS)

Balance Breach is:

Terho Korhonen – guitar
Saku Heimonen – guitar
Joni Härkönen – bass
Antti Halonen – drums
Aleksi Paasonen – vocals

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WWW

HIGHWAY QUEEN Shares New Music Video “I’m Calling You” Off New EP “Extendead Play”

Rockshots Records is excited to announce the release of Highway Queen’s latest official music video for their song “I’m Calling You”. This new video continues the Finnish rockers’ tradition of blending powerful melodies with an electrifying mix of hard rock and metal influences.

“I’m Calling You” is featured on the band’s latest EP “Extendead Play” released on January 17th, 2025. The EP showcases Highway Queen’s signature style, merging 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, intense riffs and dynamic rhythms. The lyrics of “I’m Calling You” delve into deep emotions, expressing themes of longing, passion and determination, capturing the essence of the band’s storytelling prowess.

Highway Queen, formed in late 2019, has steadily built a reputation in the melodic hard rock scene. Their music blends heavy blues rock with traditional heavy and hard rock, taking inspiration from the raw energy of past decades while incorporating a fresh, modern approach. The band’s previous works, including their debut album “Bitter Soul”, have been widely appreciated for their musical depth.

All tracks on “Extendead Play”, including “I’m Calling You” were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, known for his work with Waltari and Before The Dawn. The band continues to evolve and push their musical boundaries while maintaining a sound that resonates with fans of classic and contemporary rock.

The official video for “I’m Calling You” is now available on their official YouTube channel offering a visually compelling representation of the song’s powerful message. As Highway Queen continues their journey, this latest release solidifies their place in the hard rock scene, demonstrating once again their passion and commitment to delivering high-quality rock music.

Follow Highway Queen for more updates and get ready to experience the energy of “I’m Calling You” now!

VIDEO for “I’m Calling You” at https://youtu.be/Ec0qkcmbssw​
​
​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​

Hailing from the cold Finnish shores Underwater Father release their first single

Hailing from the cold shores of Kotka, Finland, Underwater Father emerges as a dark and captivating force in metal. Blending the intensity of death- and black metal with the melancholic melodies traditional of Finnish “melometal”, the band crafts a unique sonic experience that is both haunting and powerful.

“Spiral Through” is the first single from Underwater Father’s upcoming debut EP, “Without Waves,”. This track blends the coldness of black metal with the melodic elements of melodic metal, creating a hauntingly atmospheric yet aggressive soundscape.

Watch the music video: https://youtu.be/QGJsxMiOg1w

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

The band backgrounds the song:
“The song tells the story of a haunting journey of guilt and redemption, as a man is drawn back into the darkest corners of his past. Vivid flashes of violent acts and tragic mistakes bring long-buried demons to the surface, forcing him to confront the weight of his actions. As he navigates between the stillness of the graveyard and the chaos of his haunting memories, anguish and remorse intertwine as the shadows of his past refuse to let go.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The protagonist finds peace and the possibility of a new beginning as he breaks free from the chains of his past.”

Formed in the summer of 2024, Underwater Father was born from the vision of Samu Haatainen (guitars, vocals), who sought to create something darker and more stripped-down compared to their other band, Of Spite. Sharing most of its members with Of Spite, the lineup consists of Antti Lampinen (bass), Jan Lindberg (guitars, backing vocals), and Joonas Nieminen (drums)—a tight-knit unit with a shared passion for pushing metal’s boundaries.

Musically, Underwater Father weaves together the ferocity of black and death metal with the emotional depth of melodic metal. Drawing influences from bands like Mgła, Horna, Uada, Cradle of Filth on the extreme side and Sentenced, Bloodpit, and Somehow Jo! etc. On the melodic spectrum, the band creates music that is both crushing and atmospheric. Lyrically, their songs explore themes of birth, death, karma, and the search for meaning in life’s journey—both the light and the darkness that shape our fate.

https://www.facebook.com/underwaterfather

https://www.instagram.com/underwaterfather/

Finnish old school death metal band Messiah Paratroops released the second single and music video ‘Out of Reality’ from the forthcoming debut album

Finnish old school death metal band Messiah Paratroops, founded in 1989, is finally set to release their debut album ‘Legions of Tomorrow’ on April 4th 2025 via Inverse Records.

The second single ‘Out of Reality’ was unleashed on March 6th with music video which is available here: https://youtu.be/L69lNB5tBp4

Out of reality is a raging death metal that combines extreme speed with lyrics about extraterrestrial worlds. This death sentence takes the listener deep into the unknown reaches of space.

LISTEN to Out of Reality on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/messiah-paratroops-out

PRE-ORDER limited CD edition from HERE.

The first single ‘Painful Sleep’ available here: https://push.fm/fl/messiah-paratroops-painful

BIOGRAPHY:
The first shots of Messiah Paratroops were fired in 1989. Aku and Niku joined the already existing band Necrophiliac. However, we found out that there was a band with the same name in Brazil, so a name change was necessary. The official launch of Messiah Paratroops was carried out by Aku Oksala (vocals), Niku Oksala (bass), Pekka Laasanen
(drums), Janne Roima (guitar), and Mikko Vainikainen (guitar). At the time, our music was mostly thrash metal. In 1990, Mikko was replaced by Sami Jämsen on guitar, and in the same year, the first official demo Extreme Pain was released.Before this, we had recorded Rheumatoid (1989), Children of the Corn (1990), and the song Other Side in Studio Sound.

Our first official gig was at Nuorisokeskus 44 in Kuopio in 1990, and after that, more gigs started coming in. One particularly memorable gig was in Sulkava, where we played with Nuxvomica, Astenia, and Alennusmyynti. The gig was unforgettable in many ways, even so that one of our guitarists wasn’t allowed to play because of intoxication. Nevertheless, we managed to finish the show successfully.

The Extreme Pain demo sold well. With more experience gained from gigs and  rehearsing in the trenches, we recorded the Lost Soul Domain demo in 1991. It sold out quickly and was well received worldwide. This led to the release of The Past EP through Seraphic Decay Records. Some copies of this rare release can still be found in various parts of the world.

Soon after, Pekka Laasanen left the band after a gig at Desperado Bar, and was replaced by Ilari Jäntti (Barathrum) on drums. In 1992, with this new lineup, we recorded The Other Gods demo. We also performed at Neulamäki Rock and the recycling center alongside Impaled Nazarene, Barathrum, and Mystification. After a few years of performing and creating new material, we recorded the Jesus Christ Cyberseed demo in 1994. This demo deviated slightly from our traditional death metal style, with lyrics focusing more on technology and sci-fi themes. After this, our war machines
went silent for nearly two decades…

In 2014, it was time to bring out the war arsenal again and start re-recording our old songs with the following lineup:
• Sami Jämsen (guitar)
• Janne Roima (guitar)
• Tuomo Latvala (drums)
• Niku Oksala (bass)
• Aku Oksala (vocals)

We recorded The Breeding, Cyberseed, Lost Soul Domain, and To Be Left High and Dry, but these re-recorded versions were never released. This lineup performed two gigs: the first at Old Farts Rock in Henry’s Pub, Kuopio (2014) and the second at Finnish Death Metal Maniacs Festival in Pori (2017).

War takes its toll, and in 2017, the lineup changed once again. Sami, Janne, and Tuomo left the group, and we brought in:
• Ville Vesterinen (guitar)
• Antti Sinikangas (guitar)
• Peachy (drums)

With Ville’s creative input, three new songs were written:
• Evil Lives Among Us
• Madness Incarnate
• Murders of the Lake

Demo versions of these songs were recorded. This lineup managed to play a few gigs before more changes occurred. Ville left the group, and Jani Vartiainen took over on guitar. More new songs started emerging with the debut album in mind. We even managed to get to the studio to record, but the momentum began to fade…

Once again, it was time to open the tent flap and bring in new soldiers.
• Pete Airaksinen joined on guitar.
• Vilho Kananen joined on drums.
• Jari Bäck took over as the main bassist alongside Niku Oksala.

With this lineup, new songs were written, and after years of effort, the recording of our debut album was finally completed at the end of 2023.

Our debut album “Legions of Tomorrow” will be released in April 2025.

Messiah Paratroops – Legions of Tomorrow (Album 2025)

Track list:

1. Out of Reality
2. Rats in the Walls
3. Messiah Paratroops
4. Morbid Prayer
5. Repulsion
6. Bloodlust
7. Legions of Tomorrow
8. Murders of the Lake
9. Painful Sleep

-Mixed and mastered by Jari “Tupi” Tuomainen
-Cover art by Niko Anttila

Messiah Paratroops – Out of Reality (Single 2025)

Track list:
1. Painful Sleep

Music by Jani Vartiainen
Lyrics by Niku Oksala

ISRC: FI3FC2550901

Single cover by Jani Vartiainen

Line-up:

Vocals – Aku Oksala
Guitars – Pete Airaksinen
Guitars – Jani Vartiainen
Drums – Vilho Kananen
Bass – Jari Bäck

Links:
https://www.messiah-paratroops.com
https://www.facebook.com/messiahparatroops
https://www.instagram.com/messiahparatroopsofficial
https://messiahparatroops.bandcamp.com

Canadian Speed/Heavy Metal Force BREAKER Unleashes Lyric Video for “Breaker”

Canada’s own speed/heavy metal powerhouse BREAKER is set to shake the foundations with the release of their lyric video for “Breaker,” the title track from their upcoming self-titled EP. Set for release on April 4, 2025, via the label Wormholedeath, the Breaker EP promises a relentless onslaught of screaming melodies, thunderous rhythms, and vocals that rip through the stratosphere.

Prepare to be consumed by BREAKER’s furious melodies, high-velocity riffs, and commanding vocal power. The band takes inspiration from classic speed metal while infusing their music with a fresh, untamed energy that sets them apart. This is more than music—it’s a call to arms for lovers of loud, fast, and uncompromising heavy metal.

Formed in 2023 by vocalist Terje Fiskvatn, guitarist Caleb Beal (Villain, Midnight Malice), and drummer Rider Johnson (former Razor), BREAKER quickly crafted their signature sound, blending high-octane metal with fierce energy. The band’s debut EP, Breaker, features tracks like Liberty and Babylon, written by Fiskvatn and expanded with the powerful contributions of Beal and Johnson.

Connect with BREAKER
www.instagram.com/breakerbandofficial
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565187293442
www.youtube.com/@BreakerBandOfficial
breakerbandofficial.com
breakerbandofficial.bandcamp.com/album/breaker

Progressive Metal Prodigy BlackLight Drops Lyric Video for “Ghost”

Progressive metal phenomenon BlackLight is set to captivate listeners with the release of their stunning lyric video for “Ghost,” the latest track from their critically acclaimed album, Future Belongs To, out on 21 March 2025,  via Wormholedeath.

With “Ghost”, Blacklight conjures a visceral dialogue between regret and rebirth, leaving listeners haunted by the question: Can we ever outrun the ghosts we’ve become?

Pre-save the album “Future Belongs To”: https://orcd.co/futurebelongsto

Future Belongs To continues to showcase BlackLight’s signature sound—an atmospheric and multifaceted mix influenced by progressive metal icons such as Opeth, Rush, Tool, and Riverside. With each track, the band carves out a space for themselves in the progressive metal scene, blending technical mastery with emotive, deeply resonant themes.

Originating from Poland, BlackLight is led by the virtuosic Maciej Majewski (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and joined by Robert Kurzyński (guitar, solo guitar), Tomasz Szydło (bass), and Stanisław Skowroński (drums). Drawing from the atmospheric richness of Dead Can Dance and the progressive complexity of their influences, BlackLight creates a sound that is uniquely their own.

Connect with BlackLight:
www.facebook.com/BlackLight.Polska
www.instagram.com/blacklight.poland

Re-Armed’s melodeath take on Haddaway’s “What Is Love”

The Finnish melodic death metal outfit Re-Armed has sunk its teeth into the iconic EDM hit “What Is Love”, delivering a heavier, hard-hitting version of the classic. The result? A track that drags you straight from the dancefloor into the mosh pit—catchy, yet thunderously crushing.

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, YouTube, Deezer, Tidal jne.): https://push.fm/fl/rearmed-whatislove

The band shares the story behind the cover:

“This time, we decided to throw a punch with a silk glove on—and spill the drinks all over right after. Initially, we jammed this track at our rehearsal space just for fun, and to our surprise, it actually worked! After the laughter died down, we knew we had to record it—and here we are. The song’s post choruses are once again elevated by a guest appearance from vocalist Mirva Saviniemi. Whether you love it or hate it, we welcome all reactions with open arms!”

Re-Armed’s version injects Haddaway’s classic with a fresh dose of raw power, guaranteed to strike a chord with both nostalgics and metalheads alike.

 

https://linktr.ee/re_armed_band

Strong modern metal newcomer Hollowborn releases their 66 Sins album on April 4th – Mind Chaos single introduces the band’s dark world

Modern progressive metal band Hollowborn has been meticulously preparing their debut album 66 Sins, which will be released on April 4th, and now it’s time to reveal the last taste of that album before the full-length release. The single Mind Chaos is accompanied by a spectacular video made by Julius Nikander, which you can watch here. Julius is also responsible for the cover art for the newly released song.

“The video reflects the chaotic energy of the song, which immerses the viewer in an intense and surreal world. The haunting symbolism is present in the struggle between sanity and madness and the constant pursuit of a lost paradise,” the band formulates.

The final world of both the Mind Chaos single and the entire upcoming album was masterfully put together by mixer-master Rami Nykänen, who has risen to become one of the most sought-after sound wizards in Finland.

“If you are brave enough to dive into this chaotic journey, remember to fasten your seatbelts – this song is guaranteed to give you goosebumps,” the band says.

Painting their songs like short films or short stories, Hollowborn is one of the most interesting newcomers of the spring, and the band itself has not wanted to limit its expression either – as long as it serves the whole and Hollowborn’s own thematics.

“Each song takes the listener on a multi-level journey, where there is the joy of music, power, hate and love. Hopefully every listen brings out something new and interesting.”

The band will next be seen live at Bar Finnegans in Tuusula on March 15th. The upcoming official album release gig for the album 66 Sins will be at Bar Loose in Helsinki on April 9th. Tickets for the event will go on sale soon.

Hollowborn is:
Vocals: Julius Nikander
Guitar: Anton Louko
Guitar: Ronnie Roos
Bass: Bryan Ugartechea
Drums: Jani Aalto

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY

The Blanko ends a five-year release break with their single Shine – Sunrise Avenue drummer Sami Osala joins the lineup, the band returns to gigs on 2.5

The Blanko, who blew up the Finnish rock scene in 2011 with their debut album Flying Colours, are ending their half-decade-long hiatus. The single Shine, released on March 5th and finalized in collaboration with producer Jukka Backlund, presents The Blanko’s enormous energy in a new light and with the spices of 2025 – without forgetting the original sound of the band’s power trio.

At the same time, The Blanko will be presenting itself in a new line-up, which includes drummer Sami Osala, who gained international fame in Sunrise Avenue. Alongside vocalist-guitarist Pauli Hauta-aho, bassist Jykke Tikka continues to play in the front row.

“I’ve been following the band’s activities since the beginning and have noticed that they’ve been downright beastly live. I was already thinking back then that I’d like to be involved in that kind of activity again someday. I had played with Pauli before and noticed that he is a really great player and that this kind of energy is what I want from a band. I never would have thought that suddenly I would be witnessing that whirlwind live behind the drums. I’m really excited about this!”, Osala enthuses.

“The trio is a king of bands, where each member has a significant role. Sami has taken over the drummer’s position better than expected and faster than I dared to hope. It feels great to bring out the band’s new energy with a new song!”, Pauli enthuses.

The trio’s first song together, Shine, is closely tied to this time, reminding us of the power of love in the turmoil of the times.

“From the north, it echoes until it echoes. The world is in transition and new winds are blowing hard, and they won’t let up until we react to them. However, one thing remains and remains, and that is love. It is the brilliance and glow that lives in all of us. It’s a torch that burns through storms and turmoil, and it never dies,” Pauli states and continues:

“Shine is a return to the roots, a return home and a return to the authenticity of who we have always been. The process of creating the song was like a dark night of the soul, where things were faced eye to eye, until finally the love for the riff swept over the useless crumbs. The end result is a power song, where the sacred connection of the feminine and the masculine is rockingly balanced. This world needs that kind of energy.”

The Blanko will also return to live gigs, the first of which will be held in Helsinki at On The Rocks on May 2nd. Tickets for the event are now on sale.

The Blanko is:
Pauli Hauta-aho – Vocals, guitar
Jykke Tikka – Bass
Sami Osala – Drums

www.theblanko.com