Category: Press Releases

L.A. Metal legends Bullet Boys unleash 5 CD box set of classic albums

Bullet Boys’ story is one of dogged persistence and devoted audiences. Close to 40 years after Marq Torien led bandmates Mick Sweda and Lonnie Vencent out of metal heroes King Cobra, and despite a tangled history of revolving band members, break-ups and reformations, Bullet Boys remain one of the key components in the modern hard rock scene. 
Still recording, still touring, still firing on all cylinders, Bullet Boys’ success is built on more than music, however.  As Torien put it, when asked what makes somebody a Bullet Boy, the band’s longevity is based upon “Strength, courage, empathy, love, unbridled talent, and a great sense of humor.”
The five albums included in this collection exude those qualities with room to spare.
The Albums 1995-2009 opens with the fan favorite Acid Monkey – described by Torien as having been “recorded very quickly, [getting “back to the punk and hard rock we grew up on in Southern California beach cities.”
Sophie follows, a blistering rocker that includes both a volatile cover of The Kinks’ “All Day and All of the Night” and a guest appearance on the album’s first single,. “Neighborhood,” from Sebastian Bach; the live Behind The Orange Curtain recaptures one vivacious night at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana.  Torien admits, it was “Not the easiest task, but we captured lightning in a bottle. All live!”
10 Cent Billionaire has been described (by AllMusic) as “arguably BulletBoys heaviest yet,” and Torien’s most personal as well.  “I wrote 10 cent Billionaire and recorded it when I was going through a devastating divorce. It was a labor of love that took a long time to record.” Finally, wrapping up the package, there’s a Greatest Hits CD to remind listeners just how huge, and how influential, Bullet Boys were, and remain. 
And that’s not all. A new album is underway, Bullet Boys’ first since 2015’s Elefanté;, and the band – with Torien joined by Ira Black (guitar), Brad Lang (bass) and Dead Groove drummer Fred Aching – will be undertaking a full US tour this summer.
The excitement goes up another notch, meanwhile, with first-time-ever vinyl releases for 10 Cent Billionaire (silver vinyl), Acid Monkey (red vinyl) and the live album (red marble vinyl).  In addition, Cleopatra have also released the band’s breathtaking all-covers collection Rocked and Ripped; plus, for anybody interested in digging into Torien’s pre-BulletBoys career, a 2 LP tribute to his time with King Kobra.
The box set, however, is what really gets the adrenalin pumping, with Torien enthusing, “I’m feelin grateful that these albums will be heard by our fans in a new light!! Definitely a labor of love to our Fans, Friends and Family all over the planet! Ty to Brian, Matt and Fred from Cleo for all your diligence and Luv put into this RAD box release! Crrrrank it Y’all We Love You!!!”
ACID MONKEY:
SOPHIE: 
BEHIND THE ORANGE CURTAIN: 
10 CENT BILLIONAIRE:
GREATEST HITS: 

Wednesday 13 to release Mid Death Crisis album on April 25th – When the Devil Commands single and video now available

Wednesday 13‘s new album ‘Mid Death Crisis’ will be released on April 25th via Napalm Records, and today we get the first taste of what’s to come. The new single ‘When the Devil Commands’ is accompanied by a music video, which you can watch here.

Wednesday 13 describes the upcoming album as fun, funky and something that will make you leave your brain in the closet and rock out with rage. The album was produced by Alex Kane (Life, Sex & Death, Enuff Z’Nuff, Antiproduct) and mixed by Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Prong, DevilDriver). It promises to be quite a blast, seasoned with elements of 1980s sleaze metal. The album also features Taime Downe, known from Faster Pussycat.

“Growing up in the 80s, I remember the satanic panic and the parents’ concern about what their kids were listening to. My mom would constantly check my tapes and make sure I wasn’t possessed by the devil. Most of the music I listened to never had any of those themes, but was just accused of it, so I let myself make a song that would terrify my mom. I wanted the lyrics to be open and leave no doubt about what they were talking about. This song is made in a fun spirit, and we’re not going to burn down churches in the future,” Wednesday 13 says.

The band will head out on a major US tour in March, and the band will also be hitting Europe in the summer, playing select festivals and a UK tour. The dates so far announced are:

“There’s No Such Thing As Monsters” North American Headline Tour
w/ Stitched Up Heart, Dead Rabbits, I Ya Toyah
14.03.25 US – Las Vegas, NV / Count’s Vamp’d
15.03.25 US – Los Angeles, CA / The Whisky
16.03.25 US – Berkeley, CA / Cornerstone
18.03.25 US – Portland, OR / Bossanova Ballroom
19.03.25 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon
21.03.25 US – Roseville, CA / Goldfield Trading Post
22.03.25 US – Pomona, CA / Glass House
23.03.25 US – San Diego, CA / Brick By Brick
25.03.25 US – Mesa, AZ / The Nile Theater
26.03.25 US – Albuquerque, NM / Launch Pad
28.03.25 US – San Antonio, TX / Paper Tiger
29.03.25 US – Dallas, TX / Trees
30.03.25 US – Houston, TX / Warehouse Live
01.04.25 US – Birmingham, AL / Saturn
02.04.25 US – Knoxville, TN / Open Chord
04.04.25 US – Atlanta, GA / The Loft @ Centerstage
05.04.25 US – Raleigh, NC / Chapel Of Bones
06.04.25 US – Greenville, SC / Radio Room
08.04.25 US – Baltimore, MD / The Recher
09.04.25 US – Leesburg, VA / Tally Ho
10.04.25 US – Sayreville, NJ / Starland Ballroom
12.04.25 US – Hampton Beach, NH / Wallys
13.04.25 CA – Montreal, QC / Foufounes Electrique
15.04.25 CA – Toronto, ON / Lee’s Palace
16.04.25 US – Buffalo, NY / Rec Room
18.04.25 US – New York, NY / The Gramercy
19.04.25 US – Stroudsburg, PA / Sherman Theater
20.04.25 US – Lititz, PA / Mickey’s Black Box
22.04.25 US – Pittsburgh, PA / Crafthouse
23.04.25 US – Cleveland, OH / Mercury
25.04.25 US – Columbus, OH / The Kings Of Clubs
26.04.25 US – Flint, MI / Machine Shop
27.04.25 US – Cadillac, MI / Venue Event Center
29.04.25 US – Joliet, IL / The Forge
30.04.25 US – Madison, WI / The Annex
02.05.25 US – Denver, CO / Oriental Theater
03.05.25 US – Colorado Springs, CO / Black Sheep

“Summer Blood Storm” UK/EU Headline Tour
w/ Fearless Vampire Killers (UK dates only)
24.07.25 UK – Buckley / Tivoli
25.07.25 UK – EBBW Vale / Steelhouse Festival
26.07.25 UK – Birmingham / Asylum
27.07.25 UK – Preston / The Blitz
29.07.25 UK – Sheffiled / Corporation
30.07.25 UK – Brighton / Chalk
03.08.25 CZ – Prague / Rock Cafe
05.08.25 AT – Vienna / Simm City *
06.08.25 AT – Salzburg / Rockhouse
07.08.25 DE – Saarbrücken / The Garage *
08.08.25 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Festival
09.08.25 NL – Utrecht / De Helling
* w/ Static X

Mid Death Crisis tracklist:
1. There’s No Such Thing As Monsters
2. Decease and Desist
3. When the Devil Commands
4. Rotting Away
5. No Apologies (feat. Taime Downe)
6. Decapitation
7. In Misery
8. Blood Storm
9. Xanaxtasy
10. I Hurt You
11. My Funeral
12. Sick and Violent

All different formats of the upcoming album are now available for pre-order here.

Wednesday the 13 is:
Wednesday 13 – Lead Vocals / Guitar Jack
Tankersley – Guitar
Troy Doebbler – Bass
Mike Dupke – Drums
Ashes – Lead Guitar

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | X

Italian band Road Syndicate release new music video from single ‘Here Comes the Band’

The promotion of the new Road Syndicate‘s album ‘A Shot of R’n’R’ does not stop. After the release of ‘Smilin’ Devil’, the Roman rockers release a new music video, ‘Here Comes the Band’, the second single from the successful work released in 2024. The band members are filmed in their studio and in the streets of their neighborhood, Monteverde, during an ordinary day of rehearsal sessions. The most real moments of their life as musicians.

Filmed by Tommy Benvenuti and directed by the band’s singer, Lorenzo Cortoni, Here ‘Comes the Band’ therefore tells, with a pinch of irony, a cross-section of the daily life of Road Syndicate. The new single also serves as a forerunner for the start of a new adventure: a tour of the clubs of central Italy that will see the band touch different cities, including Florence and Naples.

Line up:
Lorenzo Cortoni (Vocals)
Fabio Lanciotti (Guitars, Backing Vocals)
Giulio Guaitolini (Bass, Trumpet, Backing Vocals)
Cristiano Ruggiero (Drums, Percussion)

Guest Musicians:
Luciano Gargiulo (Wurli & Hammond)
Helena Pieraccini (Backing Vocals)
Gabriele Pistilli (Sax)

Executive Producers: Road Syndicate and Pino Magliani
Publishing and Label: Elevate Records
Management: DeadFall Agency
Press Office: FGR Pres

YouTube
Instagram
FaceBook
Official website

 

Finnish melodic death metal band Crowen have released a new music video from their Where The Darkness Falls EP

Finnish melodic death metal band Crowen have released a new music video ‘Veri on nimeni mun’. The track is taken from their ‘Where The Darkness Falls’ which was released last December by Inverse Records.

WATCH Veri on nimeni mun -music video: https://youtu.be/k-woIi8Dl4k

Esa Uusimaa comments:
“Veri on nimeni mun is the final track on the Where The Darkness Falls EP. The song is in Finnish, melancholic, and atmospheric. I wanted to create a strong and emotional closing track, which is why clean vocal parts were incorporated. The music video was filmed, directed, and edited by Winter Notes Production. The video and the song complement each other beautifully in terms of atmosphere.” 

The song Veri on nimeni mun takes the listener but also Uusimaa himself as a singer and songwriter to a completely new territory. “I’ve never enjoyed singing clean vocals, but just preferred screaming. After getting to know Jussi Aspivaara from the company Hiiden Nahka while filming the music video for the song Dark Forever, I immersed myself with interesting dark folk bands. The melodic atmosphere and lyrics for this song were inspired by that world,” Uusimaa says.

LISTEN to Where The Darkness Falls EP: https://push.fm/fl/crowen-darkness

WATCH Where The Darkness Falls music video: https://youtu.be/dnHRiPNU1kc

Line-up on EP:
Esa Uusimaa – Vocals, guitars, synths & samples
Tuomas Saukkonen – Bass
Mikko Merilinna – Guitars
Samuli Peltola – Guitar solo (No Man’s Land)
Jouni Uusimaa – Clean vocals (Where The Darkness Falls)
Jenni Niemi – Clean vocals (Self-Destruction)

Links:
http://crowenofficial.net
https://www.facebook.com/CrowenOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/crowenofficial
https://crowen.bandcamp.com

MILE HIGH POWER FEST (Denver, CO) Announces 2025 Line Up w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more

In August 2024, Mile High Power Fest kicked off a new chapter for the Denver, Colorado power metal scene, and for local promoter BiteSize Productions. With an attendance of nearly 400 for its inaugural year, Mile High Power Metal Fest is proud to return on August 16th, once again at the Oriental Theater for its 2nd edition with its 2025 lineup featuring POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more! (details listed below).

Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/432isz9​

The Mile High Power Festival is a celebration of strength, unity, and the unyielding spirit of metal. Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, it champions local talent and businesses while providing a stage for rising power metal bands to unleash their sound and seize the spotlight. Like the thunderous clash of steel against the Rocky Mountains, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience, forging connections and showcasing the future of power metal.

“After an incredible debut in 2024, we’ve taken everything we learned from last year to make 2025 even more exciting. Expect a weekend filled with electrifying performances, an unbeatable atmosphere, and the energy that only power metal can deliver. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the scene, this festival is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on the energy, the excitement, and the chance to be part of Denver’s next great tradition. Get your tickets now and experience the power for yourself at The Mile High Power Festival 2025—where metal and steel collide with the cold, untamed spirit of the Rocky Mountains!” adds festival co-founder Lucyfer – BiteSize Productions.

Featuring headliner Boston’s PowerGlove, the very beloved instrumental power metal cover band will present a night of nostalgic tributes to retro video game and television themes. The band released their latest EP “The Super Smash Bros” in August 2024. Listen at https://spoti.fi/4b2wcvJ​

They are joined by the Pacific Northwest’s Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album “Honor, Power, Glory” released in March 2024. Music Video – March of the Northern Clan – https://youtu.be/htSyUb25wD4​

Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. The band made their live debut at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024 in support of their debut album “Chaos to the Realm” (2023) (Alone Records). Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous roleplaying game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that are equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the imminent release of their sophomore album “Feather & Claw” on February 28th, 2025 via Alone Records, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon. Lyric Video – As Arrows Hail – https://youtu.be/-_YZTKZKCLQ​

Hailing from Philadelphia, Empress is a symphonic power metal quintet that loves weaving grand tales over catchy and triumphant symphonic soundscapes. Their critically acclaimed debut album, titled “Fateweaver” released in August 2022, which renowned mixing and mastering engineer Dan Swanö has characterized as one of his best works in melodic metal, carefully entwines musical universes and invites you to follow your imagination and fantasy. Among Empress’ remarked past live performances, it is worth mentioning their album release show at Mad With Power Fest in Madison, WI, on the release day of “Fateweaver”, as well as having shared the stage with bands such as Oceans of Slumber, Seven Spires, and Grim Reaper on their journey to conquering the symphonic metal stronghold with sophistication. Lyric Video – Monarch – https://youtu.be/owZzuJQFxgc​

Trekking from the Canadian North, Ottawa’s Lycanthro encapsulates a heavy, yet melodic sound, that is drawn from influences of both European/American classic power and thrash metal along with high howling vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound. Fans be prepared for an energetic and epic stage presence as they take you on their lyrical journey of classic horror and mythology. They recently released their new single “Iris”, which will be featured on their upcoming 2025 album “Remnants of Rapture”. The single was mixed/mastered by Damien Rainaud (Dragonforce / Once Human) and features a keyboard solo from Arttu Vauhkonen (Arion). Music Video – https://youtu.be/1aoIyZmPcOw​

Local hometown heroes, Denver’s Celestial Wizard brings a mix of fantasy and heavy metal to the table, giving you a front-row seat to a sci-fi experience unlike any other! The band has been blazing new trails with their aggressive, powerful sound. Pulling from both power metal and death metal, they achieve a melodic, high-intensity mix that hits just right. Their sophomore album ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ showcases just that, as they deliver hard-driving riffs paired with aggressive, death metal-styled vocals. ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ is a metal monster in a league all its own! Music Video – Ice Realm – https://youtu.be/vcOlaXl3LaA​

Also supporting the lineup will be Denver’s blackened pagan power metal Oak, Ash & Thorn who released their latest album “Our Grief Is Thus” in April 2024 on Lost Future Records. The album is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing. Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly-anticipated follow-up. Music Video – Dying Culture – https://youtu.be/5nSJJUZTRE0​

To open the festival’s night, winners of the 2024 Battle of the Bands for the festival will be Denver locals Viperwitch and Signs of Tranquility. Make sure to come early to the fest to cheer on the local winners!

In addition to the primary festival night, Mile High Power Fest hosts a pre-party that puts Denver’s local talent in the spotlight. But this isn’t your average showdown—it’s a platform for rising Denver local metal bands to showcase their passion and skill, with the chance to earn a coveted spot on next year’s MHPF lineup. Industry pros from across the country join the fun, offering feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can launch careers. It’s a night of powerful performances, community connections, and metal excellence that sets MHPF apart from every other festival out there.

Mile High Power Fest 2025 Lineup:​
Powerglove
Glyph
Owlbear
Empress
Lycanthro
Celestial Wizard
Oak, Ash, & Thorn
Viperwitch
Signs of Tranquility

Ticket info:​
GA tickets: $45
Reserved Table (Limit 10, includes 4 GA tickets): $200
​Ticket link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/427460​

Venue: Oriental Theater – 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

More info:​
Website: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest​

FAQ – https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mhpf-2025-press-release​
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest​

About:

The Mile High Power Festival, Denver’s only power metal festival was derived from the creative mind of Soren Bray. The idea was born after a night of celebration with his band, Celestial Wizard while attending the HyperSpace Festival in Vancouver, Canada. It was then that Soren realized the U.S. had only a handful of power metal festivals—and none near his home in Denver. Partnering with Lucy, owner of Bitesize Productions LLC, Soren teamed up to turn this dream into a reality. The duo pitched Soren’s dream fest idea to the Oriental Theater (Denver, CO, USA) who was thrilled to join the project! Thus it began.

MHPF’s inaugural 2024 lineup featured Seven Spires, Aether Realm, Traveler, Lords of the Trident, AfterTime, Judicator, Graveshadow, Celestial Wizard, Seizure, Starwraith, and Siege Perilous.

Mile High Power Festival is the ultimate gathering for power metal enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, this annual event is a showcase of the finest power metal bands locally and from around the globe. It’s a testament to the unyielding spirit and intensity of power metal music, uniting devoted fans and talented artists in a euphoric celebration. Immerse yourself in a weekend of high-voltage performances, camaraderie, and the unapologetic essence of power metal.

The night before the festival, they host an exciting Battle of the Bands event where local artists compete for a chance to perform at the following year’s fest. This event not only uplifts the Denver local music community but also provides valuable feedback to the artists from industry professionals. Join us for a night of great music and support Denver’s local talent!

UK’s SERPENTYNE’s New Album “Tales From The Dark” out now – New Video “Run For Your Life”

Serpentyne unleashes their highly anticipated new album “Tales From The Dark”, a bold evolution of their symphonic metal sound. The album refines its signature fusion of orchestral grandeur and modern metal intensity, weaving together fast-paced, cinematic compositions with powerful vocal harmonies. Fans of Nightwish, Within Temptation, and Eluveitie will find themselves immersed in a dynamic and evocative listening experience.
​
The road to “Tales From The Dark” has been paved with an electrifying single that introduced listeners to the album’s rich sonic universe. The first glimpse came with “Prophetess of Dreams”, a hard-hitting and fast-paced track that set the stage with machine-gun guitar riffs and an ominous tale of fate and destiny. Now, the album release is accompanied by the focus track “Run For Your Life”, a relentless and high-energy anthem that captures urgency and fear through a powerful mix of 8-string guitar work, soaring vocals, and layered orchestration. This song encapsulates the cinematic intensity of Serpentyne’s evolved sound, pulling listeners into a desperate chase for survival.

Watch and listen to the video for “Run For Your Life” – https://youtu.be/U4zZMv5DWrQ​
​
With “Tales From The Dark”, Serpentyne solidifies its place at the forefront of the symphonic metal scene, delivering an album that is heavier, darker, and more dynamic than ever before.
​
​“Tales From The Dark” is available now on all major streaming platforms and in physical format at the following links:

Digital – https://lnk.to/talesfromthedark​

CD pre-order – https://rockshots.eu/products/serpentyne-tales-from-the-dark-cd​

Music Video – “Prophetess of Dreams” – https://youtu.be/u5g-6pX-7BI​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Prophetess of Dreams
2. Into The Night
3. Dangerous Mind
4. Ghosts of Times Past
5. Run for Your Life
6. Evil From Within
7. Dreamer
8. Seance
9. March of Death
10. Promised Land

Album Credits:​
Maggiebeth Sand – Lead Vocals
Nigel Middleton – Bass and Vocals
Lee Willmer – Guitars
John Haithwaite – Keyboards
Marco – Drums
​
Recorded by Maggiebeth Sand, Lee Willmer and John Haithwaite
Produced and arranged by Serpentyne
Mixed and Mastered by Justin Hill
Front cover Artwork by Harley Velasquez
Digipack & booklet design by Maggiebeth Sand

​More info:​
Label: https://www.rockshots.eu​
Website: https://www.serpentyne.com​
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Serpentyneofficial​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serpentyneofficial​
​

Texas Metal Veterans STATE OF MIND Return With Sophomore EP “Sanity Of Madness”

State of Mind, the Texas-based heavy metal outfit known for its powerful blend of classic metal and raw emotion, has recently released its second EP “Sanity of Madness” on February 7, 2025, via Self-Made Records with distribution from Earache Records. The six-track collection arrives as a testament to the band’s evolution since their formation in 1994, showcasing their signature combination of thunderous anthems and introspective songwriting. They comment on their expectation for the reception of the album:

“We think it will be received well. It’s got a raw human unpolished sound to it that you don’t get anymore. We decided not to put too much polish on it and leave it raw and authentic. We wanted that human, dirty sound. Like the good ole days of hella concerts. It’s like all of our influences came together and showed us the path we needed to take. There are so many storylines in this EP; it’s epic how they all fit together”

“Sanity of Madness” builds on the momentum of their 2022 singles “Shattered” and “Fall Away,” and their self-titled 2019 debut. The new release includes standout tracks like “The Masters Coming”, a groove-heavy odyssey that tells the tale of Renefield’s supernatural struggles, and “Dead”, a hard-driving anthem that captures the universal feeling of modern-day alienation. “Wizard”, inspired by a mystical poster that once adorned their practice space, demonstrates the band’s ability to transform visual art into crushing metal compositions.

State of Mind continues to deliver what they call “New Classic Metal” combining the timeless appeal of traditional heavy metal with contemporary themes and production. The EP weaves together tales of mythical beings, personal demons, and spiritual warfare, all delivered with the intensity that State of Mind fans have come to expect. It is recommended for fans of Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, and Dio.

“Sanity of Madness” is available at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://sttefmnd.bandcamp.com

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4hBestQ​

Youtube Stream – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kQqlrjSlxBdocyxCjG8JIfnIWTTgfxBQA​

​

Track Listing:​
1. The Masters Coming (3:00)
2. Dead (3:50)
3. Mourning Star (4:59)
4. Shine (3:34)
5. Wizard (2:39)
6. Sail Across The Ocean (3:52)
EP Length: 21:51

More info: Facebook.com/AstateofmindJohnFerris | X.com/JohnFerris_SOM​

Finnish prog rock band Mastord has released their third album

Mastord is a Finnish progressively rocking project that has released two albums Trail Of Consequence 2019 and To Whom Bow Even The Trees 2021. Third album, Lemmon Lintu, was released on February 14, 2025, exactly six years after the debut album.

Listen to the album on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/mastord-lemmonlintu

A lot has changed since the last release. The singing language has changed from English to Finnish, the soundscape has become lighter and new people have brought their strong expertise to the music.

Guitarist and songwriter Kari Syvelä backgrounds the new album: “When all is lost and life slowly dwindles away, a journey begins from which there is no return. “Raven” takes the listener to the depths of the soul, where loneliness, the longing for abandonment are the only companions and comfort. In this story, man steps into the enchanting shadow of the black bird and walks towards the edge of death, but not only towards the end, but towards a new way of being.

The journey is not just about letting go, it is also a journey of self-discovery – no longer in the human, but in a much larger and freer sense. Going ever deeper, grief and despair turn into understanding, and finally, somewhere in the darkest night, death is no longer an end but a transformation.

Lemmon Lintu is not only an album about death, but also about life after death. In this story, a man who has lost himself finds a new life – no longer as a man, but as a raven, doing his work as an altruistic, humble and most respectful escort to the afterlife. In the end, the raven’s song is no longer just a call to death, but the soothing sound of life and death merging together, telling us that even when we lose everything, we can still find something in ourselves that will never die.”

Line-up:
Markku Pihlaja, vocals and lyrics
Jenni Roslakka, backing vocals
Jarmo Pikka, drums
Antti Huopainen, pianos, electric pianos and Hammonds
Pasi Hakuli, bass frequencies
Kari Syvelä, guitars and synthesizers

https://www.facebook.com/mastordofficial

https://www.instagram.com/mastordband/

Rioghan release the second studio album ‘Kept’ – new video ‘Motion’ also available

Finnish progressive metal band Rioghan released their second studio album ‘Kept’ on February 14th 2025 via Inverse Records. Also an official live video of ‘Motion’ can be seen HERE.

LISTEN to the album: https://push.fm/fl/rioghan-kept

Rioghan comments:

About the song ‘Motion’:
“In my opinion, ‘Motion’ entwines everything I love in this band and song making process, a wide variety of vocal range, ominous seriousness with playful twists, catchy chorus and a bag full of surprises all in all! For the whole process of this album’s making, ‘Motion’ has stayed my favorite song of all. Keyboards for this song are played by Vikram Shankar, Teemu Liekkala, and the end solo is performed by our newest addition to the band, keyboardist Aleks Toppari.”

About the album:
” ‘Kept’ revolves lyrically within the name’s theme, every song tells a different story and perspective of being kept in, by, or from something. Imprisonment, mentally or physically, in different moments of life or within someone’s presence. Instrumentally, ‘Kept’ goes to way more deeper ends than it’s predecessor ‘Different Kinds Of Losses’. As expected, we couldn’t decide whether to soar or to dive, so we did both and visited all kinds of levels in between. I feel like we reached new lengths in working together as a band and our bond has grown so much stronger, giving a lot of space to more free creativity.”

About the live shows:
“It feels SO good to get back to live shows and meeting all the lovely people who have carried this forward to this point and also welcoming all the new faces in the crowd! Yesterday’s pre-listen party and livestream show was an unforgettable experience, so much love for everyone involved!”

The music video of first single ‘Edge’ can be seen here: https://youtu.be/SYz0locEGn4

The music video of second single ‘Hands’ available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_-4BO6FTB8

The music video of third single ‘Distance’ available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFfafeR93nY

BIOGRAPHY
The rising star of modern Finnish metal Rioghan has made an unforgettable expression to the metal scene with their multi-layered musical expression full of surprises. Strikingly beautiful yet violent imagery hand in hand with the music creates an otherworldly experience, easy to fall in love with.

Rioghan’s music is modern metal with progressive twist – ranging from melodic death metal moments to floating dark pop elements, while ethereal gothic darkness walks right beside you all the way.

Based in 2019 around singer-poetess Rioghan Darcy, the band has gained international attention from their very first EP Blackened Sky. Positive remarks grew even heavier with their debut album Different Kinds Of Losses, made in collaboration with Jonas Renkse (Katatonia) and Einar Solberg (Leprous).

The band consists of singer Rioghan Darcy, guitarist Teemu Liekkala (Red Eleven), guitarist Tero Luukkonen (Red Eleven), bassist Antti Varjanne (Joviac, Time Primer), and drummer Valtteri Revonkorpi (Leverage).

Rioghan’s live production consists of hardcore professionals, and every moment is thought through from lights to stage presence. Dedicatedly practiced show was presented to fans in autumn 2024, when Rioghan toured Finland with Wheel in Olympia, Tampere; Sawohouse UG, Kuopio; On The Rocks, Helsinki; Lutakko, Jyväskylä; Finlandia-klubi, Lahti and 45Special, Oulu.

The crowd’s warm welcome with the successful tour ensured Rioghan their place among the future exports to be reckoned with.

Rioghan – Kept (Album 2025)

Track list:
01. Dreams
02. Hands
03. Skin
04. Edge
05. Distance
06. Hopes
07. Motion
08. Here
09. Red
10. Grief

Cover photo: Mikko Parkkonen / Aarni Visuals

Cover layout: Sakari Tuokkola

Produced & mixed by Teemu Liekkala
Mastered by Miro Kiiski / Miro Mastering

Line-up:
Rioghan Darcy – vocals
Teemu Liekkala – guitar & keys
Tero Luukkonen – guitar
Antti Varjanne – bass
Valtteri Revonkorpi – drums

Links: 
https://linktr.ee/rioghandarcy
https://www.facebook.com/rioghandarcy
https://www.instagram.com/rioghandarcy
https://rioghan.bandcamp.com
https://spoti.fi/36nTHP7
https://www.rakkausrunot.fi/runoilijat/emma-rioghan-darcy

Italian LINISTIT Release New Single And Video ‘Rose Of Eden Garden’

From the depths of gothic legends and the dark imagery of black/death metal, LINISTIT unveil their new single, Rose of Eden Garden, now available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records.

Inspired by the tales of Mircalla Karnstein, the track narrates the tormented love between a human and a vampire – a bond that defies the dogmas of Christian religion to embrace a free and immortal existence. With powerful, melodic, and dark soundscapes, the song explores the desire to transcend human limitations and embrace eternity.

Formed in 2012 by Claudio Pluchino (Angelus – rhythm guitar) and Maria Spada (Triria – vocals), Linistit represent an evolution of extreme Italian metal, forging a unique identity that blends technique, passion, and evocative gothic aesthetics.

The official music video for Rose of Eden Garden is a powerful work that intertwines sensuality and erotic tension with a profound sonic narrative. Here, black metal pushes beyond its most hidden boundaries, delivering a radical, multisensory experience that is both thrilling and captivating.

Watch the Rose of Eden Garden music video here: https://youtu.be/8tzupQuGiFo

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/linistit.official