Category: Press Releases

Vanden Plas share new visualizer “Postcard To God” from upcoming acoustic album “AcCult II” out on June 12th

German progressive metal pioneers Vanden Plas have released the new single and accompanying visualizer, “Postcard To God”, taken from the acoustic album “AcCult II”, set for release on June 12, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Stephan Lill said: “Postcard To God” is probably one of the most important songs in our band’s history. It has defined our sound since the mid-2000s – much like “Rainmaker” did in the 1990s.
A Vanden Plas concert without this song is practically impossible; it’s an absolute fan favorite.
The fact that it’s possible to record this song as an acoustic version shows that you can rearrange and perform a song in different ways if the foundation is right.”

Watch the official visualizer for “Postcard To God” HERE

Pre-Order “AcCult II” HERE

“AcCult II” is the highly anticipated acoustic sequel to Vanden Plas’ 1996 landmark album “AcCult”.

Stephan Lill explained how the album came to life: “When we released our first acoustic CD, “AcCult”, in 1996, it was special to us in many ways. For this release, we arranged songs from our debut album, “Colour Temple”, into new acoustic versions. And we did the same with songs by other artists or bands that didn’t necessarily fit our usual musical style. Ever since that release, we’d always had it in the back of our minds to produce another acoustic CD at some point. But then came tours, more regular CDs, many theatre productions we were involved in, and time flew by…”

“When Frontiers approached us with the idea of another acoustic CD, we knew that we had the time needed for it, and with the right songs, it could work. And we can now say, it worked out. We sticked with the concept of the first “AcCult” CD, and so “AcCult II” once again features acoustic versions of Vanden Plas songs, as well as two cover songs: “Nothing Else Matters” (Metallica) and “Boat on the River” (Styx)”, he continued. “We are more than happy that, exactly 30 years later, we can write the next “AcCult” chapter. And all Vanden Plas fans can look forward to a truly extraordinary release.”

Building on the innovative concept that first reimagined tracks from their debut “Colour Temple” in a stripped-down, unplugged setting, this new release revisits select songs from their extensive catalog with fresh acoustic arrangements, offering fans a completely new perspective on the band’s music.

In addition to reworked originals like “Far Off Grace”, “Holes In The Sky”, “The Ghost Xperiment”, and “You Fly”, “AcCult II” features inspired interpretations of classic songs by other artists, including Styx’s “Boat On The River” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”, blending reverence for the originals with Vanden Plas’ signature emotional depth and musical sophistication.

Notably, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album’s closing track, “You Fly”, adding a unique, melodic touch to the album’s finale.

The album showcases the band’s current lineup – Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards) – whose synergy brings a nuanced warmth to each track.

With “AcCult II”, Vanden Plas demonstrates that their progressive sensibilities translate seamlessly into intimate, acoustic settings, creating a compelling experience that resonates both with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

“AcCult II” Tracklist:

1.    Far Off Grace
2.    Holes In The Sky
3.    The Ghost Experiment
4.    Boat On The River
5.    Healing Tree
6.    Postcard To God
7.    Nothing Else Matters
8.    You Fly (Ft. John Helliwell)

Line Up:
Andy Kuntz -vocals
Stephan Lill – guitars
Andreas Lill – drums
Torsten Reichert – bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards

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Liva Unveils Lyric Video For “Samson & Dalila, Pt.1”

Canadian symphonic power metal opera band Liva has released the lyric video for “Samson & Dalila, Pt. 1,” following the track’s official music video. The new visual places the song’s Latin lyrics centre stage, offering listeners a closer engagement with the text at the heart of the composition. The track is taken from the band’s forthcoming album Ecce Mundus, due for release on  May 29, 2026, via Wormholedeath.

“Samson & Dalila, Pt. 1″ draws on a medieval Latin planctus, a song of lament,  dedicated to one of the most powerful and tragic figures in biblical history. Written entirely in Latin, the piece moves between moments of strength and collapse, tracing the arc of Samson’s story: his extraordinary feats and the devastating cost of betrayal, loss, and imprisonment. The contrast that emerges is stark,  a once-unstoppable figure reduced to his lowest point. The result is a dark, immersive composition that meditates on power, downfall, and the fragile boundary between them. The lyric video brings that text into full focus, allowing the Latin words to resonate alongside the music as a standalone element.

Known for its symphonic power metal opera approach, Liva is among the first Canadian acts to merge classical music and metal in this format.

The lineup on the new album features Nadine Guertin (soprano), Pier Carlo Liva (death and tenor vocals, guitars, electronics), Martin Tremblay (bass), and Claude Lacroix (drums). Following the recording, Philippe Leblanc joined the band as the new drummer.

Liva’s back catalog includes Requiem (2002), a heavy metal interpretation of the Latin requiem mass; De Insulis (2007), based on the Latin texts of 12th-century theologian Alain de Lille; and Human Abstract (2013). In March 2002, the band performed live with a 13-piece chamber orchestra for a Radio-Canada broadcast. The following year, they received the MIMI award for “artiste le plus avant-gardiste” (most avant-garde artist), recognizing their fusion of classical and metal. Over the years, Liva has shared the stage with acts such as Voivod, Gorguts, Nightwish, Kataklysm, and Therion.

www.livaband.com
www.instagram.com/livametalband
www.tiktok.com/@livametalband
www.youtube.com/@musicLiva
livametalband.bandcamp.com

Scardust Announce Summer Tour – Two Arena Shows Supporting The Mighty Metal Powerhouse Sabaton

After her dramatic success leading Sabaton’s Legendary Orchestra last year Noa Gruman returns with Scardust to support the battlefield bards at the Ergo Arena in Gdansk on 31st May and Lochotin Amphitheater in Plzeň on 3rd June.

Scardust kick off their summer tour in the UK with shows in Stockport and London then head to Poland where Noa will rehearse Sabaton’s choir before playing the two Sabaton shows with Scardust. Two weeks later they headline Revolution Rocks in Belgrade and in July head back to Poland for the Ostrów Rock Festival. Next, it’s off to the USA for a long awaited appearance at Prog Power USA in Atlanta. More dates in Europe will follow in September with details still to be confirmed.

Noa Gruman commented: “We’re thrilled to headline Revolution Rocks – a festival that doesn’t just celebrate live music, but reshapes how it’s experienced. Headlining a stage where artists are empowered and fans can support music directly means a lot to us. We’ll also be there on day two – meeting you, joining the conversations, and sharing the space beyond the stage – so come be part of it with us.”

“We’re incredibly proud to be joining Sabaton – true legends and wonderful people who have been a real inspiration to us. Sharing the stage with Floor Jansen, whose artistry has influenced us for years, and with the fantastic Majestica, makes this lineup especially meaningful. It’s both an honour and a privilege, and we can’t wait to connect with these audiences and share many magical moments together”, she added.

Scardust Summer 2026 Live:

25/05 – Stockport, UK – guest bands: Crimson Veil, Aonia
26/05 – London, UK – guest bands: Hartlight, Crimson Veil
31/05 – Gdańsk, PL – supporting Sabaton
03/06 – Plzeň, CZ – supporting Sabaton
19/06 – Belgrade, RS – Revolution Rocks Festival
25/07 – Ostrów, PL – Ostrow Rock Festival
10/09 – Atlanta, US – Prog Power USA

Tickets and info for the whole tour at https://scardust.co/tour

SCARDUST SOCIALS:
SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
WEBSITE
HELLSCORE

ABOUT SCARDUST:
With the release of the band’s first EP, “Shadow” (2015) and the release of their first full length LP. “Sands of Time” (2017) Scardust positioned them as a promising newcomer of the new progressive metal scene. They rapidly rose to the top of the local metal scene, selling out shows and opening for the likes of Symphony X, Therion and Epica and started touring overseas playing festivals and headline shows in Germany, China and the UK as well as continuing to headline shows and festivals at home.
From the beginning the band strove for exceptional artistic and instrumental achievement at the highest level and Noa Gruman’s voice captivates her listeners whether with its gentle purity, operatic power or guttural growls.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19, 2020 saw the release of their sophomore album “Strangers” accompanied by seven self-produced music videos. Described by Dead Rhetoric as “captivating from start to finish,” Strangers introduced a unique concept album built on complementary song pairs, earning strong critical and fan acclaim.
2022 started on a high note with the visit of folk star Patty Gurdy, who joined Scardust for a live show in Israel and filmed the band’s most viewed video to date, “Concrete Cages”. That summer, the band headlined multiple shows across Europe, performing to packed arenas at Wacken Open Air & Dong Open Air where they earned the praise of Testament’s Steve Di Giorgio who, on hearing the band from backstage, ran out front and watched the entire set ‘mesmerised’. The year concluded with the release of the dramatic one-shot video video “Evolution of the Disney – But She’s METAL” in which Noa weaves her way through a magical metaL arrangement of all the best known Disney Princess songs.
2023 saw Scardust release of Game of Now, a cinematic piece set in a futuristic dystopian live show, play festivals and concerts across Europe and join power metal legends Blind Guardian on tour. The year culminated in the signing of a major multi-album deal with Frontiers Records – heralding the release of the highly anticipated album “Souls”. December 2024 saw the release of My Haven from Souls followed by RIP, Unreachable and Dazzling Darkness. With 2024 being taken up with writing and recording Souls it wasn’t until early 2025 that they were able to announce that Ross Jennings (Haken) was guesting on the album and was to join the band for headline show resulting in the epic Touch of Life video. Towards the end of 2025 Noa Gruman was the featured lead singer and conductor of The Legendary Orchestra on Sabaton’s large-scale European arena Legendary Tour, performing re-imaged versions of Sabaton’s music with orchestral and choral arrangements.
The band also announced a lineup change with founding member Orr Didi departing and Bar Sasson joining on bass, as Scardust look ahead to an active 2026 with international touring plans.
“Souls is our most ambitious album to date, incorporating Scardust’s signature technical musicianship, and featuring the Hellscore choir and a string quartet throughout the entire album plus guest appearances from some international top tier musicians like Ross Jennings (Haken), Ally Storch (Subway to Sally), a Turkish orchestra and the TLV orchestra. It’s bold, it’s emotional and we hope it resonates deeply wherever it is heard.”

CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY Release New Album “For The Hawk” & Lyric Video ‘I Don’t Have To Hide’

Some albums are planned. Some are demanded — by grief, by love, by the kind of loss that leaves a silence so wide you have no choice but to fill it with the only thing you know.

“For The Hawk” is the new release from Citovitz and The Fireflies of February — the recording project of Polish-born guitarist, composer, and songwriter Andrzej Citowicz, based in Cairo, Egypt. It is available now on all major streaming platforms worldwide. And it arrives on a date that was never truly a coincidence. The official lyric video for ‘I Don’t Have To Hide’ — released also today with the album premiere, May 4th — is available now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/id41xCN6u8Y?si=KxZJTsx1GD8yoU6l

May 4th. Star Wars Day. The day the world celebrates the Light Side of the Force.

He was always Light Side. Not once. Not ever, did he choose anything else.

THE HAWK
His name is not printed here. Those who knew him need no introduction. Those who didn’t will understand everything they need to know from the music itself.

He was a friend. A mentor. A father figure to both Andrzej and his wife Shereen Shoukry Citowicz. He stood quietly in the background for years — never asking for recognition, never needing applause — and made everything around him better simply by being present. He was the kind of person who would die for the people he loved without hesitation, and never once mention it afterward. The kind of person the world produces rarely and loses too soon.

He was also a devoted Star Wars fan. A Light Side soul in every sense of that phrase — not as metaphor, but as lived practice. He chose good not because it was easy or rewarded or noticed, but because that was simply who he was.

“He stood in the background so we could stand at all. He never asked for anything. He gave everything. Love was not something he spoke about — it was something he did. Every single day.” — Andrzej Citowicz

When he was gone, Andrzej and Shereen faced what so many have faced before them — the impossible task of responding to an absence that language cannot adequately address. They did what they have always done. They turned to music.

A BLESSING, A CURSE, AND THE WEIGHT OF FRIENDSHIP
For The Hawk did not begin as an album. It began as a song — Love Is All We Need — written in the spirit of Bon Jovi, warm and wide open and completely unapologetic in its belief that love is the hardest, strongest, most load-bearing thing a human being can carry. Shereen wrote the lyrics as a tribute. As his message, returned to the world in the only form she and Andrzej knew how to give it.

Then the grief kept arriving. And the songs kept coming with it.

This Is One’s For the Hawk. We Are The Good Guys. I Don’t Have To Hide. Love Is All We Need. Each track arrived from the same source — the specific, irreplaceable ache of losing someone who shaped you. Someone whose guidance you did not fully appreciate until the guidance was no longer there. Someone whose friendship was so present, so reliable, so quietly foundational, that you only began to understand its full weight when it was no longer something you could reach for.

“Music is all I can give back. If there is any paying back for his love, his friendship, his heart held out for both of us — for me and for Shereen — then this is it. Every note. Every lyric. Every song on this record.” — Andrzej Citowicz

“For The Hawk” is not a grief project. It is a friendship project. It is a record about the people who stand in the background and hold everything together — unseen, unrewarded, irreplaceable. About the loyalty that does not announce itself. About the loss that does not diminish but deepens everything it touches.

Andrzej and Shereen have faced much in recent years. Loss upon loss. The kind of accumulation that would silence many artists. Instead, it has done the opposite — driving both of them deeper into the work, further into the honesty that has always defined Citovitz and The Fireflies of February at their best.

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH HIM
The choice of May 4th as the release date arrived with the particular logic of things that feel inevitable in retrospect. Star Wars Day. The day the galaxy celebrates the Light Side. The Jedi. The ones who chose good because it was right, not because it was easy — who stood in the fire and did not become it.

He was exactly that.

“I told myself it was coincidence. I know now that it was not. He was always Light Side. This was always his day.” — Andrzej Citowicz

On the day of the album’s premiere, a special official lyrics video was released for I Don’t Have To Hide — one of the most intimate tracks on the record. A song about the freedom that comes from being fully known and fully accepted by another person. The kind of freedom H gave to everyone around him, simply by being who he was.

THE MUSIC: CITOWICZ WITH GUITAR IN HAND
Musically, For The Hawk is unmistakably Andrzej Citowicz. The guitar is first. It is always first. Modern technology surrounds it — the home studio in Cairo, the production, the arrangements — but the heart of every track beats with the same pulse it always has: a guitarist who grew up in Wałbrzych, Poland, absorbing Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Desmond Child, and the great power ballad tradition of the late 1980s and early 1990s as if his life depended on it.

Because in some ways, it did.

That DNA runs through every track on this album — the melodic hooks, the emotional guitar work, the cinematic arrangements that make vulnerability feel enormous rather than small. Phil Collen’s harmonized leads. The Bon Jovi warmth that turns a love song into a declaration. The Def Leppard wall of sound that makes a chorus feel like the world opening up.

But For The Hawk is not nostalgia. It is a man with a guitar and fifty years of scars, writing songs for someone who mattered, in the only musical language that has ever felt completely honest to him.

“The guitar is always first. Modern technology helps me build what I hear. But what I hear — I have been hearing since the early 90s. That has never changed. And with this album, more than any before it, I did not want it to change.” — Andrzej Citowicz

SHEREEN: THE LYRICAL SOUL
Shereen Shoukry Citowicz is not a supporting presence on this record. She is one of its two central voices. Her lyrics — on Love Is All We Need and throughout the album’s emotional architecture — carry the particular honesty of someone who has processed grief not as a subject but as a lived experience, and found a way to transform it into something that reaches far beyond the personal.

After nearly 18 years of marriage, Andrzej and Shereen have built a creative partnership that continues to deepen and surprise. She gives him words he could not find alone. He gives her music that carries those words further than either of them could go separately. For The Hawk is their most unified and most personal collaboration to date.

“Without her — there would be nothing. Not the music. Not the courage to finish it. Not the reason to begin again every time the silence got too heavy. She is not just the person I come home to. She is the reason the guitar sounds the way it does.” — Andrzej Citowicz

AVAILABLE NOW
For The Hawk is available now on all major streaming platforms worldwide. The official lyric video for ‘I Don’t Have To Hide’ — released on the day of the album premiere, May 4th, 2026 — is available now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/id41xCN6u8Y?si=KxZJTsx1GD8yoU6l

This is independent music in the truest sense. No label. No industry machine. Just a home studio in Cairo, a guitar, a marriage built partly on music, and the memory of a man who deserved to be honoured in the only way Andrzej and Shereen know how.

“May the Force be with him. It always was. Light Side. Forever.” — Andrzej Citowicz

TRACK CREDITS
Music & Guitars: Andrzej Citowicz
Lyrics: Andrzej Citowicz / Shereen Shoukry Citowicz
Recorded & Arranged: 2026
Premiere Lyrics Video: I Don’t Have To Hide — May 4th, 2026
Artist: Citovitz and The Fireflies of February
Dedicated to: H — Light Side. Forever. 🦅

STREAM & WATCH
ARTIST CONTACTS & LINKS:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aIeg5DyI7xwkYLsBgJNWf
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

France’s KINGCROWN Unveils Single “Lost Horizon” From New Album “Moonfall” Out September 2026

French melodic heavy/power metal band Kingcrown return with “Lost Horizon“, the first single taken from their forthcoming album “Moonfall“, due for release on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Following the strong reception of “Nova Atlantis“, the band opens a new chapter with a track that immediately reinforces their identity while expanding the narrative framework introduced in previous releases.

“Lost Horizon” serves as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey“, continuing a storyline rooted in time distortion and speculative fiction. The track follows a WWII B-17 pilot suddenly caught in a temporal vortex and propelled into the year 2045, merging amazing storytelling with a tightly constructed heavy/power metal framework.

Musically, the single is driven by fast-paced riffing, dynamic vocal delivery, and an anthemic, hook-oriented chorus, balancing immediacy with structural precision. The band’s approach remains firmly grounded in the European heavy/power metal tradition. At the same time, the production handled by Kingcrown and refined through mixing and mastering by Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio) delivers clarity, weight, and definition across the entire sonic spectrum.

Founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, Kingcrown have progressively built a cohesive and recognizable identity within the European metal landscape. The current lineup – Jo Amore, David Amore, Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – continues to operate with a strong sense of continuity, a key factor in the band’s increasingly focused sound.

With “Moonfall“, Kingcrown further develops a conceptual direction centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and the fragility of human existence. Within this context, “Lost Horizon” stands as a fundamental entry point – introducing both the narrative scope and the sonic approach that define the album.

For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Powerwolf

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/4mhjvC​
​VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjlw2AZuPs​

​

ALBUM PRE ORDER / PRE SAVE – https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd​

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Kingcrown Line Up:

Joe Amore: Vocals
​Ced Legger: Guitars
​Bob Saliba:Guitars
​Seb Chabot: Bass Guitars
​David Amore: Drums
​
​More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off​

About:

Kingcrown is a French melodic heavy/power metal band founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), both former members of Nightmare.

The project traces its origins back to 2015 with the band Öblivïon, formed following their departure from Nightmare. After the release of Resilience, the group adopted the name Kingcrown in 2018, marking the beginning of a more defined artistic direction rooted in the European heavy/power metal tradition.

From the outset, Kingcrown established a sound built on strong melodic structures, dynamic riffing, and a clear emphasis on songwriting effectiveness. Drawing from the legacy of bands such as Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Gamma Ray, the band combines classic influences with a modern production approach, resulting in a sound that is both accessible and structurally solid.

Following the release of “A Perfect World” (2019) and “Wake Up Call” (2022), Kingcrown entered a new phase with “Nova Atlantis” (2024), released via Rockshots Records. The album marked a clear step forward in terms of cohesion, production quality and conceptual direction, receiving strong feedback from both audiences and specialized media.

Building on this momentum, the band continues its collaboration with Rockshots Records for “Moonfall“, scheduled for release in 2026. The new album further develops Kingcrown’s identity through a more focused songwriting approach and a broader conceptual framework centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and temporal dislocation.

The first single, “Lost Horizon“, expands the narrative universe introduced in “Nova Atlantis“, acting as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey” and introducing a time-travel storyline in which a WWII B-17 pilot is propelled into the year 2045. This approach reflects the band’s growing interest in combining structured songwriting with narrative continuity.

Kingcrown’s current lineup – Jo Amore (vocals), David Amore (drums), Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – has remained stable across recent releases, contributing to a consistent and cohesive musical direction.

With a steadily evolving discography and a clear artistic vision, Kingcrown has established itself as a credible presence within the European metal scene, balancing melodic immediacy, conceptual depth, and production precision.

Hell in the Club unveil new video “The Ocean”

Italian/Swedish hard rock/heavy metal band Hell in the Club have unveiled today a new single, “The Ocean”, along with an official video, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The track was originally featured on the band’s latest album, “Joker In The Pack”, released in November.

The band commented: “When you can see the immensity, the charm, the mystery, and the magic of the ocean within someone’s eyes… This single is the album’s ballad. A melancholy and touching song that, in its simplicity, captures strong emotions and deep human feelings. Now, close your eyes and dream.”

Watch the official video for “The Ocean” HERE

Stream “The Ocean” HERE

Order “Joker In The Pack” HERE

Hell in the Club, a killer hard rock band with a style rooted in the classic ‘80s sound and its own modern identity, were founded by Andrea “Andy” Buratto (Secret Sphere), Dave “Damna” Moras (Elvenking) and Andrea “Picco” Piccardi.

The band has carved out a solid reputation through six acclaimed studio albums, extensive European touring with acts like Crashdïet, Jettblack, and Crucified Barbara, and appearances at major festivals including Sonisphere, Basin Fire Fest, and Heineken Jammin’ Festival.

After signing to Frontiers Records in 2017 and releasing “See You On The Other Side”, Hell in the Club followed with “Hell Of Fame” (2020), the “Kamikaze” EP (2020, celebrating their 10th anniversary), and their sixth album “F.U.B.A.R.” (2022), a straight-up hard rock record hailed as one of their strongest to date.

Following the departure of founding vocalist Dave Moras, the band faced a turning point. Instead of replacing him with a similar voice, bassist Andy proposed a bold shift: introducing a female singer. Enter Terese “Tezzi” Persson (Infinite & Divine, Venus 5), a powerhouse vocalist from Sweden with a voice perfectly suited to the band’s raw, high-energy style. After a single rehearsal, the choice was clear.

In April 2024, Tezzi officially joined the band, debuting with the single Carolina Reaper. Momentum quickly built toward the creation of their seventh album: “Joker In The Pack”, released last November.

“Joker In The Pack” is the first with Tezzi fronting the band – and it captures Hell in the Club at their fiercest. Ten tracks of pure adrenaline, from the fiery opener “The Devil Won’t Forget Me” to the emotional closer “When The Veil Of Night Falls”.

Line Up:
Andrea “Andy” Buratto – Bass
Terese “Tezzi” Persson – Voice
Andrea “Picco” Piccardi – Guitar
Marco “Mark” Lazzarini – Drums

Follow HELL IN THE CLUB:
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NYC Thrashers ANOTHER DEMON Announces New Show Dates – Supporting Vicious Rumors on Sept 11th in Hamden, CT

Another Demon has announced two upcoming live performances, including a September 11th show supporting Vicious Rumors at The Cellar On Treadwell in Hamden, CT, and another on May 9th in Peekskill, NY, continuing their push across the Northeast metal circuit as momentum builds behind their latest release.

Show Dates:

May 9 – Peeksill, NY – Slainte – w/ Assault, Shatterhand, Avari

Sept 11 – Hamden, CT – w/ Vicious Rumors, The Unknown, Mutant – info​

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These shows arrive as the rising thrash force celebrates the official re‑release of their debut EP “As Above So Below,” out now as of April 18th, 2026, via Ragebreed Records, with global digital distribution through Earache Records. Originally issued independently, the EP now returns with expanded reach and renewed visibility, further cementing the band’s fast‑growing presence in the modern thrash landscape.
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The re‑release also highlights one of the EP’s defining moments: a guest appearance by legendary guitarist James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) on the track “Drawn and Quartered.” Murphy’s contribution adds a historic stamp of extreme‑metal pedigree to the band’s already razor‑sharp sound.
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​Another Demon defines their sonic identity in five words: Powerful, Fast, Aggressive, Thrashing, Evil. The band believes the EP’s wider release will resonate strongly with new listeners.

“Those who haven’t heard it yet will feel instantly familiar with what we do, and instantly want more,” says guitarist Frank Tosi.
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Crafted from years of dormant ideas and revived creative drive, “As Above So Below” blends classic thrash roots with atmospheric tension, horror‑driven storytelling, and a modern edge. The six tracks form a cohesive descent into horror, dystopia, and spiritual unraveling. From the frantic Evil Dead-inspired chaos of “Reduced to Ash” to the crushing crisis‑of‑faith intensity of “Deaf Gods,” the EP moves through relentless riff‑driven aggression with “Skull Vessel.” Its standout moment, “Drawn and Quartered,” features Murphy’s blistering guest performance. The atmosphere then shifts into ominous, cinematic territory with “War March,” before the title track “As Above So Below” ties the record together through themes of duality, chaos, and spiritual inversion.
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Formed in 2023, Another Demon is built from decades of collective experience across the NY/NJ/CT heavy‑music scene. Max Capshaw (Bass/Vocals) brings a hardcore pedigree from Sick of It All, H2O, Murphy’s Law, Burn, and more. Frank Tosi (Lead Guitar) is the primary songwriter, shaping the band’s tight, riff‑forward thrash identity. Jun Takeshita (Lead Guitar) blends 80s thrash with Japanese punk/metal intensity, expanding the band’s melodic and technical range. Dave English (Drums) delivers precision, power, and dynamic rhythmic control.
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​“The more we’ve played together, the deeper our musical bond has grown. We’ve become a unit that knows how to read each other extremely well,” adds Tosi.
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With the EP’s global re‑release and new shows on the horizon, Another Demon is preparing to push further into the U.S. metal circuit. Their next full‑length album is already in development, promising an even broader and more collaborative expression of the band’s identity.
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​“We write these songs to satisfy our personal tastes and hope the fans appreciate that. The full‑length will show even more of our mutual personality and the best of our brand,” adds Tosi.
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Recommended for fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, and Immortal, “As Above So Below” (released April 18th, 2026) is available now on all major platforms.

Single Stream – Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7m8elmZ2H8​

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Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kNaNyl0Lcp2NffXJUwjT6?si=SbY0-uwdTE6jlNyjTIRDJA​

Bandcamp – https://anotherdemon.bandcamp.com/album/as-above-so-below​

Ragebreed Online Store – https://www.ragebreedstore.net/​

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Track Listing:​
1. Reduced To Ash – 3:13
2. Deaf Gods – 3:05
3. Skull Vessel – 1:49
4. Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) – 5:42
5. War March – 5:44
6. As Above So Below – 5:45
EP Length: 25:20

EP Band Line Up:​
Max Capshaw – Vocals / Bass
Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
Frank Vaturina – Session Drums

Live Band Line Up:​
Max Capshaw – Vocals
Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
Fred Romer – Bass Guitar
Dave English – Drums

More info: https://linktr.ee/another_demon_official​

EXTREMA Unleash “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” – A 30-Year Thrash Milestone Captured in Full Force

Italian thrash metal pioneers EXTREMA are set to release “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club”, a high-impact live document celebrating the 30th anniversary of their legendary debut “Tension At The Seams”. The performance was recorded at Slaughter Club in Paderno Dugnano (Milan) on October 7th, 2023 – exactly three decades after the album that helped redefine the sonic and cultural framework of Italian metal.

The full show will be rolled out as an episodic live video series on the band’s official YouTube channel, alongside a digital release across all major streaming platforms.
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​Subscribe and follow the full series here: https://bit.ly/ExtremaLive​

Released in 1993, “Tension At The Seams” stands as a cornerstone of European thrash: a record built on razor-sharp riffing, percussive precision, and an uncompromising compositional approach that pushed beyond genre orthodoxy. Its impact extended well beyond the Italian scene, setting new benchmarks in terms of arrangement density, production clarity, and expressive aggression.

To mark its 30th anniversary, EXTREMA returned to the stage with a purpose-built show engineered for maximum impact – conceived as a full-contact, no-compromise live assault. The setlist moves with surgical intent: a dominant portion of the debut album performed with renewed intensity, seamlessly integrated with key tracks from across the band’s catalog, culminating in material from their latest release, “Headbanging Forever”.

“Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” captures that performance in its entirety – preserving the raw kinetic energy of the band’s live delivery while enhancing it through a modern visual production pipeline.

Beginning April 29th, all 16 tracks from the show will be released on a weekly schedule via the band’s official YouTube channel with three videos dropping per week – structuring the release as a sustained content cycle designed to maintain engagement and narrative continuity.

Filming and direction were handled by Daniele Farina, with the production delivered in 4K. The visual language combines tight shot sequencing, dynamic camera movement, and performance-focused editing, resulting in a final product that translates the physical intensity of the live set into a sharp, high-definition audiovisual experience.

Subscribe to EXTREMA’s official YouTube channel to follow the full release schedule:
​https://www.youtube.com/@Extrema_Official​

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Line-up​
Tommy Massara – Guitars
Tiziano “Titian” Spigno – Vocals
Marco Cassone – Guitars
Gabri Giovanna – Bass
Francesco “Frullo” La Rosa– Drums

For more info:​
​https://rockshots.eu/
EXTREMA:
​https://www.extremateam.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/extrema.official/​

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

BIOGRAPHY:

Extrema is an Italian thrash metal band formed in Milan in 1986. Known as pioneers of the thrash metal scene in Italy, they have carved out a reputation for their aggressive sound and relentless energy, both in the studio and on stage.

The band’s original lineup included guitarist Tommy Massara, vocalist/guitarist Andrea Boria, bassist Luca Varisco, and drummer Stefano Bullegas. Their debut EP, “We Fuckin’ Care” (1987), marked the beginning of their journey, selling 3,000 copies mainly through word of mouth and cementing their presence in the underground metal scene.

Despite challenges in gaining widespread recognition in Italy during their early years, Extrema gained credibility by opening for international heavyweights like Slayer, D.R.I., and Corrosion of Conformity. By 1993, the band underwent significant lineup changes, featuring Gianluca Perotti on vocals, Mattia Bigi on bass, and Chris Dalla Pellegrina on drums. With this lineup, they released their first full-length album, “Tension at the Seams“, which brought them to international festivals and stages, supporting acts such as Megadeth, The Cult, Suicidal Tendencies, and even Metallica.

In 1995, Extrema released their second album, “The Positive Pressure (Of Injustice)“, showcasing a more groove-oriented thrash sound influenced by contemporaries like Pantera and Machine Head. Although the late ’90s saw a decline in thrash metal’s popularity, the band remained active, producing albums like “Better Mad Than Dead” (2001) and “Set the World on Fire” (2005).

The band released their “Pound for Pound” (2009), followed by “The Seed of Foolishness” (2013). Their ability to adapt while staying true to their thrash roots kept them relevant in a rapidly changing metal landscape.

Their last studio album, “Headbanging Forever” (2019), released through Rockshots Records, marks a triumphant return blending their signature thrash grooves with a modern edge.

In October 2023, Extrema celebrated the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, “Tension at the Seams“, with the release of a special 30th Anniversary Boxset Edition, also under Rockshots Records. The box set includes a remastered version of the album from the original tapes, available in three formats: Blue Vinyl, Cassette, and Digital Download.

When Worlds Collide – Powerman 5000 Meet Die Krupps In A Shattering Remix Of The 1999 Monster Hit

When Powerman 5000 broke through in 1999, with their third album Tonight The Stars Revolt! and the single “When World’s Collide,” the Boston band was already close to celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Now they’re bearing down on the fortieth, but Powerman 5000 continue living up to their name, with a further dozen albums to their credit, and some of the most instantly appealing album titles in music history – from The Blood-Splat Rating System to Somewhere On The Other Side of Nowhere, and on to the still-resonant Anyone For Doomsday, Powerman 5000’s nomenclatural ingenuity is just one more reason to love this band.
Now another of their titular triumphs prepares to come back beneath the microscope as Cleopatra Records prepare a very special reissue of The Noble Rot, the ever-adventurous industrial metal mavericks’ much-praised 2020 album, and one that is already loaded down with major hits… a spellbinding rerecording of “When Worlds Collide” made for a very well-chosen bonus track, but elsewhere on the disc, a dark reimagining of The GoGo’s “We Got The Beat!” joined the band’s own classics-in-waiting “Black Lipstick” and “Cannibal Killers That Kill Everyone”
Streeting on May 29, this new edition of the album includes two further tumultuous tracks, as German industrial legends Die Krupps deliver fresh, dynamic remixes of both “When Worlds Collide” and “Black Lipstick.”
“Black Lipstick” premiered a few weeks back, but today sees the one we’ve all been waiting for, as “When Worlds Collide (Die Krupps Remix)” spin off as Powerman 5000’s latest single.  The biggest song in Powerman’s repertoire is now among their most powerful, as well.
Track listing
1. Cannibal Killers That Kill Everyone
2. Brave New World
3. Play God Or Play Dead
4. Black Lipstick
5. Special Effects
6. Let The Insects Rule
7. Movie Blood
8. Strange People Doing Strange Things
9. We Got The Beat
10. VHS
Bonus tracks
11. Black Lipstick (Die Krupps Remix)
12. When Worlds Collide (Die Krupps Remix)

French heavy-metal outfit Parallel Minds unveiled new music video “Sekigahara”

French modern heavy metal outfit Parallel Minds unveil a brand new music video for their latest single “Sekigahara” — a powerful and cinematic new chapter in the band’s evolving universe.

Fusing razor-sharp precision, progressive structures, and sheer intensity, “Sekigahara” stands as one of the most striking pieces taken from their recently released album ‘Cairn’.

The track channels both violence and introspection, echoing the historical weight of its name while delivering a deeply immersive sonic experience.

With ‘Cairn’, Parallel Minds deliver their most ambitious work to date — a modern heavy metal statement driven by emotional depth, technical mastery, and a strong conceptual backbone.

The album explores the human condition through themes of suffering, resilience, and reconstruction, moving seamlessly between progressive complexity, thrash aggression, and epic orchestration.

Parallel Minds is a French modern heavy metal project driven by a clear artistic direction: combining technical precision with strong emotional and conceptual depth.

Their music navigates across genres, drawing influence from the progressive structures of Symphony X, the aggressive edge of Testament, and the epic dimension of Blind Guardian — while maintaining a distinct and cohesive identity.

With Cairn, Parallel Minds expands its scope through international collaborations, reinforcing the album’s thematic focus on shared human experiences.