Category: Press Releases

New Power & Steel Winter Festival to Take Over Helsinki’s Cable Factory 5–6 November 2027 – Tickets on sale now

Finland’s metal festival scene is set to welcome an exciting new addition next year with the launch of Power & Steel, an indoor festival dedicated to power metal. Taking place on 5–6 November at Helsinki’s Cable Factory, the winter festival will bring together fans and an international lineup of bands, with the first wave of artists announced today.

Festival promoter Niko Viherlaiho says the new event will kick off in true power metal style – going all in from the start.

“There has been demand for a power metal festival in Finland for quite some time. The large Finnish contingent at Denmark’s Epic Fest is a good example of that. We didn’t want to start small. As is customary in power metal, we’re going high and hard right from the beginning,” Viherlaiho explains.

Alongside classic power metal, the festival will also feature traditional heavy metal. According to Viherlaiho, the genre is close to the hearts of fans with similar tastes and will also help the festival reach a wider audience.

Over the two days, more than 20 acts will perform at Helsinki’s Cable Factory, with half of the lineup announced so far. The first wave includes Brazilian metallers ANGRA, formed in 1991, who will finally make their Finnish debut. British heavy metal veterans Tygers Of Pan Tang will also play their first-ever show in Finland. The lineup is further strengthened by US metal band Virgin Steele and Fabio Lione’s Dawn Of Victory, featuring the Italian vocalist known for fronting numerous leading bands in the genre.

Other international acts confirmed for the festival’s inaugural edition include Boston-based symphonic metal band Seven Spires, Icelandic power metal outfit Power Paladin, who will celebrate their 10th anniversary next year, and Swedish band Insania, originally formed in 1992. Completing today’s announcement are Finnish acts Metal De Facto, Dreamtale, Force Majeure and Strider.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a variety of food and drink options at the event. The remaining artists will be announced over the coming winter.

Tickets for the age-restricted, 18+ Power & Steel Festival are on sale now via Lippu.fi.

Power & Steel Festival
Venue: Cable Factory, Helsinki, Finland
Dates: 5–6 November 2027
Age limit: 18+

Announced artists:
ANGRA (BRA)
Tygers Of Pan Tang (UK)
Virgin Steele (US)
Fabio Lione’s Dawn Of Victory (ITA)
Seven Spires (US)
Power Paladin (ISL)
Insania (SWE)
Metal De Facto (FIN)
Dreamtale (FIN)
Force Majeure (FIN)
Strider (FIN)
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Norwegian Death Metal Force Oskaal Unveils Visceral New Lyric Video For “Refused”

Rising Norwegian death metal outfit Oskaal have officially unleashed the official lyric video for “Refused,” taken from their album (A)live, out now via Wormholedeath.

Driven by stark imagery of violence, isolation, and exploitation, “Refused” creates a bleak narrative centered on the lasting scars of abuse and emotional alienation. Musically, the track reflects the band’s signature duality—pairing brutal technicality with a lingering atmosphere of loss and helplessness.

Oskaal are an emerging force in Norway’s extreme metal scene, combining melody, raw aggression and technical precision into a sound that is both visceral and controlled.

Their music moves between bleak atmospheres and bursts of brutality, driven by powerful rhythms, contrasting guitar styles and sardonic black humour. Frontman Ole Stensgård delivers everything from deep gutturals to piercing shrieks, while the band’s lyrics explore collapsing realities, forgotten gods, spiritual decay and the thin line between madness and revelation.

Rather than chasing trends or technicality for its own sake, Oskaal focus on creating intense, distinctive death metal that balances aggression, atmosphere and songwriting.

OSKAAL Line-up:

Jo Aslak Aspås – Guitar, composer & songwriter
Jonathan Hamre – Drums
Erlend Andersen – Guitar
Tommy Køhler Salte – Bass
Ole Stensgård – Vocals

www.facebook.com/OskaalOfficial
www.instagram.com/oskaalofficial
www.tiktok.com/@oskaalofficial
www.youtube.com/@OskaalOfficial

Finnish Heavy Metallers DEMONESSA Return with New 2-Track Single Offering You ‘Taste Of Blood’ for Halloween

Finnish heavy metallers DEMONESSA are back with their brand new 2-song single ‘Taste Of Blood’ (+ bonus track), coming just in time for Halloween, on October 31st!

“Taste of Blood” is a more horror-themed release for Halloween, featuring two brand-new songs that were written around the same time as the debut album “Wild ‘N’ Loud”. While they were ultimately left off the album, their darker similar themes made them a perfect fit for a new Halloween release. As a bonus track, there’s also a shortened version of the opening track of Wild ‘N’ Loud, Till Death Do Us Part, without the minute-long acoustic intro, so listeners can get to the meat of the song faster.

After Jones Tervas’ departure from the band, a man with steel calves, known as Jerry Iron, quickly decided to hop on the stool of heavy metal behind the drum kit and gave a thunderous performance that was mixed and mastered by an old familiar name, Aleksis Pelli at Mix Studio 1101, who also worked the magic on the debut album. The new drummer, new drums, new mics, and new recording space all came together wonderfully, providing an excellent next step for the sound the band is going for.

The main parts of the new songs were once again written by guitarist John Creweholm, with input and ideas from the other band members. The singer S3nsku wrote the lyrics and came up with the vocal melodies.

To give the release a proper visual counterpart, and to show off the filmmaking skills, the release will be accompanied by a music video for the song “Taste of Blood”, which is inspired by old horror movies. Instead of just showing the band playing in the dark woods, there’s also a proper vampire-themed storyline about a vampire whose bloodlust ultimately becomes her downfall. After attacking her victim in the woods, she becomes so lost in the ecstasy of the kill that she fails to notice the sun rising until it is too late. The story was written by John Creweholm, who also handled the main directing and editing duties, while S3nsku filmed the two beautiful actors, Fiona Fyhr and Sakari Mattila.

More on Demonessa:
Demonessa is a heavy metal band from Tampere, Finland, carving its path with pure power and attitude. Formed in 2019, the band combines the explosive force of 80’s heavy metal with the spectacle of glam metal creating an experience that must be witnessed live.

Line-up:
S3nsku – Vocals
John Creweholm – Guitars
Hugo M. Raze – Guitars
Peet von Rowanskerry – Bass
Jerry Iron – Drums

Band photo by Kalle Salo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demonessaofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VE0mtJfuhaipbhSp71OVt
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/demonessa/1752566908
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9M-icwvJgadP22iKvgvuRQ
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@demonessaofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587941337019
Bandcamp: https://demonessa.bandcamp.com/

FangSlinger Release ‘Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll’ Single

Released on 9th October 2026, FangSlinger return with ‘Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll’. The first single from their forthcoming second album ‘Tales from the Lost Souls Saloon’ and the opening shot in the next chapter of the Lost Souls Saloon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHGs0AYMgp0

Heavier, harder and written with one eye firmly on what happens when UK based FangSlinger gets in front of a crowd, ‘Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll’ is both an introduction and a mission statement. Because this time, FangSlinger have written themselves into the story. Where debut album Welcome to the Lost Souls Saloon introduced a supernatural frontier of undead outlaws, vampires and tales from somewhere beyond the grave, the new single introduces the band themselves – four creatures of the Saloon delivering their own brand of Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll. And it was built to be played live.

FangSlinger says: “We wanted something that told you exactly what FangSlinger is within about thirty seconds. Heavy riffs, a massive chorus, a bit of the Wild West and something a room full of people could become part of. We were thinking about the live show while we were writing it — where the crowd comes in, what they’re going to shout back, what happens in the room”

Then came the video directed by O.D Collins..FangSlinger put out a single social-media post asking for volunteers to join them on a farm. Dozens of lost souls answered the call. They arrived in costume and stepped directly into FangSlinger’s world, joining the band for an undead hoedown complete with a live performance, dancing and fire performers. Nobody had to be persuaded to play along, and that’s increasingly becoming part of the FangSlinger story. Since the release of debut album ‘Welcome to the Lost Souls Saloon’, the line between the band’s fictional world and the people following it has become increasingly strange. Fans travel between shows, appear at festivals in FangSlinger shirts and cowboy hats, customise their own Western clothing and have even begun creating characters within the Lost Souls universe. The video for Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll captures that relationship rather than manufacturing it.

‘Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll’ also marks the beginning of a musical evolution. FangSlinger’s debut album has now passed 200,000 streams, accompanied by a sold-out album-launch show in Sheffield (UK) and appearances at festivals such as Call of the Wild, RockWich, Wildfire, WinterStorm, Beltane Gathering and TowerRok. FangSlinger came away with a clearer idea of what the band sounded like, what different songs could do inside a live show and how much fun could be had when the audience was invited into the performance. That experience runs directly into Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll. It’s heavier and more riff-driven, while pushing another element of FangSlinger’s identity further into the music itself: It’s the philosophy running through ‘Tales from the Lost Souls Saloon‘, the second instalment of FangSlinger’s planned three-album trilogy. If ‘Welcome to the Lost Souls Saloon’ opened the doors, the second record tells the stories heard once you’re inside.

‘Undead Redneck Rock N’ Roll’ is available on all major digital platforms.

https://open.spotify.com/album/693HucMk9MNj2aPTG8kCjo

No Mästers released debut album

Polish Heavy/Thrash Metal band No Mästers released their debut self titled album. The release was recorded, mixed and mastered in “7A Studios” by Jan Bartoszewicz.
Born on New Year’s Eve 2018 from the fallout of Polish underground act “The Avengers”, No Mästers is the vision of guitarist and songwriter Jan Bartoszewicz. Built on unyielding DIY ethics, raw resilience, and complete creative independence, the project embodies absolute artistic self-reliance. Crafted over several years in an improvised Wrocław studio using independent resources, the debut album serves as a deeply personal testament to navigating life’s turbulence without compromise. With the record complete, No Mästers is transitioning from studio creation toward assembling a live power trio to bring the music to the stage.

Mysterious Rock Project JENGEANCE Release New Single & Video ‘Go Ahead’

“Go Ahead” is the new single by guitarist, singer and producer JENGEANCE, released by Volcano Records and available on all digital platforms.

The track is accompanied by an official video on YouTube, every bit as mysterious and unsettling as the project itself. Some artists turn their image and outward persona into a defining part of their identity, placing personality at the centre of their work to amplify and personalize their message. Then there are artists who operate outside the usual boundaries: disruptive, provocative, completely focused on putting the message before everything else — even before their own recognisability. This is exactly the case with JENGEANCE, a multifaceted musician, singer, producer and composer with an academic background and a conservatory degree behind him. Yet none of this is put on display. On the contrary, everything is concealed behind a mysterious identity and a mask that reinterprets the archetype of Guy Fawkes and V for Vendetta through an original, postmodern perspective. The name JENGEANCE itself comes from a distortion of the English word vengeance, and with “Go Ahead” the artist delivers a disorienting track that combines dissonance and melodic inflections, the force of obsessive repetition and the originality of a layered composition. “Go Ahead” draws inspiration from artists such as Marilyn Manson and Black Sabbath, while reshaping those influences through a highly personal approach and a distinctive sonic architecture.

JENGEANCE is a project worth watching closely: one that promises unexpected developments while continuing to grow on its own terms, proudly independent.

Watch the official video for “Go Ahead” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwWpO-ScWvQ

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.whysojengeance.com

Quebec’s FORGOTTEN TALES Announce New Album “Other Times”; Unveil First Single “A Thousand Lies”

Canada’s FORGOTTEN TALES return with their new album, “Other Times,” set for release on February 12th, 2027 via Rockshots Records.
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Arriving after an extended hiatus, the record reconnects the band with its melodic power metal roots while introducing a more direct, guitar-driven approach. The first glimpse into this new chapter comes with “A Thousand Lies”, a fast-paced track addressing the chaos of modern misinformation, accompanied by an official music video.
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​LISTEN – https://lnk.to/kmcyRF​
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​WATCH – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSuH3rVkA7Q​

Rather than following a single narrative, “Other Times” explores different sides of the human experience and the ways people respond to challenges and change. Across its ten tracks, the band touches on inner conflict, anxiety, insomnia, loyalty, loss, misinformation and missed opportunities, as well as broader reflections on humanity’s evolution. Running through these different subjects is a common thread of resilience, personal growth, and the passage of time – the idea that ultimately inspired the album’s title.

The foundations of traditional power metal remain firmly in place, from fast-paced riffing and double-kick drumming to layered choirs and melodic hooks. At the same time, subtle progressive touches bring variety to the arrangements without disrupting the album’s immediate character, while a modern production gives the performances clarity and impact.

At the center of the record is vocalist Sonia Pineault, whose performance moves naturally between its more forceful and introspective moments. Her melodic and expressive delivery gives each song its own emotional character, complemented by the guitar interplay of Martin Desharnais and Marc-Olivier Lavoie.

The first single, “A Thousand Lies”, captures many of these elements in a fast-paced symphonic power metal track driven by galloping rhythms, choir accents, dual-guitar harmonies, and a soaring chorus. Darker, rapid-fire verses and Pineault’s cynical vocal delivery give the song a sharper edge, while intricate guitar exchanges and an expressive solo from Desharnais reinforce its melodic side.

Behind that energy lies a warning about misinformation and the gradual loss of critical thinking. The lyrics question how easily unverified claims can be accepted and shared, shifting part of the responsibility back to the individual rather than portraying manipulation only as an external force. That idea is summed up in the song’s final warning: “Careful where you stand.”

Guitarist and songwriter Martin Desharnais explains:

“I wrote this song thinking about everything that was going down during COVID. The whole world was turned completely upside down, and people just didn’t know what to hold onto anymore. Even though the theme is heavy, I really wanted to keep a catchy mood – almost ironic or cynical. It’s an angry track, but delivered with a sharp touch of sarcasm. Musically, I wanted to channel that energy into fast verses, big dual-guitar harmonies, and a massive chorus that sticks in your head. It’s aggressive, it’s melodic, and it represents exactly the kind of energy we wanted to bring forward.”

With “Other Times”, FORGOTTEN TALES return after their extended absence with an album that stays connected to the band’s musical identity without simply looking back. Its ten tracks bring together the energy of classic power metal and a songwriting perspective shaped by time, experience and change.

For fans of: Stratovarius, Helloween and Nocturnal Rites.​
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​PRE-ORDER “Other Times” here: https://rockshots.eu/products/forgotten-tales-other-times-cd​
​

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Track Listing:​
1. Echoes – 0:55
2. Pessimus Inimicus – 6:12
3. A Thousand Lies – 4:17
4. No Going Back – 5:24
5. I’ll Be Home – 5:30
6. Pain Of The Century – 7:06
7. Your Knight – 5:02
8. Morpheus – 4:55
9. Other Times – 5:40
10. The Caravan – 7:02
TOTAL: 52:03
​
​Forgotten Tales are:
Sonia Pineault: Vocals
Martin Desharnais: Guitars & Backing Vocals / Author & Composer
Marc-Olivier Lavoie. Guitars & Backing Vocals
Xavier Gonthier-Blouin: Drums
Cédric Langlais: Bass

Forgotten Tales is a Canadian symphonic power metal band from Québec City, founded in 1999 by Martin Desharnais, guitarist and songwriter, and Sonia Pineault, lead vocalist.

From the beginning, the band had a simple goal: introduce Québec audiences to European power metal at a time when international bands from the genre were rarely seen in the province. Forgotten Tales started out playing covers and quickly built a following, selling out several early shows. In November 2000, the band reached an important milestone by opening for Nightwish in Montréal.
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That experience changed everything. Forgotten Tales gradually moved away from covers and began focusing entirely on original material. With Martin Desharnais leading the musical direction, the band developed a sound built around powerful melodies, virtuosic lead and rhythm guitars, complex arrangements, and precise musicianship. At the heart of it all is Sonia Pineault, whose powerful and expressive voice quickly became one of the band’s defining characteristics. On stage, her energy, charisma and genuine connection with the audience bring the songs to life.
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The band released its debut album, “The Promise“, in 2001 with distribution in Canada, Japan and Russia. Forgotten Tales went on to share the stage with major international metal acts including Edguy and Gamma Ray in 2002, followed by Kamelot and DragonForce in 2005. In 2004, the band released its second album, “All the Sinners,” which was also distributed internationally.
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Over the years, Forgotten Tales collected its share of unforgettable moments. In 2006, at Québec City’s Capitole, Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica invited Sonia on stage to perform the classic Black Sheep together. In 2007, the band performed at the Québec City Summer Festival alongside HammerFall, followed by a show with Stratovarius in 2009.

In 2010, Forgotten Tales released its third album, “We Shall See the Light“. Around this period, Pat Vir and Frédérick Desroches left the band while guitarist Marc-Olivier Lavoie, who had joined the lineup in 2009, became part of the band’s next chapter. Marc-Olivier has remained an important part of Forgotten Tales ever since.

After the release of the album, the band stepped away for a 15-year hiatus.

In 2026, Forgotten Tales is back with “Other Times“, its fourth album. The original core of Martin Desharnais and Sonia Pineault returns alongside long-time guitarist Marc-Olivier Lavoie (a member since 2009), joined by drummer Xavier Gonthier-Blouin (who came on board in 2024) and bassist Cédric Langlais (who joined in 2025).
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This new lineup brings together experience, continuity and fresh energy. Xavier and Cédric bring their own personalities and musical drive while Marc-Olivier provides a strong connection to the band’s history. Together, the dual-guitar attack of Martin and Marc-Olivier gives the compositions a new dimension, creating the perfect foundation for Sonia’s powerful voice.

The connection with the past is still there as well. Frédérick Desroches returns as a guest musician on “Other Times“, composing the album’s introduction and creating a musical bridge between the band’s past and its new chapter.

After more than 25 years, Forgotten Tales returns with the same passion but with renewed energy. “Other Times” marks the beginning of a new chapter: reconnecting with longtime fans, reaching a new generation, and taking the music of Forgotten Tales beyond Canadian borders.

​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

​https://www.facebook.com/ForgottenTales/​

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

Red Code Release “Checkmate” Music Video

Italian prog/alternative metal band Red Code have released the official music video for “Checkmate,” taken from their debut EP “Traces of Unease and Discomfort (Episode 1)”, out via Epictronic.

“Checkmate” uses a game of chess as a framework for manipulation, control, and emotional conflict. The track pairs heavy riffs with a tense atmosphere and builds toward a point where winning and losing stop being distinct outcomes — in a game built on destruction, both sides lose.

The video is one of three chapters in An Archive of Us, a sci-fi/thriller short film that uses a dystopian setting to examine the need for control. The other two chapters are built around the tracks “Quarantine” and “Toxic Karma.” The project was produced by S@NGIORGIO 2020, with technical support from Infinity Digital.

Red Code was formed in Trieste as a live act, founded by vocalist Lenina, drummer Ivo and bassist Andrea Bossi, who later passed away. Lenina and the rest of the group decided to carry on. The sound is built around her vocals and the four instruments, with no backing tracks or studio sequencing live.

Over the years, the band have played small clubs, festivals, and motorcycle rallies, opening for Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil), Exilia, Nicola Manzan (Bologna Violenta), Pierpaolo Capovilla (Il Teatro degli Orrori), Underwaves, Tystnaden, Logical Terror, and Break Me Down. They’ve also been featured on Radio Rai.

“Traces of Unease and Discomfort” is the band’s first studio release after years of live performance. The sound combines the aggression of alternative metal — with reference points like System of a Down and Godsmack — with the structural influence of prog acts like Dream Theater and Fates Warning.

Stream Traces of Unease and Discomfort (Episode 1) here: orcd.co/touad

Website: redcode.taplink.ws
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RedCodeBandTrieste
Instagram: www.instagram.com/redcode_band
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@redcode8288

PRETTY ADDICTED AND SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA UNLEASH “HYSTERICAL”

Pretty Addicted unleash “HYSTERICAL”, the latest single (following ROT and MOCK) from their newly reinvented Blackened Rave era, featuring renowned black metal vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva.

“HYSTERICAL” is a calling, a ritual, a battle cry.

Pretty Addicted’s Vicious Precious calls upon women to feel the rage of their ancestors, become warriors, sorceresses, and sisters.

‘Hysteria’ was a diagnosis; a label given to loud women, women who defied the status quo and refused to be silenced. Locked away in mental institutions and accused of being ‘emotional’ or ‘dramatic’, Pretty Addicted are reclaiming the word used to subjugate and diminish these women, giving it new meaning, new strength, and taking an oath to let the suffering of women of old drive us.

Their strength lives in the dirt, the earth, the ashes and the blood.

“The old hysteria calls you”.

For “HYSTERICAL”, Vicious Precious is joined by Sarah Jezebel Deva, whose career has seen her become one of the recognisable voices of extreme metal through her work with Cradle of filth, Mortiis, Therion, Angtoria, Torn Between Two World with Chris Rehn from Takida, Trym Torson of Emperor’s solo project Þrymr, Andreas Vingbäck of Dark Funeral’s solo project Heljarmadr as well as her own solo work.

The pairing brings together two radically different vocal identities that carry HYSTERIA into a new age of female rage: Sarah’s soaring, symphonic darkness mixes seamlessly with Vicious Precious’ screams, growls and raw vocals, creating a unique vocal experience that embodies the Blackened Rave sound.

Sarah Jezebel Deva says of the collaboration:

“It’s funny how other people’s struggle for justice bring people together, how it brings the seemingly ‘Voiceless’ together to create one big powerful message. We won’t shut the f**k up to accommodate your fragile sexist narcissistic ego’.”

She continues:

“There is no one like her and it’s I, that should be honoured to be part of this darkness.”

Pretty Addicted spent months in deliberate creative hibernation, emerging in June 2026 with an evolved identity.

The new chapter began with “ROT”, followed by “MOCK”, and now continues with “HYSTERICAL”.

The sound has become heavier, darker and more physical; a collision of aggressive electronica, black metal, drum & bass, industrial textures and Vicious Precious’ feral vocal delivery.

It is simply BLACKENED RAVE.

PRETTY ADDICTE IS:
Vicious Precious — vocals / songwriting / production
Loki Leviathan — drums

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

Swiss Progressive Metal Rockers STEREOPHRENICS Enter a “State of Paradox” with First Single from Upcoming Debut Album ‘Paracosm 2.0’. Available right now on YouTube

Geneva-based progressive metal band Stereophrenics unveil “State of Paradox,” the first single and official lyric video from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Paracosm 2.0‘ to be released this fall.

The track moves between heavy riffs, abrupt dynamic shifts and atmospheric keyboard passages, while Elisa Colacioppo gives voice to someone conscious but imprisoned inside an unresponsive body. Movement, speech and control gradually disappear while fear remains fully present.

What begins as physical paralysis becomes a wider reflection on the invisible cages — psychological, social or self-imposed — that people eventually learn to accept as life.

For ten years, Stereophrenics have moved between progressive rock, heavy metal and increasingly dark and theatrical territory. The arrival of vocalist Elisa Colacioppo and bassist and backing vocalist Thijs Kos opened a new chapter for the band, strengthening its metallic weight while expanding the contrast between power, melancholy and atmospheric release.

Completed by Giovanni Tramparulo on guitar, Nicola Giandomenico on keyboards and samples, and Valentin Boada on drums, the current line-up brings five distinct musical voices into a sound shaped by progressive structures, gothic tension, symphonic depth and a powerful underlying groove.

Following two independently released EPs, Paracosm 2.0 will become Stereophrenics’ first full-length album. Its eight tracks explore altered states of consciousness, imaginary worlds, inner escape and the unstable boundary between perception and reality — all unfolding within a rich and dystopian reflection on the human psyche.

The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Serge Moratel at Geneva’s renowned REC Studio. Stereophrenics have been signed to Greensunlight Productions since 2024.