Category: Press Releases

Finnish band Stam1na will release their 11th album Apnea on February 20th

Metal band Stam1na, which has been awarded seven Emma awards during its career and is celebrating its 30th anniversary, is releasing new music. The first single Golem was released in December.

“Golem is about a crushing feeling of powerlessness. But if anything, our band was able to make a song like this. The mere silence and looking away is monstrous in itself,” describes lyricist-singer-guitarist Antti Hyyrynen and continues:

“The Apnea album is about breathing and sudden loss. It also tells about the dreaminess of human life and unspoken speech.”

The song Golem was composed by Pekka Olkkonen. “Golem is the first song I wrote after the X album and I think it was the first demo for the Apnea album. I named the demo “Sirius” after a late friend. I believe that there is something in the song for everyone, something familiar and something new.”

The band’s 11th album, Apnea, will be released on February 20, 2026. The album was produced by Stam1na together with Julius Mauranen (Viitasen Piia, Oranssi Pazuzu).

Stam1na will start the Käärmeennyrkki 2026 tour in support of their new album on March 6, 2026.

STAM1NA – Käärmeennyrkki 2026

Fri 06.03. Möysän Musaklubi, Lahti
Sat 07.03. Tavastia 1, Helsinki
Thu 12.03. Olympia, Tampere
Fri 13.03. Nakkilan Verstas, Nakkila
Sat 14.03. Logomo Teatro, Turku
Fri 20.03. Verkatehdas, Hämeenlinna
Sat 21.03. Circus Live, Kuopio
Fri 27.03. Tavastia 2, Helsinki
Sat 28.03. Pato Klubi, Kouvola
Thu 09.04. Lutakko, Jyväskylä
Fri 10.04. ZROCK 2026 – Zemppi Areena, Kempele
Fri 17.04. Rientola, Vieremä
Sat 18.04. Wilhelm Public House, Mikkeli
Fri 24.04. Aino Areena, Järvenpää
Sat 25.04. House Of Olaf, Savonlinna

https://stam1na.com/

Italian Modern Metal DUST New Single “Bodyless” From Upcoming Album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” April 2026

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Bodyless”, the brand-new single by Italian metal act Dust, out now on all digital platforms.

“Bodyless” is taken from Dust’s upcoming second full-length album, “Thoughts Of A Falling Ma“, scheduled for release on April 3rd, 2026, and represents a pivotal chapter within the record’s overarching concept. The song delves into a stark, uncompromising vision of judgment and damnation, portraying a liminal space where souls, stripped of identity and status, await their final sentence beyond life and time.

Lyrically, “Bodyles” explores the idea that, at the end of earthly existence, wealth, power, and social distinction lose all meaning. What remains is the weight of one’s actions and the inescapable confrontation with guilt, memory, and consequence. The track embodies one of the album’s central themes: a near-death journey in which the main character is forced to face unresolved sins and inner demons in a realm suspended between eternity and oblivion.

Commenting on the single, the band states:

“‘Bodyless’ represents a moment of total suspension. It’s the point where every mask falls away, and nothing can be hidden anymore. We wanted to describe a place where there is no time, no memory, and no privilege – only judgment. It’s one of the most direct and unsettling tracks we’ve written, both lyrically and emotionally.”

Musically, “Bodyless” highlights Dust’s evolved, more cohesive sound, combining aggressive death and groove metal foundations with sharp riffing, oppressive atmospheres, and tightly controlled dynamics. The band’s approach is raw and uncompromising, reinforcing the song’s sense of suffocation and inevitability while maintaining a strong sense of structure and impact. This sonic direction reflects the broader evolution of “Thoughts Of A Falling Man“, which marks a significant step forward in terms of heaviness, focus, and expressive depth compared to the band’s debut.

Expanding on the album’s vision, the band adds:

“This new record is heavier, darker, and more introspective than anything we’ve done before. Each track represents a spiritual stage of a single journey, and ‘Bodyless’ is one of the moments where the listener is forced to stop and confront the consequences of a life lived without escape.”

“Bodyless” stands as a key chapter within “Thoughts Of A Falling Man“, a concept-driven album conceived as a near-death experience unfolding between life and eternity. Through its relentless sound and uncompromising narrative, the single offers a clear glimpse into Dust’s renewed artistic direction and the darker, more mature identity shaping this new era.

For fans of: Parkway Drive, Jinjer, Trivium

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/M2crIo​
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“Bodyless” Official Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyE8ltsPBfY​

New album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” out April 3rd, 2026.

PRE ORDER – “Thoughts Of A Falling Man”: https://rockshots.eu/products/dust-thoughts-of-a-falling-man​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Intro – 1:49
2. Before Your Awaken – 5:23
3. Death’s Ashes Upon Me – 3:52
4. Contemptus Mundi – 3:58
5. Fragments of Mirror – 4:26
6. Thoughts of a Falling Man – 6:40
7. Bodyless – 3:44
8. The Reaping of the Scythe – 3:56
9. Beyond the Void – 6:06
Album Length: 39:54
​
​Dust Line-Up:​
Riccardo Pirozzi: Vocals
Stefano D’Angelo: Guitars
Federico Ignini: Guitars
Francesco D’Elia: Bass
Eric Di Donato: Drums

Dust is an Italian metal band formed in 2016 from an idea by vocalist Riccardo Pirozzi and former drummer Stefano Brogi. Born out of a period of personal struggle and artistic urgency, the project took shape as a direct and uncompromising outlet for expressing inner conflict, anger and introspection. After an initial phase of experimentation, the band gradually assembled its core lineup, defining a sound rooted in heaviness, emotional depth and narrative intensity.

With the addition of guitarist Stefano D’Angelo and bassist Andrea Lege, Dust released their debut album “Break The Silence“, recorded and produced by Andreas Polito at Rocklab Studios in Turin. The record marked the band’s official entry into the Italian underground metal scene, earning attention for its raw approach and dark thematic focus. Shortly after, guitarist Federico Ignini joined the lineup, allowing Riccardo to focus exclusively on vocals and lyrics, particularly during live performances.

Following the album’s release, Dust became increasingly active on the live circuit, sharing the stage with established acts and performing across Italy and Eastern Europe, including shows in Serbia, Croatia and Romania. These experiences played a key role in shaping the band’s identity, strengthening both their musical cohesion and their commitment to an authentic, no-frills live approach focused on intensity and connection rather than visual excess.

After several lineup changes, Dust reached a stable formation in 2023, solidifying their current lineup: Riccardo Pirozzi on vocals, Stefano D’Angelo and Federico Ignini on guitars, Francesco D’Elia on bass and Eric Di Donato on drums. This renewed stability marked a turning point for the band, allowing them to refine their sound and push their songwriting toward a heavier, more focused and mature direction.

Conceived as a concept album, the new album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” unfolds as a near-death journey, exploring themes of guilt, judgment, inner collapse and spiritual limbo. Musically, it represents a significant evolution from the debut, blending elements of death, groove, thrash and black metal into a darker, more compact and uncompromising sound.

More info:​
​https://rockshots.eu​
​https://www.instagram.com/dust__band/​

THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – the Italian Rock Band with Ties to the World of Motorsport And F1 – Are Worth Keeping an Eye on

THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – formed in 2009 – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements. With a contemporary and refined sound, the band has built an international following, particularly in Finland, USA, Spain, France, Brazil, Germany, Poland, and Canada.

Their music is born from a balance of emotional impact, technical skill, and production quality. Over the years, they have also connected their image to the world of motorsport and F1, becoming the first rock band to perform on the podium of the Monza Circuit during the awards ceremony of the 2015 Monza Rally Show. Several of their tracks have been used as soundtracks in TV features for programs such as Griglia di Partenza, and on channels like Eurosport or RTBF Belgium.

Their songs have also received international rock radio airplay, being broadcast on various stations in several countries, including the USA, Poland, and France (Virgin Radio France).

The band reveals on the upcoming news + projects:
“We’ll be working on a video for a song from the latest album as soon as possible, probably the ballad “We Shall Meet Again” or the song “A Light on Darkness”, while we’re working on the next live shows.”

Next concert:
Saturday, February 26th at the Merula Strumenti Musicali auditorium (one of the largest musical instrument stores in Italy)

Latest focus videos to check out:
Live Or Die – Ayrton Senna Tribute (Eyes Of Mind 2012): https://youtu.be/lT6zcO8cvEY?si=EpgRMkd5txrmg9CV
Imagine (Live at FIM 2015) https://youtu.be/Tt0hAqsbs40?si=vHzR_8922OYQUxe8
Panic Room (Elements 2017) https://youtu.be/hn6F3jfT-Mc?si=QGOJSunYRnDss127
Cars (Elements 2017) https://youtu.be/N8I2yRSKwA8?si=MOXsOvnZzS8r7Wei
American Woman (2019) https://youtu.be/ChXV2C5aUjw?si=V2qNl-AR7RdBL7RB
All I Want For Christmas Is You (2021) https://youtu.be/ocNBmWcPGjw?si=SHLpGzWi_p2KyP-o
Passion Drives You Over (Lead Love and Glod 2024)  https://youtu.be/AZiutnHzHRI?si=42Q1qx-z-NfsRwqC

Photo credit: Beppe Geracitano
Logo created by Beppe Geracitano

HIGHLIGHTS so far:

Began in the Turin underground scene with numerous club gigs.

In 2009 opening for: Marco Mendoza (Withesnake, Thin Lizzy) and Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Malmsteen).

In 2012 The Rock Alchemist release “Eyes of Mind ” by the italian label Videoradio and reaching immediately:

1st place in the ranking of the Top Rock Download on Meteli.net in Northern Europe with Slash, Linkin Park and others, then remaining in the Top 10 in the following spring / summer period. 1st Place on 17 Million of the song “Live or Die” ranking Northern Europe Meteli .net
1st Place for two consecutive weeks on Nokia Music Italy with the song “Guardian Angel”.
Appreciation for the entire album by national and international critics, both by specialized magazines and by non-sector magazines such as Marie Claire.

In 2014, the Band plays for “Ayrton Senna Tribute” – Imola Circuit, with “Live or Die” dedicated to the Brazilian driver. the same year the band is hired to play at the Superbike GP again at Imola

Between 2015 and 2016 The Rock Alchemist performs at the “X Giornate di Brescia” -Festival Off – International Music Festival 2015 – at events organized by FCA (now Stellantis) – Jeep – Harley and also at the Ariston Theater on the occasion of the Sanremo Beatles Summer Festival.

Become the first Rock Band to play on the podium of the Monza Circuit during the awards of Valentino Rossi and Tony Cairoli at the Monza Rally Show 2015:

Closing of the event by playing for the award ceremony, from the podium of the racetrack, We Are The Champions of Queen. The song to the memory of Ayrton Senna, entitled “Live or Die” is uploaded to McLaren-F1.com website, recognized by the Ayrton Senna Foundation and the English Wikipedia page of the driver

2016 start the cooperation with the great Mix / Producer Chris Sheldon  and the award-winning Master Engineer John Webber of the historic Air Studios in London.

2017  The band signs an agreement with the Finnish Lion Music, the indipendent progressive, neoclassical, hard rock label.
2017 Release of the album Elements (Lion Music). The album also includes “The Temple” anthem dedicated to the Monza Motor Speedway.

2018 Release the single American Woman a revisited cover of the famous and historic song of the Canadian band “The Guess Who” (Lion Music).

2019 Release the video of Cars into the MAUTO National Automobile Museum of Turin

2021 Release of the reimagined cover All I Want for Christmas is You (Lion Music).

2024 Release of the album Lead, Love and Gold (Lion Music).

2025 Video for Passion Drives You Over, shot in Monte Carlo in agreement with the Principality of Monaco and ACI.

Line-up:
Aldo Garrone – Vocals
Beppe Geracitano – Guitars
Raoul Ronco – Bass
Max Gordiani – Drums

Web: https://www.therockalchemist.it
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Rock-Alchemist-100063482113095/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therock_alchemist/
X: https://x.com/rock_alchemist
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therockalchemistband

 

Canadian Prog CANDOR ZEALOT (ft. ex-members of Annihilator, The Slyde) Make Their Debut w/ Single “Lie For Country”

Canadian (Ottawa, ON) progressive metal newcomers Candor Zealot are set to make their explosive debut with “Lie For Country”, the first in a series of singles to be released throughout 2026. With a sound that fuses the melodic intricacy of Rush and Dream Theater with the raw energy of Megadeth, Billy Talent, and Killswitch Engage, Candor Zealot are poised to deliver a fresh yet nostalgic take on modern progressive rock and heavy metal.
​
Formed by frontman Nate Silva after the disbandment of his previous project, The Slyde, in 2019, Candor Zealot emerged from years of creative exploration, pandemic delays, and solo ventures. Recruiting many of the same musicians from The Slyde, Silva describes the band as a “spiritual successor” to his earlier work, only this time with a sharper name and a renewed focus on honesty and intensity.
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​“‘Lie For Country’ is our debut single, and we wanted to introduce ourselves with breakneck speed, musical intensity, and a poignant political message. There are influences of Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Billy Talent, and even System of a Down in this track, and it’s a song about being manipulated and politically indoctrinated without thinking critically. We are proud of this track, and we are pumped to release it!” – Nate Silva, Candor Zealot
​
Rather than releasing a traditional full-length album, Candor Zealot will roll out six singles across 2026, each designed to capture attention in today’s fast-paced listening culture. Fans can expect melodic hooks, technical proficiency, and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle both politics and relationships, two universal themes that resonate deeply.
​
​Candor Zealot is comprised of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Canada’s metal scene, including ex-members of Annihilator and The Slyde. Frontman Nate Silva (vocals/guitar), formerly of The Slyde, is an international touring artist and academic researcher on chiptune music. Guitarist Chris Gagnon, based in Ottawa, is a versatile performer active in eight tribute bands covering acts from Queen to Rage Against the Machine. Drummer Dino Soares, a longtime collaborator with Silva since their teenage years, continues to freelance in Kingston’s music scene. On bass, Alberto Campuzano, formerly of Annihilator, also performs with Toronto’s Metallica tribute act Sandman. Collectively, the band brings decades of experience and a proven pedigree, highlighted by Silva, Soares, and Campuzano’s performance at Wacken Open Air in Germany after winning the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada with The Slyde.
​
With “Lie For Country” as their fiery introduction, Candor Zealot plans to release five more singles throughout 2026, followed by additional recordings in 2027.

Listen to “Lie For Country” at the following links:

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/candorzealot/lie-for-country-2​

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f26f_KNVBq0​

​

For more info:

​http://candorzealot.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582854735079​

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

​https://www.tiktok.com/@candorzealot​

Finnish industrial metal pioneers Alfa Pentatonik released a new single

Alfa Pentatonik continues with new songs. Even though it has not been a year since their latest EPs, Gamma I & Gamma II, they are already releasing new music. They will now release a new single called “Sulje silmäsi maailmalta” (Close your eyes from the world), which was created at the end of 2025.

LISTEN to Sulje silmäsi maailmalta: https://push.fm/fl/alfa-pentatonik-sulje

The song is built with a clear vision. JP Immonen (Soulgrind, Walhalla, Aria of Sorrow, Iron Frost) plays the guitars, bass and synths, and is responsible for all the production and composition. Janne Partanen (Hautajaisyö, Verilehto, Paavalin Harhat & Marraskuun Lapset) wrote the lyrics and did the vocals. Sami Lindqvist, who joined the band for Gamma II, plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals. Mika Nikula (Semi) is now joining the band to play the drums.

‘Sulje silmäsi maailmalta’ is guaranteed Alfa Pentatonik. The heavy guitar riffs are brutal and the chorus will make you dance. The song is about modern-day problems. People keep their dopamine levels high and bad news is too easy to skip. Opinions change with trends, and when something makes you feel bad, you can always read an aphorism on your wall.

Alfa Pentatonik 2026:

JP Immonen: bass, guitars, synths, composition & arrangement.

Janne Partanen: vocals, lyrics & arrangement.

Sami Lindqvist: lead guitar & backing vocals.

Mika Nikula: drums.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Alfa.Pentatonik.Official
https://www.instagram.com/alfa_pentatonik
https://alfapentatonik.bandcamp.com

Basque Black Metal Force ASCHEN Signs with Wormholedeath to Unleash Debut Album

Wormholedeath is proud to announce the signing of Aschen, a rising black metal force from the Basque Country, for the worldwide release of their debut full-length album “The Never Ending Search”.

Formed in 2022 by Mikel Telletxea (vocals, guitar, programming), Aschen originally began as a collaboration with bassist Igor Valle. Following the underground success of their self-titled 2023 demo, the lineup evolved with the addition of Atauzz (Korkut, Kurkuma, 2Sonte) on bass.

This partnership solidified the band’s vision, leading them to Atala Studios in Spain (Infest, Willis Drummond) in August 2025 to record their debut full-length. To ensure a world-class sonic assault, the album was mastered by the legendary Toni Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden—the sonic architect behind heavyweights like Dimmu Borgir, Katatonia, and Kreator.

Musically, Aschen offers a harrowing exploration of dynamic tension. While the DNA of black metal remains clear, the band naturally weaves through diverse styles, characterized by constant rhythmic shifts, moving seamlessly from suffocating doom-laden passages to relentless blast beats, devastating riffage, harmonizing raw aggression with haunting, melodic textures and emotional depth, evoking a spectrum of intensity that transcends the typical “grim” tropes of the genre.

Lyrically, Aschen carves its own path. While the band utilizes English, they also pay homage to their heritage by singing in Basque, their ancestral mother tongue.

Breaking away from traditional satanic or pagan themes, the band’s narrative explores the human psyche’s inability to confront its own internal fractures. Their poetry reflects how this individual downfall resonates through a decaying society and a suffering natural world.

aschen1.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/people/Aschen/61556623060502
www.youtube.com/@aschenband

ANTHEA Unveils First Single “Phantom In The Masquerade” From New Album “Beyond The Dawn” Out On April

“Phantom in the Masquerade” is the first single taken from Anthea’s upcoming third full-length album, “Beyond The Dawn,” and serves as an introduction to the band’s most ambitious and theatrical chapter to date. The song explores the feeling of being invisible while surrounded by others, translating emotional isolation into a powerful and evocative musical narrative.

Commenting on the track, the band states:
​
“‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ is one of the most theatrical songs we’ve written. We wanted it to feel both catchy and haunting, with lyrics that capture the experience of being surrounded by people yet completely unseen. It sets the stage for the dramatic direction we’ve been embracing, both musically and visually.”

Musically, the single highlights Anthea’s evolved sound, blending symphonic metal foundations with strong melodic hooks, driving guitar work, and layered orchestrations. The balance between immediacy and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of “Beyond The Dawn“, an album conceived as a dynamic journey where each song offers a distinct mood while remaining part of a cohesive whole.

Expanding on the vision behind the album, the band adds:
​
“This record pushed us to explore every corner of our sound – from fast and heavy tracks to more emotional and melodic moments. ‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ introduces that range and gives listeners a clear sense of the dramatic and expressive path the album follows.”

An official music video accompanies the release, transforming the song’s themes into a symbolic visual narrative centered on identity, isolation, and transformation. Set within a masquerade ball, the video reinforces Anthea’s strong theatrical aesthetic, a defining element of both their music and live performances.

“Phantom in the Masquerade” marks the opening step toward “Beyond The Dawn“, an album shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty, and renewal, representing a significant evolution in Anthea’s songwriting and artistic vision.

For fans of: Dynazty, Kamelot, Powerwolf

DIGITAL SINGLE: https://lnk.to/sIZl8W​
​
“Phantom In The Masquerade” Official Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMxhW6gWY3g​
​
New album “Beyond The Dawn” out April 17th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “Beyond The Dawn“: https://rockshots.eu/products/anthea-beyond-the-dawn​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Beyond The Dawn – 4:13
2. Phantom in the Masquerade – 3:32
3. The Lost Soul – 3:44
4. Awakening (Song for Spring) – 4:16
5. Bygone Age (Chicxulub) – 4:03
6. From Shadows to Light – 4:40
7. Crystal Moon – 4:11
8. Wanderer’s Quell – 3:53
9. Whispers of the Heart – 4:46
10. Duality of Gaia – 4:12
11. Burnin’ in the Third Degree (Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover) – 3:38
Album Length: 45:08
​
​Anthea Line-Up:​
Diego Valadez: Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Juan Pina: Rhythm Guitars, Harsh Vocals
Marcos Mejia: Lead Guitars
Gabby Hawk: Bass
Peter Vasquez: Drums
​
The Sirens (Backing Vocals)
Mel Del Real: Backing Vocals
Astrid Anaya: Backing Vocals

Anthea is a symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, California, known for their distinctive theatrical approach and dynamic blend of symphonic, melodic, and progressive metal elements. Founded in 2015 by vocalist and keyboardist Diego Valadez, Anthea emerged from a desire to explore a more expressive and cinematic musical language combining powerful metal foundations with strong melodic sensibilities and dramatic atmospheres.
​
What began as a side project quickly evolved into a full-fledged band when Valadez joined forces with longtime collaborators from the local metal scene. Drawing from diverse influences ranging from symphonic metal and melodic death metal to musical theater and film scores, Anthea developed a sound that balances intensity and emotion, heaviness and accessibility, always placing storytelling at the core of their identity.
​
The band made their live debut at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood and steadily gained recognition for their live performances and strong visual aesthetic. Their debut album “Illusion” (2020) received widespread critical acclaim, followed by “Tales Untold” (2022), which further solidified their reputation within the international symphonic metal scene through glowing reviews and extensive media coverage.
​
In recent years, Anthea has continued to refine and expand their artistic vision. The introduction of backing vocalists known as The Sirens added rich harmonic layers and reinforced the band’s theatrical dimension, both in the studio and on stage. This evolution culminates in their upcoming third studio album, “Beyond The Dawn”, their most ambitious release to date, showcasing a broader dynamic range, heavier arrangements, and a more pronounced dramatic identity.
​
With “Beyond The Dawn”, Anthea presents a mature and confident chapter in their journey, offering a cohesive yet varied listening experience shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty, and renewal. Blending compelling melodies, powerful orchestration, and expressive songwriting, the band continues to establish itself as a distinctive voice within modern symphonic metal.

More info:​
​https://rockshots.eu​
​https://www.facebook.com/antheametal​
​https://www.instagram.com/antheametal​

SIEGE PERILOUS Unveils First Single “As the Dragon Falls” ft. Fabio Lione From the Concept Album “Becoming the Dragon” Out on March

Colorado power metal storytellers Siege Perilous ignite the next chapter of their musical saga with the release of their first single and music video, “As the Dragon Falls”, featuring legendary vocalist Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra). The track serves as the first glimpse into the band’s sweeping debut concept album, “Becoming the Dragon,” out March 27, 2026.
​
Forged from the camaraderie of live‑action roleplay and a shared love of epic storytelling, Siege Perilous has built a reputation for crafting cinematic, narrative‑driven metal that blends myth, history, and high‑fantasy adventure. Their upcoming full‑length album marks the culmination of years of collaborative writing, world‑building, and musical evolution.
​
​“As the Dragon Falls” is more than a single; it’s a milestone for the band, especially for vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, who has been a devoted Rhapsody fan since his teens.

“As the Dragon Falls represents a true heavy metal dream come true for all of us, but especially for Shaughnessy. Working with Fabio far exceeded anything we could have hoped for. His classic soaring vocals combined with Shaughnessy’s lower register create a really unique and cool power metal sound,” adds the band.
​
The song’s narrative twist, where slaying the dragon becomes a metaphor for the double‑edged nature of achieving one’s goals, adds a bittersweet emotional core to the track. Lione himself was drawn to the story and, according to the band, “really gave it his all.”
​
Musically, the single fuses Siege Perilous’ signature melodic power with the symphonic grandeur of classic Rhapsody, delivering a heroic anthem that darkens into something far more ominous by its final moments.

Watch and listen to the music video for “As the Dragon Falls” featuring Fabio Lione via its premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

Add to your Spotify Playlist – pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/siegeperilous/as-the-dragon-falls-feat-fabio-lione​

“Becoming the Dragon” is a ten‑part epic chronicling the rise, fall, and metamorphosis of the “Child of Prophecy,” a hero who must confront fate, tragedy, and ultimately his own transformation into the titular dragon. The album features guest performances from both Fabio Lione and powerhouse vocalist Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance), who also serves as McDaniel’s vocal mentor.
​
​“Creating a massive, sweeping power metal epic has been a dream since before we even formed this band. This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams as musicians,” says the band.

The record showcases the band’s evolution since their earlier EPs, with more complex arrangements, expanded vocal range, and orchestration that heightens the album’s cinematic scope. Each track stands alone as a powerful metal anthem, yet together they form a cohesive narrative journey.

Their writing process is uniquely collaborative; every member contributes to the story and the music, resulting in songs that carry the DNA of the entire band. This approach, while unconventional, has become one of their greatest strengths.

Recommended for fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden, “Becoming the Dragon” is due out on March 27, 2026 and available for pre-order / pre-save at the following link:

​https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon​

​

Track Listing:​
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal​

FOR MY DEMONS Celebrate Release of “Tristesse” Concept Album (Dedicated to Van Gogh) with Video Single ‘The Other Side Of Heaven’

“Tristesse”, the new concept album by Italian progressive dark metal act FOR MY DEMONS, is out now with the single “The Other Side Of Heaven”, a powerful tribute to Vincent van Gogh, now available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.

Tristesse is a profound and evocative concept album inspired by the life and emotional universe of Vincent van Gogh. Through seven immersive tracks, the band translates the torment, beauty, and sensitivity of the legendary painter into a unique sonic experience. Blending melancholy, power and complexity, Tristesse is a cohesive work where each song reflects a chapter in a broader narrative, echoing van Gogh’s search for meaning and redemption through art.

Released together with the single “The Other Side Of Heaven”, the album paints a poignant soundscape between heaven and hell, suffering and transcendence. A must-listen for fans of Katatonia, Soen, and Dream Theater.
 

Also watch their earlier videos:
‘9 Weeks’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxHt3XEkuVo
‘Shades Of Past’: https://youtu.be/MnAG3p1aT90

www.volcanopromotion.com
www.formydemons.com

Rockshots Records Signs Embrace Of Souls For New Concept Album “The Battle Of The Dead”

Rockshots Records is proud to announce its signing of Embrace Of Souls for the release of their new concept album “The Battle Of The Dead,” due out in 2026.

Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls has forged a solid identity within the Italian power metal scene by blending classic ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal foundations with epic and symphonic influences. After the releases of “The Number Of Destiny” and “Forever Part Of Me”, the band reached a natural turning point, choosing to move forward with renewed focus, strengthened artistic vision, and fresh creative energy.

This new chapter is also marked by an updated line-up compared to previous albums. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in earlier recordings, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist, joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. Their combined vocal approach broadens the band’s expressive range, reinforcing the balance between driving power metal intensity and refined symphonic elegance that defines Embrace Of Souls’ current sound.

The journey continues with “Desolate Lands”, the upcoming single taken from the new concept album “The Battle Of The Dead“.

Pre-save “Desolate Lands”: https://lnk.to/7wfF6l​

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish.

BIOGRAPHY:

Embrace Of Souls is an Italian power metal band founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, conceived with the aim of bringing together talented musicians around a shared vision rooted in collaboration, brotherhood, and a deep passion for classic metal. Initially born as a studio project, the band took shape with the release of their debut album “The Number Of Destiny” in 2021, receiving positive feedback on an international level and notable acclaim in Japan.

Drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal, as well as the epic and symphonic metal of the early 2000s, Embrace Of Souls developed a sound characterized by powerful riffs, epic atmospheres, and strong melodic sensibility. Over time, the project evolved into a full live band, allowing the group to further consolidate its artistic identity and deepen its expressive range.

In 2024, Embrace Of Souls returned with their second full-length album, “Forever Part Of Me,” marking a significant step forward in terms of maturity and songwriting. This phase also introduced important changes within the line-up, bringing renewed energy and a broader musical perspective to the band’s sound.

A key element of this evolution is the current vocal pairing. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in previous releases, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist while Martina Mazzeo, an accomplished soprano vocalist, adds a symphonic and operatic dimension to the band’s music. Together, their voices embody the duality that defines Embrace Of Souls: light and darkness, power and elegance, intensity and emotion.

Having shared the stage with renowned acts such as Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody Of Fire, Embrace Of Souls continue to refine their identity while looking toward the future. The band is now working on new material, further developing their epic and narrative-driven approach with the goal of solidifying their presence on the international power metal scene.

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

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

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