Category: Press Releases

Swedish metallers Confess unveil new video “The Warriors (feat. Will Wilde)” from upcoming album “Metalmorphosis” out May 15th

Sweden’s sleaze/metal stalwarts Confess have unveiled today the new single and official video, “The Warriors”, taken from their upcoming fourth studio album “Metalmorphosis”, set for release on May 15, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

The track features Will Wilde, a force to be reckoned with – a phenomenal harmonica player with a voice to match. His intense harmonica style steals the spotlight from the traditional blues rock guitar, with a sound that owes as much to Gary Moore as it does to Sonny Boy Williamson.

Will won the HRH “Lords Of Blues” award in 2025 and is nominated for “Instrumentalist Of The Year”, “Contemporary Artist Of The Year” and “Album Of The Year” at the UK Blues Awards 2026.

The band commented: “Our new track “The Warriors” is leaning more towards the sound of our first record. It has that dirty street sound, gritty attitude, aggressive guitar work, and fiercely driven vocals. Also, UK blues-rock powerhouse Will Wilde joined us on this one, pulling off a great solo on the harmonica.”

 

Pre-Order “Metalmorphosis” HERE

Swedish rockers Confess are finally back with their long awaited fourth record, their most ambitious album to date marking a bold evolution in their sound.

The band described “Metalmorphosis” in the following way: “It’s definitely the ten most well-crafted songs we’ve ever written, both music and lyric wise. It’s fully packed with heavy riffing, big choruses and a whole new level of dynamics. We’ve pushed ourselves harder than ever and it really shows”.

“The album is mixed and mastered by Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) and he has really taken the band’s sound to a whole new level”, they added.

While staying true to the gritty, hard-hitting energy that has defined the band since their early days in Stockholm, “Metalmorphosis” expands their musical palette with more commercially resonant material, crafting a sound that is both polished and explosively energetic.

Fronted by John Elliot, whose commanding vocals have also been showcased with the legendary Crashdiet, Confess demonstrate a rare balance of raw sleaze-metal grit and melodic sophistication.

On drums, Samuel Samael drives the rhythm with precision and power, while Ludwig Nordlander and Asser Hakala weave dynamic guitar textures that range from shredding riffs to soaring solos. Bassist Lucky anchors the band with a solid low-end punch, rounding out a lineup that is firing on all cylinders.

Since their formation, Confess have earned a reputation for their relentless commitment to the sleaze/metal aesthetic, infusing their work with memorable hooks, arena-ready choruses, and a devil-may-care attitude.

With “Metalmorphosis”, the band take this ethos to a new level, delivering songs that are as catchy as they are ferocious, and as bold as they are accessible. It’s a record that will appeal to longtime fans of the band while opening doors to a wider audience, showcasing Confess at their most confident and inspired yet.

“Metalmorphosis” is not just another entry in the band’s discography – it’s a statement of artistic growth, a powerful celebration of sleaze-metal craftsmanship, and a must-hear for anyone who loves hard-hitting, melodic rock with attitude.

“Metalmorphosis” Tracklist:

1.    Colorvision
2.    The Warriors
3.    Wicked Temptations
4.    Metalmorphosis
5.    Beat Of My Heart
6.    Pursuit Of The Jenny Haniver
7.    The Other Side
8.    Running To My Death
9.    Plague Of Steel
10.    Silvermalen

Line Up:
John Elliot – Vocals
Samuel Samael – Drums
Ludwig Nordlander – Guitars
Asser Hakala – Guitars
Lucky – Bass

Follow CONFESS:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Romanian Folkcore DIRTY SHIRT Teams Up with Hungarian Legends Besh o droM for Explosive Duo Version of “Büntető”

Dirty Shirt, one of Eastern Europe’s most innovative and high‑energy metal bands, announces the release of their new single “Büntető”, a powerful collaborative re‑imagining of the Hungarian folk hit originally performed by world‑renowned group Besh o droM. The track marks the second single from Dirty Shirt’s next studio album, following the success of their first preview, “FOMO.”​
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The collaboration brings together two of the region’s most dynamic musical forces, blending Dirty Shirt’s signature heavy, dance‑driven metal with Besh o droM’s virtuosic approach to Eastern European and Balkan folk traditions. The result is a 194 BPM explosion of energy, featuring 16 musicians and a seamless fusion of traditional instrumentation with modern metal intensity.

Dirty Shirt describes the partnership with Besh o droM as natural, inspiring, and full of mutual respect.
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​“We are very happy to have made this collaboration. We love Besh o droM’s music, and it was wonderful to see how open they were to working together with us. One of the highlights was performing the song together at Dirty Fest 2025, and part of the video includes footage from that incredible concert,” says the band’s leader, Mihai Tivada.

Dirty Shirt has been performing their live version of “Büntető” for over a year, including a standout moment at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025, where the song became one of the most celebrated highlights of their set. Fans have been eagerly awaiting an official release.
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​“Many fans already know the song from our concerts, and it always gets an incredible reaction. We’re confident they’ll love this studio version, especially since we’re teaming up with one of the greatest gypsy/folk/rock bands from Hungary, Besh o droM,” adds Mihai.​
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At its core, “Büntető” is about positive, uplifting energy and the belief that music transcends borders. Lyrically inspired by traditional Hungarian folk themes, the song tells a vivid story rooted in village life, relationships, and raw human emotion. Musically, it merges the fiery spirit of gypsy folk with Dirty Shirt’s unmistakable modern folkcore metal sound.
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The release of “Büntető” also comes as Dirty Shirt wraps up their triumphant Dirtylicious Decade Tour, with 8 of 11 shows sold out, and prepares for a packed summer festival season, including their third appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany.

Recommended for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, Dubioza Kolektiv, Russkaja, and The Hu.

Watch and listen to the video for “Büntető” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7v19wziCY8​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://ffm.to/bntet​

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First single “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyloBE8YbqY​
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The band also recently released a full live performance from Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v67KzzE6ivk​

DIRTY SHIRT Dirtylicious Decade Tour​
Ticket Info – https://www.ambilet.ro/dirtyshirt/
​17.04.2026 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu
19.04.2026 – The Station – Petrosani
08.05.2026 – Log Out – Baia Mare
09.05.2026 – Soho Music Hall – Bistrita
22.05.2026 – Terasa Flex – Arad
23.05.2026 – In Spatele Casei – Timisoara

For more info: https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​
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​About Dirty Shirt:​
For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse known for fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more—and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 1000 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.
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​About Besh o droM:​
Formed in Budapest in 1999, Besh o droM is one of Hungary’s most influential and internationally celebrated world‑music groups. Their sound blends the folk traditions of Hungary, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans with modern elements, creating a unique “virtual folklore” free of cultural borders. Over the past 25 years, they have performed on five continents at major world‑music, folk, gypsy, jazz, and rock festivals. Their album Besh o droM20 spent several months on the World Music Chart Europe Top 20, and the band continues to evolve with new music and a dynamic, mature sound.

Extravagant Rock Project JESUS CRINGE Drops Single “Unhinged Byproduct”

merging from the avant-garde shadows of the Belgian space-art rock scene, JESUS CRINGE today releases its second single, “Unhinged Byproduct”, a satirical, surrealist odyssey taken from the forthcoming album, due via Epictronic Records. More info coming soon!

Where most artists try to seem larger than life, JESUS CRINGE goes further — and stranger. “Unhinged Byproduct” opens on a vision of excess and self-destruction, the artist reimagined as a consumer product rolling off a factory assembly line. Hangover-dazed and hypnotized by television static, the protagonist takes the form of a mass-produced doll — caught in a claw machine, rejected by a disappointed couple, packaged as shrink-wrapped meat in a supermarket fridge. Just before the heat is turned up, he escapes. The finale reveals what started it all: a flashback to the night before, the artist dancing wildly beside two robot vacuum cleaners crowned with disco balls.

“A time of excess, self-destruction, and downfall — a satirical and surreal vision of the artist as a consumer product.”
— JESUS CRINGE

JESUS CRINGE is a Belgian cinematic space-art rock project — reborn from the ashes of 22 for Silicon Alone — built around intense visual worlds and philosophical storytelling. Rooted in pre-rock tradition, the project replaces the conventional guitar/bass duo with violin and baritone saxophone, creating a sonic identity that defies easy categorization. Themes of altered states, identity, and human consciousness in a digitalized world run throughout the work.

After years of meticulous underground development, JESUS CRINGE caught the attention of Epictronic Records, leading to an official signing in early 2023. The debut album unfolds as a vast narrative soundscape — part dystopian fable, part personal confession — drawing from sci-fi cinema and avant-garde rock traditions. Singles including “Only Dark Matters” and “In Every Terms” have showcased the project’s haunting lyricism and sophisticated arrangements, wrapped in visually striking music videos exploring disconnection, memory, and existential tension.

The project has earned international recognition, with features in Metal Shock Finland, Tinnitist, MHF Magazine, Headbangers News, and Prog Rock Journal, alongside airplay on Unsigned Radio UK, WTSQ FM, Nu Rock Radio, Diverse World Music Radio, and Rockers and Other Animals.

More than a band, JESUS CRINGE is a hyperrock experience — standing at the frontier of modern art-rock through immersive visuals, conceptual narratives, and an uncompromising artistic vision.

jesuscringe.com

www.instagram.com/jesus_cringe_music

www.facebook.com/JesusCringe

REVEALING CHAOS Release New Single ‘Sailing Away From Here’ with Lyric Video

Available now on all digital platforms via Volcano Records, “Sail Away From Here” is the new single by REVEALING CHAOS, the Italian band carving its own path between progressive rock, introspection, and melodic depth.

With this new release, the Rome-based group of musicians continues the artistic journey they began in 2021, embracing an intense and atmospheric songwriting approach that blends instrumental solidity with emotional depth. “Sail Away From Here” metaphorically represents a long inner journey through growth, pain, and personal transformation: a symbolic crossing of an ocean that, at first, seems impossible to overcome, before gradually opening up to the possibility of awareness and inner peace.

Musically, the track perfectly captures Revealing Chaos’ creative identity, built on rich arrangements, progressive dynamics, and an emotional approach that balances tension with melodic nuances. Its atmospheric component, supported by synth layers and evocative harmonic textures, shapes a sound that looks both to the tradition of progressive music and to a more contemporary sensibility, confirming a coherent, mature, and constantly evolving artistic vision.

The single is also available on YouTube, accompanied by a lyric video available at the following link: https://youtu.be/gB_yx-Mtwow

Further info at
www.volcanopromotion.com
www.facebook.com/revealingchaos

Progressive Sludge Trio APE VERMIN Embark On “The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2” with MEAN GREEN

North Carolina progressive sludge metal trio Ape Vermin will hit the road this spring for “The Riders of the Damned Tour Part 2,” across the U.S. alongside stoner metal trio Mean Green. The run supports Ape Vermin’s crushing full‑length “Andromedas Colossus,” the band’s most dynamic, melodic, and brutally expansive release to date.
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The tour launches May 16 at Bull City Metal Fest in Durham, NC, and storms across the Southeast, Texas, the Southwest, and the Mountain states before closing June 12 in Chattanooga, TN (dates listed below).
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The announcement arrives alongside the release of the band’s new lyric video for “Awakened,” created by filmmaker Kenji Tsunami of Tsunami Films (also bassist for Narcotic Wasteland). The track, an explosive fusion of sludge, thrash, and cosmic devastation, showcases the album’s apocalyptic themes and the band’s sharpened, evolved sound.
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​“‘Awakened’ is my personal favorite. Hell has come back to life. The Colossus is awake. Prepare for your imminent obliteration,” says guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee.

Watch the lyric video for “Awakened” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFKiEXOC0qI​
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Formed in 2017 by Brett Lee, drummer Seth Lynn, and bassist Jared Edge, Ape Vermin has carved out a reputation for no‑frills, high‑volume, amplifier‑worshipping heaviness. Their sound, described by the band as Colossal, Epic, Unique, Exciting, Heavy, pulls from sludge, doom, thrash, groove metal, death metal, and progressive rock.
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With “Andromedas Colossus,” Ape Vermin pushes further into a dark, prophetic sonic realm built over a decade of writing. The album’s ten tracks range from the obliterating opener “Obliteration Imminent” to the tribal‑tinged instrumental “Pulse Driver,” the environmentally charged “Mining the Colossus,” and the epic closer “Return to Andromeda.” Lyrically, the record explores outer‑space phenomena, extraterrestrial mythos, prehistoric terror, psychedelic visions, and sci‑fi horror, an entire universe crafted in Lee’s mind.
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“We want to take listeners on an epic sonic journey. This record is extremely dynamic, melodic, visceral, and dark. Fans can expect even more crushing material. We’re already working on the next LP,” adds Lee.

Recommended for fans of High on Fire, Crowbar, Mastodon, Yob, and Conan, check out “Andromedas Colossus” (released May 17th, 2024) at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://apevermin.bandcamp.com/​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y5DAyV5AP3hLNSMDfuQkh​

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“The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2” w/ Ape Vermin, Mean Green​
5/16 – Durham, N.C – Bull City Metal Fest
5/17 – Winston-Salem, N.C – The Den
5/18 – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social
5/19 – Savannah, GA – TBA
5/20 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
5/21 – Orlando, FL – TBA
5/22 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug
5/23 – Lafayette, LA – Freetown Boom Room
5/24 – Denton, TX – Tokeys
5/25 – Corpus Christi, TX – Boozers
5/26 – San Antonio, TX – TBA
5/27 – Austin, TX – TBA
5/28 – Houston, TX – Black Magic
5/29 – El Paso, TX – The Rockhouse
5/30 – Albuquerque, NM – TBA
5/31 – Scottsdale, AZ – Pho Cao
6/2 – Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewery
6/3 – Las Vegas, NV – The Griffin
6/4 – Salt Lake City, UT – TBA
6/5 – Cheyenne, WY – TBA
6/6 – Denver, CO – TBA
6/7 – Colorado Springs, CO – Whats Left Records
6/8 – Kansas City, MO – The Warehouse
6/9 – Chicago, IL – Reggies
6/10 – Lexington, KY – Als Bar
6/11 – Nashville, TN – TBA
6/12 – Chattanooga, TN – JJs Bohemia

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Track Listing:​
1. Obliteration Imminent – 5:12
2. Colony – 7:00
3. Solaruss – 5:30
4. Pulse Driver – 3:47
5. Mining The Colossus – 8:06
6. Signal Transmissions – 2:45
7. Motherlode – 8:32
8. Awakened – 3:17
9. Unearthing the Artifact – 7:43
10. Return to Andromeda – 7:57

Album/Live Band Line Up:​
Guitarist/Vocalist – Brett Lee
Drummer – Seth Lynn
Bassist – Jared Edge

More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official​

Energetic feeling of live music – ØUTLINE releases debut EP “Flee n’ Forget”

Finnish hard rock band ØUTLINE has released their first EP, “Flee n’ Forget,” featuring five tracks. Reflecting the restless state of mind of young men, the album boldly breaks genre boundaries and gets even the stiffest heads nodding to the rhythm.

ØUTLINE has been building anticipation for the release over the winter with three singles: “Bite the Bullet,” “925,” and “Moonlight,” which have already attracted a solid 6,000 listeners. The raw rock sound, featuring heavy riffs and melodic solos, is definitely not dead. This has been evident at the band’s live shows in Finland, where the reception has been electric.

Listen to the EP on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz etc.): https://push.fm/fl/outline-fleenforget

– Our songs resonate with people who love the electric atmosphere created by live shows and the sense of connection it brings. We feel it’s important to preserve this feeling at a time when music has become a commercial product, the band commented collectively.

Behind the songs are five guys in their twenties: Aaron Hietaniemi (vocals, acoustic guitar), Mikko Häkkinen (guitar), Iiro Palaste (guitar), Eetu Pynnönen (bass), and Oiva Salonen (drums). All tracks were mixed by Sami Niittykoski and mastered by Miro Kiiski. The release was handled by Inverse Records.

– We recommend listening to the EP songs in order. If it evokes positive feelings, share it with your friends too! You can never have too much rock in your life.

Øutline has performed in its current lineup since 2022. The band has been performing actively across Finland and has released seven singles that have gained traction on Spotify’s rock playlists and local radio stations. After a short break, it’s time once again to release new music and hit the road.

Finnish extreme metal band Saasta’s final single from the upcoming album – Not just a song but self-destruction on the altar of ambition

Finnish extreme metal band Saasta has released the final single from their upcoming album “Cesspool” to be released on May 8th. “The Coffin” dives into the rotten core of burning out: self-loathing, feelings of inadequacy, and those deep, unspoken roots that force us to sacrifice everything to achieve nothing. This is not just a song but self-destruction on the altar of ambition.

“We build inhuman altars for ourselves, goals that tear us away from our own flesh and minds. We force ourselves into a mold we cannot fit into. We feed every drop of blood to an illusion we call ambition. When the body breaks down and the mind screams for mercy, we still do not relent. We cling tooth and nail to the lie we have woven ourselves, until it crushes us and sucks the marrow from our bones.”

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

Musically, “The Coffin” is an atypical track for Saasta thanks to its almost melodic chorus, but the verses and bridge are crafted in the familiar black and death metal aesthetic. The combination of these elements has added a raw, fresh, and addictive track to Saasta’s song arsenal.

The single’s cover art and music video were created in a brutal DIY spirit entirely by Saasta themselves. This marks the band’s seventh music video and continues a series in which Saasta has purposefully built a distinctive, raw, and recognizable visual identity from one opus to the following one. For the band, the visual dimension is not a side note, but a central part of the whole. It is a way to deepen the world created by Saasta and to drive the themes of the songs concretely under the viewer’s skin.

Saasta is an extreme metal band from Kotka, Finland. Formed in 2020 the band combines the mercilessness of black and death metal, with the more subtle nuances of doom. The combination is dark and groovy metal with its own distinctive sound, where strong lyrical expression meets raw energy. Saasta is known for their intense stage presence and uncompromising effort.

Vocals – Leevi Kärsämä
Guitar – Topias Jokipii
Bass Guitar – Janne Hietanen
Drums – Jimi Lahtinen

https://www.saastaofficial.com/

https://www.facebook.com/saastaofficial

https://www.instagram.com/saastaofficial

https://saasta.bandcamp.com/

Prog Rock Visionaries LUFEH Announce New Album “Overwhelmed” Out May 2026 – Streaming First Single “He Commands The Sun and The Stars”

Progressive rock outfit LUFEH returns with their most ambitious and emotionally charged work to date, “Overwhelmed,” the band’s long‑awaited new studio album, set for release on May 29, 2026. Leading the preview to the full-length is the explosive first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” a track that captures the band’s signature blend of technical mastery, soaring melodies, and cinematic storytelling.
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Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, “Overwhelmed” marks a major evolution for LUFEH, musically, lyrically, and creatively. The album introduces the band’s new featured vocalist and electric violinist, Ginny Luke, whose dynamic performances add a new dimension to LUFEH’s sound.
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​“This album is the result of a lot of dedication, maturity, and the realization of a dream. We focused on strong, memorable vocal melodies while keeping the complex musicianship our fans love. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and catchiness,” says founder and drummer Lufeh Batera.
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While LUFEH’s 2020 debut “Luggage Falling Down” leaned heavily into technical, instrumental complexity, “Overwhelmed” takes a more melodic and vocal‑driven approach, without sacrificing the band’s progressive roots.
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“We wanted songs people could sing with us. All eight tracks have choruses that stick with you. It’s complicated music that’s also catchy, and I think fans will really dig that blend,” explains Batera.
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The album features eight meticulously crafted tracks, each around four minutes long, shaped through a collaborative writing process between members in Los Angeles and São Paulo. Despite the distance, roughly 70% of the album was created online, showcasing the band’s modern, global workflow. “Overwhelmed” explores emotional turbulence, spiritual renewal, and the struggle to stay grounded in a chaotic world. From the uplifting message of “Breathe” to the rock‑opera drama of “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” the album blends heavy moments with melodic clarity and introspection.
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​“Overwhelmed” also marks the debut of Ginny Luke as LUFEH’s featured vocalist. An internationally recognized electric violinist and singer, Luke has performed with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Miguel, and many others.
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Her violin appears on three tracks, “Overwhelmed,” “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” and “Live the New Today”, adding a dramatic, orchestral edge to the band’s progressive sound.
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​“Ginny brought a whole new dimension to this album. Her voice and violin transformed the music into something unique and powerful,” adds Batera.

LUFEH’s lineup is built on decades of friendship and collaboration. Guitarist Deio Tambasco and bassist Duca Tambasco have been playing with Batera since the early ’90s in their original band Anno Domini. Their long‑standing chemistry fuels the band’s tight, expressive sound.
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​“We’re all in our 50s, but we feel like we’re 30. We’ve been friends forever. There’s no ego in this band, just honesty, passion, and a lot of love,” adds Batera.

The first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” is a rhythmic tour‑de‑force anchored by Batera’s intricate drumming and a massive, unforgettable chorus. Lyrically, the song explores the rise and unraveling of a powerful figure worshipped by the masses, until the crowd begins to question him.
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​“It’s one of my personal favorites. It’s complex, but the chorus stays in your head. That’s exactly the balance we aimed for,” comments Batera.

Recommended for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Sleep Token, and Tool, listen to “He Commands The Sun and The Stars” at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0WG8j9ovlU​

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/3F0lCl87w8HoigLE1jPOnJ​

Bandcamp – https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/​

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Track Listing:​
1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
2. Breathe – 4:03
3. Double Dip – 4:39
4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
6. Live The New Today – 4:50
7. War of Emotions – 3:50
8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, Lufeh Batera, and Ginny Luke
• All songs written by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, and Lufeh Batera
• Produced by: Gera Penna
• Mixed by: Adair Daufembach
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Lufeh Batera

Album and Live Band Line Up:​
Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
Lufeh Batera – Drums
Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)

More Info:

​http://www.lufehband.com​

​https://www.facebook.com/lufehband​

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

About:

LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical musicianship with emotional depth, jazz fusion influences, and Brazilian musical roots. Founded by drummer Lufeh Batera, the band is known for its sophisticated arrangements, dynamic performances, and genre‑defying creativity. Overwhelmed is the band’s second studio album, following their 2020 debut Luggage Falling Down.

Rock God Thor Joins Nuclear Messiah For A Taste Of Death Or Glory

As the April 24 release of Nuclear Messiah’s much-anticipated Black Flame concept album draws closer, Cleopatra Records are thrilled to release what even producer Brian Perera describes as “one of the best and most under-rated metal songs of all time”… and all who have heard it agree wholeheartedly.
A deep cut from New Wave of British Heavy Metal heroes Holocaust, “Death Or Glory” … like the remainder of the album … features a dazzling array of all-star musicians to accompany frontman Chris Poland [Megadeth] through the storm.
But with a title like “Death Or Glory,” who more fitting to handle lead vocals than the mighty Thor?
He says, “I had to sing a searing brand of rock on this track as I was amongst strong swords such Chris, Bob Daisley [Ozzy Osbourne], Jurgen Engler [Die Krupps], Glen Drover [Megadeth and Fred Aching [Dead Groove].
“I was psyched, and sang with power and intensity. I was honored to be included on this album along with these great legendary artists.”
Neither is this all you’ll be hearing from Thor over the next few months, as he wraps up​ his next album… which is also the last one he’ll ever make..  Yep, that’s right.  Thor hasn’t just lived the rock ‘n’ roll life — he’s abused his body to keep it like a gladiator: relentless weight training , and pushing through injuries while punishing himself night after night onstage.
And now, it’s caught up with him.
After 40 years and 40 records of bending steel, breaking bones, and driving himself past the limit in the name of rock ‘n’ roll, the wear and tear is real — and Thor is finally stepping away.
But he’s not going quietly.
Over the coming months, he unleashes The Final Battle — and he is resolute.  “It is my ultimate and absolutely final album.  “It’s Ragnarok!”
There’ll be more details and information coming soon.  But don’t fear.  As Nuclear Messiah’s “Death Or Glory” proves, the Thunder God’s hammer is still in full flight, the lightning is blinding, the thunder is explosive… and still “Death Or Glory” is only one of its highlights.
How could it be otherwise, with fellow guest vocalists the caliber of Arthur Brown, Sebastian Bach and William Shatner (himself hard at work on his forthcoming metal album for Cleopatra Records!), and a staggering lineup that represents every era of heavy music, from Vanilla Fudge to the Kings of Thrash, via Guns N’Roses, Uriah Heep, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, UFO, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Testament, Night Ranger, the Michael Schenker Group, Yes and more.
“This record has so many metal icons playing on it,” says Chris Poland.  “It’s really a must for any metal head’s record collection.”
Track listing
1. The Prophet Of Fallout feat. Chris Poland & William Shatner
2. Devil Won’t Let Go feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Vinnie Moore, Vinny Appice, Don Airey, Steve Di Giorgio
3. Death Or Glory feat. Chris Poland, Thor, Bob Daisley, Glen Drover, Fred Aching
4. Ride The Sky feat. Chris Poland, Arthur Brown, Vinny Appice, Alan Davey
5. Dice And Thunder feat. Chris Poland, Rick Wakeman, Ronnie Romero, Bumblefoot, Steve Di Giorgio, Fred Aching
6. For Mad Men Only feat. Chris Poland, Pat Travers, Joe Lynn Turner, Alan Davey, Shawn Drover
7. Nuclear Messiah feat. Chris Poland, Lance Lopez, Greg Walker, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Vinny Appice, Don Airey
8. Look At Yourself feat. Chris Poland, Sebastian Bach, Derek Sherinian, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Carmine Appice
9. She’s So Evil feat. Chris Poland, Joel Hoekstra, David Ellefson, Don Airey, Andrew Freeman, Simon Wright
10. Black Flame feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Jonathan Cain, Phil Soussan, Glen Drover, Chris Adler
11. Electric Burn feat. Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, Joe Bouchard, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler

Finnish Fuzz Rock Quartet Heezer Return with Powerful New Single “Horse”

Great news from the Finnish fuzz rock underground: Heezer are back. The band makes a strong return to the scene with their brand-new single “Horse,” out today alongside an official music video. The track also serves as the first glimpse into Heezer’s forthcoming second album.

With “Horse,” Heezer’s direction is clear — the quartet delivers a gritty and infectious blend of desert rock and stoner energy, driven by shamelessly catchy classic rock melodies and a no-nonsense groove.

According to the band, the song came together fast and with ease.

“‘Horse’ was an exceptional song to write, because the parts and vocal melodies were basically finished in about five minutes,” says vocalist/guitarist Sami Kääriäinen. “Of course we refined it together in pre-production, but the core idea stayed the same. At the time I had a hectic project going on at work and long days, so the song is kind of a reminder to myself of what actually matters.”

However, the track’s place on the album was far from guaranteed.

“This is one those songs, where getting the groove and tempo just right is crucial — otherwise the song just doesn’t work,” drummer Ville Häsä recalls. “We had to rehearse it a lot and were already ready to shelve it completely. But once we got to the studio, we decided to give it a chance, and it turned out so well that we had no choice but to choose it as the album’s first single.”

The accompanying music video underlines the song’s theme of raw, hard work. True to the band’s twisted sense of humor, the visuals feel like a strange collision between Finnish cult comedy Kummeli and the eerie atmosphere of Twin Peaks.

“I don’t know where the idea of sawing wood and messing around in the forest work came to mind, but for some reason Kimmo Koskinen, who shot, directed and edited the video, agreed to do it! We wrote the script together and went off to buy a sled. The shoot itself went smoothly, but after weeks of freezing temperatures, it suddenly got above zero, and after spending the whole day soaked in wet snow, I ended up being sick for three weeks. Well, everything has its price”, Kääriäinen recalls.

Heezer is a band that strongly supports a professional DIY approach. They also feel they’ve taken a major leap forward in their evolution — with stronger songwriting, higher production quality, and a sharper, more confident identity shining through. Still, the core principle remains the same: making music has to stay fun, now and in the future.

Heezer line-up:
Sami Kääriäinen – vocals, guitar
Ville Räsänen – guitar
Antti Vesikko – bass
Ville Häsä – drums

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