Category: Press Releases

Italian darkwave/post-punk band Christine Plays Viola proudly announce their signing with the legendary American label Cleopatra Records – New Single My Redemption Out Now

The Italian darkwave/post-punk band Christine Plays Viola proudly announce their signing with the legendary American label Cleopatra Records (Los Angeles), which will release their upcoming album F.I.V.E. – Fear Increases Violent Emotions, scheduled for 2026.

“Joining the Cleopatra family is a dream come true for a band like ours,” say CPV. “We’ve always admired how Cleopatra keeps the darkwave spirit alive worldwide, and this partnership opens a new chapter for Christine Plays Viola with a stronger international vision.”

With this new deal, Christine Plays Viola further establish themselves as one of the most active and respected Italian bands within the international darkwave scene.

The upcoming fifth album,  F.I.V.E. – Fear Increases Violent Emotions marks the beginning of a new chapter for Christine Plays Viola and represents their most powerful, atmospheric, and emotionally intense work so far.

The lead single My Redemption introduces this new artistic phase with a dramatic hybrid of darkwave and gothic rock: pulsating synths, brooding baritone vocals, and a soaring melodic climax. Thematically, the song explores pain, vengeance, and rebirth — a statement of personal struggle and resilience.

“Christine” recalls the kaleidoscopic elegance of a Siouxsie and the Banshees song — a reflection of mystery and emotion in constant transformation.
“Plays Viola” evokes the fragile, human resonance of a bowed instrument — intimate, trembling, melancholic.
Together, they create a duality: beauty and decay, light and shadow, grace and disquiet.
A name that captures the band’s very essence — where melody and anguish coexist, and every note becomes confession.
Christine Plays Viola: a sonic journey for lovers of The Cure, Joy Division, Depeche Mode, and for all those who still seek poetry in the dark.

Christine Plays Viola is a darkwave/gothic rock band formed in 2008 in Abruzzo, Italy.
Active for more than a decade within Europe’s alternative scene, CPV have built a solid reputation for their distinctive mixture of baritone-driven melodies, post-punk tension, and cinematic atmospheres.
The band has toured extensively across Europe, performing at major festivals such as Wave Gotik Treffen and Castle Party, and sharing the stage with artists like Das Ich, Clan of Xymox, Chameleons Vox, And Also the Trees, Pink Turns Blue, Modern English, She Past Away, 1919, and more.
Their music has been broadcast on radio stations, club playlists, and darkwave media worldwide.

In 2025, Christine Plays Viola signed with Cleopatra Records (Los Angeles) — one of the most iconic alternative and dark labels in the world, known for working with Christian Death, The Damned, The Mission, Gary Numan, Clan of Xymox, and many more. This partnership marks a major step forward in the band’s international trajectory and sets the stage for their most ambitious release to date.

After several EPs and compilation appearances, CPV debuted in 2011 with Innocent Awareness (AF Music), followed by Promo 2012.
Their second album Vacua (Cold Insanity Records, 2014) — inspired by Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings — showcased a more conceptual and introspective side of the band.
In 2015 they began their collaboration with French label Manic Depression Records, releasing the 7’’ The Stars Can’t Frighten and the third studio album Spooky Obsessions (2016).
The EP The Bonds Should Be Only Silver Threads (2018) included a collaboration with Miro Sassolini (ex-Diaframma).
Their fourth album Fading (2020), released through Manic Depression and Icy Cold Records, introduced acoustic and psychedelic nuances into their darkwave foundation.

Line-Up:
Fabrizio Giampietro — guitars, synth, programming
Massimo Ciampani — vocals
Gianluca Orsini — drums
Marco Di Ianni — bass

Official Website: www.christineplaysviola.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Plays-Viola/67686376010
X / Twitter: www.x.com/christineplaysv
Bandcamp: www.christineplaysviola.bandcamp.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/monolitonero
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/christineplaysviola

Maltese Alt-Metal Powerhouse FROM SHEEP TO WOLVES Signs With Wormholedeath

Wormholedeath is proud to welcome Malta’s rising alternative metal/rock trio, From Sheep To Wolves. The band, known for its unpredictable blend of heavy breakdowns and electronic beats, will unleash their ambitious new full-length album, “Ephemeris,” worldwide on February 27, 2026.

Formed in 2015 by founding members Carlo Cranmer and John Castiel, From Sheep To Wolves quickly transitioned from a production-driven project to an unavoidable live act thanks to overwhelming fan response. The band has since cultivated a sound that is as versatile as it is visceral, ensuring listeners “never know what to expect.” This unpredictable sonic approach is consistently grounded by a commitment to delivering a strong message fueled by heart and soul.

The upcoming album, Ephemeris—a word meaning “journal”—is positioned as a deeply personal and immersive journey into self-discovery. Crafted with contributions from both current and former members, the album serves as a raw and honest look at navigating life’s most profound obstacles.

The lyrics are a direct reflection of personal experiences, documenting encounters and emotions faced during the writing process. Sonically and lyrically, the album moves through a complete spectrum of feelings, from struggle and pain to eventual growth and hope, ultimately documenting the relentless journey of striving for self-betterment. Ephemeris is a powerful musical diary that promises to resonate with anyone striving to persevere.

Line up:
Carlo Cranmer: Vocals & Guitars
Julio Quintero: Drums
Carl Cassar: Bass

From Sheep To Wolves Online:
linktr.ee/fromsheeptowolves
www.tiktok.com/@fromsheeptowolves
www.instagram.com/fromsheeptowolvesband
www.facebook.com/Fromsheep2wolves
www.youtube.com/@fromsheeptowolves4962

Finnish melodic death metal band Obscure Fate released the second single ‘Poison Throne’ from the forthcoming debut album

Finnish melodic death metal act Obscure Fate is about to release their debut album ‘Shades of a Dying World’ on March 27th 2026 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Poison Throne’ is out now and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/obscure-fate-poison-throne

The band comments:
” “Poison Throne” represents corrupt authority that poisoned what it was supposed to protect. The song refers directly to the Inquisition, historical events in which innocent people were executed on religious grounds. Religion was used as a tool of power, not salvation. The song “Poison Throne” urges us to remember the injustices of the past and expands the theme from the individual to the collective trauma of an entire nation.”

BIOGRAPHY:

Obscure Fate was originally formed in 2008 in Paltamo, Finland, as the solo project of guitarist and songwriter Kaleva Kovalainen. In 2009, drummer Jari Keränen and bassist Petri Möttönen joined, giving the songs their first real band form. Shortly after, guitarist Joni Moisanen and vocalist Tapio Möttönen became official members, and together the group arranged dozens of tracks for full band performances. From the very beginning, Tapio handled the lyrics, with Petri contributing to the song Spectral Exile.

The current lineup was completed in 2019 when bassist Antti Möttönen replaced Petri. Musically, Obscure Fate is rooted in traditional melodic death metal, though elements of thrash and classic heavy metal also find their way into the band’s sound. Kaleva’s prolific songwriting provided a strong foundation for the band, while the lyrics explore themes of social criticism, fictional storytelling, and inner struggles.

In 2021, Obscure Fate released their first EP. Recording sessions for their debut full-length album began soon after, but due to various setbacks the process turned into a long and seemingly endless project. Finally, in April 2025, the band reached the final stages of completing the album, marking an important milestone in their journey. The debut album ‘Shades of a Dying World’ is set to be released in March 2026 via Inverse Records.

Listen to the first single ‘Age of Delusion’: https://push.fm/fl/obscure-fate-age-of-delusion

Line-up:

Kaleva Kovalainen, Guitars
Tapio Möttönen, Vocals
Jari Keränen, Drums
Joni Moisanen, Guitars, Backing Vocals
Antti Möttönen, Bass

Links:
https://obscurefate.net
https://www.facebook.com/ObscureFateBand
https://www.instagram.com/obscurefateband
https://obscurefate.bandcamp.com

Italian Symphonic Death NEFASTIS Apocalyptic Single “Shadow Spell” From New Dark Concept Album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” Out March 2026

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “Shadow Spell”, the brand new single by Italian symphonic death metal act NEFASTIS.

“Shadow Spell” marks the opening chapter of “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn“, an ambitious four-act concept album conceived as a continuous and engaging listening experience. The track follows an instrumental introduction and immediately sets the emotional and narrative tone of the record, plunging the listener into a post-apocalyptic scenario shaped by loss, anguish, and spiritual disorientation.

Musically, “Shadow Spell” showcases NEFASTIS evolved identity, blending aggressive death metal foundations with layered orchestral arrangements, progressive structures, and haunting melodic themes. Intense piano passages and sweeping symphonic textures coexist with sharp riffs, dynamic drumming, and commanding vocals, creating a dark yet story-driven atmosphere that unfolds with dramatic tension and depth.

Lyrically, the song portrays the journey of survivors in the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe, accompanied by restless spirits that haunt the devastated world around them. This dual presence – physical and spectral – becomes a key narrative element, reinforcing the album’s overarching theme of humanity facing extinction, memory, and decay.

Founded in 2008, NEFASTIS debuted in 2014 with the concept album “De Diebus Fastis, Nefastis, Infaustis“, before reshaping their sound into a more expansive and orchestral form of symphonic death metal. With “Shadow Spell”, the band opens a new and decisive chapter, setting the foundations for their most ambitious work to date.

Recommended for fans of Wintersun, Hypocrisy, Fleshgod Apocalypse, “Shadow Spell”, can be heard at the following links:

Visualizer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxonu0RIApA​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://lnk.to/nfstsf​
​
New album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” out March 6th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”​
​https://rockshots.eu/products/nefastis-shadows-at-the-light-of-dawn-cd​

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Track Listing:​
1. Cosmic Silence at the Edge of the New World – 2:50
2. Shadow Spell – 4:30
3. Seduced by the Beauty of the Darkness – 5:05
4. Absence of Illumination – 2:52
5. Tears of the Past – 4:29
6. Vortex of Light – 5:09
7. Lights of Dawn – 3:43
8. Alone Again – 5:57
9. Stardust – 5:05
10. Blackened Vision – 2:45
11. Collapsing Dream – 8:01
12. Flowers Swept Away by the Autumn – 5:33
Album Length: 55:58
​​
Nefastis Line-Up:​
Simone Colombo: Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Andrea Lenzi: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals, Orchestrations
Fulvio Manganini: Bass
Claudio Invidia: Drums

BIOGRAPHY:
​Formed in 2008, Nefastis is an Italian Symphonic Death Metal band known for its strong conceptual approach and continuously evolving musical identity. From the very beginning, the band focused on original compositions, gradually shaping a sound that blends extreme metal intensity with orchestral depth and progressive structures.
​
Nefastis made their recording debut in 2014 with “De Diebus Fastis, Nefastis, Infaustis”, a thrash/death metal concept album divided into four acts and conceived as a narrative work. The release earned the band recognition within the underground scene and led them to share the stage with internationally renowned acts such as Toxik, Leprous, Hirax, Onkel Tom Angelripper, and Bonded By Blood.
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Following the debut, lineup changes forced the band into a hiatus. During this period, Nefastis underwent a significant artistic transformation, redefining their sound and expanding their compositional vision. Moving away from a more direct thrash-oriented approach, the band embraced a broader and more cinematic form of symphonic death metal, characterized by orchestral arrangements, progressive songwriting, and a strong narrative dimension.
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This evolution fully materializes in “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, a four-act concept album set in a post-apocalyptic world and conceived as a continuous and immersive listening experience. Each act is introduced by an instrumental piece that establishes the atmosphere of the chapter, guiding the listener through a cohesive musical and emotional journey. The album was produced by the band, mixed by Frank Altare, and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios (Angra, Amorphis, Kreator, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Powerwolf).
​
With “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, Nefastis reaffirm their commitment to ambitious songwriting and genre-crossing composition, merging death metal, orchestral music, and progressive influences into a unified and expressive soundscape.

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​More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://www.instagram.com/nefastis.italy/​

​https://www.facebook.com/nefastis.italy​

Greek Death/Thrash Icons CREMATE Drop Chilling Lyric Video for “Human”

In 1993, the world was a different place, but the darkest corners of the human psyche remain unchanged. Greek death/thrash metal icon CREMATE taps into that timeless darkness with the official lyric video for “Human,” a standout track from their powerhouse EP, Ready To Fight, out now via Wormholedeath.

Originally written over three decades ago, “Human” has evolved from a raw expression of 90s angst into a chillingly relevant commentary on our modern digital age. The track serves as a visceral thrash metal statement on the things society chooses to ignore: fear, pride, and hypocrisy.

While the song was born from internal human conflict, CREMATE notes that these emotions have migrated from our hearts into our hardware. “Human” explores the blurred line between biology and technology, questioning what happens when we translate our pain and fears into algorithms and artificial intelligence—systems that can process data, but can never truly “feel” what it means to be human.

Stream the EP Ready To Fight:
https://orcd.co/rtfep

CREMATE’s story is one of resurrection. Originally formed in Alimos, Athens, in 1991, the band carved out a reputation for a raw, aggressive sound inspired by titans like Kreator and Sodom. After a successful run in the mid-90s—including the internationally acclaimed End of Time demo—the band disbanded, leaving a void in the Greek underground scene.

In 2021, founder Christos reignited the flame. Alongside drummer George and guitarist/producer Akis Pastras, the band returned to their roots to re-envision their 90s fury through a contemporary lens.

About the EP: Ready To Fight The resulting 4-track EP is an uncompromising fusion of vintage aggression and modern dark textures. Ready To Fight features three reworked classics and the brand-new title track, which boasts a guest solo from Marios Iliopoulos (Nightrage). The EP also features haunting violin work from Lusty Apricot on “Die as You Lived,” adding a layer of gothic atmosphere to the band’s signature brutality.

Recorded and mixed by Akis Pastras and mastered by the legendary George Nerantzis (Rotting Christ, Abbath).

www.instagram.com/CremateTHEBAND
www.facebook.com/crematetheband
www.youtube.com/@CREMATEtheband

The Might of Motörhead Has Just Become Mightier – Michael Moorcock Leads The Pink Fairies Through A Skull-Charring Cover of “Motörhead”

Lemmy, the indefatigable leader of Motörhead, once warned that if his band moved in next door to you, your lawn would die. So it’s a good job that the band’s toots lay in the brick-and-concrete underworld of London’s Ladbroke Grove, a part of the same hard rock multiverse that also gave us Lemmy’s old bandmates in Hawkwind, his good friends in the Pink Fairies, and so many more.​There were very few lawns to kill for miles around.
Lemmy left us a decade ago – on December 28, 2015, to be precise. So it’s only fitting that, just 10 days shy of the actual anniversary, the Fairies themselves deliver the ultimate tribute to our fallen hero, a gut-tearing reworking of Motörhead’s own original statement of intent… “Motörhead”!
“Motörhead” was written in Los Angeles during Hawkwind’s 1974 US tour, after Lemmy borrowed an Ovation guitar from the Electric Light Orchestra, and took it out on the balcony of the Hyatt Hotel at 7.30am.
It became Lemmy’s final recording with Hawkwind before his firing in 1975—of course he took the title for his own next band, and swiftly rerecorded the song as well, first for the band’s proposed (but unreleased) debut album, then for Motörhead’s first UK hit single. 
Almost everyone involved in this new recording has fistfuls of Lemmy memories… including two special guests, the late Hawkwind saxophonist Nik Turner, who played alongside him for three epoch-making years; sci-fi author and poet Michael Moorcock, who regularly performed and recorded with the Hawks throughout that same period, and now brings his unmistakable vocal roar to the Fairies.
Of the Fairies themselves, Paul Rudolph – having jammed multiple times with him in the legendary Pinkwind hybrid – actually replaced Lemmy in Hawkwind after a drug bust saw him peremptorily sacked from that band. And, a few years (and several more bass players) later, Alan Davey stepped into that same role, suddenly charged with playing the same tumultuous bass lines that his Hawkwind-loving younger self had grown up playing along with
Indeed, it was Lemmy’s bass solo on Hawkwind’s “Time We Left This World Today” that got Alan into playing bass in the first place.  “It’s got lots of note bending, growling bass chords and a bass/guitar solo element about it. I had no interest in [playing] music till I heard that.”
Alan’s friendship with Lemmy grew from there; the pair would hang together, jam together… on one occasion, they almost recorded together, and would have if Lemmy hadn’t relocated to the United States on the eve of their studio date.
It was Alan who brought “Motörhead” into the Pink Fairies’ most recent recording sessions, a tribute not only to his old friend, but also to the symbiotic relationship between the two groups.  Original Motörhead guitarist Larry Wallis, had replaced Paul Rudolph in the Fairies in 1973; fellow co-founder drummer Lucas Fox was a Fairy across their last two albums.  And Alan himself has been leading his own Motörhead tribute band, Ace of Spades, since the end of the last century, with Lemmy’s full support, of course.
“I ran into Lemmy at the Hawkestra gig,” Alan recalls. “He turned up at the rehearsal and immediately said to me, ‘What’s this Ace of Spades band ya doing, Al, and why ya doing it?’ 
“I replied, ‘Cause I love the songs and I love playing them.’ 
‘That’s good enough for me,’ said Lemmy. He gave me a hug and his blessing to carry on with it and use the name Ace of Spades.”
It’s odds-on that Lemmy would heartily approve of the Fairies’ take on the anthem, as well.  A guttural roar that comes screaming out of the Fairies’ latest album, the all-covers Covered In Pink, it’s the ultimate collision between Motörhead’s unrelenting sonic attack, and the Fairies’ role in the birth of space rock, with Alan’s predatory bass, Paul’s wildfire guitar and One-Legged Pete’s avalanche drums, Turner’s untrammeled honking and Moorcock’s vocals… in fact, there’s no need to try and describe what happens next.  Just listen and feel your mind melt.
The full Fairies album will be out on January 16.  For now, though, you’ve got “Motörhead.”  It’s magnificent.
Track listing
1. Garden Of My Mind 
2. Rosalyn 
3. Cracked Actor 
4. Baby’s On Fire 
5. Motörhead 
6. Communication Breakdown 
7. American Woman 
8. Right To Decide 
9. Milk And Alcohol 
10. The Loco-Motion 
11. Mississippi Queen 
12. Do It 
13. Dum Dum Bala Bala Bow Row…Yeah!!

Metal Regiment Barrel Marches Towards the Release of Their Debut Album Triptych – Listen to New Single Sophia’s Repentance Now

Barrel, who skillfully combines different genres of metal, is now taking the next step towards their first full-length studio album. Another preview of the Triptych album, which will be released on February 6th, was released in the form of the single Sophia’s Repentance. The song, which rushes forward accompanied by furious guitar riffs, offers a fast-paced journey, during which it visits the fields of death, thrash and also heavy metal.

“Sophia’s Repentance continues Triptych’s metaphysical journey towards the fulfillment of the trinity. Our physical world and us were created apart from perfect knowledge. Millions worship a demiurge blind to the truth, a cosmic error. A creator god whose imperfect creation causes suffering in the material world,” the band’s bassist Vellu opens the story of the song.

“The ignorant and arrogant Yaldabaoth took his light and power from his own creator Sophia, created our dim world from them, and sought to enslave weak man, demanding worship and submission. From the dawn of the archetypal dawn, a star rises to bring light and justice to the world – to right the wrong through Sophia. From the suffering of the repentant Sophia, the possibility of salvation arises. Awakening to knowledge and truth frees man from Yaldabaoth’s power. Sophia’s Repentance is the question: Who will bring gnosis and release your divine spark?”

The album’s first single, Scavenger, was released in December, and in addition to media attention, it raised high expectations for the upcoming debut album. Sophia’s Repentance raises the revs even higher, and the Triptych album, due out next month, will propel the band towards a promising career in the metal field. The upcoming album offers a diverse range of metal, ranging from explosive rock and roll through thrash to a hauntingly beautiful melancholy floating in the endless expanse of deserts and space. The question Barrel poses is: why confine yourself to a genre when metal is a chaotic force of boundless creativity?

Barrel also stylishly invests in a distinctive visual world, where in addition to cover and promo images created by Juha “Wuorlock” Wuorinen, single releases are also accompanied by comics.

Triptych track list:
1. Cryptomnesia
2. Prelude to the Fall of Man
3. Scavenger
4. Sophia’s Repentance
5. Prelude to War
6. Signs for Kings
7. Dogma Denied
8. War
9. Ode to the Fallen

Barrel is heading to the gig scene this month, and their conquest of the Finnish peninsula will continue throughout the spring. Known for their tight live act, the band has played dozens of gigs in their career, and has performed at Suistoklubi, Nokian Kerhola and the Tuhdimmat tahdit e-club in the now defunct Hönö Baar. Last autumn, Barrel also performed in Latvia and Estonia.

16.01.2026 – Ravintola Torvi, Lahti (w/ Alun loppu, Void Monarch)
06.02.2026 – Triptych album release party, Thrasherie Bar, Tampere
20.03.2026 – RockNeck, Jyväskylä (w/ Wizards Of Hazards, Cardinal Fleet)
27.03.2026 – Varjobaari, Tampere (w/ Steel Systems, TBA)
15.05.2026 – Nirvana, Turku (w/ Pressure Points, Sum of Seven)
16.05.2026 – Bar 15, Seinäjoki (w/ Crow’s Flight)
29.08.2026 – Toppila Klubi, Oulu (w/ Burning Point, Steel Systems)

Barrel’s previous EPs Bullet With Your Name (2022) and Unanticipated Confessions of Love (2023) garnered positive attention both in Finland and abroad. Triptych opens the next chapter in Barrel’s career – a comprehensive and ambitious album is promised, presenting a skilled and resolutely forward and upward-moving band. The Triptych album still features the previous drummer Honkku, and since the summer Barrel has had the new drummer Vili.

Barrel is:
Valtteri – vocals
Vellu – bass, backing vocals, cello
Janne – guitar
Joonas – guitar
Vili – drums

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | BANDCAMP | SPOTIFY

Finnish blackened death metal band Karelian Warcry releases their third album this spring – First single from the album out now

Finnish blackened death metal band Karelian Warcry have worked with their third album for years and finally it sees the light of day this spring. The first bite from the album, a single “Mielen rutto” (The plague of mind) is now out.

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

Karelian Warcry was founded in Kouvola, Finland, in 2002. In its early stages, KW’s music leaned more distinctly towards Black Metal. Nowadays it’s influenced by other subgenres of metal as well as other types of music. The lyrics explore themes related to war, violence and the darker sides of humanity. Each member brings their own musical roots, personal ambitions, and thematic passions into the mix, resulting in unique and recognizable sound. Wistful and haunting melodies, crushing grooves, and relentlessly driving rhythms blend with violent storytelling and poetic expression, hallmarks of Karelian Warcry’s musical identity.

In 2014, the band went on hiatus following the passing of vocalist-guitarist Matti Mikkonen. Although the members have scattered from their hometown of Kouvola, they have continued creating music together—both remotely and in their rehearsal chamber. One could say Karelian Warcry never ceased to exist. And now, a bit over a decade later, they have finally completed the upcoming album, “Veripellot” — their most crushing and cohesive work to date.

Discography:

Demo ’04 (2004)
Kylmä rautainen (Album, 2005)
Verinen taival, päättymätön tie (Album, 2010)
Minun aikani (Single, 2020)

Line-up:
A. O. Heiskanen – Drums
J. H. Järvinen – Vocals
J. T. Kousa – Guitars
S. P. Ukkonen – Bass

https://linktr.ee/Karelian_Warcry

Finnish melodic death/folk metal band Wooden Shadow released a new single ‘We Are The North’

The solo project “Wooden Shadow” by Jeremia Ponto, who just turned 25, from Ylöjärvi, Finland and the latest song “We are the North” is a representative song as its name suggests, in which the north brings honor and strength. The chorus raises the sound levels to the stratosphere and the song’s otherwise rich and rich melody can be heard. There are also experiments with different guitar sections, of which at least Jeremia Ponto himself is really happy about.

LISTEN to ‘We Are The North’ single on all major streaming platforms:  https://push.fm/fl/wooden-shadow-we-are-the-north 

From year 2020 onwards, the first demo (Meaning of Wonders) also started a new project. Wooden Shadow is the solo project of Jeremia Ponto from Ylöjärvi, where the genres vary between melodic styles in the form of different formats. As a rule, founder Ponto writes his compositions based on melodic death metal, but there are also combinations of folk and melodic black metal. Jeremia Ponto, 25, describes his solo project: “Ever since I started making my first compositions, I had in mind to write diverse music that fits the colors of my project itself. Let the people, who find my music
to listen to decide for themselves what my genre represents. I define my music as “melodic metal” because it feels more realistic to me as a composer.”

HYPERSPACE METALFEST Reveals First Batch of Bands for 2026 Lineup with SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, LYCANTHRO and more

Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METAL FEST, is gearing up for its 7th edition after another year packed with unforgettable, high‑energy performances. Taking place at The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, and at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18, the festival has unveiled its first wave of 2026 performers, including SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, WITCH KILLER, OPHELIA FALLING, LYCANTHRO, THORSGUARD, VALLEY OF DESPAIR, with more bands to be announced soon.

“We are beyond stoked to finally announce the first wave of bands for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will be headlining night 1, which will have a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you’ve been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let’s rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!” adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.

Hyperspace Metal Festival VI – April 16th – 18th.​
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at http://hyperspace-vii.eventbrite.ca/​

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/858534116963447​

HMF 2026 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29rcYoWLyYXPFyN7OKdPDB?si=7Kke2MVVSyS6v_Lxe5-KSg​

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This year’s headliner, Sanctuary, is making their exclusive Canadian HMF appearance a very special one as they will be performing their highly praised 1990 album “Into The Mirror Back” in its entirety.

The American heavy metal band Sanctuary was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1985, and quickly became a key part of the city’s influential heavy metal scene. The band’s sound, centered on the distinctive high-pitched vocals of the late Warrel Dane and established them as a prominent force. Their debut album, Refuge Denied (1988), was notably produced by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, helping to launch the band into the global metal consciousness. Sanctuary gathered supporters all around the globe, upping the ante considerably when unleashing the darker, more refined masterpiece that is “Into the Mirror Black” in 1990. While the grunge style brought the band’s commercial career to an unfortunate halt, the end of the band’s first phase meant the rise of Nevermore, who released several much-acclaimed albums via Century Media Records between 1995 and 2010. In 2011, Sanctuary reformed and celebrated their live comeback, performing at high-profile festivals such as Wacken, Metalcamp, Bloodstock, and 70K Tons Of Metal cruise. In 2014, they released “The Year The Sun Died” and landed at #39 in the German charts. In 2017, the restored and remixed 1986 demo recordings were released as the historical “Inception” release, which charted at #53 in Germany. On December 13th, 2017, vocalist Warrel Dane tragically passed away. The band initially embarked on a tribute tour, recruiting Witherfall singer Joseph Michael to fill the vocal spot. The reaction to Michael’s performances was very positive, and the band chose to continue with the focus shifting to new material. The band is aiming to deliver a unique sound that remains familiar to die-hard fans. The current lineup of Sanctuary includes Joseph Michael on vocals, alongside original members Lenny Rutledge (guitars) and Dave Budbill (drums), and George Hernandez on bass. Sanctuary has, and always will be, a two-guitar band and will have a second guitar player for all upcoming live shows. You can catch the band performing special sets of Refuge Denied or Into The Mirror Black at festivals in 2026.

The band is actively working on a new full-length album, tentatively titled Transmutation. Sanctuary is eager to bring a new show and new music to Europe and the rest of the globe once again! See you on the road!

​https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/​

Video – Future Tense – https://youtu.be/v5NCBaPE3k0​

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Forced to cancel their 2025 performance at HMF, Owlbear has its sights set to take the stage at the 2026 edition. Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. A rapid exchange of demos led to the creation of their debut album Chaos to the Realm, and the runaway success of that release in 2023 transformed the band from a remote project to a full-fledged outfit, with their debut live performance occurring at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024. Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous role-playing game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that is equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the release of their widely praised sophomore album Feather & Claw, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon.

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

Lyric Video – Hawkriders Of The Waste – https://youtu.be/1AXFZ3ZmF5o​

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Atavistia (HMF Alumni) is a Canadian symphonic melodic death metal band that blends aggressive riffs, cinematic orchestrations, and melancholic atmospheres. The band has built a strong international following, particularly across Europe, through consistent releases and extensive touring alongside established acts. Known for their powerful live performances and polished production, Atavistia continues to push their sound forward while remaining rooted in melodic death metal.

​https://linktr.ee/atavistia​

Video – Eternal Oceans (Reforged) – https://youtu.be/vthxzis6lzs​

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From Montreal and Stockholm, Voidchaser is a progressive metal band. Since their inception in 2023, the band has quickly gained momentum with standout, high-caliber singles that have resonated across North America, South America, and Europe, earning widespread attention from influential outlets such as Prog Magazine, Decibel Magazine, The Progspace, Prog-Sphere, Metal Universe, and others.
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In 2024, they released Solace, their 30-minute debut concept album written as a single continuous piece. Fusing crushing riffs, intricate arrangements, and evocative storytelling, the record ranges from the explosive Only Human (featuring Ashbreather) to the haunting acoustic ballad Alien. The album quickly amassed over 250,000 streams on Spotify, charted on Apple Music and iTunes top metal albums in multiple countries across Europe, North America, and South America, and solidified their status as one of prog metal’s most promising new voices.
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Their follow-up EP, Trust (2025), features collaborations with Jim Grey (Caligula’s Horse), members of The Anchoret and Universe Effects, and over 10 contributors from around the world.
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Voidchaser will embark on their debut international tour in summer and fall 2025, including performances at ProgPower Europe (25th Anniversary), the inaugural ProgStorm Festival in Montreal, and shows alongside Threshold, Kingcrow, Vulkan, Nospūn, Omnivide, Ok Goodnight, and Lux Terminus.

​https://www.voidchaser.net/​

Video – Time (feat. Universe Effects) – https://youtu.be/nnxaEiAmBv4​

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Artificial Language is a progressive rock/metal band from Fresno, California, crafting music that blends technical precision with cinematic atmosphere. Since emerging in 2017, the group has built a reputation for intricate songwriting, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged performances that push the boundaries of modern prog.
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Their sound fuses soaring melodies with complex rhythmic interplay, creating immersive sonic landscapes that reward both casual listeners and devoted prog fans. With a style that bridges the intensity of metal and the expansiveness of progressive rock, Artificial Language has carved out a distinct identity in the genre.
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The band continues to evolve through ambitious studio work and compelling visual storytelling, including striking releases like their “Skinwalker” music video.

​https://www.artificiallanguagemusic.com/​

Video – Skinwalker – https://youtu.be/nyHudUCLQIM​

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Forged in Ottawa’s early‑’80s metal underground, Witchkiller emerged as one of Canada’s most compelling contributions to the era’s heavy metal surge. Blending the power and theatricality of classic heavy metal with the melodic intensity of the NWOBHM movement, the band quickly carved out a cult following with their commanding musicianship and dramatic songwriting.
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Formed in 1981 by drummer Steve Batky and guitarist Kurt Phillips, Witchkiller solidified their place in metal history with their iconic 1984 EP Day of the Saxons, released through Metal Blade Records. The record’s soaring vocals, galloping riffs, and apocalyptic themes cemented its status as a collector’s favourite and a defining release of Canadian metal’s formative years.
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Despite lineup changes and an initial split in 1985, the band’s legacy only grew. Witchkiller re‑emerged in 2012 with renewed fire, reuniting key members and introducing their sound to a new generation of fans. Their return has been marked by a resurgence of interest in their early work, new recordings, and a revitalized presence in the metal underground.
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Today, Witchkiller stands as a testament to the enduring power of true heavy metal spirit, a band whose influence continues to echo through collectors, die‑hard fans, and the modern revival of traditional metal.

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064302991214​

“Day of the Saxons” LIVE Headbangers Open Air 2025 – https://youtu.be/zcVtxUuhRmk​

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Emerging from Vancouver’s rain‑soaked streets, Ophelia Falling (HMF Alumni) delivers symphonic metal at its most powerful, soaring vocals layered over driving power metal, orchestra, and choir. Formed in 2013 by guitarist Mark Anthony Richardson, the band found its voice when powerhouse singer Chelsea Rose joined in 2015, leading to the creation of early fan favourites like “Savage Love” and “Anybody’s Daughter.” With James Meyer on board, their explosive 2018 debut made them one of Vancouver’s most talked‑about metal acts, quickly landing them on the stage of the Rickshaw Theatre for Hyperspace Metal Festival.

Bassist Sylvain Maltais joined in 2018, helping propel the band through a breakout period that included their 2019 EP Savage Love, soundtrack placements in Karen Lam’s The Curse of Willow Song and Kevin Schultz’s Guiltless, and performances at Wacken Battle Canada (BC Finals) and Calgary’s Decimate 2.0 Festival. Drummer Chris Pallot completed the lineup in 2020.

Their debut album, “Destroyed in Delight,” arrived in October 2020, featuring the single “Tangled” and the track “Save Me,” selected for gameplay by Hipsterbait. Songs from the album continue to receive college and internet radio play worldwide. With multiple music videos released and more in production, Ophelia Falling is now writing new material and gearing up for their return to the stage.

​https://www.opheliafalling.com/​

Music Video – Destroyed in Delight – https://youtu.be/ksRUe2mCS5I​

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Lycanthro – Photo Credit – Dana Zuk

Lycanthro (HMF Alumni) is an enigmatic power metal band hailing from Ottawa, Canada. Their unique fusion of power, thrash, and traditional metal delivers an epic soundscape that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Savatage, W.A.S.P., Bling Guardian, and more, Lycanthro proudly hunts in the world of true metal. Calling out to the realms of classic horror, pop culture, and mythology, their music is a journey through the imagination via tales of personal struggle and howling victory. After an early demo and EP, their critically acclaimed full-length album, Mark of the Wolf (2021), showcased powerful storytelling, dynamic arrangements, and even collaborations with a chamber choir. Lycanthro has hunted on stages such as Power Metal Quest Fest in the UK, Legions of Metal in Chicago, and is fast inviting a worldwide audience to join the pack. Now, after joining US-based metal label Psychomanteum Records, the wolven-metal outlanders are hard at work crafting their highly anticipated second album for release in 2025. With every note, Lycanthro proves that the howl never dies, the hunt never ends, and the night is never quiet. IN METAL WE TRUST!

​https://lycanthrometal.com/​

Video – Far Beyond The Walls – https://youtu.be/g5ImX4EEwjk​

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Thorsguard is an epic Viking metal project forged in the cold winds of Alberta, Canada. Founded in early 2022 by multi‑instrumentalist and vocalist Damien Hicks, known artistically as The Skald, the band was created with a singular purpose: to revive the ancient sagas through thunderous riffs, sweeping melodies, and battle‑hardened storytelling. According to public listings, Thorsguard is based in the Edmonton/Sherwood Park region and is driven by a passion for Norse myth, warrior culture, and cinematic metal soundscapes.
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Drawing inspiration from genre giants such as Amon Amarth, Sabaton, Ensiferum, Equilibrium, and Brothers of Metal, Thorsguard blends melodic death metal, folk elements, and symphonic textures into a sound that feels both mythic and modern. The project’s lyrical themes revolve around Viking exploits, legendary battles, and the enduring spirit of the North, all delivered with the dramatic flair of a wandering skald recounting heroic deeds by firelight.
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With its roots planted firmly in epic metal tradition and its eyes set on the horizon, Thorsguard stands ready to carve its name into the modern Viking metal landscape one saga at a time.

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

Stream – Danelaw – https://youtu.be/A1Hmt5TBLJs​

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Valley of Despair is an independent Canadian metal band blending together elements of modern rock, power metal, and thrash. The Edmonton, AB-based group released their debut EP “Burn At The Stake” on November 29th, 2024. The EP charted #1 at college radio stations across Canada and landed a spot on the Earshot National Loud Chart.

Valley of Despair toured with their EP across Western Canada in 2025 with festival stops in Armstrong, BC, and Yellowknife, NT. VoD is preparing to write their full-length debut with plans to release new music in 2026.

The band consists of Cheryl Leia (vocals & rhythm guitar), TJ Buggins (lead guitar), Joel Croft (Bass), and Preston Lehoux (drums).

​https://valleyofdespair.ca/​

Video – Burn At The Stake – https://youtu.be/vJcccWhNpUs​

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To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2026, please visit the following links:
​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​

Festival Press Materials Dropbox HERE.

Over the six editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator, Enforcer, Psyhostick, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Into Eternity, Witherfall, Lunar, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.​