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Finnish progressive metal act Pressure Points is set to release two new singles during the fall – The Chase single and music video out now

Finnish progressive metal act Pressure Points will release two new singles this autumn. The first one, ‘The Chase’, saw the light of day today, accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Teppo Ristola. This release is a continuation to their critically-acclaimed third album, The Island, which was released in March 2023 through Art Gates Records.

LISTEN to The Chase: https://push.fm/fl/pp-chase

The second single Shapeless will be released on 18 December 2024. At the same time, the group is concentrating on writing new material for their fourth album and continuing to play shows. A festival in the Czech Republic has already been booked for next summer.

Veli-Matti Kyllönen, the main composer and lyricist of the song, shares his insight:

“Chase is a bit of a departure from Pressure Points’ usual sound, and not just because it’s shorter than our usual length. It’s the first piece of music I wrote after wrapping up our last album, and the band loved it right away. Given our shared love of melodic death metal and epic melodies, that wasn’t a big surprise. I hope you enjoy it!”

PRESSURE POINTS:
Pressure Points is a melodic metal act founded in Heinola, Finland, in the summer of 2004. Its music has been described as exceptional in the field of melodic and progressive metal, blending many different styles with a strong sense of melody combined with innovative and dynamic constructions.

These metallers have shared the stages with such international acts as Katatonia, Samael, Omnium Gatherum, Insomnium and Fleshgod Apocalypse.

 

Notable tours:

Fleshgod Apocalypse + Omnium Gatherum tour, Baltic leg, in 2022,

Winter’s Gate Finnish tour with Insomnium and Swallow the Sun in 2016,

Those Whom The Gods Detest with Nile in North Europe in 2011 and

Keep of Kalessin Finnish tour in 2010.

Pressure Points – The Chase (Single 2024)

Composed and lyrics by Veli-Matti Kyllönen

Artwork made by Juha Tretjakov and Teppo Ristola

Line-up:
Juha Tretjakov – Vocals
Veli-Matti Kyllönen – Keyboards & backing vocals
Kari Olli – Guitar
Vili Auvinen – Drums
Janne Parikka – Bass

Session members:
Juho Helppi – Rhythm guitar
Saku Aaltonen – Rhythm guitar & backing vocals

Links:
https://linktr.ee/pressurepointsofficial
https://www.facebook.com/PressurePointsBand
https://instagram.com/pressurepointsofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@pressurepointsofficial

Dreamtale live at Monttu New Level, Pori (Finland)

Before their tour in China, Finnish power metallers Dreamtale played in Pori for the first time with their current lineup. Eight are the studio albums released in their long career, the latest of which is “Everlasting Flame” released in 2022.
Our reporter Cristina Gregori was there to take photos of the gig and interview the band. Here some photos.

Canada’s INFRARED Take Aim With Their Thrash Metal Hit “Concuss” Off New Album “Manifestation” Out Sept 2024

Infrared is true Canadian thrash metal, which initially started in 1986. After a hiatus, they re-emerged in 2016 and have put out a handful of albums since then. Their latest offering is the full-length “Manifestation”, which will be released on September 6, 2024. Ahead of this, they are releasing their second single “Concuss” with a video. They share their thoughts:

“This is a song that was a forced collaboration right from the start of the songwriting process. While Kirk had these great grooving riffs to build the song, the chorus pops with an all-out chant and in-your-face riff that makes you want to hit stuff which was brought to the table by Armin. As usual, Mike and Al ensure the rhythm section is exactly what is needed to get fists pumping.”

They go on to explain that “Concuss” is a straight-up anthem song about retaliating against those who stand in your way, but also a tip of the hat to all those crazy metalheads that hop in the pit and destroy.

Having emerged from the 80s thrash scene, Infrared‘s music is steeped in the same intensity that defined the genre’s pioneers. “Manifestation” continues this tradition, offering a streamlined, intense listening experience that captures the essence of classic thrash. It is recommended for fans of Anvil, Exciter, and Sacrifice.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Concuss” via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Due out September 6, 2024, “Manifestation” is available for pre-order at https://infraredmetal.bandcamp.com​

First single – Music Video for “Demon’s Blood” – https://youtu.be/N5RWKQXfc_0​

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Track Listing:​
1. Cataclysm (2:07)
2. Temple of Sin (3:20)
3. Nikko (3:40)
4. Demon’s Blood (3:08)
5. Pressure Syndrome (4:29)
6. The Manifest (0:48)
7. Manifest Nation (3:40)
8. Concuss (4:00)
9. Reforma (4:04)
10. My Dreams Are Real (3:48)
11. Parasite Patrol (3:47)
12. Then the Earth Goes Black (4:16)

More info: http://infraredmetal.ca/​

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“Heavy, powerful sound throughout and so much catchiness, it’s crazy. By now I must have listened to maybe 250 new albums this year, and this one is definitely in the top 5. Highly recommended for fans of technically minded thrash that fucking slays.” 4.75/5 – The Metal Crypt (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Infrared’s “From the Black Swamp” is EXACTLY what the METAL world needs right now… full of heaviness, riffy-ness, depth, progressive leanings and thrashing madness! After consecutive strong releases over the last 5+ years, Infrared’s musical growth cannot be ignored! Raging from their classic 80’s roots, they’ve yet again raised the bar in terms of what powerful thrash metal should represent and embody in today’s heavy music landscape. I cannot get enough spins of this new release! A modern thrash metal masterpiece, this new slag of heaviness incites that tingly feeling on the back of your neck that you just can’t shake off… the thrash metal flag is triumphantly waving for these Ottawa legends!”- Steve Kraus Host of 6o on CKLU 96.7FM (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Truly recommended as an essential to all thrash fans! 5/5” – Metal Epidemic (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“If you are a fan of very well crafted thrash metal, plan to add From The Black Swamp to your collection. Buy Canadian!” – Sleaze Roxx (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“INFRARED delivers vintage thrash metal with styles comparable to Slayer, Testament and early Anthrax. As all good things typically come back around and this old-school sound is a refreshing change in today’s metal landscape… As a Canadian band that started in the mid-eighties, it is impressive that INFRARED is still making a serious mark with their latest release. The impeccable studio work and enviable songwriting surely position this band for GREAT things to come. 9/10” – Spill Magazine (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“You can expect a bouncy style featuring sneering vocals, a hefty bass tone that goes hand in hand with the crunchy riffs and solid drum mechanics – crossing lines between thrash and traditional metal, along with the occasional punk/hardcore angst that fueled the early days.” – Dead Rhetoric (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“From The Black Swamp” is a masterpiece the world needs right here right now. Don’t call yourself a Bay Area thrash fan if you ignore it as I predict it will be someday mentioned in one breath with “South Of Heaven”, “The New Order”, “Peace Sells But Who’s Buying”, “Rust In Peace” (BIG TIME!), “Ride The Lightning” or “Master Of Puppets”, mark my words. 6/6″ – Eternal Terror (2021 – From the Black Swamp)​
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​“Black Swamp’ is far from average, it is Infrared doing what Infrared do best and thrash fans will bang their head in appreciation.” – Metal Digest (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Once again, Infrared offers us a thrash metal that is both complex and easy to access: we will never get lost in watchtower-style twists and turns. 9/10″ – Soil Chronicles (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

Porispere 2-3.8.2024, Pori(Finland)

Porispere was held in Kirjurinluoto Pori during the first weekend of August. As every year the lineup was varied to please everyone and for metal lovers there was Cradle of Filth, Sonata Arctica, Royal Republic, Battle Beast, Lost Society, Stam1na to name the most famous.
The audience also had the privilege of celebrating the music of Kingston Wall, the legendary cult progressive rock band from the 90s that ended with the death of Petri Walli in 1995, thanks to the project Jylli & Kuoppis – Music of Kingston Wall presented by bassist Jukka Jylli and drummer Sami Kuoppamäki accompanied by Jesper Anastasiadis, Juhani Grönroos, Esa Holopainen and Mikko Von Hertzen.
Another historic Finnish rock band Don Huonot, who celebrate their 35th anniversary in 2024, graced the stage at Porispere after their recent comeback.
A historic moment also for Lauri Tähka, one of the most esteemed and passionate Finnish artists of recent years, who seems to conclude his career in 2024 with some shows, including the one in Porispere. Also Kwan, a Finnish band that saw a boom in the early 2000s and had many famous names as guests on their albums such as Siiri Nordin (Killer), Jyrki 69 (The 69 eyes) and Lauri Ylönen (The Rasmus), returned to the stage with its original lineup this summer.
Closing the festival on Friday was the dj Windows95man, who represented Finland at the last edition of Eurovision with the song “No rules!”
Our reporters Cristina Gregori and Miika Riikonen were on location to take some photos which you can see in the gallery below.

https://www.porispere.fi/

Enemies Everywhere & Split Iris live at Monttu New Level, Pori (Finland)

The legendary Monttu bar in Pori, after years of closure, has reopened under the name Monttu New Level, the summer calendar covers genres ranging from the softest rock to the most extreme metal in order to please everyone with more and less known bands. On July 12th we from The Offering were there to attend the concert of Split Iris and Enemies Everywhere.
Split Iris combines the most central characteristics of modern metal with the band’s passion for discovering new creative paths for musical self-expression, creating a unique and recognizable identity for the band’s sound. This show served as a release party for their debut album “Bloodred Dusk”.
Founded in early 2022, Enemies Everywhere quickly found their way to the ears and lips of tens of thousands of listeners, inspired by their first single releases. The band utilizes the best aspects of deathcore in their music, including rhythmically interesting breakdowns, massive choirs and symphonic orchestral arrangements.
Here is the photo gallery provided by our reporter Cristina.

Tuska Festival 2024, Helsinki (Finland)

Tuska Festival is one of the biggest metal music events in the Nordic countries and the most important in Finland, attracting metalheads from all over the world. This year the festival took place during the last weekend of June in Suvilahti, Helsinki.
The festival offers various genres of metal and rock, giving the opportunity to perform even to bands that are not yet too well known in the scene.
Tuska festival has been a success since the first edition in 1998, this year it was no exception with a sold out Saturday.
Four were this year the stages available: Karhu main stage, Radio City stage, OpenAir II, and Kvlt stage by Inferno. In addition the festival also offers side shows with live art and live interview panels like the ones brought to you by Bleeding Metal Podcast.
Below are the bands that performed during the three days of the festival.
Friday 28th: Pendolum, Dimmu Borgir, Kerry King, Alestorm, Lord of The Lost, Zeal & Ardor, Suburban Tribe, Annisokay, Ghøstkid, Elvenking, Bloodred Hourglass, Infected Rain, I Am The Night, Suotana, Assemble The Chariots, Sadistic Drive, Krypta, Sick Urge, Terrormania, Kollectivist, and Metal Riot.
Saturday 29th: Bring Me The Horizon, Amorphis, Stam1na, Tarot, Sonata Arctica, Turmion Kätilöt, VOLA, Health, Riverside, Kaunis Kuolematon, Devourment, Rytmihäiriö, Make Them Suffer, Solence, Ankor, The Abbey, Putro in Black, I Am Your God, Malformed, St. Aurora, Sulfuris, Agarwaen, and My Misery.
Sunday 30th: Parkway Drive, Opeth, Lost Society, Stratovarius, Beyond The Black, Bury Tomorrow, Eivør, Warmen, Brothers Of Metal, Fixation, Nightstop, Swansong, Luna Kills, Prestige, Dome Runner, Shereign, and Satra.
Our reporter Cristina went on a mission for us on Friday and Saturday, giving us an overview of the festival with her photos and managing to get some interviews that will be published soon.
For more information about the festival, check out their website Here.

 

Scarlet, Creed(FIN) & Serpico live at Meara Klubi, Pori (Finland)

The last Meara Klubi before the summer break saw three rock bands on stage: Scarlet, Creed(Fin) and Serpico.
Scarlet is a Grunge band from Eastern Finland founded in 1999, the band returned from over 10 year hiatus in 2015. Creed is a rock band from Pori, their new five-song EP will be released this summer. Serpico is genuine & unique rock n’ roll band which has a big respect to classic rock music.
Here some photos taken by Cristina Gregori.

Kesä6 festival, Pori (Finland)

Kesä6 is a one day event held in Pori at the culture house Annis, with the goal to celebrate the arrive of June with different generes of music. The event is free for everyone and has no age limit. This year on the stage performed Cliff Barnes, Juppe, Salaliitto, Jam-I, Artkills and Block of Flats.
Here are some photos taken by Cristina Gregori.

Runvila Rock 25.5.2024, Ulvila (Finland)

At the end of May, an event combining running and music was held for the first time in Ulvila. The running race in the morning was a playful obstacle race of about 5 km for teams, in the evening at the Automaatio Areena, both local know-how and a world-class atmosphere were on stage: Two of Us, Syvä Uni, Venkulit, DJ Amanda Harkimo, Moon Shot, The 69 Eyes. Our reporter Cristina was there to take some photos for this gallery.

Rock on rajaton riemu – festival, Kulttuuritalo Annis Pori (Finland)

On May 4th, a free musical event for the whole family and children from all over the world was held at Annis Cultural Center in Pori. The event was organized by the bassist of Play Girls Magazine, Tuikku Asikainen, for her 70th birthday. In addition to music, the day featured an exhibition of photos taken by the talented Tuikko, activities for children and food cooked by her husband. The proceeds from the donations went to Unicef. The following performed on stage: Vesa Rasikko, the Pori Civic College band led by Kide Leppäpohja, Starry Eyes, Play Girls Magazine, Mara (from Mara Balls) and JetBlack.
Here some photos taken by Cristina Gregori.