Latest Articles

• SARTORI Unveils New Single "We're Rising" From Upcoming Album "Just An Illusion” Out Jan 2027

  Jul 7, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “Just An Illusion”, the first single from SARTORI’s upcoming studio album "We’re Rising", scheduled for January 29th, 2027, on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.
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  Following the debut album "Dragon’s Fire", guitarist, composer and virtuoso Andy Sartori returns with a new chapter that expands the SARTORI sound into a more melodic, eclectic and old-school heavy metal direction. "We’re Rising" marks a different experience from the first album, driven by stronger melodic songwriting, the powerful vocal presence of Mark Boals, and a broader musical approach.
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  Inspired by the golden era of late-’80s hard rock and heavy metal, the album blends neo-classical guitar work, American power metal energy, AOR influences and the spirit of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey-era while retaining the refined arrangements and virtuoso musicianship that define Andy Sartori’s vision.
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  The album features legendary vocalist Mark Boals - known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire and Royal Hunt - alongside Andy A. Sartori on guitars and keyboards, Andre Di Sao Thiago on bass guitar and Dino Castano on drums. "We’re Rising" was mixed by Kfir Gov at Evil Snail Studios in Austin, Texas, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, assisted by Zach Kornhauser at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in California.
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  Opening the campaign is “Just An Illusion”, a melodic and uplifting track built around a positive message of perseverance: keeping faith, continuing to fight and believing that the effort is worth it. The song combines a European melodic metal feel with strong vocal hooks, powerful riffs and Andy Sartori’s neo-classical guitar identity, making it the perfect introduction to the sound and spirit of "We’re Rising".
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  Speaking about the single, Andy Sartori comments:
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  “'Just An Illusion' is a positive ‘keep the faith and keep trying because it’s worth it’ kind of song. It also has a very European kind of style which gives it a special melodic character within the album.”
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  Discussing the new album, Sartori adds:
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  “We’re Rising is a different experience compared to the first album, starting with Mark Boals’ fantastic vocals and melodic approach. The new songs are also more eclectic than the ones from the first album, which makes this record a very important step forward for SARTORI.”
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  With its mix of classic heavy metal energy, melodic choruses and refined guitar work, "We’re Rising" is aimed at fans of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey era, Rainbow, Axel Rudi Pell, American power metal, ’80s heavy rock and neo-classical melodic metal.

  LISTEN to "Just An Illusion" on all digital platforms - https://lnk.to/s8rJai

  ​PRE-ORDER "We're Rising" on CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/sartori-were-rising-cd​
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  ​PRE-ORDER "We're Rising" on LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/sartori-were-rising-lp​

  Track Listing:​
  1. An Army Of One
  2. Just An Illusion
  3. Little Aria In G Major Part II
  4. Renaissance
  5. Quest For Glory
  6. Someone To Hold You
  7. Solitude
  8. Savage
  9. My Eternal Fight
  10. We’re Rising

  Sartori Line-up:

  Andy A. Sartori: Guitars
  ​Mark Boals: Vocals
  ​Andre Di Sao Thiago: Bass Guitars
  ​Dino Castano: Drums

  Biography:

  SARTORI is an American virtuoso guitarist and songwriter whose music combines melodic hard rock, neo-classical influences, and traditional heavy metal with a contemporary production approach. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell and the timeless sound of Rainbow, he delivers technically accomplished yet highly melodic compositions that balance instrumental virtuosity with memorable songwriting.

  For more info:
  ​https://rockshots.eu/​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/people/Sartori/100031570075980/​

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• QUEMASANTOS Reveals New Album Cover

  Jul 4, 2026 ArmyOfOneTV 0 Comments

   

  

   

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  QUEMASANTOS REVEALS THE COVER ART FOR NEW CONCEPT ALBUM STRANDED IN HELL

  After months of anticipation, heavy metal band Quemasantos has officially unveiled the cover artwork for its upcoming second full-length album, Stranded In Hell, scheduled for worldwide CD release in 2026 through Digmetalworld Records.

  More than an album cover, the artwork serves as the visual gateway into the record's conceptual universe. Designed to reflect the descent that unfolds throughout the eleven songs, the image introduces a dark, infernal landscape where each chapter represents another step deeper into a world shaped by fear, temptation, justice, isolation, and survival.

  Musically, Stranded In Hell expands on Quemasantos' foundation of classic heavy and thrash metal with crushing riffs, memorable melodies, cinematic atmospheres, and dynamic arrangements. Every song contributes to a single narrative, making the album a complete listening experience rather than a collection of individual tracks.

  The album was written by drummer and producer Ignacio Orellana during one of the most difficult periods of his life, while his wife battled cancer. Originally composed as fifteen songs, the project was ultimately refined into eleven chapters that form the final journey presented on Stranded In Hell. Vocalist Nelson Díaz developed the lyrical concepts that brought this infernal world to life.

  Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Ignacio Orellana at Oily Sound Studios in New York City, the album also features eleven guest musicians who contribute throughout the record.

  With the artwork now revealed, Quemasantos continues the countdown toward the album's release, with additional announcements to follow in the coming months.

  Stranded In Hell will be released worldwide on CD in 2026.

  For news, music, and updates, follow Quemasantos on social media and visit www.quemasantos.com.

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• Prog Innovator FERNANDO MOLINARI Unveils New Video “Minerva” ft. Marco Minnemann, Andre Nieri & Herbert Medeiros; New EP "NUMEN" Out Now!

  Jul 2, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

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  Brazilian prog‑fusion composer and bassist Fernando Molinari has released the stunning new performance video for “Minerva”, featuring an elite trio of world‑class musicians: drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson), guitarist Andre Nieri (Virgil Donati Band), and keyboardist Herbert Medeiros in support of his newly released EP "NUMEN."

  “Minerva” opens the EP with explosive energy, built on 5/4 time, five simultaneous layers, and a commanding melodic theme. The track blends prog, fusion, and heavy elements into a dense, immersive soundscape, brought vividly to life in the new video.
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  ​Minnemann’s virtuosic drumming, Nieri’s razor‑sharp guitar work, and Medeiros’ atmospheric keyboard textures elevate Molinari’s composition into a cinematic, high‑intensity performance that captures the EP’s core identity: deep, energetic, prog, fusion, and heavy.
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  Out now on all streaming platforms, "NUMEN, mixed and mastered by Grammy Award winner Paulo Anhaia, is an instrumental EP inspired by Roman mythology. The term numen refers to a “divine presence” or manifestation of something sacred, an idea that became central to Molinari during one of the most challenging periods of his life.
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  ​“Music is a NUMEN in my life. A place where I find peace, joy, and a cure for my darkest moments,” adds Molinari.
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  The EP delivers a dense, atmospheric listening experience filled with layers, riffs, melodies, and emotional depth. Fans of progressive music and fusion will find a rich, immersive journey across all five tracks.
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  ​"NUMEN" features an exceptional roster of musicians from across the global prog and fusion scenes, including Marco Minnemann – Drums (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson), Andre Nieri – Guitar (Virgil Donati Band), Mariko Muranaka – Piano (Hans Zimmer, Madonna), Joao Hanysz – Guitar (Casagrande & Hanysz), Luigi Paraventi – Guitar (Paleface Swiss), Chris Clark – Piano (Virgil Donati / Jon Anderson Band), and Daniel Felix – Keyboards (Caravellus).​
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  Molinari’s writing approach is unconventional; he never begins with an instrument. Instead, he records vocal ideas on his phone and later transcribes them into full arrangements.
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  ​“I don’t want technique to box me in. I write for every instrument, and I want the tracks to stand as full band compositions, not just bass features,” adds Molinari.
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  This method results in compositions rich with simultaneous layers, harmonic depth, odd time signatures, recurring motifs, and intricate textures. From the opening track "Minerva", a 5/4 prog‑fusion with five simultaneous layers and strong melodic themes, to "Netuno" and its heavy riffs, odd time signatures, and rich harmonies to "Mitra" a track with Flamenco‑influenced acoustic guitar, percussion, and piano to "Gemina" a fusion of prog metal, Middle Eastern textures, jazz fusion, cello, and piano to EP closer "Marte" a heavy, groovy trio performance with massive breakdowns. Fernando Molinari delivers his most ambitious and emotionally resonant work to date, an EP full of textures, strong melodies, killer riffs, and deep personality.

  Recommended for fans of Al Di Meola, Egberto Gismonti, Avishai Cohen, The Aristocrats, Virgil Donati, Plini, and Mahavishnu Orchestra, "NUMEN" is available at the following links:

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/1Ck6C4OH6pIFpD15Xkl62F

  ​EP Stream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMtSchHQL6o

  Bandcamp - https://fernandomolinari.bandcamp.com/album/numen​

  More Info:

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

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

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• TALES AND LEGENDS Launch Crowdfunding Campaign For New Album! The Italian symphonic power metal band invites fans to become part of the next chapter of their story!

  Jun 28, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Italian symphonic power metal band Tales and Legends has launched a crowdfunding campaign dedicated to the creation of their second album.

  Following the release of their debut album Struggle of the Gods, the band is now ready to open a new chapter: a darker, deeper, and more cinematic concept-driven journey, where music, orchestral elements, and storytelling come together to create a fully immersive experience.

  The upcoming album expands the creative world of Tales and Legends through songs conceived as pieces of a larger narrative, inspired by myth, destiny, and inner conflict. More than just a collection of tracks, the project is designed as a universe unfolding through sound.

  The campaign accompanies the band’s new chapter with Rockshots Records, which will support the international release of the album. Through this initiative, Tales and Legends want to give fans the opportunity to enter the project from its early stages and become part of the journey behind the new record.

  The crowdfunding campaign will help the band bring the project to life at its full potential, supporting recording and production, mixing and mastering, artwork, video and visual concept, and merchandise.

  Supporters will gain access to exclusive rewards depending on their contribution, including the digital album and booklet, a signed CD digipack, exclusive extra content such as artworks, full concept material, and behind-the-scenes content, as well as the chance to have their name included in the official supporter list.

  To introduce the campaign and present the vision behind the project, Tales and Legends have also released an official presentation video, available here:

  Founded by songwriter Andrea Atzori, Tales and Legends were created with the aim of blending epic orchestral elements, powerful riffs, and memorable melodies, drawing inspiration from bands such as Rhapsody of Fire, Avantasia, and Stratovarius.

  With their new album, the band continues to refine its epic, narrative, and cinematic identity, taking another step forward in its artistic journey.

  The crowdfunding campaign is now live and will run until August 25th.

  Become part of the legend.

  Crowdfunding campaign: https://talesandlegends.vercel.app/​

  BAND LINE-UP:​
  Patrik J. Selleby – Vocals
  Andrea Atzori – Keyboards
  Carlo Figus – Guitars
  Nicola Piras – Bass
  Brantley Rogers – Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://rockshots.eu​
  ​Tales and Legends online:​
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talesandlegends.metal​
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesandlegends/​
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalesandLegends​
  X / Twitter: https://x.com/tales_legends​
  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/6MstzoqIL79ktFbeWZM9ZK​
  Bandcamp: https://talesandlegends.bandcamp.com​
  
  

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• TRISKELYON Forge Classics Into Steel w/ New Cover Album "Metalmorphosis" Out Aug 2026; Streaming First Single "Heartbreaker"

  Jun 26, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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  Canada’s unstoppable metal force Triskelyon is set to unleash “Metalmorphosis,” a digital‑only onslaught that reimagines iconic rock and pop classics as a fierce storm of heavy‑metal intensity. The release arrives on all major digital platforms on August 21, 2026, via Moribund Records.

  Founded in 2021 by guitarist and mastermind Geoff Waye (Category VI), Triskelyon has rapidly risen through the ranks of the underground with the acclaimed releases “Downfall,” “Artificial Insanity,” “Shattered Elysium,” and “Maelstrom of Chaos.” Now, the band unleashes its boldest concept yet, a full album dedicated entirely to crushing cover versions, forged in the fires of thrash, speed, power, and traditional metal.

  Aptly titled “Metalmorphosis,” this release represents the complete metalization and transformation of timeless classics into high-octane metallic weapons. From the arena-sized power of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69,” to the dark intensity of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Triskelyon reinvents each track with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, soaring vocals, and explosive solo work. Fan favorites from previous albums also return, including the band’s acclaimed renditions of “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Major Tom (Coming Home),” “It Doesn’t Really Matter,” and “Nobody’s Business.”

  Covering icons such as Tears for Fears, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Men Without Hats, Men at Work, Platinum Blonde, Peter Schilling, and Bryan Adams, “Metalmorphosis” stands as both a tribute to the golden age of rock and pop and a declaration of Triskelyon’s limitless creativity. Each song is reborn heavier, faster, darker, and more powerful than ever before, while still preserving the unforgettable hooks and melodies that made them legendary.

  “Metalmorphosis” is more than a covers album; it is a celebration of transformation through metal. A relentless collision of nostalgia and aggression, this digital-only release proves once again that Triskelyon can take any musical form and forge it into molten steel. As before, all songs were mixed and mastered by Michael Small. Album art by Ellim.

  Today, Triskelyon shares the first single, their cover of Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker," featuring vocals from Amanda Jackman from Category VI.

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears cover)
  2. Summer of 69 (Bryan Adams cover)
  3. The Safety Dance (Men Without Hats cover)
  4. Overkill (Men at Work cover)
  5. Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar cover)
  6. Nobody's Business (Billy Idol cover) <Downfall album>
  7. It Doesn't Really Matter (Platinum Blonde Cover) <Artificial Insanity album>
  8. Hungry Like The Wolf (Duran Duran Cover) <Shattered Elysium album>
  9. Major Tom (Coming Home) (Peter Schilling Cover) <Maelstrom of Chaos album>

  Note: ALL Album Released covers are the same except “Major Tom,” which is a remaster (not a remix).

  Note: 5 brand new covers packaged with the 4 covers already done into one compilation album!

  Follow TRISKELYON:
  ​Facebook | Bandcamp​
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  Follow Moribund Records:
  ​Moribund Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp​

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