Search Results: folk-metal

• Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM's New Album “Myth of Mankind” + Music Video “Hexe”

  May 26, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Italian folk metal band Aexylium proudly returns with their third studio album, “Myth of Mankind,” out now via Rockshots Records. With this new chapter, the band takes a decisive step forward in style and substance, offering their most mature and focused work.

  Formed in 2014, Aexylium has always stood out for its ability to merge the raw intensity of modern metal with the warm, evocative tones of traditional instruments, building a sound that is both powerful and atmospheric. With “Myth of Mankind,” the band pushes that blend even further, refining every aspect of their songwriting and production while exploring deeper, more introspective themes. The album moves away from the more mythological narratives of the past, instead embracing abstract reflections on the human condition, identity, and the complexity of existence in the modern world.

  Musically, “Myth of Mankind” is an intense yet melodic journey, built on technical guitar work, immersive orchestration, and the interplay between aggression and elegance. The album also marks a turning point in the band’s lineup, introducing vocalist Sam Biganzoli, whose expressive and multifaceted vocal range brings new emotional depth and narrative strength. Alongside him, drummer Alberto Mezzanotte (ex-Frozen Crown, Nekomata, Apple Sauce) and guitarist Luca Perrone (founder of Apple Sauce) contributed to a renewed creative energy that flows through every track on the record.

  To celebrate the album’s release, Aexylium has also unveiled the official music video for the track “Hexe”, available now on YouTube.

  ​“Hexe” perfectly represents the spirit of the album—a high-impact, rhythm-driven song that combines rich melodic lines with a powerful vocal performance from Sam Biganzoli delivering intensity and momentum without ever losing the folk essence that defines the band’s DNA. Visually and sonically, the video amplifies the track’s energy and emotion, offering a powerful introduction to the album’s vision.

  With previous albums "Tales from This Land" (2018) and "The Fifth Season" (2021), Aexylium laid the groundwork for their identity within the folk metal genre. But with “Myth of Mankind”, they go further, crafting a sound that is not only rooted in tradition but shaped by modern sensibilities, progressive elements, and a cinematic scope. The result is an album that speaks both to long-time genre fans and to those seeking a richer, more evolved take on folk metal.

  Aexylium’s music draws inspiration from acts like Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Amorphis, Folkstone, Alestorm, and Mago de Oz, yet remains unmistakably their own. With “Myth of Mankind”, the band reaffirms its place as one of Italy’s most promising names in the scene, ready to leave a mark far beyond national borders.
  ​
  The album was recorded by Davide Tavecchia at Twilight Studio and features stunning artwork created by the renowned artist Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Machine Head, Amaranthe).

  ALBUM ORDER (Release Date May 23, 2025): https://lnk.to/koGz58​

  Aexylium will present “Myth of Mankind” live on stage at the following dates:

  May 31st – Centrale Rock Pub (Erba - CO) – Release Party​
  ​June 8th – Strigarium Festival (BG)

  More shows to be announced soon!

  More info: ​
  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​
  ​FOLLOW:​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/aexylium_official​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/aexylium

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• Symphonic Folk Metal VALLORCH Release New Album "The Circle"

  Mar 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The wait is over! Vallorch returns on March 14, 2025, with their highly anticipated album, "The Circle," which is the band's most ambitious and immersive work to date. Building upon their folk and symphonic metal roots, the band refines its signature sound into a dynamic fusion of powerful riffs, enchanted melodies, and cinematic orchestration.

  Following the release of the anthemic "Circle Of The Moon" and the raucous folk metal celebration "Drink Some More!", "The Circle" delivers an even broader spectrum of emotions and soundscapes. The album revolves around the theme of the night, capturing its dual nature—a time for reflection and solitude but also revelry and connection. From grandiose symphonic arrangements to festive folk elements, each track immerses the listener in a journey through legends, emotions, and the band’s signature sonic landscapes.

  Compared to their previous works, "Neverfade" (2013) and "Until Our Tale Is Told" (2017), Vallorch has evolved their songwriting, crafting an album that is tightly composed and emotionally resonant. The folk influences remain, but with an even more polished and cinematic touch, elevating their sound to new heights.

  Fans of Nightwish, Eluveitie, Alestorm, Epica, and Wind Rose will find themselves drawn into Vallorch’s world, where folk traditions and symphonic metal collide in an unforgettable experience. With myth-inspired lyrics, powerful storytelling, and an undeniable passion for their craft, Vallorch cements their place as one of the most exciting acts in modern folk metal.

  March 14 marks a new era for Vallorch. "The Circle" isn’t just an album—it’s an invitation to journey through the night, to embrace the contrasts of light and dark, and to lose yourself in the magic of Vallorch’s sound.

  Prepare to step into "The Circle"!
  ​ALBUM ORDER "The Circle" - https://lnk.to/2BMANxkG​

  Track Listing:​
  1. To the Silver Summit - 3:53
  2. Hellpath - 3:52
  3. Circle of the Moon - 3:34
  4. Drink Some More! - 3:42
  5. Antermoia - 5:00
  6. Röte Löon - 4:39
  7. Salbanéo - 3:59
  8. The Wild One - 4:10
  9. Dyssomnia - 9:08
  Album Length: 42:01

  ABOUT:​
  ​
  ​VALLORCH was born in December 2010, when Marco Munari (NewSun), Matteo Patuelli (Alzhagoth), and Massimo Benetazzo came up with the idea right after attending a concert together. Inspired by the energy and spirit of the event, they decided to form their own band, and the name VALLORCH—taken from a small Cimbrian village on the Cansiglio plateau—was quickly chosen as a tribute to their cultural roots.

  For the first year, VALLORCH experimented with different sounds and musicians, searching for the right lineup. By January 2012, the group solidified with the addition of vocalist/flutist Sara, vocalist/bassist Leonardo Dalla Via, multi-instrumentalist Andrea ‘Demetrio’ Rampin (playing tin whistle, bagpipes, accordion), and violinist Francesco Salviato. This seven-member ensemble debuted live in March 2012, promoting their newly released EP Stories of North. Their captivating blend of folk metal quickly gained traction, earning them recognition in the Italian scene and leading to performances at events like Fosch Fest, where they opened for major bands.

  However, the summer of 2012 brought changes. Violinist Francesco parted ways with the band, and Martina Mezzalira took his place. Around the same time, VALLORCH signed a record deal with Moonlight Records and entered the studio to work on their first full-length album. Released in 2013, Neverfade was met with critical and fan acclaim, blending fast-paced, melodic jigs with guttural and clean vocals, alongside powerful death metal riffs. This success landed them performances at major international festivals like Metaldays.

  2014 saw further lineup shifts. Andrea Demetrio Rampin left the band, replaced by Paolo Pesce on accordion, hurdy-gurdy, and keyboards. Meanwhile, vocalist Sara took over tin whistle and bagpipe duties. Founding member Matteo Patuelli also stepped down, making way for guitarist Mattia Buggin to join. Despite these changes, VALLORCH pressed forward, embarking on their first European tour with Artaius. They played in Germany, Czechia, France, Belgium, and Slovakia, culminating in a performance opening for Mägo de Oz at the Metal for Emergency festival.

  Later that year, they returned to the studio to record their second full-length album, Until Our Tale Is Told (2015). The album reflected the band’s growing compositional maturity and led to more festival appearances and live shows over the next two years.

  In 2016, Riccardo Gianni briefly joined the band as a violinist, performing at several major local festivals. However, by 2019, the band was once again at a crossroads. After a series of lineup changes and creative challenges, founding member Marco Munari decided to leave the group. The remaining members—Massimo, Sara, Leo, Mattia, and Marco—faced a difficult choice: either disband or evolve. They chose to reinvent themselves as a five-piece band.

  The global restrictions from 2020 to 2022 made live performances difficult, but the band used this time to focus on writing new material. By 2023, VALLORCH returned to the stage, opening for renowned acts like Alestorm, Wind Rose, and Rhapsody Of Fire.

  Now, in 2025, VALLORCH is set to release their highly anticipated new album, "The Circle", marking a triumphant return. Reborn from the ashes of their former selves, they are ready to take the world by storm once again.

  Vallorch Line Up:​
  ​Sara Tacchetto: vocals, choirs, tin whistle, bagpipe
  ​Leonardo Dalla Via: vocals, harsh vocals, choirs, bass, programming
  ​Marco Povolo: vocals, choirs, keyboards, bouzouki, programming
  ​Massimo Benetazzo: Drums
  ​Mattia Buggin: electric and acoustic guitars
  ​
  ​Guests:

  Serena Zucco (Adgarios): violin
  ​Glorya Lyr (Eard): Celtic harp in “Antermoia”

  More info: ​
  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​
  ​FOLLOW:​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/vallorch_official/​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/vallorch

  Read more

• Romanian Folkcore DIRTY SHIRT Celebrates 30 Years w/ New Video "FOMO" and 2025 EU Tour Dates

  Feb 24, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Widely regarded as one of the most original and successful rock bands in Eastern Europe, Romania's Dirty Shirt is celebrating 30 years of creating and performing music with the release of their first single of 2025 "FOMO" accompanied by a music video along with announcing 2025 EU tout dates (listed below).

  "FOMO" is the first single from Dirty Shirt's upcoming seventh album (titled to be revealed at a later date) to follow “Get Your Dose Now!” (2022). Musically, it is a journey through different moments and places, blending various genres: from 80s disco to Balkan music, all built on a metal foundation. It’s a catchy song, with a chorus that sticks in your mind, radiating big positive energy. Lyrically, the song addresses one of the issues of modern society—the fear of missing out (FOMO). This phenomenon has become widespread with the rise of social media, where people constantly compare themselves to others and feel pressured to be part of every trend or experience.

  Digital (Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music) - https://ffm.to/qbjlkrb

  ​

  Over their 30 years, Dirty Shirt has embarked on several successful international tours, both as supporting artists and headliners, amassing over 700 shows in 17 countries. The band's signature style blends modern rock/metal heaviness with the vibrant energy of East-European traditional music, drawing from influences including world music, industrial electro, hardcore, and funk to create a dynamic sound that resonates with audiences globally. With catchy and danceable songs, Dirty Shirt's music appeals to a broader audience beyond just metal fans. Their albums have received widespread acclaim, featured in well-respected magazines such as Metal Hammer (DE, HU), Rock Hard (DE, FR, IT, SLK), Metalsucks (USA), Angry Metal Guy (USA), Hard Rock Mag (FR), Terrorizer (UK), Metalized (DK), and more.

  In recent years, the band has enjoyed international recognition through their participation in several major European festivals such as Electric Castle (Ro), Hellfest Open Air (Fr), Pol'And'Rock (Pl), Dong Open Air (De), Maximum Rock Festival (Ro), Wacken Open Air (De) among many more!

  Recommended for anyone looking for something interesting and lively, Dirty Shirt is for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm and The Hu.

  DIRTY SHIRT - 30 YEARS ANNIVERSARY TOUR:​
  Feb 28 - Bucharest (RO) - EERA Tour - Quantic
  March 1 - Brasov (RO) - EERA Tour - Centrul Reduta
  March 2 - Cluj Napoca (RO) - EERA Tour - Form Space
  March 13 - Prague (CZ) - EERA Tour - Rock Café
  March 14 - Bratislava (SK) - EERA Tour - Majestic Music Club
  March 15 - Trenčín (SK) - EERA Tour - Piano Club
  March 16 - Budapest (HU) - Dürer Kert
  March 22 - Grenoble (FR) - L'Ampérage
  March 23 - 2 Alpes (FR) - Snow Fest
  April 4 - Wrocław (PL) - EERA Tour - Stary Klasztor
  April 5 - Krakow (PL) - EERA Tour - Kwadrat Klub
  April 6 - Warsaw (PL) - EERA Tour - Proxima
  April 18 - Bistrita (RO) - Soho Music Hall
  April 25 - Bacau (RO) - Valhalla Pub
  April 26 - Iasi (RO) - Underground Pub
  April 27 - Suceava (RO) - Art Rock Cafe
  June 7 - Arad (RO) - Flex
  June 8 - Timisoara (RO) - În Spatele Casei
  June 26-28 - Mangalia (RO) - Odyssea Festival (26-28.06)
  June 26-28 - Snina - (SK) - Rock Pod Kameňom (26-28.06)
  July 17 - Bontida (RO) - Electric Castle (17-20.07)
  July 18 - Neukirchen-Vluyn (DE) - Dong Open Air (17-19.07)
  Aug 3 - Rasnov (RO) - Rockstadt Extreme Fest
  Aug 7 - Corbu (RO) - Wild Experience Fest (7-10.08)
  Aug 14 - Domeniul Cantacuzino (RO) - LaRock 2025 (14-17.08)
  Aug 22 - Prešov (SK) - Hel'fest
  Oct 10 - Angers (FR) - Omega Sound Fest (10-11.10)

  For more info:​
  ​Dirty-Shirt.com​
  ​Facebook.com/DirtyShirtRomania​
  ​X.com/dirtyshirtband​
  ​Instagram.com/dirtyshirtband​
  ​Tiktok.com/@dirtyshirtband​

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• "Drink Some More!" w/ VALLORCH's Music Video of Galloping Riffs & Triumphant Choruses For New Album "The Circle" Out March 2025

  Feb 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Vallorch continues their journey into the world of folk and symphonic metal with their latest single, "Drink Some More!", a raucous celebration of music, camaraderie, and revelry. Taken from their upcoming album "The Circle", out next March 14th, 2025 from RockShots Records, this track embodies the band’s signature blend of folk traditions and symphonic grandeur delivering an irresistibly energetic and immersive experience.

  With galloping rhythms, soaring melodies, and powerful folk instrumentation, "Drink Some More!" brings the listener straight into the heart of an ancient, fire-lit revelry. The combination of driving riffs, triumphant choruses, and spirited flute melodies captures the essence of Vallorch’s sound—balancing the raw energy of folk metal with the epic atmospheres of symphonic and power metal. The song is a perfect example of the band’s evolution, refining the elements introduced in "Neverfade" (2013) and "Until Our Tale Is Told" (2017) into a polished, dynamic, and immersive sonic experience.

  Lyrically, the song draws from Alpine folklore and ancient traditions celebrating the timeless ritual of gathering together to share stories, drinks, and moments of uninhibited joy. "Drink Some More!" invites listeners to let go of worries, embrace the present, and lose themselves in a whirlwind of melody and rhythm.
  ​
  ​Vallorch is also thrilled to announce the release of the official music video for "Drink Some More!", visually bringing to life the song’s vibrant energy and celebratory spirit. This video perfectly complements the track’s infectious atmosphere, immersing viewers in the amazing and high-energy world that Vallorch has crafted with its music.

  Fans of Eluveitie, Alestorm, Wind Rose, and Korpiklaani will find much to love in Vallorch’s vibrant fusion of folk instrumentation and symphonic power. This track is a call to revelry, a toast to the enduring spirit of folk metal, and a preview of the grand musical landscapes that "The Circle" promises to unveil.

  Raise your glass, let the music take over, and "Drink Some More!" with Vallorch as they prepare to unleash their most refined and exhilarating work to date.

   

  Digital Single - https://lnk.to/0GbDTM​

  Album Pre-Order / Save - "The Circle" - Out March 14, 2025 - https://lnk.to/sbWpoP​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. To the Silver Summit - 3:53
  2. Hellpath - 3:52
  3. Circle of the Moon - 3:34
  4. Drink Some More! - 3:42
  5. Antermoia - 5:00
  6. Röte Löon - 4:39
  7. Salbanéo - 3:59
  8. The Wild One - 4:10
  9. Dyssomnia - 9:08
  Album Length: 42:01

  ABOUT:​
  ​
  ​VALLORCH was born in December 2010, when Marco Munari (NewSun), Matteo Patuelli (Alzhagoth), and Massimo Benetazzo came up with the idea right after attending a concert together. Inspired by the energy and spirit of the event, they decided to form their own band, and the name VALLORCH—taken from a small Cimbrian village on the Cansiglio plateau—was quickly chosen as a tribute to their cultural roots.

  For the first year, VALLORCH experimented with different sounds and musicians, searching for the right lineup. By January 2012, the group solidified with the addition of vocalist/flutist Sara, vocalist/bassist Leonardo Dalla Via, multi-instrumentalist Andrea ‘Demetrio’ Rampin (playing tin whistle, bagpipes, accordion), and violinist Francesco Salviato. This seven-member ensemble debuted live in March 2012, promoting their newly released EP Stories of North. Their captivating blend of folk metal quickly gained traction, earning them recognition in the Italian scene and leading to performances at events like Fosch Fest, where they opened for major bands.

  However, the summer of 2012 brought changes. Violinist Francesco parted ways with the band, and Martina Mezzalira took his place. Around the same time, VALLORCH signed a record deal with Moonlight Records and entered the studio to work on their first full-length album. Released in 2013, Neverfade was met with critical and fan acclaim, blending fast-paced, melodic jigs with guttural and clean vocals, alongside powerful death metal riffs. This success landed them performances at major international festivals like Metaldays.

  2014 saw further lineup shifts. Andrea Demetrio Rampin left the band, replaced by Paolo Pesce on accordion, hurdy-gurdy, and keyboards. Meanwhile, vocalist Sara took over tin whistle and bagpipe duties. Founding member Matteo Patuelli also stepped down, making way for guitarist Mattia Buggin to join. Despite these changes, VALLORCH pressed forward, embarking on their first European tour with Artaius. They played in Germany, Czechia, France, Belgium, and Slovakia, culminating in a performance opening for Mägo de Oz at the Metal for Emergency festival.

  Later that year, they returned to the studio to record their second full-length album, Until Our Tale Is Told (2015). The album reflected the band’s growing compositional maturity and led to more festival appearances and live shows over the next two years.

  In 2016, Riccardo Gianni briefly joined the band as a violinist, performing at several major local festivals. However, by 2019, the band was once again at a crossroads. After a series of lineup changes and creative challenges, founding member Marco Munari decided to leave the group. The remaining members—Massimo, Sara, Leo, Mattia, and Marco—faced a difficult choice: either disband or evolve. They chose to reinvent themselves as a five-piece band.

  The global restrictions from 2020 to 2022 made live performances difficult, but the band used this time to focus on writing new material. By 2023, VALLORCH returned to the stage, opening for renowned acts like Alestorm, Wind Rose, and Rhapsody Of Fire.

  Now, in 2025, VALLORCH is set to release their highly anticipated new album, "The Circle", marking a triumphant return. Reborn from the ashes of their former selves, they are ready to take the world by storm once again.

  Vallorch Line Up:​
  ​Sara Tacchetto: vocals, choirs, tin whistle, bagpipe
  ​Leonardo Dalla Via: vocals, harsh vocals, choirs, bass, programming
  ​Marco Povolo: vocals, choirs, keyboards, bouzouki, programming
  ​Massimo Benetazzo: Drums
  ​Mattia Buggin: electric and acoustic guitars
  ​
  ​Guests:

  Serena Zucco (Adgarios): violin
  ​Glorya Lyr (Eard): Celtic harp in “Antermoia”

  More info: ​
  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​
  ​FOLLOW:​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/vallorch_official/​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/vallorch​

  Read more