Atlanta blackened death/thrash unit Malefic has dropped the official music video for “Blood of the Throne”, the explosive opening track from their latest album "Impermanence", released this past February via Terminus Hate City. The video marks a bold visual departure for the band, one that drummer/vocalist Aaron Baumoel calls “another form of artistic expression; another layer of depth to add to the media.”​
​
​“Blood of the Throne” has long been one of Malefic’s most popular tracks, a blistering blackened thrash assault built on high‑speed precision picking, ornate drumming, and a soaring melodic break. The new video juxtaposes the band’s extreme‑metal identity with Atlanta’s dominant hip‑hop cultural influence, an intentional contrast that reflects the city they call home.
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Baumoel acknowledges that some viewers may misinterpret the imagery. Despite anticipating criticism, the band stands firmly behind the concept and the talented women who helped bring it to life. The track itself explores the crushing realities of capitalism and modern power structures.
​
​“People will always judge based on their preconceived notion of things without ever digging in below the surface. This is part of the sickness in our society. We all know who the real demons of our society are; we just don’t agree on what the solution is,” adds Baumoel.
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Following the video’s release, Malefic continues to push their latest album "Impermanence", a 40‑minute whirlwind of thrash‑driven drumming, melodic black‑metal atmospheres, technical death‑metal precision, progressive rhythmic shifts, and lyrics rooted in personal struggle, societal pain, and existential reflection. Mixed by Alex Parra, the record rejects the sterile, overly‑compressed production dominating modern metal, instead embracing nuance, dynamics, and human imperfection.

“We wanted something that still showcased the nuances in the guitar work, the dynamics in the drumming, and allowed for mistakes. It just needed to feel human. The personal struggles, the current socio‑political issues, and the societal struggles all seemed extremely relatable… they tell the tale of the ever‑changing nature of life as a whole,” says Baumoel.​
​​
Formed in 2007, Malefic set out to push blackened metal into a modern direction while preserving its weight and emotional gravity. Their current lineup features Aaron Baumoel (drums/vocals), Jason Davila (guitar), Doug Rosander (bass), and Sam Williams (Guitar) (also of Cemetery Filth, Jaeger). The band’s collective experience across Atlanta’s metal scene fuels their razor‑tight live performances:
​
​

Recommended for fans of Old Man's Child, Carcass, Testament, Dissection, and The Black Dahlia Murder, "Impermanence" (released Feb 13, 2026) is available at the following links:

Vinyl - https://www.terminushatecity.com/shop​
​
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/3d9ZKsvOYoYC2gi0Jrqy6Y​

Track Listing:​
1. Blood of the Throne - [3:33]
2. In Darkest Dreams (the Reaping) - [3:44]
3. Of Gods and Man - [4:14]
4. Idiocracy - [3:56]
5. Deserter - [3:53]
6. Disembodiment - [4:39]
7. Obsidian Earth - [4:37]
8. Echoes of Silence - [4:45]
9. It Haunts - [4:01]

Album Band Line-up:​
Aaron Baumoel - Drums and Vocals
Devin Autry - Guitars
Jason Davila - Bass and Lead Guitars
Sam Williams - Lead Guitars

Live Band Line-up:​
Aaron Baumoel - Drums and Vocals
Jason Davila - Guitars
Sam Williams - Guitars
Doug Rosander - Bass

More info: https://linktr.ee/malefic

Colombian melodic black/death metal band ESHTADUR announce their new full-length album, "In Darkness All Shadows Gone", due for release on October 2nd, 2026 through Rockshots Records.

The announcement is accompanied by “Into The Woods”, the first single and official video introducing the musical and conceptual journey behind the record.

Developed over four years, "In Darkness All Shadows Gone" consists of twelve compositions combining melodic black and death metal, symphonic arrangements, layered vocals, Tuvan throat singing and atmospheric passages. Recorded with the Caldas Symphonic Orchestra, the album expands the band’s established sound while maintaining the combination of heavy riffing, dark melodies and orchestral textures that has shaped its identity.

The album follows a conceptual journey through mysticism, transformation and inner transmutation. At the centre of the narrative stands The Crow, a shamanic figure moving between existence, death, emptiness and the unknown. Acting as both master and apprentice, The Crow guides the listener through a process of isolation, self-discovery and spiritual awakening, where darkness becomes not only an oppressive force but also a path towards understanding the self.

Across the record, ESHTADUR explore the relationship between darkness and the light contained within each individual. The songs draw upon occult symbolism, cosmic philosophy, ancestral knowledge and human emotion, forming a continuous narrative rather than a collection of disconnected tracks. Musically, black and death metal alternate as leading forces throughout the album, supported by melodic writing, cinematic orchestration and folk-rooted elements.

Jorg August comments on the creation of the album:

“We worked on this material for four years. It is a long album with twelve tracks, symphonic arrangements, a real orchestra, many vocal layers and Tuvan voices. At times, it felt like a giant puzzle, but everything finally came together. We are proud of the result and grateful to everyone who helped us build it. A crow is calling.”

The first single, “Into The Woods,” represents the call to initiation and the first step into the album’s inner world. The listener is invited to leave behind external noise and enter the forest alone, confronting silence, memory, and self-delusion. Inspired by contemplative philosophies and the idea of returning to nature as a means of self-discovery, the song presents the forest as both a physical place and a metaphorical descent into consciousness.

Musically, “Into The Woods” combines fast melodic and aggressive guitar riffs, alternate-picked passages, dark orchestration, dissonant elements, ancestral chants and forceful vocals. The track establishes the balance between aggression, melody and atmosphere that continues throughout the album, while its lyrics address inner turmoil, past trauma and the need to confront fear before transformation can begin.

The accompanying official video focuses on frontman Jorg August, who is guided by the symbolic Crow into the forest and towards the first dimension of the album’s narrative. The visual interpretation reinforces the song’s themes of solitude, initiation and departure, presenting the journey as an individual mission in search of a deeper understanding of the self.

Listen to “Into The Woods”: ​https://lnk.to/N8qobN​

​

"In Darkness All Shadows Gone" will be available from October 2nd, 2026 through Rockshots Records. The album can be pre-ordered now from the Rockshots Records store at:
​https://rockshots.eu/cuhb5ys9ncs1ndx​

The album was produced by Jorg August, who also wrote the music, lyrics, compositions, and orchestral arrangements. The recordings took place at RockStar Studios Colombia, while the orchestra was recorded at Batuta’s Theater in Manizales, Colombia. The album was mixed and mastered by Tomasz “Zed” Zalewski, with additional mixing and mastering by Chris Clancy on “Fire Above Mountain Below” and “Umbra.” The cover artwork was created by Valesia Obscura.
​
​For fans of: Septicflesh, Dissection, At The Gates.

Track Listing:​
1. Age of Antumbra – 2:00
2. Into The Woods – 4:41
3. Umbra – 6:22
4. August’s Burdens – 4:59
5. Fire Above Mountain Below – 5:08
6. Old Shaman Blind – 5:08
7. Thunderground – 3:40
8. Ruler of the Lake – 5:14
9. A Black Winged Waltz – 9:23
10. Nebulae (Virgo) – 5:09
11. Omen of Millennia – 3:56
12. Soy Real – 5:11
​
​ESHTADUR are:
Jorg August – Vocals, guitars
Camilo Barbosa – Lead guitars
Andres Gonzalez – Bass
David Lopez – Drums

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

​https://www.instagram.com/eshtadur/​

From the frozen prairies of Lloydminster, Canada, doom/sludge cult Destroy My Brains unleash "WILT" on August 14th, 2026, the catastrophic final chapter in their long‑planned five‑album saga. Beginning with "Worthless" (2018), followed by "InsignifiCan't" (2020), "Lifeless" (2020), "Tormented" (2022), and now culminating in "WILT" (2026), the band has executed a conceptual arc conceived from day one, each release carving deeper into their signature themes of self‑destruction, trauma, and sonic decay.

“We already picked the titles of the albums so that all the first letters would spell WILT,” says vocalist/guitarist Jarret
​
​Destroy My Brains deal in corrosive, melting, abhorrent, Crowbar‑worshipping sludge, and WILT drives that identity straight into the ground. The album hits with pounding grooves, chugs heavy enough to buckle steel, soul‑removing drums, and vocals that scorch everything in their path. Rather than reinventing themselves, the band sharpened their already‑lethal formula, each member pouring their own darkness into the record until it becomes a collective collapse. Frontman Jarret pushes deeper than ever, turning "WILT" into both a sonic beating and a personal exorcism.

“We didn’t reinvent anything. We sharpened, hardened, turned it up louder… and put some of the darkest, most meaningful lyrics we have ever done. I got deep inside to a place of furious hate and pain… trauma I caused myself and others… self-destruction, dying, drug/alcohol abuse, and hatred towards others leading to their ultimate ruin,” adds Jarret.

"WILT" unfolds as a seven‑part descent into psychological collapse and sludge‑soaked extremity, each track carving out its own form of emotional and sonic violence. It opens with OCI, a claustrophobic portrayal of OCD spiraling into anxiety, compulsion, and eventual institutionalization, before shifting into Burn the Virgin, a ritualistic Walpurgisnacht sacrifice story that moves from eerie melody into suffocating doom. Decontribute serves as the band’s manifesto of societal decay, embracing personal ruin with lines like “YOU CAN WATCH ME, FALL APART… I DECONTRIBUTE TO REALITY.” The album sinks deeper with Avulsion, the bleakest and most doom‑laden track, using the imagery of bodily tearing to mirror lifelong psychological torment. Downgrade drags listeners through punk‑rooted sludge about manipulation, overdose, and satanic delusion, while Spill confronts childhood violence and emotional shutdown, ending with the devastating admission “I CAN’T FEEL, I DON’T FEEL, I WON’T FEEL, ANYTHING EVER…” Finally, the 11‑minute title track Wilt stands as the album’s tragic apex, confronting the wounds of child abuse and opening with the harrowing line “YOU DESTROYED THE CHILD WITHIN ME.” Together, these songs form a cohesive, crushing exploration of trauma, degradation, and the darkest corners of human experience.

"WILT" is Destroy My Brains at their most evolved, most hateful, and most emotionally devastating. “We are pleased to degrade and devolve you while you take in our sonic displeasures,” comments Jarret.

Destroy My Brains is currently streaming two singles, "OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder)" and "Decontribute," in lead-up to the release of "WILT", with a third, "Downgrade," being revealed with a music video in the coming weeks.

Listen at the following links:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/67kJ5QtfRsT22WZpIZ2NKu​

​

​

Recommended for fans of Eyehategod, Crowbar, Buzz-oven, Acid Bath, and Electric Wizard, the album pre-order for "WILT" (release date August 14th, 2026) is available at https://destroymybrains.bandcamp.com/​

Track Listing:​
1. OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder) - 4:32
2. Burn The Virgin - 10:30
3. Decontribute - 7:28
4. Avulsion - 7:08
5. Downgrade - 5:14
6. Spill - 9:30
7. Wilt - 11:40
Album Length: 56:03

More info: https://linktr.ee/destroymybrains​

Calgary, Canada metalcore storytellers Victoria Lies have announced the first single from their long‑awaited forthcoming debut full‑length, "Vendetta." The track, “Red,” arrives today alongside a cinematic music video that plunges listeners directly into the dark, lore‑rich universe the band has spent years constructing.
​
​“Red” marks the moment where the album’s central character, Victoria, transforms emotionally, psychologically, and violently. The song’s explosive contrast between chaotic verses and a soaring, cathartic chorus mirrors the character’s unraveling and rebirth, and it stands as one of the band’s most visceral, immediate compositions.

“The defining moment when Victoria becomes Victoria… heavy, disorienting, and urgent,” adds vocalist Brett Hetherington.
​
The video for “Red” brings Victoria’s world to life with the band’s signature theatricality. Their dancer and on‑stage embodiment of Victoria, Sadie Rieb, appears throughout, adding movement, narrative weight, and emotional intensity to the visual storytelling.
​
A memorable moment from the recording sessions made its way into the energy of the performance. During vocal tracking, the studio was overtaken by the Euro football finals. Producer Scott Bennett hauled in a TV, guitarist Rory Fitzsimmons spent 90 minutes yelling at the screen, and the chaos fueled Brett’s most ferocious screams.

“All this yelling really helped Brett get in the mindset for laying down his screams on one of our angriest songs,” adds the band.

The single and music video for “Red” are available at the following links:

Digital Single - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/red​

"Vendetta" is a 10‑track concept album that blends melodic metalcore, groove metal, and genre‑bending experimentation. The band describes it as a “constantly evolving universe” filled with narrative twists, emotional depth, and unexpected musical turns, from trap beats to saxophone lines.
​
The album explores themes of power abuse, violence against women, personal grief, societal collapse, and moral ambiguity, all woven through the story of Victoria, a character who appears in choreography, prose, and live performance.
​​
“We wanted to give listeners a journey. Not just ten heavy songs, something with twists, turns, and storytelling,” says bassist Jay Powell.

“When you hear it, you know you’re in Victoria’s universe,” adds Fitzsimmons.
​
Formed in 2023, Victoria Lies is a Canadian metalcore band known for blending heavy grooves with theatrical storytelling. Their lineup includes vocalist Brett Hetherington, drummer James Cuncannon, guitarists Chris Koehler and Rory Fitzsimmons, and bassist Jay Powell. The band has previously released singles “Trial By Fire,” “…Ready for it?” and “Zerotonin,” earning thousands of streams and building anticipation for their debut album.
​
They’ve performed across Alberta, including Calgary, Drumheller, Lethbridge, and Edmonton, and appeared at Gatorfest II and Decimate Metalfest.

Recommended for fans of Bad Omens, Atreyu, AFI, and Killswitch Engage, "Vendetta" is due out on October 30th, 2026 via Black Cat Records.

Album pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/vendetta​

Track Listing:​
1. Victoria - 1:40
2. We Ignite - 3:25
3. Terra Critical - 4:00
4. Laced With Hate - 6:30
5. Red - 2:44
6. Weaving Webs - 4:18
7. Trial by Fire - 3:33
8. Absurd - 4:21
9. Red Lips, Loaded Gun - 5:52
10. Ravens - 3:41
11. Truth and Sugar - 4:15
Album Length: 44:23

Album and Live Band Line-up:​
Jay Powell (Bass)
Brett Hetherington (Vocals)
James Cuncanon (Drums)
Chris Koehler (Guitars)
Rory Fitzsimmons (Guitars)

More info: Victorialies.com | Facebook.com/victorialiesband | Instagram.com/victorialiesband | Tiktok.com/@victoria.lies

Eternal Drak have opened the gates early. Their sixth full‑length album, "The Violence of Time," is now streaming in full through an exclusive premiere on BraveWords, giving fans a complete first immersion into the band’s most aggressive, conceptual, and philosophically charged work to date, ahead of its official July 17th release.
​
The full‑album stream invites listeners directly into the hostile universe Eternal Drak have constructed. A place where time is not a neutral measure but an adversary, a force that erodes meaning, distorts memory, and crushes identity. The band describes the record as a confrontation with time itself, not as humans imagine it, but as it behaves.
​​
“Time does not accompany human beings; it subdues them. It does not flow; it imposes. It does not reveal meaning; it destroys it,” adds the band.​
​
Across ten tracks, "The Violence of Time" dismantles the human understanding of past, present, and future. Each song is a violent thesis, a sonic and lyrical strike against the idea that time can be explained, contained, or understood. Instead of offering conclusions, the album explores fragments of realization, exposing how time pressures identity, warps memory, and rewrites causality.
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Musically, the album is built for true old‑school metal devotees: those drawn to the raw spirit of thrash, the darkness of black metal, and the severity of death metal. Eternal Drak merge analog aggression with digital density, resulting in a sound that is varied in rhythm and catchy in impact, sharpened into their most cohesive identity yet.
​
Every track begins with a central written idea. Once the concept is defined, Eternal Drak builds the music to reflect the emotion and message of the text. Riffs, rhythms, and structures are crafted to echo the same intention, ensuring that even listeners who perceive the voice as an instrument still feel the weight of the lyrics.
​
Each element undergoes multiple stages of revision and refinement until the final version fully expresses the intended emotion and message.
​
Over the years, Eternal Drak have evolved from raw thrash‑and‑black foundations into a dynamic force shaped by death metal, groove, and even Latin folk influences. Their sound has grown alongside the metal scene itself, adapting to new tools and technologies while preserving the intensity and character that define the band.
​

Recommended for fans of Dimmu Borgir, Watain, Kreator, Motorhead, and Desaster, experience "The Violence of Time" in its entirety through BraveWords’ exclusive premiere HERE.

"The Violence of Time" is available for album pre-order (out July 17th, 2026) at the following links:

Band website - https://eternaldrak.com/the-violence-of-time​

Bandcamp - https://eternaldrak.bandcamp.com/​

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zTmYsd42dDsE5yU8lDhXe​

Track Listing:​
1. We Force It To Speak - 5:15
2. The Unborn Paths Rot - 3:51
3. Me Hice Simultaneo - 3:30
4. The Blasphemy of Time - 3:35
5. Chaos Is the Law - 3:34
6. Where Cause Is Buried - 3:55
7. Across the Watching Veils - 3:53
8. Breathing Once Again - 3:45
9. The Cosmos Rejects You - 4:09
10. No Direction Total War - 2:57
Album Length: 38:24

Album Band Line-up:​
Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass
Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar

More info: https://www.eternaldrak.com | https://www.facebook.com/EternalDrak | https://www.instagram.com/eternaldrak​

Following the release of their debut single "Shame", Italian melodic power metal band Aletheya unveil "Chasing The Sun", the second single taken from their upcoming debut album "Chance To Reborn", due out on September 18th, 2026.
​
Supported by an official music video, produced by Kinorama Studio, "Chasing The Sun" reflects Aletheya's own definition of power metal: speed, power, and melody brought together through dynamic songwriting and carefully crafted arrangements.

While "Shame" introduced the album's darker and more introspective side, "Chasing The Sun" highlights its brighter counterpart. Built around driving rhythms, soaring melodies, powerful guitar work, and cinematic orchestral arrangements, the song demonstrates how those elements come together in a composition that prioritizes memorable songwriting over technical virtuosity alone.

Lyrically, "Chasing The Sun" explores resilience, determination, and the constant pursuit of hope even when the destination seems uncertain. Rather than offering escapism, the song reflects the band's recurring focus on personal growth and inner strength, transforming moments of struggle into the motivation to move forward. It represents another chapter in "Chance To Reborn", an album that explores change, self-awareness, and rebirth through songs inspired by real human experiences.

The official music video presents Aletheya in their natural environment: performing together with the same intensity and chemistry that shaped the album throughout its writing and recording process. Alternating energetic band performances with atmospheric lighting and dynamic editing, the video translates the song's energy into a compelling visual performance while highlighting the musicianship at the core of Aletheya's sound.

Speaking about the new single, the band comments:

"For us, 'Chasing The Sun' is our definition of power metal: speed, power and melody. Beyond the energy, it's a song about refusing to surrender, continuing to move forward and searching for hope even during life's most difficult moments. It's one of the tracks that best defines who we are as a band."

The line-up features musicians with extensive experience across the Italian and international metal scene, including David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Neurasty), Francesco Menale (Risen Crow, Last Prototype) and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept), bringing together technical expertise, songwriting depth and a clear artistic vision. Rounding out the line-up is bass player Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon). At the same time, the album also features acclaimed keyboard player Alessio Lucatti (Deathless Legacy, ex-Vision Divine), who performs additional keyboards throughout the entire record.
​
Recorded and produced by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio, "Chance To Reborn" combines melodic power metal foundations with symphonic textures, progressive influences and contemporary production, creating a sound that balances the genre's classic roots with a modern musical approach. With each new single, the album continues to reveal the different themes and musical directions explored throughout the record.

For fans of: Helloween, Gamma Ray, Angra, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica

Listen: https://lnk.to/s2ezTR

​Chance To Reborn will be released on September 18th, 2026, on Digital and CD digipak versions.
​
​PRE-ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/aletheya-chance-to-reborn​

ALETHEYA lineup:

• David Folchitto: Drums
• Francesco Menale: Guitars
• Gianni Carcione: Vocals
• Fabrizio Sclano: Bass

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

​https://www.facebook.com/people/Aletheya/61578108544801/​

Victoria, BC modern‑metal upstarts Mutual Trauma have unveiled their powerful new single “Left Inside” as momentum builds toward their upcoming appearance at MOSH THE ROCK 2026 featuring Anciients, Arrow in The Quiver, The Rising Fall, Squidhammer and more. The track marks the band’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet, showcasing their signature blend of crushing heaviness, soaring melody, and cyberpunk‑infused atmosphere.
​
Lyrically, “Left Inside” confronts the lingering effects of abuse and betrayal while emphasizing resilience and the refusal to be defined by past trauma.

“The song is about the lasting effects of abuse, but also about choosing to move forward instead of being consumed by the past,” says lead vocalist Brandon Reynolds, who wrote the lyrics.
​
Musically, the single represents a major leap forward in songwriting and production. Bassist Michael Gignac, who re‑imagined the track from its original form, describes it as “energetic despite the darker subject matter… a feeling of resilience and defiance.” The song features a head‑bang‑ready main riff, pummeling verses, melodic choruses delivered by drummer/clean vocalist Chris Heretic, and a climactic final section where screams, clean vocals, relentless drums, and fast chord strumming collide.
​
​“It’s a massive step forward from our previous releases, and a standard we aim to uphold with future material,” adds rhythm guitarist Damian Donald,
​
Formed by former members of Reaver and Lucid Karma, Mutual Trauma blends metalcore, melodic death metal, djent, and electronic elements into a modern, emotionally driven sound influenced by Invent Animate, Soilwork, In Flames, Periphery, and Killswitch Engage. Their cyberpunk‑inspired aesthetic and high‑energy stage presence have quickly set them apart in the local scene.
​
​“Left Inside” follows earlier singles “Dead Dreams” and “Die Alone,” expanding the band’s sonic palette and offering a preview of their upcoming EP currently in development.
​
​“We put a lot of time and effort into this track, and I think it shows,” adds Gignac.
​
With MOSH THE ROCK 2026 on the horizon on August 9th in Victoria, BC, and new music underway, Mutual Trauma are poised to make a major impact within Canada’s modern metal landscape.

Recommended for fans of Spiritbox, Counterparts, Knocked Loose, Polaris, and Soilwork, "Left Inside" can be heard at the following links:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/5yOk6vEtJAuiVPwaUko6oi

​

Band Lineup:​
Michael Gignac - Bass Guitar
Chris Heretic - Drums, Clean Vocals
Brandon Reynolds - Screams / Lead Vocals
Trustin Bruyere - Lead Guitar
Damian Donald - Rhythm Guitar

For more info: https://linktr.ee/mutualtraumaband

India’s rising cinematic‑metal force Shiverwood Shade has unveiled their video for “Lost,” one of the most emotionally charged and high‑tempo tracks from their debut album Escaping Darkness. The single captures the band’s signature fusion of heavy nu‑metal riffing, dark electronic textures, and atmospheric storytelling, an approach they describe as “a heavy, electronic collision designed to feel like a movie soundtrack for your darkest thoughts.”​
​
Clocking in at 3:50, “Lost” is a high‑energy eruption of down‑tuned guitars, industrial electronics, and emotionally raw vocals. Lyrically, the track explores the disorienting feeling of losing one’s identity and direction, one of the central themes of Escaping Darkness.
​
​“Lost” represents a pivotal moment in the album’s emotional arc, where confusion and inner conflict collide with the first spark of self‑realization," adds the band.

Shiverwood Shade’s debut album is built around a journey through struggle, self‑discovery, and eventual liberation.
​
​“We wanted listeners to experience this album from beginning to end, a journey through darkness, doubt, resilience, and ultimately hope,” says the band.​
​
The record blends crushing riffs, atmospheric layers, cinematic electronics, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged performances. It reflects the band’s evolution from their early sci‑fi‑inspired progressive roots into a mature, layered, and deeply personal sound.
​
Formed in Gwalior, India, in 2013, Shiverwood Shade quickly gained recognition across India’s independent circuit, performing at major college festivals including Spring Fest at IIT Kharagpur. Originally inspired by science fiction and progressive metal, the band’s sound has since transformed into a hybrid of nu‑metal, post‑hardcore, industrial, synthwave, EDM, and cinematic metal.
​
The idea for the band began with a shared desire to bridge the gap between heavy rock and dark electronic music, two worlds often treated as separate. Their goal was to create a sound where down‑tuned guitars coexist seamlessly with industrial glitches, retro synthwave basslines, and EDM‑style drops.
​
In 2022, the band underwent a dramatic rebirth, relocating 1,500 kilometres to Kolkata and rebuilding their lineup from scratch. This geographical shift mirrors the emotional transformation behind "Escaping Darkness".
​​
Shiverwood Shade’s songwriting is fully collaborative. Songs typically begin with a riff, melody, atmosphere, or lyrical idea, then evolve through collective input. The band emphasizes emotional storytelling, structuring each track to reflect the message and psychological journey behind it. Their goal is to write honestly so listeners can find their own meaning within the songs.
​
​“Every member contributes creatively. The strength of Shiverwood Shade comes from combining different perspectives into a unified vision,” adds the band.

Recommended for fans of Linkin Park, Bring Me the Horizon, Story of the Year, Breaking Benjamin, and Architects, Shiverwood Shade's "Escaping Darkness" (released Dec 26, 2025) is available at the following links:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/5Htt6Dl6p54M4bVfx2rUKl

Bandcamp - https://shiverwood.bandcamp.com/album/escaping-darkness-album​

Track Listing:​
1. Intro - 1:02
2. Pulling Away - 4:14
3. Facing Darkness - 3:53
4. Holding On - 3:37
5. Crawling Back - 3:54
6. Walking In Circles - 4:50
7. Alone - 3:12
8. Lost - 3:50
9. Haunted - 3:39
10. Divided By Hate - 4:06
11. Break Free - 3:21

Album Band Line-up:​
Gaurav Ghosh - Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

Live Band Line-up:​
Gaurav Ghosh - Vocal
Anirban Bhattacharya-Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

For more info:

​https://www.shiverwoodshade.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/swsprod20​

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

Rome, Italy's melodic death doom collective Shores of Null open a new chapter with the launch of “Bleed to Life,” the first single and music video taken from their forthcoming album "Homesick," set for release October 16th, 2026 through label Dusktone.
​
The track marks the beginning of the band’s next era, one defined by sharpened songwriting, emotional depth, and the unmistakable blend of doom, gothic, blackened, and melodic death metal that has become their signature.
​
​“Bleed to Life” stands among the most aggressive yet melodic compositions in the band’s catalogue. Davide Straccione (vocals) explains that the song’s core theme is the paradox of finding life through pain, an inversion of the familiar phrase bleed to death that instead celebrates growth through suffering.
​
The track’s shadows represent traumas, memories, and scars that cannot be outrun. Instead, the band embraces them, returning to those emotional spaces in search of understanding and acceptance. The result is a song that feels both punishing and uplifting, a defining statement for the album ahead.
​
The single arrives accompanied by a striking new music video, offering fans their first visual immersion into the world of "Homesick." The imagery amplifies the song’s emotional tension, its collision of vulnerability, heaviness, and catharsis.
​Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/2xHwEaceWZAmKJDK0ANDhO?si=1878359078354a7e

​

Out October 16th, 2026 via Dusktone, "Homesick" represents the band’s most mature and focused work to date. Conceived as a complete listening experience, the album moves through longing, loss, anger, vulnerability, and the search for belonging. It captures Shores Of Null at their most confident and emotionally honest, balancing crushing moments with some of the most memorable melodies the band has written to date, enriched by guest appearances from Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) with her vocals on The Numbing Void and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride) on several tracks, including violin on Dreaming of a Scar and The Numbing Void.

"The record is an exploration of the deeply ambiguous nature of 'home', a place of comfort and identity, but also of pain, fear, and unresolved memory. It is probably the most honest representation of who Shores of Null are today. Behind this record lies a meticulous amount of writing, rewriting, and pre‑production work. At its core lies the idea of home as something deeply ambiguous: a place of comfort and belonging, but also of fear, pain, and memories we can never fully leave behind,” adds vocalist Davide Straccione.

"Homesick" marks a new milestone for Shores of Null as an immersive, emotionally charged work that expands their sonic universe to follow their acclaimed discography, which includes "Quiescence," "Black Drapes for Tomorrow," "Beyond the Shores," "The Loss of Beauty," and the 2025 split album with Convocation, "Latitudes of Sorrow".
​
Recommended for fans of Paradise Lost, Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, Katatonia, and Borknagar, "Homesick" will be available for pre-order (Vinyl, CD, Digital) in the coming weeks.

Track Listing:​
1. Allies Before Defeat - 4:35
2. Two Mountains - 4:34
3. Bleed to Life - 4:09
4. Homesick - 5:31
5. Son of the Tide - 4:18
6. Dreaming of a Scar - 5:08
7. Society Is the Murderer - 4:30
8. The Numbing Void - 6:18
9. Another Breath - 3:52
10. Disappear - 4:33
Album Length: 47:32

For more info:

​https://www.shoresofnull.com/​

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

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

Reykjavík, Iceland’s sorcerous folk‑metal conjurers Hrafnablót (pronounced rahv-nah‑blote) have released their first official single, “Svartigaldur,” alongside an atmospheric music video. The track marks the opening strike from the band’s forthcoming debut album, "Guðlaugar Saga," arriving in fall 2026.
​
A metallized Icelandic sea‑shanty rooted in ancient folk melody, “Svartigaldur” tells a pivotal moment in the album’s narrative. The kidnapping of Guðlaug, the record’s time‑travelling protagonist, is bound to the mast of a Viking longship after being mistaken for a witch. The song’s main riff, adapted from the Icelandic folk tune Að bíða þess sem búið er, anchors a storm of rowboat rhythms, black‑metal‑tinged chord work, and soaring clean‑vocal hooks.
​
The accompanying video, directed and edited by bassist Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson with creative direction by singer Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir, was filmed across Iceland’s unforgiving winter landscapes and captures the band’s ritualistic energy and the stark contrasts that define their sound. During the shoot, members endured temperatures as low as –15°C, relocating mid‑day from a wind‑blasted lighthouse in Selvogur to the sheltering woods of Þrastarskógur to complete the performance scenes.
​
​“Svartigaldur was the last song we wrote for the album, and it came together at lightning speed. We’re extremely proud to finally release it as we invite every listener on this journey through the Icelandic settlement age along with us,” adds the band.

Hrafnablót’s debut full‑length is a fully realized Icelandic epic, both musically and lyrically. The album follows Guðlaug, a modern‑day woman thrust back into the settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser. Across battles, celebrations, kidnapping, and existential crossroads, the record explores whether she will return to her mundane present or embrace a new destiny in the past.
​
Sonically, "Guðlaugar Saga" contrasts darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, past and present, weaving together Icelandic folk music, Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic influences, and extreme metal to create a sound that is sorcerous, folky, dramatic, melodic, and contrasting.
​
The album will feature seven full songs plus two spoken‑word pieces, including the seer’s prophecy in Spádómurinn and the chieftain’s post‑battle reflection in Kappar, meyjar, and komendur. Each track contributes to the overarching Saga, from the celebratory folk‑metal revelry of Fögnuður to the 11‑minute multi‑movement finale Örlagavegur.
​
Formed in Reykjavík in fall 2024, Hrafnablót draws deeply from Icelandic magick, folklore, and the Sagas. Their sound blends heavy riffs, folk instrumentation, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, creating a distinct brand of sorcerous folk metal rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.
​
Since forming, the band has become a rising force in Iceland’s live scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival, where drummer Andri famously performed despite a severe back injury, lying flat until the moment he took the stage.
​
Their performances channel ritual intensity, dramatic storytelling, and strong visual elements, aiming to feel less like a concert and more like a magickal rite.
​
The single artwork for “Svartigaldur,” illustrated by Ana Nikitina with layout by guitarist Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir, depicts Guðlaug bound to the mast of a Viking longship. The frame features Icelandic magick staves used historically to ward against black magick, tying the visual world directly into the album’s themes.
​
​Hrafnablót’s writing is highly collaborative. Bassist Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson often brings initial demos, which the band collectively reshapes during rehearsal, adding symphonic elements, vocal lines, and structural changes. Lyrics, primarily written by vocalist Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir and drummer Andri Pétur Dalmar with contributions from the rest of the band, draw heavily from Icelandic folklore, Skaldic poetry, and historical magick traditions.​
​
The band’s influences span Cradle of Filth, Bathory, Iron Maiden, Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, and a wide spectrum of folk, gothic, and extreme metal.
​
With “Svartigaldur” now unveiled, Hrafnablót opens the gateway into their Saga, inviting listeners into a world of Icelandic myth, magick, and metal.
​
Watch and listen to “Svartigaldur”

​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hrafnablt/svartigaldur​

Bandcamp - https://hrafnablot.bandcamp.com/​

For more info:

​https://hrafnablot.is/​

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

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

L-R - Matt McGuire - Drums, Thomas Ireland - Guitar, Tom Emmans - Vocals, Eric Camilleri - Guitar, Mark Sorge - Bass

Ontario heavy newcomers As Oceans Divide will release their self‑titled debut EP on July 9, 2026, with a full‑album stream premiering exclusively at BraveWords.com. The EP stands as both the band’s official introduction and a deeply personal tribute, released in memory of bassist Dale Burrows, whose passing in March 2026 profoundly shaped the band’s journey and the emotional weight behind the music.

Listen to the EP HERE.

As Oceans Divide is built around contrast, aggression vs. atmosphere, heaviness vs. melody, chaos vs. control, a balance that defines the band’s identity. Musically, the EP blends technical, hard‑hitting elements with dynamic, melodic passages that allow each track to breathe while maintaining intensity. Every song is structured as a journey, not just a sequence of riffs.

Lyrically, the EP explores internal struggle, loss, resilience, and the weight of confronting what lies beneath the surface. Much of that emotional honesty is tied to the band’s real experiences, including the grief and reflection that followed Burrows’ passing.

“Everything ties together to create an immersive experience. It’s meant to pull the listener in, hit hard when it needs to, and still leave space for reflection.”

The EP’s cover features a crest depicting a chained sea serpent wrapped around an anchor, set against a violent ocean backdrop. The imagery reflects the emotional tension at the heart of the record, something powerful trying to break free while being held down.

The serpent represents buried emotional weight, the chains symbolize restraint and internal conflict, and the anchor embodies both stability and the threat of being dragged under. Together, the artwork mirrors the band’s sonic identity: a constant push and pull between aggression and melody.

Formed from years of friendship and shared history in Canadian metal, As Oceans Divide brings together seasoned musicians from respected acts including Bloodshoteye, Aquila, Odium, Battlesoul, and more. Their combined experience gives the band a sound rooted in authenticity rather than imitation. Their current lineup includes Tom Emmans (Vocals), Eric Camilleri (Guitar/Songwriting), Thomas Ireland (Guitar/Production), Matt McGuire (Drums), and Mark Sorge (Bass).

​
The band’s formation began with guitarist Eric Camilleri, whose desire for a more serious, technical, and emotionally driven project led him to reconnect with longtime friends. Early demos sparked immediate chemistry, and the lineup came together naturally. The band carries the memory of bassist Dale Burrows, who passed away in March 2026, forward in everything they create.
​
Their sound blends soaring melody with crushing rhythms, channeling early-2000s metalcore through a modern lens, with harmonized guitars, driving mid‑tempo anthems, and high‑intensity assaults anchored by Emmans’ dynamic vocal range.

​
Recommended for fans of Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Unearth, and God Forbid, As Oceans Divide's self-titled EP will be available on all digital platforms as of July 9th, 2026, at the following links:

Bandcamp - https://asoceansdivideband.bandcamp.com/​

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1oKSKBjhTMy7IHOBZOq5QN​

Track Listing:​
1. Into The Dying Light – 4:04
2. White Noise – 3:31
3. World Collapse – 3:16
4. Cursed Oblivion – 3:59
5. One Of The Herd – 3:25
EP Length: 18:15

For more info:

​https://asoceansdivide.com

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

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

Arizona's Little King shares “Opus Perficit,” a haunting new standalone single that reveals a quieter, more introspective side of the progressive rock band as they celebrate 30 years of making music. Released just days before the group hits the road for a nine‑date Southwest and West Coast tour, the track offers a striking contrast to their heavier catalog while remaining unmistakably Little King, thoughtful, adventurous, and emotionally resonant.
​
Built around a hypnotic 5/4 pulse, “Opus Perficit” unfolds with slow‑burn intensity, pairing acoustic textures, layered vocals, and cinematic dynamics. Lyrically, songwriter Ryan Rosoff explores the creative obsession that drives artists forward, the tension between endless revision and completion, and the vulnerability of releasing one’s work into the world. References to “Osmium” and “20 Hz” nod to Rosoff’s long‑running lyrical universe, offering longtime fans a deeper thread to pull.
​
The recording features David Hamilton in a remarkable multi‑instrumental performance, providing both the expressive piano and melodic bass work that anchor the song’s emotional depth. Rather than relying on technical excess, “Opus Perficit” embraces space, restraint, and atmosphere, allowing every note to serve the story.
​
The single arrives in tandem with Little King’s nine‑date Southwest tour, marking the band’s second major run since releasing their 2025 album "Lente Viviente." The trio Ryan Rosoff (guitar/vocals), Tony Bojorquez (drums), and Dave Hamilton (bass) will perform across key West Coast cities, bringing their acclaimed live energy back to the stage.
​
Earlier this year, Little King completed a successful string of shows across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and even a surprise pop‑up performance in Mexico. Their full tour diary, including stories of power outages, ibuprofen, and gratitude, is available on their website.
​
Rosoff describes Little King’s live show as “meticulous, rehearsed, and RAGING with push‑and‑pull energy… PROS with experience.” Fans can expect high‑level musicianship, dynamic setlists, and a performance that’s both technically sharp and emotionally charged.
​
Released in September 2025, "Lente Viviente" represents a major creative leap for Little King. With Bojorquez and Hamilton joining the lineup, the band crafted what Rosoff calls “BY FAR our biggest release.” The album’s title, Spanish for Living Lens, ties into Rosoff’s video memoir company, LivingLens Memoirs, and sets the thematic tone for the record’s exploration of memory, identity, perception, and the shifting filters through which we understand ourselves.
​
Across tightly constructed “micro‑epics,” the album moves through themes of childhood and enduring friendship (“Catch and Release,” “Dawn Villa”), immigration and identity (“Who’s Illegal?”), aging and addiction (“Pass Through Filters”), and the balance between strength and vulnerability (“Kindness for Weakness”). Musically, the record blends progressive rock, hard rock, and melodic hooks with Little King’s trademark precision and dynamic push‑and‑pull.
​
For three decades, Little King has carved out a unique space in progressive rock, dynamic, melodic, and fiercely independent. Led by songwriter‑guitarist Ryan Rosoff, the band continues to evolve while maintaining the emotional honesty and musical precision that define their sound.
​
With “Opus Perficit,” Little King opens a new chapter, one that honors the past, embraces the present, and hints at the creative horizons still ahead.

Listen to the single at the following links:

Spotify (and all other digital platforms) - https://loousperficit.hearnow.com/opus-perficit​

​

Little King - West Coast USA Tour 2026​
July 10 – Ruidoso, NM – Downshift Brewery Riverside
July 12 – Tucson, AZ – Brick Box Brewery w/ The Crown Syndicate and Zold
July 14 – Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
July 15 – Anaheim, CA – The World Famous Doll Hut
July 17 – San Diego, CA - Tower Bar w/ Stretcher
July 18 – West Hollywood, CA – The Viper Room
July 19 – Pacifica, CA – Winters Tavern w/ The Wandering Jews and Melting Elephants
July 23 – Bisbee, AZ – Gene’s Place
July 25 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace

For more info: https://littlekingtunes.com/​

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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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".
​
Speaking about the single, Andy Sartori comments:
​
“'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.”
​
Discussing the new album, Sartori adds:
​
“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.”
​
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​
​
​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/​

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.

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.
​
​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.
​

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.
​
​“Music is a NUMEN in my life. A place where I find peace, joy, and a cure for my darkest moments,” adds Molinari.
​
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.
​
​"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).​
​
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.
​
​“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.
​
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​

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​

​
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.

​

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

Romanian folkcore metal innovators Dirty Shirt proudly announce the release of their new album "Dirty Thirty (The Best Of)," arriving June 26th, 2026, on digital platforms, limited double‑CD digipak, and vinyl. The career‑spanning collection celebrates more than 30 years of one of Eastern Europe’s most distinctive and genre‑defying metal bands.
​
Featuring 30 tracks that chart Dirty Shirt’s evolution from their earliest recordings to their most recent material, and two new singles, “FOMO” and “Büntető” from the band’s upcoming studio album.

The anthology draws from every era of the band’s discography, including:
​
Very Dirty (2000) – 1 track (newly re‑recorded version from Pandemic Special)
​
Same Shirt Different Day (2010) – 2 tracks
​
Freak Show (2013) – 4 tracks + orchestral “Away”
​
Dirtylicious (2015) – 7 tracks
​
Letchology (2019) – 7 tracks
​
Get Your Dose Now & Pandemic Special (2022) – 7 tracks
​
Several early‑era songs have been newly remastered by longtime sound engineer Adrian “Bila” Urițescu. At the same time, the album’s artwork, created by internationally acclaimed artist Costin Chioreanu, continues a creative partnership now spanning more than 13 years. The project was partially funded through a successful 2025 crowdfunding campaign and features contributions from over 40 musicians.
​
​Keyboardist/guitarist Mihai Tivadar reflects on the milestone:
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“Dirty Shirt became much more than a band. It became a family… This album is a celebration of everyone who has been part of these thirty years.”

CD and Vinyl order available at the following links:

​https://www.dirty-merch.com/​

​https://dirtyshirt.bandcamp.com/​

Digital - https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​

Alongside the new album announcement, Dirty Shirt has released their full live performance from Rockstadt Extreme Fest 2025, one of the most important concerts in the band’s history.
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This marked the band’s third appearance at Romania’s premier metal festival, and their first time as co‑headliners, performing on a main stage during a prime‑time slot before 10,000+ fans. The closing‑night lineup also featured Static‑X and Sepultura, with a standout moment occurring when drummer Sergio Ponti joined Sepultura on stage for a special performance of “Kaiowas.”
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The 2025 edition was especially emotional, serving as the final Rockstadt Extreme Fest held in Râșnov, the festival’s home for more than a decade. Dirty Shirt’s full set captures both a defining moment in their career and the atmosphere of a festival that has become a landmark of the European metal scene.

Dirty Shirt will also be back on the road for the summer season and a series of fantastic open-air festivals in Romania, Germany, and Slovakia (dates listed below).

Tour Dates:​
​5 JUN - Nocturnal - Alexandria
18 JUN - Bikers for Humanity - Brezoi
26 JUN - Rock pod kameňom - Snina (Sk)
28 JUN - Zilele Resitei - Resita (Ro)
4 JUL - Praetorian Gates - Alba lulia
11 JUL - Guitar Day - Cluj Napoca
17 JUL - Bucharest Town Charity Run
29 JUL - Wacken Open Air (De)
1 AUG - Bucovina Motor Fest - Suceava
8 AUG - CityFest - Ziar Nad Hronom (Sk)
22 AUG - Rock Revolution - Bobâlna
3 SEP - Guitar Meeting - Sibiu
More Shows T.B.A.

For more info: https://dirty-shirt.com/​
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Canadian death juggernaut Truent returns with a vengeance as they release their crushing new single and music video “Vilemaker,” marking the official debut of new vocalist Darian Mazloomi (also of Cryptic Enslavement, Argent Strand) and new bassist Jason Whitewick-Bonenfant (also of Sideon).

“Vilemaker” is a ferocious statement of intent, fast, technical, groove‑laden, and lyrically dense. Inspired by the Berserk “Golden Age” arc, the song explores the rise of a tyrant who climbs toward absolute power through manipulation, deceit, and the bodies of those he destroys along the way. Musically, it’s one of the band’s most crushing offerings to date, packed with razor‑sharp riffing, relentless momentum, and the unmistakable chemistry of Truent’s newly energized lineup.
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The single also marks the first lyrical contribution from Mazloomi, whose arrival injects a new level of intensity into the band’s sound.
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​“‘Vilemaker’ is the most recent song we’ve written. There was a lot of deliberation on the structure and placement of certain parts, but it came together in a very satisfying way. It’s also the first song Darian has written lyrics for,” adds drummer Nicolas Landry.
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According to drummer Nicolas Landry, fans can expect a noticeable evolution in the band’s songwriting and sonic identity. The new material is raw, dynamic, and intentionally less polished than much of today’s hyper‑produced metal, without sacrificing clarity or tone.
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​“We’ve really strived for a rawer sound this time around… This is some of our most dynamic music thus far, and we wanted the production to reflect that.”
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Lyrically, the upcoming releases lean heavily into nihilism, frustration, and societal disillusionment, each song telling its own story through vivid imagery and shifting points of view.
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​Truent will release a limited but steady stream of singles throughout 2026, each showcasing the band’s sharpened songwriting, expanded influences, and collaborative creative process. The new material continues to blend tech‑death, groove, and metalcore elements.
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​Truent has spent the last several years carving out a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting rising metal bands. Their technical, groove‑driven approach has earned them stage time alongside Archspire, Decapitated, Voivod, Revocation, Signs of the Swarm, and more. With a refreshed lineup and a wave of new music on the horizon, Truent enters 2026 with renewed force and a rapidly growing audience.

Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/truent/vilemaker

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Band Lineup:​
Nicolas Landry – Drums
Matthew Pancoust – Guitar
Eli Slamang - Guitar (also of Terrifier)
Jason Whitewick-Bonenfant – Bass (also of Sideon)
Darian Mazloomi – Vocals (also of Cryptic Enslavement, Argent Strand)

More info: https://ffm.bio/truentmetal​

Denver, Colorado’s Entropist has rapidly emerged as one of progressive metal’s most compelling new voices, crafting a sound vocalist Parker Kitching calls “a love letter to metal.” Their music fuses the ambition of progressive metal, the weight of deathcore, the precision of djent, and the emotional depth of post‑hardcore into a sweeping, cinematic style defined by technical mastery and immersive storytelling.
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Formed from a decade‑long bond between Solomon Smith (guitar/vocals), Parker Kitching (vocals), Jeremy Smith (bass), and Matt Gleason (drums), Entropist’s origins trace back to 2013 in Greeley, Colorado, where the members first connected as college roommates and neighbors. United by a shared obsession with prog metal and djent, the group spent their early years carpooling to Denver shows, dissecting new releases together, and eventually jamming in their living room with Matt’s drum kit set up beside the couch.
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Life pulled the members in different directions after college, but the spark reignited during the COVID era when Solomon began revisiting old material and reconnecting with the band through long Discord calls, shared Guitar Pro files, and late‑night idea exchanges. The lineup solidified with the addition of guitarist Will Vinson, whose creativity and technical approach elevated the band’s sound into its fully realized form.
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Their debut album, “The Vision,” is being released on June 26, 2026, and marks a bold and ambitious entrance. A dual‑layered concept record, the album intertwines a fantastical narrative of demons, celestial beings, and the void with a grounded exploration of mental struggle, nihilism, and the search for meaning. Written largely from the perspectives of the story's characters, the album is designed as a front‑to‑back experience filled with recurring motifs, callbacks, and evolving themes.

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Musically, Entropist draws from Between the Buried and Me, Meshuggah, Opeth, and The Contortionist, yet their sound remains unmistakably their own. Solomon’s intricate compositions form the backbone of the record, while the rest of the band shaped the material through relentless collaboration and experimentation. The result is a dynamic, through‑composed progressive metal odyssey that spans everything from crushing downtuned heaviness to atmospheric passages, soaring vocal harmonies, and genre‑bending rhythmic exploration.
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To bring the album’s massive sound to life, Entropist enlisted renowned producer Jamie King, whose work with BTBAM and The Contortionist helped define modern progressive metal. His mixing and mastering elevated the band’s wide‑ranging ideas into a cohesive, powerful whole. The album’s visual identity comes from a hand‑painted canvas by Solomon’s wife, Shannon Bortfeldt, whose impressionist artwork captures the emotional and narrative weight of the story’s opening moments.

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On stage, Entropist has already shared the bill with Nightwraith, So This Is Suffering, Eternal Bloom, The Dawn Chose Orion, WOR, and Fused by Defiance, bringing their intense, immersive sound to audiences across Colorado.
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With a debut album that spans genres, tells a sweeping story, and showcases the band’s technical and emotional range, Entropist is poised to become a defining voice in modern progressive metal. Their music is ambitious, meticulously crafted, and driven by a genuine passion for the genre, and “The Vision” is only the beginning.

Listen to the album's full stream premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

"The Vision" will be available on all digital platforms as of June 26, 2026.

Album pre-order - https://entropistcolorado.bandcamp.com/​
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​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZHLaSydJSPqval3Cd0cjs​

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Track Listing:​
1. Intense Warmth (4:00)
2. Devour Us (6:34)
3. I Hunger (5:34)
4. The Ritual (8:36)
5. Desert of Limbo (6:04)
6. The Wandering (6:47)
7. Creation (8:49)
8. Revelation (14:12)
Album Length: 1:00:40

Album Band Line Up:​
Solomon Smith - Guitar
Will Vinson - Guitar
Jeremy Smith - Bass
Matt Gleason - Drums
Parker Kitching - Vocals
Cecily Meade - Violin

Live Band Line Up:​
Solomon Smith - Guitar
Will Vinson - Guitar
Jeremy Smith - Bass
Matt Gleason - Drums
Parker Kitching - Vocals

More info:

​https://entropistband.com/​

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

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