AMORPHIS Return To The Fray With New Single "Crowned In Crimson"

Finnish metal icons AMORPHIS present “Crowned In Crimson”, a powerful and emotionally charged new single, which also serves as the main theme song for the upcoming action feature Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala, premiering in Finland on January 16, 2026.

A striking father–daughter vocal collaboration between AMORPHIS frontman Tomi Joutsen and his daughter Iida, “Crowned In Crimson” presents the band at their most cinematic. The track’s sweeping dynamics and melodic depth echo the sonic identity of AMORPHIS’ massively successful 2025 studio album Borderland, while introducing a new layer of intimate storytelling that fits seamlessly into the band's unmistakable sound world. The lyrics, penned by long-time collaborator Pekka Kainulainen, bring the tragic hero Kullervo to life with vivid emotion and mythic weight.

For decades, AMORPHIS' music has breathed new life into the ancient stories of the Kalevala for fans around the world and now, with Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala, audiences will finally see those mythic visions brought to life on the big screen.

Songwriter and guitarist Esa Holopainen comments:

“Director Antti Jokinen got in touch with us and briefly told us about his ambitious film project. We arranged a meeting with him, during which we were able to see visual material from the film and go through the script. Antti hoped that Amorphis would create the film’s theme song — a project we agreed to immediately.”

Director Antti Jokinen comments:

"Amorphis’ music feels like strength wrapped in beauty – heavy enough to shake the landscape, yet poetic. Their music really lifts my spirit into the world of Kalevala myths and its characters. Exactly what I was looking for, when thinking about the theme song for my film. I'm very pleased they agreed to do it."

With its haunting vocal interplay, soaring melodies, and unmistakable AMORPHIS atmosphere, “Crowned In Crimson” stands as a monumental addition to the band’s catalogue and a compelling preview of the cinematic world of Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala.

Watch the video for “Crowned In Crimson” directed by Antti Jokinen below;

“Crowned In Crimson” is out now on all digital platforms, listen to it here: https://amorphis.rpm.link/crownedPR
 

About the movie:

Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala is an upcoming Finnish historical fantasy film directed by Antti Jokinen and written by Jokinen and Jorma Tommila. Based on the Finnish epic poetry The Kalevala, the film tells the story of Kullervo, a tragic anti-hero marked by vengeance, sorrow, and supernatural power, with Elias Salonen in the title role. Set in 12th century North Karelia and primarily filmed in Nurmes, the film premieres on January 16, 2026.

See the movie trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfZBjEs_NcI

About AMORPHIS

With Borderland, released in September 2025 as their latest album, the title couldn’t have been chosen more fittingly. Throughout their career, spanning over more than three decades, AMORPHIS have been an ever-evolving act, wandering on an exciting boundary-pushing path. From their sinister death metal debut Karelian Isthmus over genre-defining mid-90s melodic death works like Tales From The Thousand Lakes and Elegy as well as the melodic 2000’s grandeur ofEclipse or Skyforger to records combining the very best of all prior eras to refreshing new soundscapes (f.e. Under The Red Cloud or Queen Of Time): Whatever this group works on promises long-range success. With 2022’s Halo, the Finn’s were rewarded for their researching musical approach once again the sextet took home two awards from the prestigious Emma Gaala (“Band of the Year” & “Export of the Year”). The impact of Halo became a driving force for what’s to come. Rather than rushing into a follow-up, the band chose to step back from live performances and focus fully on their next chapter. The result is Borderland - a meticulously crafted opus that builds on their celebrated recent era, while seamlessly weaving in new, timely elements. It’s a bold, organic continuation of their journey, shaped by experience and guided by vision.
 

AMORPHIS are:
Tomi Joutsen | vocals
Esa Holopainen | guitars
Tomi Koivusaari | guitars
Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine | bass
Santeri Kallio | keys
Jan Rechberger | drums & percussion

Bullet Release "Chained By Metal" Video // "Kickstarter" Out 1/9

NEW ALBUM KICKSTARTER OUT JANUARY 9 — PRE-ORDER

The Swedish powerhouse band Bullet have released the video for the new single "Chained By Metal" .

The song appears on their upcoming studio album Kickstarter.

 

The band says, "It was about time our small but relentlessly dedicated fan club the 'Bullet Bastards' got a song dedicated to them. Our fastest one on the album and maybe the only one able to carry the title of 'Chained by Metal.' Warm and appreciating yet hard as steel is our brothers and sisters of metal and once you become one of them it is hard to let go. You'll become chained by metal in unbreakable links of steel! That's what the song is about and a perfect song to promote as one of the singles for the album. This song shows the range of what Bullet and the new album Kickstarter is all about!"

Watch the music video below;

Kickstarter will be released on January 9 through Steamhammer as CD digipak (including. poster), LP gatefold version, and digital, and can be pre-ordered here.

More info about Bullet's upcoming live shows here.

Out Now - CORELEONI - Live At Hallenstadion Zurich

Swiss hard rock veterans CORELEONI, featuring members of GOTTHARD, are proud to unleash their new live album, Live At Hallenstadion Zurich, via Perception. Featuring a mix of classic GOTTHARD tracks and new favorites from CORELEONI’s latest studio album, III, Live At Hallenstadion Zurich documents a pivotal night in the CORELEONI saga.

One hot summer evening on July 3rd 2025, CORELEONI supported heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST at Zurich’s Hallenstadion, performing in front of 7,000 rock and metal fans. The show took the audience on a wild ride through classic GOTTHARD tracks and newer songs from III. An instant success, III had reached #2 on the Swiss album charts and found a place in the hearts of fans around the world. New tracks such as “Like It Or Not” and “Sick & Tired” became staple crowd-pleasers, right alongside beloved fan favorites such as “Sister Moon”, “Mountain Mama”, and “Standing In The Light”.

On Live At Hallenstadion Zurich, the band delivers nine songs in total and kicks off the show with two high-energy classics, “Downtown” and “Firedance”. “We wanted to go out and rock the shit out of our body”, explains guitarist Leo Leoni. Fellow guitarist Igor Gianola adds, “It seems we succeeded. The crowd was fantastic and we were able to deliver a great performance, as we wanted.”

CORELEONI’s energy and the audience’s passion electrified the show. “The night was fantastic”, remembers Leoni. “There was this special magic in the air, Zürich is always fantastic for us to play, but this was somehow a night to remember.”

The band also recalls fond memories of the bonds they forged with metal veterans JUDAS PRIEST, making the show a particularly notable highlight in CORELEONI’s career. “At the Hallenstadion we met Scott Travis on stage, who was there the whole show, and he spent some very nice words about our performance. He’s a great guy and a fantastic drummer, so we appreciated and proved our effort to get it right to the point”, recalls Gianola.

“It was an honour for us to support Judas Priest, they are one of the most important metal bands and I follow them also since I was a kid. It wasn’t the first time we played together, but especially in this location, it was like a mythos”, comments Leo Leoni.

About CORELEONI
Founded by guitarist Leo Leoni in 2018, CORELEONI started reviving the early GOTTHARD days successfully with their album duo consisting of The Greatest Hits - Part 1 and II. The band also convinced fans and critics alike with their high-energy performances all over Europe, making the five-piece write their very own material. The result titled III was finally released in early 2022 and saw the addition of gifted Albanian singer Eugent Bushpepa to CORELEONI’s powerful line-up, which is completed by guitarist Jgor Gianola (ex-GOTTHARD, ex-U.D.O.), bass player Mila Merker and drummer Alex Motta. The group’s latest record hit the official Swiss album chart at no. 2 and thereby cemented the high demand for their captivating craft. Of course, III guided the quintet’s way across the continent once again while making one thing even clearer: CORELEONI are more than just a studio band and need to be experienced (a)live to understand their vision in full. So what are you waiting for? Feel the magic & enjoy their second live offering, Live at Hallenstadion Zurich!

CORELEONI are:
Eugent Bushpepa | vocals
Leo Leoni | guitars
Jgor Gianola | guitars
Mila Merker | bass
Alex Motta | drums

POWER PALADIN Unleash First Single "Sword Vigor"

Icelandic metal collective POWER PALADIN returns with force, steel and fire as they present their brand-new single “Sword Vigor”, the first taste of their upcoming studio album Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, due out on March 27, 2026 via ROAR – a division of Reigning Phoenix Music!

“Sword Vigor” delivers classic heavy metal spirit wrapped in epic power metal form, driven by galloping riffs, soaring melodies and a strong sense of heroism. The track continues the band’s fantasy-driven narrative universe and serves as the next chapter in an ongoing saga of trials, destiny and triumph. Fans of GLORYHAMMER, TWILIGHT FORCE, and DRAGONFORCE will feel right at home.

The band comments: “‘Sword Vigor’ is a roaring NWOBHM-inspired power metal anthem — the blazing sequel to the saga begun in Kraven the Hunter. When all hope seems lost for our hero, salvation descends from the heavens: a warrior who has mastered the ancient and furious art of Sword Vigor.” 

Accompanying the single is an official music video that captures POWER PALADIN’s love for classic heavy metal, combining a tongue-in-cheek attitude with a straightforward, no-frills approach.

Stream / Download “Sword Vigor”: https://powerpaladin.rpm.link/swordvigorPR

Watch the official video below :

And if you’ve ever wondered how power metal bands come up with these epic lyrics, POWER PALADIN have the answer - and it involves a healthy dose of humor. To find out what rhymes with fire - and where hobbits come into play check out the following video the band just posted on their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/p/DSSEYXcjKVU/ 

With their new offering Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, POWER PALADIN take the next step in their musical journey. The album features eight epic tracks, each unfolding like a chapter in a sweeping saga of power, mystery and adventure. 

Building on the success of their debut With the Magic of Windfyre Steel, the band delivers a more mature and refined sound while fully retaining the energy and spirit that defined their early days. The album was mixed by Haukur Hannes (AUÐN, DYNFARI) and mastered by Frank de Jong (BLEEDING GODS), resulting in a production that is both powerful and crystal clear.

Once again, POWER PALADIN pay homage to their influences - IRON MAIDEN, DIO and HELLOWEEN - while confidently carving out their own place in the modern power metal landscape. The album artwork, created by James Child (Astral Clock Tower Studios), perfectly captures the adventurous and fantastical essence of the record.

Pre-Save / Pre-OrderBeyond The Reach Of Enchantmenthere:
https://powerpaladin.rpm.link/enchantmentPR

About POWER PALADIN:
Formed in Iceland, POWER PALADIN emerged from a shared passion for classic heavy metal, soaring melodies and fantasy-driven storytelling. Since their inception, the band has blended the spirit of traditional power metal with the raw edge of NWOBHM influences, forging a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Their debut album With the Magic of Windfyre Steel quickly established POWER PALADIN as a rising force in the international power metal scene. With Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment, the band further expands their musical and lyrical universe, proving their dedication to epic songwriting, strong hooks and timeless metal values.

POWER PALADIN is:
Atli Guðlaugsson (vocals)
Bjarni Þór Jóhannsson (guitars)
Ingi Þórisson (guitars)
Einar Karl Júlíusson (drums) 
Bjarni Egill Ögmundsson (keyboards) 
Kristleifur Þorsteinsson (bass)

More on POWER PALADIN:
Website: https://www.powerpaladin.is/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerpaladinice 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerpaladinice/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@powerpaladin 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PowerPaladinOfficial

ANTI-SAPIEN Release New Single "At the Mercy of the Merciless," Announce New Album

Atlanta’s crust smeared death metal unit ANTI-SAPIEN return with their new single “D.E.A.D.”, a track that highlights the band’s punk, hardcore and crust influences. Built on a mosh friendly intro, a fast d-beat verse and sharp higher register vocals, “D.E.A.D.” taps into the band’s love of filthy crust and NYDM style slam riffs. The song breaks away into a vicious party slam section complete with vintage 808 bass drops, showcasing the band’s ability to merge primitive heaviness with energetic hooks.

“D.E.A.D.” stands for “Do Everything All Day”, an acronym coined by a longtime friend of Blake over twenty years ago. The song’s theme reflects the idea that too much of life is wasted on worry, stagnation and unfulfilling obligations. ANTI-SAPIEN use the track to champion a philosophy of living fully and deliberately, honoring the dreams of loved ones who are no longer here and refusing to get caught in cycles of empty distraction.

The band notes that “D.E.A.D.” has quickly become one of their strongest live songs. Audiences respond instantly to the opening mosh part, and the track’s position as the start of Side B of the upcoming EP is intentional. Written with a side A and side B mindset, the song is meant to reintroduce listeners with a surge of energy and leave them wanting more as it barrels into a double bass driven solo and breakdown finale.

The EP At the Mercy of the Merciless arrives January 16 on Terminus Hate City. It is the second official recording from ANTI-SAPIEN and continues the band’s growth as purveyors of crust smeared death metal. The members bring decades of experience across grind, death metal and classic metal projects and write specifically to support the unique tone set at the band’s inception: fun and catchy, but grimy, sweaty and raw. Written throughout their touring schedule, the EP reflects the band’s evolution into more complex riffing and structures while preserving the primitive, oozing character that defines their sound. Pre-orders are available HERE. 

About ANTI-SAPIEN:

ANTI-SAPIEN formed in Brooklyn in 2021 and grew quickly from a loose pandemic experiment into a touring force known for filthy death crust riffs, sweat soaked shows, and a message that cuts through the noise. The band began as a way for friends to blow off steam and write ugly, fun songs that blended their love of D beat punk, death metal, grind, and the classic New York slam tradition. What surprised them was how quickly audiences connected to not only the heaviness but the honesty. Kids responded to the riffs but also to the moments between songs where the band spoke openly about inequality, exploitation, and the systems that grind people down. That connection pushed ANTI-SAPIEN to take the project further, tighten their sound, and hit the road hard across the United States and eventually through Australia, Korea, and Japan.

Over time the band’s lineup shifted into the current form of Blake Charlton, Alex Fewell, Ryan Murphy, and Nathan Rand, all seasoned musicians with long histories in heavy music. Their combined backgrounds in bands like Ramming Speed, Black Mass, Soul Remnants, and others helped shape the sound into something both raw and disciplined, equal parts crust punk grit and death metal precision. They have played festivals like NEDM Funtime Bonanza and the NYDM International Fest, building a reputation for fast sets, filthy tones, and a refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths.

ANTI-SAPIEN operate with a clear sense of purpose. They are proudly anti fascist, openly political, and committed to calling out abuses of power while keeping their shows rooted in community and catharsis. The band writes music that is catchy and disgusting, equal parts sewer filth and adrenaline, and they deliver it with the conviction of people who believe heavy music can be fun while still saying something worth hearing. Audiences continue to grow each tour, fueled by the band’s willingness to merge riffs, rage, humor, and a perspective shaped by lived experience.

ANTI-SAPIEN is:

Blake Charlton – Guitar and Lead Vocals
Alex Fewell – Drums
Ryan Murphy – Bass and Backup Vocals
Nathan Rand – Lead Guitar

Connect with ANTI-SAPIEN:

Website: terminushatecity.com
Bandcamp: https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/music
E Shop: https://anti-sapien.bandcamp.com/merch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntiSapienBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antisapienband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@antisapienband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qq4lPjBPdNmudoOk1CfRZ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anti-sapien/1679779909

Gluecifer Release "I'm Ready" Video

Twenty-one years after their last studio album, the Norwegians laid the foundation for their brand new album Same Drug New High (out January 16 via Steamhammer). Now, "I'm Ready" is the next taste of what's to come from the album.

Singer Biff Malibu says, "It's one of the last songs we wrote for the record. Captain Poon had worked out a chord structure that fell into place really fast, and that we felt had a kind of happy and positive ring to it. I threw in some lyrics on the same note, and the song sort of wrote itself from there." 
 
At a time when the world's inflationary desire for change seems to stop at nothing and no one, GLUECIFER appear to be the proverbial solid rock.

The Norwegian band, one of the most successful in its country, who immediately returned to its former strength after a reunion in spring 2018, continues to play a passionate melange of irresistible punk rock, traditional rock 'n' roll and dazzling glam elements — just the way the fans want to hear it. The new studio album, Same Drug New High, the group's first in more than 20 years, leaves no doubt that founding members Biff Malibu (vocals) and Captain Poon (guitar), plus long-standing bandmates Raldo Useless (guitar), Danny Young (drums), and Peter Larsson (bass), sound not only more mature and skilled, but also more versatile and determined than ever.

Watch the video for "I'm Ready" below. 

Stream the single and pre-order the new album Same Drug New High here. 

PRODUCT VERSIONS:

*Limited LP Edition / STEAMHAMMER exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. splattered red/black/white Vinyl and LP insert) - Order here
*Limited LP Edition / FLIGHT 13 exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. gold Vinyl and LP insert) - Order here
*Limited LP Edition / EU & UK exclusive - Limited to 300 copies
(incl. translucent red Vinyl and LP insert)
*Limited LP Edition / NORDICS exclusive - Limited to 500 copies
(incl. translucent clear Vinyl and LP insert)
*Standard LP Edition 
(including black vinyl and LP insert)
*CD Edition
(in a Digipak)
*Digital Edition
(Stream & Download)

Since they got together in 1994, Gluecifer have played hundreds of shows and released a total of five albums plus countless singles, EPs, and compilations. After an extensive farewell tour, the band broke up in 2005. But Gluecifer have never been forgotten by their fans. As a result, their 2018 comeback was not only met with huge acclaim, but was also celebrated by numerous concerts throughout Europe, including appearances at renowned festivals such as the Azkena Festival in Spain, Hellfest in France, and Tons Of Rock in Norway. So it comes as no surprise that their extensive fanbase started to clamor for new songs and another studio album almost immediately. Gluecifer have fulfilled that request at last with Same Drug New High, which was composed, produced, and mixed in their hometown of Oslo.

The new recording will be supported by an extensive European tour in spring 2026 — scheduled to kick off in Sweden on the album’s release date — and take Gluecifer to Germany, Norway and Spain.

More info about Gluecifer's upcoming live shows here. 

GLUECIFER LINEUP:

Biff Malibu — Vocals
Captain Poon — Guitar 
Raldo Useless — Guitar
Danny Young — Drums
Peter Larsson — Bass

LAPTOP re-envisions TOM WAITS' holiday anthem "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis"

NYC artist Laptop presents their first holiday release: a winter transmission that sits oddly and perfectly within the band’s catalog. Tom Waits’ 1978 classic “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” is recreated as a deadpan jazz-robotic confession, equal parts heartbreak and smirk, performed as if a soul adrift at 2 AM in search of a payphone that still works. This feels like a postcard from every December that ever went wrong—and the small, stubborn hope that things might just go right anyway.

In the early 2000s, Laptop released three cult classic albums on Island Records, with frontman Jesse Hartman having got his start as a teenage Voidoid with Richard Hellbefore co-founding the indie rock band Sammy and releasing albums via Fire Records and Geffen Records. Hartman recently revived the band, driven by a dual-frontman dynamic with his son Charlie, this track reveals the intimate, lonely, late-night side of this project, sitting with you after the party ends and winter blows in under the door.

For Jesse Hartman, this song is personal. He has been playing this song since he was 13 years old at the family piano, long before Laptop existed, long before forming Sammy and long before joining Island Records. Hartman shares, “This was the first song that showed me you could mix sadness and humor in the same line. It basically formed me. This song is the blueprint for Laptop whether I knew it or not.”

While Laptop and Waits are both artists obsessed with doomed characters, disappointing heroes, and the poetry of failure, Hartman’s version is a departure from Waits’s gravel-and-whiskey delivery. This take leans into Laptop’s signature swing between warmth and machinery: jazz chords, cold synths, more groove, and Hartman’s dry, controlled, emotionally sideways vocal. It’s not whispered or fragile, it’s performed with the same unsentimental elegance that defined Laptop’s early-2000s covers (Billy Joel) and deep cuts (“We Never Made It to Venice”).

The basic tracks were recorded in Valencia in 2023, engineered by Iñaki Ariste Aznar, with Hartman on bass and drums by Mike Desmerais (Brian Eno, The Winkies). Upon their subtle, modern rhythmic bed beneath the retro-jazz harmony, Hartman finished the song in New York this Thanksgiving, pulling the performance into the present moment. Family members fill the edges of the arrangement with warmth: Odetta Hartman(backing vocals), Camellia Hartman (violin), Ben Jones (keyboards), and friend Billy Aukstik (trumpet). Just like a frozen street corner dressed in unexpected color.

“Waits wrote one of the great American monologues. This character isn’t just down on her luck, she’s inventing better versions of her life while she’s telling it. She’s lying, but she’s lying to survive. I didn’t want parody. I wanted to show the hope inside the hopelessness,” says Jesse Hartman.

This is standalone offering, outside the song cycle leading to their 2026 album “On This Planet”, which produced the singles “Indie Hero”, "Additional Animals", "I Don't Know" and “Weirder”. But it fits the themes Hartman has been exploring lately: aging, reinvention, myth-making, and the personal fictions we tell ourselves to get through the night. The holiday backdrop adds a chill: this is a Christmas song for people who can’t quite afford to believe in Christmas.

Musically, the track is Laptop stripped and rebuilt: a chiming electric piano, an icy synth pad, and a rhythm section that feels like a jazz band learning to operate inside a drum machine. Hartman delivers the lies, the hope, the heartbreak, and the punchline with the kind of detached affection that made Laptop an indie cult favorite. The final confession (“I need the money to pay my lawyer”) lands with dry humor and real ache.

As of December 12, this single can be found on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the band's latest singles are also available. Laptop's forthcoming album "On This Planet" is slated for release in Spring 2026 via Hurricane Cove Records.

CREDITS

Jesse Hartman - vocals, guitars, bass
Edward Douglas- keyboards, synths
Charlie Hartman - vocals
Odetta Hartman - vocals
Camellia Hartman - violin
Billy Aukstik - trumpet
Ben Jones - keyboards
Mike Desmarais - drums
Lluisen Capafons – congas, additional percussion
Recorded by Iñaki Ariste Aznar (Valencia), Edward Douglas (NYC), Jesse Hartman (NYC/Nevis)
Mixed by Jesse Hartman, Edward Douglas
Produced by Jesse Hartman
Engineered by Edward Douglas
Recorded in Valencia, Spain (Summer 2023), Final overdubs and edits in New York City (2025)
Written by Tom Waits (ASCAP)
Published by Jersey Girl Music (Admin by Wixen Music Publishing, Inc.)
Released by Hurricane Cove Records
Video concept, direction, cinematography & editing by Jesse Hartman
Cover artwork by Jesse Hartman & Scott Ratner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

ESHTADUR Releases Epic Symphonic Melodeath Single, "Fire Above Mountain Below"

Colombian blackened melodic death metal force ESHTADUR has released their latest single, "Fire Above Mountain Below", off of their latest album, Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater. Grandiose symphonic elements provide a powerful backdrop for ominous riffs and snarling vocals. In signature ESHTADUR fashion, "Fire Above Mountain Below" balances crushing heaviness with a catchy, cinematic earworm of a chorus.

Vocalist and guitarist Jorg August comments, "The shapes that can be explored with a symphonic orchestra reminds me of why I enjoy music so much: the character and the intensity of 40 people giving the music their all. That's very ritualistic and powerful. This new live album is something I wanted to do for so long."

Watch the official video for "Fire Above Mountain Below" below:

Symphonic Crows – Live at the Santiago Londoño’s Theater is out now on the ESHTADUR official Bandcamp page: https://eshtadur.bandcamp.com/album/symphonic-crows-live-album

About ESHTADUR: 

ESHTADUR was founded in the fall of 2005 by Jorg August, releasing the Timo Be Timo demo with a sound in the vein of COVENANT, DIMMU BORGIR, and OLD MAN’S CHILD. Since then, they have released a pair of EPs and four powerful full-length albums. ESHTADUR, meaning "the rebellion of angels," can be most closely likened to bands such as SEPTIC FLESH, BEHEMOTH, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, CARACH ANGREN, and the like. Like their scene counterparts, the band embodies a deathly melodic atmosphere that reaches into realms of darkness and despair through the decay of humanity. It seeks to rebel, in its darkened way, embracing the abject reality.

Their rich touring history includes performances across Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. They have shared the stage and toured with CRADLE OF FILTH, VADER, GRAVEWORM, SEPULTURA, ABORTED, and DECAPITATED, the last three at Rock al Parque 2016. Their 2017 release via Bleeding Music Records, Mother Gray, is an expression of planetary death and putrefaction. The scathing release saw the band touring eight countries in Europe through 2018, and then visiting the United States for the first time for the Gray America Tour, including dates in Mexico. The band’s latest album, From The Abyss, was released via Blood Blast Distribution and physically distributed by Hateworks in Latin America.

In 2022, the band toured in support of BATUSHKA and DIABOLICAL, visiting Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. In 2023, ESHTADUR performed at 70000 Tons of Metal, being the only band from Colombia to do so. They then embarked on a North American tour with SUMMONER’S CIRCLE, visiting New York, Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South and North Carolina, and Virginia.

After conquering 19 shows in the United States, ESHTADUR was invited as a guest of honor to the largest music festival in Latin America, Rock al Parque, supporting IN FLAMES from Sweden. The Crows from Colombia delivered a magnificent concert with Pereira’s Symphonic Orchestra at the Santiago Londoño Theater at the end of the year. This live concert was released on Pro Tape for collectors by Mutilated Records. 

In 2024, the band united forces with GRAVEWORM for a Latin American tour, visiting Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. ESHTADUR also performed at the 17th edition of Grita Fest in Manizales, Colombia, supporting HATE and EXODUS. Now the crows are gathering mist forces once again, ready to fill your soul with darkened despair at their next visit.

Bizarrekult Announces Absorbing New Album 'Alt Som Finnes'

True to the spirit of black metal, Roman V. started Bizarrekult as a lone wolf. Moving to the genre’s birthplace in Norway twenty odd years ago inspired him to bend but not break with tradition. Bizarrekult’s previous albums reflected on his childhood and changing place within the larger world, all while honing a grim yet luminar vision for the future. His upcoming third album also emerged from a deep personal crisis. Only this time, on Alt Som Finnes, he’s not alone in confronting all there is.

Today, Bizarrekult is announcing Alt Som Finnes by premiering the frighteningly tense video for the album’s lead single with No Clean Singing. While “Blikket Hennes” is tormented by never-ending self-doubt, Dødheimsgard vocalist Yusaf “Vicotnik” Parvez leads Roman out of its mental labryinthe - if only for a moment.  

“I was not ready for all of this”, Roman says about Alt Som Finnes. “None of us are, when the time comes. But at the end of this journey, it seems to have all been worth it. The music gave me hints as to where to go and what can be”.

Watch the video for “Blikket Hennes” below.

Alt Som Finnes comes out February 20, 2026 on Season of Mist Underground Activists.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/bizarrekultaltsomfinnes

Available formats

CD Jewelcase

12” Vinyl (Black)

12” Vinyl (Purple, black and white marbled)

In keeping with Norwegian tradition, Bizarrekult can be as cold and raw as early Darkthrone, as eerily melodic as Enslaved, or as blistering in its beauty as Borknagar. Alt Som Finnes (All There Is) upholds that classic, manic energy of old-school black metal. “Blikket Hennes” buzzes like a mind plagued, hounded by sharp twisting riffs, pained screams and a steady pounding of double bass.

“Your conscience never sleeps’”, Roman explains. “It judges and evaluates everything you do. You will never be able to get away from it; it will pierce you day and night, for good and bad”.

As the punishing headwinds behind “Blikket Hennes” signal a change in the atmosphere, like a break in the clouds, Dødheimsgard vocalist’s Yusaf Parvez appears from behind the torrential melody with soothing cleans. It’s a welcome respite before the mental fog returns.

The video for “Blikket Hennes”  was directed by Natalia Drepina (@mourneress). It stars Pavel V. Boldyrev (@somebodyawful) and Natalia Drepina.

No one emerges unscathed from Alt Som Finnes. But while riddled with regrets, album closer “Tomhet” breaks new ground as the first Bizarrekult song sung in English. “Am I alone like this? No, we are many”. It’s a damning realization, but also a call for all of us to become something greater.

Line-up
Roman V. — Vocals
Ignat P. — Guitars & Bass
Alexander P. — Drums

Production Credits
Recorded at Seaside Room.
Produced, mixed & mastered by Miguel Tereso at Demigod Recordings, Portugal.

Guest Musicians
Yusaf "Vicotnik" Parvez (Dødheimsgard) — Vocals on "Blikket Hennes"
Lina (Predatory Void / Cross Bringer) — Vocals on "Drøm”
Kim Song Sternkopf (Møl) — Vocals on "Tomhet"

Cover Art
Gravestench Art (https://www.instagram.com/gravestench_art/)

Photography
Radmila Volchenkova

Available Formats
CD Jewelcase

12” Vinyl (Black)

12” Vinyl (Purple, black and white marbled)

Pre-save & Pre-order 

https://orcd.co/bizarrekultaltsomfinnes

Follow Bizarrekult
Bandcamp: https://bizarrekult.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bizarrekult/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizarrekvlt/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Cj4Bc1WpdNZhGcKyQfWci/
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/artist/bizarrekult/1455860457 Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/11699593

GOATSILK Unleashes “SEPARATE” — A Devastating New Chapter In The Bands Future

“Separate” marks a powerful new chapter for GOATSILK, showcasing the band’s ability to blend aggression, atmosphere, and melody with a sense of urgency. The single dives into the emotional weight of breaking away from situations and relationships that no longer move you forward. Rather than leaning on shock value or theatrics, “Separate” focuses on raw honesty balancing heavy guitar work, a dense low-end pulse, and vocals that deliver intensity without sacrificing clarity.

The track highlights GOATSILK'S continued evolution, refining their sound into something heavier, sharper, and more intentional. “Separate” stands as both a personal statement and a preview of what’s coming next from the band — a louder, more defined identity built on conviction and craft.

For outlets seeking a modern heavy track with emotional depth and strong production, “Separate” delivers a compelling listen that resonates beyond its hooks and heaviness.

BIO:

GOATSILK is a modern heavy band blending metal and hard rock with a focus on powerful vocals, dynamic guitar work, and emotionally driven songwriting. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Jhode Romero, the band features members with a long history in the heavy music world, including former and current players from Motograter, Embryonic Autopsy, Flaw, Eva to Adam and Kobra and The Lotus  Known for their high-energy live shows and tight musicianship, GOATSILK consistently pulls 200–800 fans depending on the market. Their sound builds on raw intensity and modern heaviness while still keeping melody and atmosphere at the forefront.

Lineup

• Jhode Romero – Vocals / Guitars

• Jeremiah Bundy – Bass

• Rich Brown – Guitars

• Marcus Lee – Drums

Dragony Release Lyric Video for "Shadow and Flame" // Touring With Ensiferum + Freedom Call

After two albums on which Austrian Power Metal band Dragony took on fantastical interpretations of real-life historical events, it has now become time for the band to once again return to their pop-culture influences — and thus the new single "Shadow and Flame" was created over the summer of 2025.

For this song, the band took inspiration from the popular video game Elden Ring Brittney slayesand its DLC Shadow of the Erdtree. In order to properly pay tribute to such a monumental game, Dragony have not only expanded their own permanent lineup with the addition of new second lead singer Maria Nesh, but also received some additional support from the phenomenal Brittney Slayes (UNLEASH THE ARCHERS). Lasse Elkjear from Denmark was once again responsible for the epic orchestrations, and legendary producer Jacob Hansen took care of the sound 

Singer Siegfried Samer says, "As a longtime fan of the games published by Fromsoft, I of course also played Elden Ring passionately — and so it became time to release a third song inspired by the Fromsoft universe after our previous titles 'Kiln of the First Flame' and 'Lords of the Hunt' already took inspiration from Dark Souls and Bloodborne. So we are finishing off the trilogy with 'Shadow and Flame,' and in addition to a full-fledged new band member in the shape of our new second lead singer Maria Nesh, we also received some excellent support from the brilliant Brittney Slayes from UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, who adds another very distinctive touch to the song. 

"The cover artwork was once again created by Stan Decker for us, who already did the artwork for our album Hic Svnt Dracones. The very dark and somber image depicts an interpretation of the 'Scadutree' from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC of Elden Ring, in combination with a fiery serpent, which symbolizes the character 'Messmer,' who plays a prominent part in the story of the game."

Watch the lyric video below;

Their current album Hic Svnt Dracones was released in 2024 worldwide through Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP gatefold version, download and stream here.

NECRONOMICON EX MORTIS Resurrect The Evil Dead Spirit With “Hungry For Brains”

NECRONOMICON EX MORTIS erupt with ferocious precision on their latest single, “Hungry For Brains,” taken from the forthcoming EP Zombie Blood Nightmare, arriving February 20, 2026.

A thrashy, smashy, in-your-face assault, “Hungry For Brains” showcases the band at their most unapologetically feral. Built entirely upon the half/whole diminished scale, the track spirals through symmetrical chaos and delivers a sound as unhinged and ravenous as its subject matter. Fans of technical metal will find plenty to chew on, especially when the track erupts into a blistering guitar solo performed by James Norton, former college roommate of guitarist Mike. His shredding adds an extra layer of necrotic flair.

Lyrically, the song dives headfirst into zombie carnage and grotesque undead imagery, continuing the band's love for cinematic horror and high-energy gore. “Hungry For Brains” embraces the spirit of classic zombie mayhem and sets the tone for the terror-laced chaos awaiting listeners on Zombie Blood Nightmare.

Produced, recorded, and mixed by Charlie Waymire at Ultimate Studios and mastered by Ernesto Homeyer, Zombie Blood Nightmare features six tracks of shred-heavy, horror-drenched chaos.

Zombie Blood Nightmare arrives February 20, 2026.

Ponte Del Diavolo Devilishly Charm on "Il Veleno della Natura"

Fresh off of leaving a mark on their fiery debut, Ponte Del Diavolo are fanning the flames with their upcoming second album. Drawing from the dark and dancing depths of the band’s dueling bassists and the raw spirit of their fiery live ritual, De Venom Natura delivers an all the more potent twist of blackened post-punk.

“[…]deliciously diabolical” No Clean Singing wrote in praise of the album’s spirited lead single. “Erba del Diavolo’s dramatically beautiful but spooky singing creates a key contrast as it soars and quavers above the music’s charging pulse”

Today, Ponte Del Diavolo are releasing the second advanced single from De Venom Natura. A skeleton key into the album, “Il veleno della Natura” distills its theme into a chilling science, where nature’s poison becomes not a threat but a source of life.  

Watch the music video for Il Veleno della Natura below;

De Venom Natura comes out February 13, 2026 via Season of Mist.

Pre-order & pre-save

https://orcd.co/pontedeldiavolovenomnatura

“Il Veleno della Natura” is an intoxicating surrender to the venom of existence. Within the hypnotic flow of De Venom Natura, the album’s latest single marks a feverish turning point, where its poisonous metaphor comes alive with a shock. As the guitars and drums snake with tension, Erba del Diavolo slithers between whispered confessions and a fervent invocation that sparks an ecstatic transformation.  

PONTE DEL DIAVOLO craft a focused blend of doom, black metal, post‐punk, and wave—an aesthetic they call “blackened post‐punk.” Wave‐tinged female vocals anchor the project’s flaming core, supported by an uncommon dual‐bass setup that grounds the rhythmic guitars and a raw, dynamic drum pulse.

The result is an immersive, tension‐driven sound. Following the initial release of three EPs, the band signed to Season of Mist and unveiled their first full-length album, Fire Blades from the Tomb.

After two years on the road - appearing at leading European festivals such as Roadburn and Inferno in support of their debut - Ponte del Diavolo return with “De Venom Natura,” a record that extends and refines their musical boundaries.

Line-up
Erba del Diavolo — Vocals
Khrura Abro — Bass
Kratom — Bass
Nerium — Guitar
Segale Cornuta — Drums

Production Credits
Recorded at The Deepest Sea, Turin, Italy.
Produced & Engineered by Danilo Battocchio.
Mixed by Danilo Battocchio at The Deepest Sea.
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden.

Guest Musicians
Francesco Bucci
Sergio Bertani
Vittorio Sabelli
Gionata Potenti

Cover Art
Francesco Dossena (https://www.instagram.com/facciobruttefacce/)

Photography
Sergio Bertani

Pre-save & Pre-order

https://orcd.co/pontedeldiavolovenomnatura


Follow Ponte Del Diavolo
Bandcamp: https://pontedeldiavolo666.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PontedelDiavolo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontedeldiavoloband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pontedeldiavolo3847
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mAfr0B2wgIFbVBUAv9btD/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/ponte-del-diavolo/1639072320
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/179497657
Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/33773763

COLD SLITHER Set the Season on Fire with New Single “Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town”

Reigning Phoenix Music, in collaboration with Hasbro, is proud to announce the most chaotic Christmas anthem ever to slither down a chimney: COLD SLITHER’s new single “Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town.” Fresh from the momentum of their self-titled album, released earlier this year, the Dreadnok-driven metal outfit returns with a holiday track packed with sleigh bells, sabotage, and seasonal pandemonium. The track is accompanied by a high-octane holiday video produced by none other than Torch himself (whose alter ego is known as Ross Sewage). 

As the band explains in their own words:

"Well... Along with the persistent pestering by Torch and Ripper, Cobra Commander now has a new scheme to ensnare the masses with a... Ugh... Christmas song.

“Cobra Claws Are Coming To Town” arrives as both a gift and a warning. This is holiday spirit the COLD SLITHER way: loud, unhinged, and ready to storm every playlist from now until the new year. Lock your chimneys. The Cobra Claws ride tonight.

Watch Below:

Listen HERE: https://coldslither.rpm.link/clawsPR

Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan alongside his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, COLD SLITHER is a declaration of war. Their sound combines old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy, venomous vocals, punishing riffs, and an atmosphere steeped in apocalyptic chaos. Also, a special thank you to Frank Todaro who serves as the enigmatic voice of Cobra Commander. 

Connect with COLD SLITHER:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X | RPM


Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power. TheCold Slither album is available across digital and vinyl formats.

Order HERE:
https://coldslither.rpm.link/albumPR

Chronicler of Ardul Announces New Single “To Arms!” From the Forthcoming Album Sounds of Ardul

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL presents “To Arms!,” a powerful new single that plunges listeners into the intensity of open conflict within the dark fantasy world of Ardul. Arriving ahead of the upcoming album Sounds of Ardul, due out April 10, 2026, the track highlights the project’s most dynamic orchestral writing yet, capturing the decisive moment when tension gives way to full-scale battle.

“To Arms!” surges with commanding brass, urgent strings, and relentless percussion, creating a vivid and cinematic sense of motion. Composer David Williams channels the spirit of classic video game battle themes while shaping a narrative turning point within the album’s broader emotional landscape. The piece expands on motifs that appear earlier in the record, transforming subtle melodic hints into a triumphant and volatile climax.

Serving as a counterpart to the more intimate “To Arms! (String Quintet),” the new single presents the full battle in its largest, boldest form. Where the quintet version evokes a duel or contained skirmish, “To Arms!” unleashes the full orchestra to paint a much grander conflict.

With Sounds of Ardul, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL deepens its commitment to immersive worldbuilding, weaving thematic motifs and emotional storytelling into every composition. “To Arms!” stands as one of the album’s defining moments, a track that invites listeners to feel the rush, fear, and determination of a hero forced to act.

About CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:
CHRONICLER OF ARDUL was started as a passion project by David Williams when he wanted to combine his love of metal music and dark fantasy to tell a story that spanned over songs and albums. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he puts his skills to the test to create the music for a story he had been working on for 9 years. The debut EP called Myrewood released late 2023, with its written short story partner, Myrewood Part 1, published in May 2024. The following EP, Sword Of Virné arrived in the summer of 2024. Musically, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL draws from the likes of SHADOW OF INTENT and MENTAL CRUELTY in the metal world, while also taking inspiration from Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu. 

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL IS:
David Williams – Music and Lyrics

Links:
Website: https://chroniclerofardul.com/
Bandcamp: https://chroniclerofardul.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronicler_of_ardul/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicler_of_ardul

Myrath Share "The Funeral" Video

NEW ALBUM WILDERNESS OF MIRRORS OUT MARCH 27 — PRE-ORDER

"A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, DEATH, & BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY"

Tunisian–French metal innovators Myrath today release the video for new single "The Funeral," a track that approaches death with surprising brightness and emotional uplift. Instead of darkness, the band delivers a genre-blending anthem that transforms farewell into something empowering and beautiful. It's a seamless, masterfully crafted piece that feels destined, natural, and utterly breathtaking.

Alongside the single, Myrath present a cinematic video that expands the vast world of their upcoming album Wilderness of Mirrors. The production is bold, detailed, and effortlessly monumental.

"If you though that 2024’s Karma was a big step up in their theatrical desires, just wait until the jaw-dropping brilliance of Wilderness Of Mirrors launches itself the public domain! Put simply, and without wishing to be overly melodramatic, this is the most ambitious, most complete and most engaging set that Myrath have produced to date!" — FIREWORKS (UK)

Listen to the new single HERE. 

Watch the new music video Below.

Wilderness of Mirrors will be released March 27 and features 10 brand-new, emotionally charged tracks that continue Myrath's evolution of blending oriental influences with progressive and power metal. Fans can expect a journey through fantasy and reality, from haunting melodies to thunderous riffs and cinematic arrangements.

To celebrate the release, Myrath will embark on a major European tour starting in April 2026, bringing Wilderness of Mirrors to fans across 16 countries.

With millions of views on their cinematic music videos, critically acclaimed albums, and performances at festivals such as Hellfest, Wacken, and Sweden Rock, Myrath continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Wilderness of Mirrors represents the band at their most dynamic and authentic, a milestone in their journey toward becoming one of metal's most unique acts.

Pre-orders for Wilderness of Mirrors and tickets for the European tour are available now. Don't miss the next chapter in Myrath's epic musical journey.

Pre-order the new album HERE.

Tickets and more info about Myrath's 2026 European tour HERE.

HUMANNESS TEST announces the release of their newest single, "Prima Facie"

Progressive heavy outfit HUMANNESS TEST announces the release of their newest single, "Prima Facie," the seventh track to emerge from the ongoing Humanness Test project.

The phrase prima facie translates to “at first sight” or “based on first impressions,” a fitting lens through which the band invites listeners to experience the track. What will people think when they first hear it? For HUMANNESS TEST, the answer lies in a piece that stands firmly on its own, one that honors the foundation already built while opening the door to the project’s evolving future.

An instrumental composition written by Maurice Taylor and Chris Lucci, "Prima Facie" began with a bass riff that sparked deeper exploration. The dynamic interplay between bass and drums drove the track’s growth, expanding organically through layers of guitars and keyboards. The single features standout performances from international collaborators Francesco Finori (Italy) on keyboards and Pedro Ricardo (Portugal) on lead and rhythm guitars. Ultimately, the track reflects the creative partnership Taylor and Lucci have nurtured over three decades.

As Chris explains: “There’s definitely a synergy within progressive music, and this track is the result—something that truly sounds like us. You can hear the influence of other bands, but ultimately it’s a reflection of how we write.”

"Prima Facie" showcases the band’s distinctive blend of progressive sensibilities, heavy grooves, and collaborative musicianship, serving as a clear next step in the unfolding narrative of Humanness Test.

About HUMANNESS TEST
Having recently emerged into the heavy music scene in 2024, HUMANNESS TEST produces a dynamic sound that traverses progressive rock and metal realms while also drawing from more traditional heavy subgenres. RUSH, PORCUPINE TREE, and DREAM THEATER are but a few sources of influence and inspiration across the HUMANNESS TEST's musical direction. Appealing to audiophiles and musicians alike, HUMANNESS TEST celebrates the individual creativity and irreplaceable 'human' element of music created by those with a love for their craft. This feeds into the band's inclusion of a diverse array of musicians from around the globe throughout their releases. Beginning in 2024, and continuing over the course of 2025, HUMANNESS TEST are releasing a series of compelling and captivating singles. 

HUMANNESS TEST is:
Chris Lucci (Drums)
Maurice Taylor (Bass, Guitars) 

CREDITS
Music by Maurice Taylor and Chris Lucci
Produced by Chris Lucci and Maurice Taylor
Mixed and Mastered by Chris Lucci
Maurice Taylor (Bass, Guitars)
Chris Lucci (Drums, Guitars)
Guest Musicians: Francesco Finori (Keyboards)
Pedro Ricardo (Lead and Rhythm Guitars)

Links:
Website: https://www.humannesstest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humannesstest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humannesstest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@humannesstest
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HumannessTest

CLOCKTOWERS Present Emotive and Atmospheric Single "Genesis"

Thundering heaviness and atmospheric melodic elements intertwine seamlessly across CLOCKTOWERS' new single, "Genesis". The song is a deeply emotive reflection on fatherhood, and the delicate balance of wanting to provide protection from the chaos of our modern world. The single showcases the heart of the forthcoming full length, Genesis, set to arrive in early 2026. 

Rising modern rock outfit CLOCKTOWERS fuse together the ferocious power of metal and grit of rock into a dynamic modern sound. Conveying emotion through carefully crafted melodies, technical details add further dimension to the band's musical arrangements.

CLOCKTOWERS' "Genesis" sees classical-style riffs emerge through a haunting atmosphere before the darker intensity of the track takes form. This new offering contains catchy moments and memorable hooks that see it draw the listener further into CLOCKTOWERS' compelling narratives. 

About CLOCKTOWERS:

CLOCKTOWERS is a genre-blending rock/metal duo that proves lightning can strike twice—first in the past, then in the most unexpected moment years later. The band was officially born in 2022, but the story begins long before that.

Vocalist Tarek Puska and multi-instrumentalist Dakota Logan first crossed paths in an earlier metal outfit that spent five years grinding through shows, songwriting sessions, and the chaotic rhythm of band life. Life eventually pulled them in different directions—but fate clearly had other plans. Years later, in the unassuming town of Reily, Ohio, the two reconnected by chance at a local pizza joint. A quick conversation turned into a jam session. One riff became a song—“Spirit Junkie”—and by the end of that session, CLOCKTOWERS had begun.

What followed was a creative eruption. Tarek and Dakota fell into a regular routine, meeting 2 to 3 days per week to write, explore sounds, and record from the ground up in a DIY home studio setting. Over the next two years, this process grew into their debut full-length album, Genesis—a record that pulses with heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and the kind of authenticity that only comes from lived experience and musical trust.

At its core, CLOCKTOWERS thrives on contrast and chemistry. Tarek, born in 1969, brings a lifetime of hard-earned perspective and vocal power rooted in classic metal and rock traditions. Dakota, born in 1995, injects fresh energy, fearless experimentation, and a modern edge that pushes the sound into uncharted territory. Their 25-year age gap isn’t a limitation—it’s a superpower. It allows the band to seamlessly blend old-school grit with new-school fire, delivering music that’s nostalgic without being dated, current without being trendy.

CLOCKTOWERS draws inspiration from a wide palette of heavy music: the swagger and electricity of AC/DC, the doom-soaked weight of BLACK SABBATH, the eerie theatricality of GHOST, the brooding darkness of TYPE O NEGATIVE, the bombast of KISS, and the razor-sharp muscle of METALLICA. Yet, these aren’t just influences—they’re launch pads. CLOCKTOWERS takes what’s familiar and twists it into something personal and raw, layering in textures, emotions, and hooks that make their sound unmistakable.

The band’s songwriting is deeply intentional. Some tracks stem directly from personal experience—loss, growth, heartbreak, and perseverance—while others flow from instinct and emotion, letting the pen follow the pulse of the heart. The result is music that hits hard not just sonically, but emotionally. Big choruses, pounding grooves, and intricate guitar work are matched with lyrics that are introspective, honest, and often cathartic.

One of their standout tracks, “Ashes,” caught the attention of Jason Viebrooks, known for his work with HEATHEN, GRIP INC., and now EXHORDER. Viebrooks lent his talents on bass and guitar alongside Dakota for the single, while Todd J. Farler, a seasoned drummer from Cincinnati, added a thunderous groove that elevated the track even further. It’s the only track on the record that features guest musicians—every other note, riff, and lyric on Genesis comes straight from the two founding members. That was a deliberate decision. CLOCKTOWERS is about preserving a raw, undiluted vision. No filler. No compromises.

With Genesis, CLOCKTOWERS has positioned itself not just as a band, but as a statement—a declaration that real, passionate, no-bullshit rock and metal is alive, evolving, and still capable of hitting you straight in the soul. Whether you’re a lifer raised on vinyl and leather jackets, or a newcomer looking for authenticity in a crowded digital landscape, CLOCKTOWERS offers something that resonates.

This is music forged in connection. Fueled by memory. Driven by instinct. And played with the kind of conviction that can only come from two people who live and breathe it.

CLOCKTOWERS is:

  • Tarek Puska – Vocals

  • Dakota Logan – All instruments (guitars, bass, additional production)

A.A. WILLIAMS Releases New Single “Just A Shadow” and Announces Signing to Reigning Phoenix Music

Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) proudly announces the signing of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist A.A. WILLIAMS, whose work blends haunting melody with a distinctly heavy edge. This marks a powerful new chapter in the artist’s evolution. To inaugurate the partnership, WILLIAMS unveils her new single “Just A Shadow”, a work of stark intimacy and emotional gravity. The new single appears alongside a striking animated video by Costin Chioreanu, which can be viewed Below.

“Just A Shadow” descends into the quiet ache between light and dark, where WILLIAMS’ evocative voice becomes both a confession and a companion. It is an elegy for the self you cannot escape, a meditation on the beauty and terror of one’s own reflection. Rather than banishing the darkness, WILLIAMS meets it with open eyes in an act of understanding, an embrace of what shapes us, scars us, and ultimately helps define us.

In WILLIAMS’ own words: “‘Just A Shadow’ is an ode to the darkness inside. A part of you since you can remember, a cruel friend lurking just outside of view. A presence that you’ve accepted, its familiarity brings cold comfort. You’ve tried to resist it and step into the light, but you’re scared that you’re nothing without the dark.”

RPM co-founder Gerardo Martinez celebrates both the new release and the label’s partnership with WILLIAMS: “A.A. WILLIAMS is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music. She is unafraid to explore vulnerability with a rare poetic depth. We’re honored to welcome her to the RPM family, and ‘Just A Shadow’ is a stunning introduction to what we’ll build together.”

“Just a Shadow” lands before her highly anticipated 2026 UK and EU tour. The tour kicks off on January 27 in Norwich and continues across the UK and Europe through March 7. Tickets are available HERE. 

About A.A. WILLIAMS:

Having made her debut live appearance at the prestigious Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands off the back of a self-titled EP, A.A. WILLIAMS has since toured across the globe with the likes of CULT OF LUNA, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, RUSSIAN CIRCLES, SLEEP TOKEN and THE SISTERS OF MERCY, as well as establishing herself as a headline artist - including a show at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Hall inside London’s Southbank Centre.

Standout festival appearances have dovetailed with two album releases - 2020’s Forever Blue and 2022’s As The Moon Rests, which both received widespread critical acclaim and put A.A. WILLIAMS firmly in the slipstream of the wave of female vocalists taking textured, epic and folk-rooted heavy music into new and progressive directions. A BBC session at the legendary Maida Vale Studios only bolstered WILLIAMS’ credentials.

Not one to rest on her laurels, she has also released a selection of ‘companion pieces’ - a collaborative single with Japanese post-rock titans MONO (“Exit In Darkness”); a solo covers collection recorded during 2020’s pandemic lockdown — Songs From Isolation — that garnered praise from THE CURE’s Robert Smith and SMASHING PUMPKINS' Billy Corgan for her unique take on their original songs; and perhaps most impressively, 2021’s arco saw the multi-instrumentalist completely rework her debut EP from rock instrumentation to a string ensemble, utilising her classical training and arrangement skills to stunning effect.

With new label partner Reigning Phoenix Music, 2026 will serve as a major milestone for A.A. WILLIAMS.

Connect With A.A. WILLIAMS:

  • Website: https://aawilliamsmusic.com

  • Instagram: https://instagram.com/aawilliamsmusic

  • Facebook: https://facebook.com/aawilliamsmusic

  • Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/aawilliamsmusic

  • YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aawilliamsmusic

  • Bandcamp: https://aawilliams.bandcamp.com

  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2U3NplWGZV4xH2ECA5oQ1i

  • Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/a-a-williams/1466249029

CARRION VAEL Premieres New Single “1912,” Inspired by the Villisca Axe Murders

Richmond, Indiana’s technical melodic death metal powerhouse CARRION VAEL returns with a vengeance with the release of their haunting new single “1912,” a fresh glimpse into their fifth studio album, Slay Utterly, arriving January 16, 2026 through Unique Leader Records.

Recorded across three sessions at The Armory Studios with engineers Jack Daniels and Elisha Mullins and mastered by Jeff Dunne, Slay Utterly is a concept-driven exploration of infamous murderers, slashers, and violent historical figures. Each track delivers a vivid depiction of humanity’s darkest corners through CARRION VAEL’s blend of technical precision, melodic intensity, and razor-edged aggression.

“1912” stands among the band’s most stylistically expansive works to date. Nearly theatrical in its opening moments, the song broadens and intensifies as it progresses, guiding the listener through shifting moods and escalating tension. The band notes that this track is “the most vast when it comes to styles” and was crafted to make the listener feel every stage of its growth.

Lyrically, “1912” centers on the still-unsolved Villisca axe murders, which shook the small town of Villisca, Iowa on a sweltering June night in 1912. Two adults and six children were brutally killed as they slept. The assailant moved silently through the home, leaving no survivors and vanishing without a trace. More than a century later, the case remains open to speculation, and the song explores several of the most discussed theories, from roving train-hopping sociopaths to disgruntled business associates to evangelical madmen. The truth remains unknown.

With “1912,” CARRION VAEL transforms one of America’s most chilling mysteries into a dynamic and emotionally charged melodic death metal narrative, setting the tone for the scope and ambition of Slay Utterly.

About CARRION VALE:
In 2017, brutal melodic death metal storytellers CARRION VAEL set out on a mission to understand disturbing events that may baffle the sane. Each album and each song explores an aspect of true crime history, often focusing on the stories of individual serial killers and their victims. Though this conceptual focus underpins CARRION VAEL's songwriting, they seek to fully utilize all of their skills and talents to ensure that each song develops the sound it needs to tell its story. The band released their first album, Resurrection of the Doomed, independently in 2017, then signed with HPGD Records and released their 2020 follow-up, God Killer. Subsequently, the band signed with Unique Leader Records and released Abhorrent Obsessions (2022) and Cannibals Anonymous (2024). 

With their fifth album, Slay Utterly, on the horizon, CARRION VAEL are set to continue this journey into the monstrous side of the human psyche. Vicious, but surprisingly poignant in just the right dose, Slay Utterly presents an anthology of serial killer stories from significant points in history. The album is certain to enthrall fans of horror, history, and true crime with its vivid portrayals of the minds of both murderers and victims. 

CARRION VALE is:
Travis Lawson Purcell - Vocals
Alex Arford - Bass
Trenton Limburg - Guitar
Ryan Kurder - Guitar
Matt Behner - Drums