Chronicler Of Ardul Releases Sounds of Ardul

Sounds of Ardul is a sweeping orchestral journey into the dark fantasy realm of Ardul, composed by David Williams of CHRONICLER OF ARDUL. Instead of relying on metal elements, the album embraces cinematic storytelling through rich symphonic textures, intimate folk tunes, and atmospheric worldbuilding. Each track feels like a moment from a larger adventure, guiding listeners through taverns, shadowed forests, ancient mists, and violent clashes. With recurring motifs, emotional character themes, and evocative arrangements, Sounds of Ardul invites audiences to step directly into the world itself, experiencing its wonder, danger, and humanity firsthand.

“Watch Over Me (feat. EXILED HOPE)” opens the album as a bardic folk song carried by clean guitar, violin, hand percussion, and the expressive voice of Sofia Frasz, following a lost traveler yearning for home while navigating the perilous roads of Ardul. “Watch Over Me (Village Version)” shifts to a smaller, more comforting space, portraying the safety and simplicity found within village walls through a short instrumental loop of guitar and violin. “You’re Gone (feat. SYYN)” brings the emotional weight of loss to the forefront, with Aaron Johnson III delivering a somber tavern ballad about love, its fleeting beauty, and the devastating revelation of death that reshapes the meaning of each chorus.

The album’s world building takes a lively turn with “Oh Me Oh My,” a rowdy late-night tavern song featuring vocals by David Williams, built from stomps, claps, bottle taps, and a catchy refrain meant for drunken patrons. “Woodlands” ventures outside into the dark beauty of Ardul’s forests using strings, harp, clarinet, piano, and choir to evoke mystery and deceptive warmth. Its variations expand that setting: “Woodlands (Alternate Version)” isolates the listener with cello, piano, and harp, while “Woodlands (Battle Theme)” heightens the danger with brass, percussion, and rhythmic urgency as hidden threats reveal themselves.

“In the Mists of the Myrewood (Remastered)” returns to the foundational themes of the larger Ardul mythos. A solo piano piece born early in the project’s history, it whispers with darkness and elegance, building into the thick, treacherous fog that defines the Myrewood. “Veiled Truth” explores moral ambiguity through shifting strings, piano, choir, and guitar, reflecting the uneasy question of whether familiar faces can be trusted. “Unwelcomed Guests” continues the rising tension with timpani heartbeats, clacking percussion, unsettling strings, and a divided choir as an unwelcome figure approaches with unclear intentions.

“To Arms! (String Quintet)” marks the snapping point where conflict erupts, delivering an intimate yet fierce battle theme reminiscent of classic RPG duels. “Temporary Respite” pulls the listener back into calm with soft piano and choir, offering a resting place after turmoil. “Moments From Disaster” churns with heavy drums, tense strings, rumbling voices, and pounding piano, capturing the split second before catastrophe when every instinct screams to act.

“Underground” descends into the cold, winding depths beneath Ardul where dissonant strings, heavy drums, male drones, and brooding piano create deliberate disorientation. “Underground (Alternate Version)” tightens the space to a quieter but more claustrophobic passage lit by a single torch. “To Arms!” unleashes the full symphonic battle, a large-scale conflict with expanded orchestration and dramatic intensity.

The album’s final bard song, “Zarek the Bloody,” introduces a legendary figure whose reputation is both heroic and ominous. With accordion, bass, percussion, and vocals by David Williams, the piece hints at Zarek’s deeds, the cursed blade he wields, and his place in the greater Ardul narrative.

Sounds of Ardul also includes extended ten-minute looping versions of twelve tracks, crafted for worldbuilders, tabletop players, writers, and listeners who want to immerse themselves even further. As the third pillar of CHRONICLER OF ARDUL’s overarching project, this album expands the world’s scope while maintaining musical motifs that connect past works to future stories. 

About CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:

CHRONICLER OF ARDUL is the cinematic dark fantasy project created by composer and multi-instrumentalist David Williams, blending orchestral storytelling with the atmosphere and intensity of extreme music. Formed in 2023, the project explores the mythic world of Ardul through three creative pillars: metal, orchestral composition, and written narrative. Every release expands the lore, using recurring motifs, character themes, and emotional worldbuilding to connect albums, stories, and songs into one cohesive universe. Influenced by SHADOW OF INTENT, MENTAL CRUELTY, Nobuo Uematsu, and Yasunori Nishiki, CHRONICLER OF ARDUL approaches concept music with the depth of a novel and the drama of a film score.

The project began as an idea in 2015 and has since grown into a multi-medium saga, starting with the Myrewood EP in 2023 and continuing with Sword of Virné and accompanying short stories. Williams handles all writing, recording, mixing, and artwork, giving the project a distinct voice anchored in emotional honesty and narrative purpose. Every melody is intentional and often foreshadows future events in the overarching story, creating a world that rewards close listening. CHRONICLER OF ARDUL stands as a unique fusion of fantasy, composition, and immersive storytelling, inviting listeners not only to hear the music but to live within the world it creates.

Connect with CHRONICLER OF ARDUL:

Official Website: chroniclerofardul.com
Bandcamp: https://chroniclerofardul.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Chronicler-of-Ardul-100063489851273
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronicler_of_ardul
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ChroniclerOfArdul
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5h3LfVFyzZA7Tl0eBhQxKg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chronicler-of-ardul/1678862672
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicler_of_ardul

APOSTLE Announces New Single “Illusion of Loss”

APOSTLE unveils their latest single, “Illusion of Loss,” a dynamic and emotionally charged composition that offers a glimpse into the band’s forthcoming full-length album, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, arriving June 5, 2026 via Terminus Hate City.

“Illusion of Loss” begins with a sharp, brief breath before an angular and moody guitar and bass melody settles over a plodding, swinging half-time drum groove. Murice White's vocal cadence moves fluidly within the arrangement, locking into the rhythm as the song unfolds. A sudden, deliberate drop in intensity introduces an arpeggiated and introspective passage driven by a rolling snare, gradually building toward a release carried by a mid-tempo blast beat.

The track expands in scope as Murice’s tremolo-picked lead cuts through with urgency while his vocals rise in intensity. Michael’s bass provides a steady melodic anchor, shaping the mood beneath shifting textures. A discordant, arpeggiated lead slices through the mix while Evan’s drumming shifts into a driving double bass pattern that pushes the song forward before returning to a reprise of its opening movement. The closing moments feature a distorted spoken sample describing barely livable conditions in a city, extending the song’s thematic reach outward.

“Illusion of Loss” reflects on the fragility of life, the isolation that can accompany grief, and the internal changes that follow. The song draws from the experience of personal loss and the emotional weight that lingers in its wake. It considers how loss reshapes identity, how it brings forward buried parts of oneself, and how memory can guide purpose moving forward. The connection between individual grief and shared human experience remains central throughout.

The album title references Carl Jung’s description of humanity as a “splinter in the infinite deity,” framing the record as an exploration of spiritual duality, grief, and self-examination. Across six tracks and 27 minutes, the band move through themes of loss, mortality, internal conflict, and eventual healing. The record serves as both a meditation on the human condition and a deeply personal tribute shaped by grief and remembrance.

Produced, engineered, and mixed by Connor Ray at Sobek Sound and mastered by Erol Ulug at Bright Lights, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon presents APOSTLE in their most refined and expansive form.

Pre-order A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon here: https://www.terminushatecity.com/product-page/preorder-apostle-a-splinter-in-the-infinite-noumenon-lp

Their latest album, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, represents the band’s most fully realized work to date. Drawing from existential philosophy and deeply personal experiences with grief and remembrance, the record explores humanity’s connection to something greater while acknowledging the struggle inherent in being human. Across its runtime, APOSTLE seek connection through shared emotional experience, transforming personal suffering into collective release.

APOSTLE is:

Murice White – vocals, guitar
Michael Thomas – bass, vocals
Evan Price – drums

Connect with APOSTLE:

Bandcamp: https://apostlesucks.bandcamp.com
Store: https://www.terminushatecity.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/apostlesucks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apostlesux
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67cjLOrbhdb2gFmS9OJKfS
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@terminushatecity

Out Today From Melechesh - Sentinels of Shamash

With Sentinels of Shamash, MELECHESH enters a ceremonial descent into ancient law, fire, and cosmic vigilance. This EP does not simply revisit mythological themes. It inhabits them. Rooted in the solar authority of Shamash, god of truth and justice in Mesopotamian cosmology, the record burns with the tension between chaos and sacred order, between ruin and restoration, between mortal defiance and divine decree.

From its opening moments, Sentinels of Shamash unfolds like a sacred inscription carved into stone tablets beneath a bronze sun. The riffs arrive not as decoration but as proclamations. Rhythms move with ritual precision, evoking procession, invocation, and judgment. Each composition feels deliberate, architectural, constructed with the gravity of an ancient temple rising from desert sands. The vocals do not merely narrate. They command, intone, and summon, channeling a presence that watches from above with unwavering clarity.

The conceptual axis of the EP rests on vigilance. Shamash was not only a solar deity but the eternal witness, the eye that sees all deeds beneath daylight. In that spirit, the sentinels of the title stand as guardians of cosmic balance, positioned at the threshold where disorder threatens to consume structure. Across the EP, forgotten gods and fallen kings emerge from shadow, their legacies weighed against the scales of divine law. Fire becomes both destroyer and purifier. Judgment becomes both terror and restoration.

MELECHESH has long forged a sound that binds ancient Near Eastern mythology with extreme metal intensity, and here that fusion feels sharpened and distilled. Middle Eastern melodic inflections weave through commanding, down tuned riff architecture. The percussion carries a ritualistic cadence that feels older than the genre itself. The sonic landscape suggests wind across temple ruins, bronze weapons glinting in sunlight, and inscriptions etched in cuneiform that speak of decree and consequence. The band does not modernize myth for convenience. Instead, it allows myth to remain vast, severe, and unyielding.

What makes Sentinels of Shamash resonate is its refusal to treat antiquity as ornament. The EP positions ancient law as a living force, a reminder that civilizations rise and fall under the gaze of forces greater than themselves. In a world that often feels untethered from order, these songs confront the listener with the weight of accountability and the inevitability of reckoning. Yet within that severity lies restoration. Balance is not static but earned through trial, fire, and endurance.

Sentinels of Shamash stands as a mythological statement shaped in flame and discipline. It is a work of vigilance, a declaration that truth remains luminous even in eras of shadow. The sentinels do not sleep. The sun does not close its eye. And through relentless sonic force, MELECHESH reminds us that judgment is eternal, and order, though challenged, will rise again in fire.

MELECHESH’s influence extends beyond sound. By integrating ancient Mesopotamian history, Sumerian mythology, and occult symbolism into extreme metal, the band opened new conceptual territory within the genre. Their work has been cited as a catalyst for broader acceptance of culturally rooted themes in metal, inspiring artists worldwide to explore their own heritage through heavy music. Critics and peers consistently acknowledge the band’s originality, discipline, and longevity.

In recent years, MELECHESH has continued to operate with creative independence and a global perspective. The Sentinels of Shamash era reflects a renewed focus on intensity and atmosphere, capturing the band’s enduring fire and refined songwriting approach. Their current performances draw from the full depth of their catalog, presenting both classic material and newer compositions with equal force.

As of 2026, MELECHESH remains a powerful and evolving entity within extreme metal. With over thirty years of artistic dedication, the band continues to embody a borderless spirit and a commitment to innovation. Their music stands as a bridge between ancient civilizations and contemporary extremity, forged through discipline, vision, and unwavering creative resolve.

Credits:

PRODUCED BY 
Ashmedi 


CO-PRODUCED BY 
Rob Caggiano 

Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner 


MIXED & MASTERED BY 
Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner 


EXTRA PRODUCTION 
Rob Caggiano – Rearrangements on "In Shadows In Light", Played and Recorded All Bass Lines, Backing Vocal 

Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner – Sonic effects & “Cosmic Spice” 


THE MELECHESH COUNCIL 

Ashmedi – Vocals, 12-string & 6-string guitars, percussion 
Nikitas Mandolas – Drums 

Rob Caggiano – Bass 

Guest vocals on “The Seventh Verdict” by Jessica Pimentel 


STUDIOS & RECORDING 

Kohlekeller Studio, Germany – Engineering by Daniel Claar and Kristian “Kohle” Kohlmannslehner 

Neverworld Recordings, New Jersey , USA – Main vocals recordings engineered & co-produced by Rob Caggiano, Kingsize Soundlabs, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, USA – Additional main vocal recordings, engineered & co-produced by Rob Caggiano 
Forneus Studio, Holy Land – Additional recordings by Tom Coen 


ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS 

Bass (studio): Rob Caggiano 

Group backing vocals: Rob & Nikitas 

Percussion (darbuka, djembe, daff, bongos): Ashmedi 

Music & lyrics: Ashmedi 

Guest contribution: Moloch 


ARTWORK & VISUALS 

Cover art: Néstor Ávalos 

Photography: Maja Mekina 


EXECUTIVE PRODUCER 

Gerardo Martinez – Reigning Phoenix Music

Connect With MELECHESH: 

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melecheshofficial

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melechesh_official

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

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelecheshOfficial

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

  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1xT4Y7Qz2nJ6TP2PzefRgS

  • Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/melechesh/2912018

  • Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/11971

DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT Present New Single "Deathless"

"Deathless" is the latest single from DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT. An honest and open offering inspired by Evans' lived experience with mental health struggles, the track is taken from the forthcoming new album, The World is a War Zone, due September 18, 2026 via Widowbird Records.

Journeying through soundscapes and metaphors of encroaching storm clouds, floods of rainfall and lightning strikes, this intimate track explores the enduring battle and following upheaval when attempting to readjust to life post-diagnosis. "Deathless" confronts the life-reframing reality of mental illness and the want to experience life to the fullest. 

Constructed around a melancholic guitar ostinato, the track's instrumental layers steadily build joined by warm organ textures and an increasing rhythmic presence driven by percussion. The arrangement of "Deathless" leads into a memorable chorus with heightened emotive power across the instruments and lyrics as the storm gathers more intently. Across each verse, the intensity lightens briefly, providing a few moments to breathe before the atmosphere darkens once again.

The World is a War Zone marks the first full-length release under the name DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT. Formed in 2022 to reflect the emergence of a committed three-piece lineup, the band channels intense post-punk dynamics through the dark and primal undercurrents of folk music. Across nine tracks and 45 minutes, the album explores faith, psychological upheaval, suffering and renewal, navigating the internal battlefields that shape modern existence while holding fast to the possibility of redemption.

DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT is:
 

  • Duncan Evans – vocals, guitars, synths, software instruments

  • Ol Jessop – bass guitar

  • Kev Reid – drums


Connect with DUNCAN EVANS AND THE WEEPING STARLIGHT:

Official Website: https://www.duncanevans-music.co.uk/
Bandcamp: https://duncan-evans.bandcamp.com/
E-Shop: https://www.duncanevans-music.co.uk/shop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duncanevansmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanevansmusic
Twitter/X: https://www.x.com/devansmusic

REVERYA Unveils Haunting New Single “Lost," A Modern, Ethereal Descent into Emotional Undertow

Emerging progressive act REVERYA returns with their newest single, “Lost,” a sweeping and emotionally immersive track that blends modern progressive composition with an ethereal sonic atmosphere. The song captures the feeling of surrendering to forces beyond control, whether love, memory, or the tides of one's own mind.

Built on dynamic shifts and layered textures, “Lost” moves fluidly between introspective calm and crushing intensity. REVERYA crafts a soundscape that mirrors the ocean imagery threaded through the lyrics. Calm surfaces give way to powerful currents beneath, creating a track that feels both intimate and cinematic while balancing vulnerability with explosive momentum.

At its core, “Lost” explores the pull between self preservation and emotional surrender. The lyrics evoke a haunting push and pull between staying near the surface and feeling irresistibly drawn into deeper waters. Lines such as “Dive deep into the sea as the waves crash down to seduce me” and “Drag me down and leave me to drown in a love to get lost in” embody the song’s central theme, the allure and danger of losing oneself in something consuming.

Musically, REVERYA leans into progressive sensibilities through expansive arrangements, evolving rhythms, and atmospheric layers that unfold gradually before crashing into moments of catharsis. The track’s dynamic composition reinforces its emotional arc, shifting from delicate tension to powerful release.

With “Lost,” REVERYA continues carving out a distinct identity within the modern progressive landscape, one where ethereal ambience and emotional intensity coexist in powerful contrast.

Legendary Heavy Metal Powerhouse NEVERMORE Announce Shows Supporting JUDAS PRIEST This September

Storming ahead into their next chapter, NEVERMORE has solidified their new line-up with their first live show in over fifteen years. The legendary act performed for a sold out IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş audience on April 1 in Istanbul, Turkey, the home country of their new vocalist Berzan Önen and birthplace of bassist Semir Özerkan. An event eagerly awaited by fans was cemented as a night to remember. While honoring the band's well-established history, NEVERMORE look to the future with a passionate vigor for the next evolution. Following the success of yesterday's show, NEVERMORE will join JUDAS PRIEST this September for the final seven shows of their Faithkeepers Tour. Tickets available HERE!

An esteemed powerhouse in heavy metal, NEVERMORE recently unveiled their signing to Reigning Phoenix Music and introduced new members Jack Cattoi on guitar, Semir Özerkan on bass, and vocalist Berzan Önen in a documentary directed and produced by Ola Englund. The film provided an enticing insight in the band's rehearsals, and open discussion by guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams on their decision to bring NEVERMORE back. Watch below:

Over the summer months, ahead of their run with JUDAS PRIEST, NEVERMORE are set to appear at shows and festivals in Latin America and across Europe. Explore dates and purchase tickets here: https://nevermoreofficial.com/tour.

ATAVISTIA Unveils New Single and Music Video "To A New World" From Upcoming Album Old Gods Awaken

ATAVISTIA returns with a powerful new single and music video, "To A New World", offering a compelling glimpse into their forthcoming album Old Gods Awaken, set for release on May 15th, 2026 via Blood Blast Distribution.

"To A New World" opens with a tribal introduction built on folk instrumentation and layered vocal chants before surging into its driving main melody. The track carries a deceptively simple structure while weaving together rich sonic elements that reward repeated listens. At its core, the song explores themes of change and growth, leaving space for listeners to interpret its meaning through their own personal lens.

The upcoming album Old Gods Awaken showcases ATAVISTIA’s most folk-inspired material to date. Featuring shorter, catchier, and more direct compositions, the record reflects the band’s evolving creative direction while staying rooted in their signature sound. Drawing influence from folk metal, black metal, and a wide spectrum of styles in between, the album captures the band’s commitment to following inspiration wherever it leads.

Known for their fluid approach to genre and songwriting, ATAVISTIA continues to push boundaries while maintaining the essence that defines them.

ATAVISTIA lineup:

Mattias Sippola - Guitar, Vocals, Composition, Production
Max Sepulveda - Drums, Engineering
Elia Baghbaniyan - Guitar
Spencer Budworth - Bass, Vocals

About ATAVISTIA:

Formed in 2017 in Vancouver, Canada, ATAVISTIA takes their fans on a spellbinding journey though vast sonic landscapes of snow covered forests, desolate tundras, and permafrost-laden landscapes. Fans of WINTERSUN, ENSIFERUM, DIMMU BORGIR, and XANTHOCHROID will be enthralled by the elements of melodic death metal, black metal, and Scandinavian folk that is intricately woven together throughout their diverse soundscape.

Taking inspiration from the majestic natural landscapes of their homeland, earthly seasons, and ancient Norse culture, ATAVISTIA’s grandiose sound matches these lyrical themes in an impressive symphony of destruction. Their debut EP, One With The Sun (2017) introduced their unique blend of beauty and ferocity, which they followed up with a stormy full-length in 2020 through The Winter Way. The next two releases, the full-length Cosmic Warfare (2023) and the EP Inane Duncam (2024), saw the band spreading their wings and exploring a wider variety of influences. Through it all, ATAVISTIA balances graceful melodies with a brutal rhythmic cacophony, swirling elegance and fury together like a ferocious northern blizzard.

On stage, ATAVISTIA is a force of nature, like waves crashing against a rocky shore. Their music washes over audiences worldwide, leaving them gasping for more long after the last note has faded. They have toured Europe twice alongside notable acts such as SKÁLMÖLD, METSATÖLL, and SEVEN SPIRES, and have opened locally for MOONSPELL, ELEINE, and OCEANS OF SLUMBER. ATAVISTIA has firmly established its presence in a niche among a wide swath of metal genres.

Are you ready to lose yourself in the juxtaposition of lush and arid, the dichotomy of hope and despair, and welcome the inevitable and beautiful end?

Modern Metal Supergroup CYHRA Release Empowering New Single "Bleed With Pride"

Swedish melodic metal supergroup CYHRA (Featuring AMARANTHE Co-Founder Jake E and current THE HALO EFFECT, KAMELOT, THE CROWN, and SUBURBAN TRIBE members) unveil an epic modern metal offering in their empowering new single "Bleed With Pride". As CYHRA celebrates their 10th anniversary year, the new release arrives alongside the announcement of the band's fourth studio album Requiem For A Pipe Dream scheduled to be released on June 5th, 2026, via Reigning Phoenix Music. 

CYHRA frontman Jake E comments, "'Bleed With Pride' is about learning to trust your scars instead of hiding them. For a long time, I carried the weight of the past like something that needed to be buried. But the truth is, those wounds kept me honest. They became my compass.

This song is about the internal war — the silent thunder you fight inside — and choosing not to let it drown you. If I’m going to bleed, it’s not out of shame anymore. It’s with pride. Because every scar means I survived, I rebuilt, and I kept burning."

"Bleed With Pride" aptly encompasses the central themes of the forthcoming Requiem For A Pipe Dream. This rhythmic track, fueled by a driving momentum, delivers a resonating effect alongside the emotive lyrics. CYHRA's high-octane sound is captivating and energizing; providing encouragement and strength to keep progressing despite past difficulties. 

Listen to "Bleed With Pride": https://cyhra.rpm.link/bleedPR

Pre-order/ pre-save Requiem For A Pipe Dream: https://cyhra.rpm.link/requiemPR 

About CYHRA
As they approach their 10th anniversary next year, CYHRA have carved out a notable place in the metal scene since their founding in 2016 by Jake E (AMARANTHE Co-Founder) and Jesper Strömblad (THE HALO EFFECT, formerly IN FLAMES). They were soon joined by drummer Alex Landenburg (KAMELOT, Luca Turilli’s RHAPSODY), guitarist Euge Valovirta (SUBURBAN TRIBE), and bassist Peter Iwers (THE HALO EFFECT, formerly IN FLAMES). Their debut album Letters To Myself” was released in 2017 to glowing reviews, catapulting the group to global stages, crowned with a massive North American tour supporting SABATON and KREATOR.
 
Following Iwers’ departure, Valovirta also took over bass duties, and the band released their second album No Halos In Hell in 2019, which blended groovy metal with a poppy flair and featured the hit single "Out Of My Life," amassing about 11 million streams on Spotify. Their success continued with a European tour with BATTLE BEAST, UK dates alongside DELAIN, headline shows in select countries including Finland and Japan, and performances at major festivals like Masters of Rock, Bloodstock Open Air, Sabaton Open Air, and 70,000 Tons of Metal.
 
In 2020, guitarist Marcus Sunesson (RONNIE ATKINS, THE CROWN) joined, expanding the line-up. The pandemic pause allowed the band to craft their third album The Vertigo Trigger, released in 2023. The album’s tour brought them back to Finland to open for SMASH INTO PIECES and to headline shows in early 2024. Quietly beginning their fourth album, CYHRA ended the cycle with a Scandinavian tour with EVERGREY, leading into 2025 and through to 2026 with a series of new single releases. Requiem For A Pipe Dream lands on June 5th, 2026, via Reigning Phoenix Music. 
 
CYHRA are:
Jake E | vocals, keys
Euge Valovirta | guitars, bass
Jesper Strömblad | bass, guitars
Marcus Sunesson | guitars
Alex Landenburg | drums
 
More on CYHRA:
cyhra.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube | RPM

THE ETERNAL Unveil New Lyric Video For “Everlasting MMXXVI”!

Following the release of their much-acclaimed EP Celestial earlier this year via Reigning Phoenix Music, Australian-Finnish dark metal act THE ETERNAL return with new visuals. Today, the band presents an official lyric video for the haunting EP closing track “Everlasting MMXXVI”. 

Blending strong melodies with dynamic intensity, “Everlasting MMXXVI” stands out as both powerful and immediately memorable, balancing a haunting atmosphere with a distinctly catchy edge. Speaking about the song’s lyrical themes, frontman Mark Kelson explains:

“The lyrics of 'Everlasting MMXXVI' reflect on impermanence, change, and the inevitable passing of time. Using imagery of fading ships, drifting shadows, and memories lost in the haze, the song captures the melancholy of relationships and identities that shift beyond recognition. The repeated questioning—who has changed, who remains, who has risen or fallen—emphasises the uncertainty and fragility of human connection. At its core, the refrain “nothing’s everlasting” serves as both a lament and a truth, underscoring the transience of life and the bittersweet realisation that even cherished bonds and moments cannot remain unchanged.”

THE ETERNAL once again highlight the emotional depth and introspective themes at the heart of their music, offering fans a compelling new visual dimension to one of the release’s most evocative tracks.

Watch the clip Below:

Following the success of their 2024 album Skinwalker, the band's new EP Celestial sees THE ETERNAL continue their signature fusion of melancholic atmospheres, doom-laden heaviness, and progressive depth. The progressive gothic metal collective once again delivers an emotive and cinematic journey through sound and spirit, unafraid to embrace both beauty and bleakness while charting new creative horizons.

With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, joined by Niclas Etelävuori (bass, ex-AMORPHIS/FLAT EARTH) and Jan Rechberger (drums, AMORPHIS) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL have solidified themselves as a truly international collaboration. Their music resonates with fans of acts such as KATATONIA, SWALLOW THE SUN, and ANATHEMA - dark yet luminous, heavy yet emotionally transcendent!

Celestial is available digitally and as a limited, eco-friendly recycled vinyl LP edition (exclusively available through the band’s official store and the RPM shop). Order your favorite choice of format at this location: https://theeternal.rpm.link/celestialPR 

THE ETERNAL is:
Mark Kelson / Guitar & Vocals
Richie Poate / Guitar
Niclas Etelävuori / Bass
Jan Rechberger / Drums & Percussion

More on THE ETERNAL:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TheEternal
 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/theeternalofficial/
 X | https://www.twitter.com/theeternalband
 TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@theeternalofficial
 YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vJAnrZbwUesT_FlY03mdw

POWER PALADIN Release New Album Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment And Share "The Arcane Tower" Music Video Feat. Tommy Johansson (MAJESTICA)!

Icelandic heavy metal outfit POWER PALADIN have released their highly anticipated new album Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment  via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.

In celebration of the release, the band have just unveiled a new music video for the track “The Arcane Tower”, featuring a guest appearance by Tommy Johansson of MAJESTICA. The clip offers a behind-the-scenes look into the studio recording process, interwoven with performance footage that captures the band’s dynamic energy.

POWER PALADIN vocalist Atli Guðlaugsson describes the song as “a high octane banger featuring none other than Tommy Johansson from Majestica. Full of epic orchestrals, choirs and drama, this song details the exploration of the mysterious arcane tower and its inhabitants.”

The video clip below:

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, that promises to be a bold and immersive next chapter for POWER PALADIN!

Order Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment here:

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

Out Now - IRON SAVIOR - Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy

After reigniting their cosmic engines with Machine World – Reforged in 2025, IRON SAVIOR return from the stars with their most daring mission yet: Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy. Building on the modern firestorm of their Noise-era classics, this new release catapults the band into uncharted territory as IRON SAVIOR takes some of the ’80s most iconic pop hits and forge them into blazing power metal epics, charged with their signature energy, precision, and unstoppable spirit.

From the electrifying rush of A-ha’s “Take On Me” and the thunderous drama of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds,” to the cinematic pulse of Jermaine Jackson & Pia Zadora’s “When the Rain Begins to Fall” and the adrenaline-fueled Michael Sembello hit “Maniac,” IRON SAVIOR transform timeless hits into a heroic, melodic, full-throttle power metal journey.

“After the huge success of the 2002 Condition Red bonus track ‘Crazy’ (Seal), which was actually used in an HBO TV show,we have been asked by fans and media almost constantly to do a complete cover tracks album. So… two decades later, here we are!” quotes frontman Piet Sielck. Awesome Anthems continues the transformation from pop-to-metal in IronSavior style as started with Seal’s ‘Crazy’ and Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams.’ We are absolutely proud of the outcome, which never loses the original vibe of the tracks but yet is 100% IRON SAVIOR. Just listen yourself... I guarantee a lot of smiles while doing so!”

With Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy, IRON SAVIOR fuse nostalgia and futurism, passion and precision, proving once again that the past can shine brighter than ever when reforged in metal.

ARION Unleash Explosive New Single “Hurricane”

A new chapter has begun: Finnish melodic metal force ARION return with a bang, launching the album cycle for their upcoming fifth studio album with the brand-new single “Hurricane”, released via RPM. The track is a fast-paced, modern melodic metal anthem that stands out with its theme of cathartic empowerment, a massive chorus hook, and the band’s signature infectious riffing.

Driven by an arena-ready chorus and sharp songwriting, “Hurricane” initially feels like a classic hit in the making. But ARION add a clever twist, breaking away from predictable structures and injecting a fresh, modern edge that keeps listeners on their toes. More singles will follow throughout 2026, with the full album scheduled for release at the beginning of 2027, following their European tour with GLORYHAMMER and MAJESTICA in October 2026. 

Stream “Hurricane”: https://arion.rpm.link/hurricanePR

A visualizer video is streaming below:

Guitarist Iivo Kaipainen comments: “We are happy to come back with this new fantastic single called ‘Hurricane’! The song features an especially massive and catchy chorus and infectious main riff, which are both long time trademarks for the band. Sounds like a traditional hit format song? WRONG! There’s a cool modern twist waiting to break the linear true and tried hit song formula that will definitely catch every listener off guard. See for yourself!”

About ARION
ARION are among Finland’s most exciting modern melodic metal exports. Known for their high-impact songwriting, technical skill and engaging stage presence, the band continues to bridge the gap between classic and modern metal.

Over the years, ARION have toured extensively across Europe and Japan with acts such as DREAM THEATER, GLORYHAMMER, BATTLE BEAST, BLOODBOUND and SONATA ARCTICA. They have also collaborated with renowned vocalists including Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE), Noora Louhimo and Melissa Bonny (AD INFINITUM / KAMELOT).

With tens of millions of streams to their name, including the standout track At The Break Of Dawn surpassing 20 million streams and achieving gold status in Finland, ARION have firmly established themselves as one of the most important new wave metal export acts from the country. Their continued evolution and international presence underline their growing importance in the global metal scene.



ARION is:
Lassi Vääränen - Vocals
Iivo Kaipainen - Guitar
Topias Kupiainen - Drums
Arttu Vauhkonen - Keys
Georgi Velinov - Bass
 
Connect With ARION: 
Website | https://arion.fi/ 
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/OfficialArion/ 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/arionfinland/ 
X | https://x.com/arion_band 
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/0c09mxGbMHuFLpPJMY6JdA

PRIME CREATION Announce New Studio Album Souls Of The Fallen And Release Lyric Video For First Single “Galactic Rebirth”!

Swedish melodic metal force PRIME CREATION have unveiled a brand new lyric video for their first single, “Galactic Rebirth”, taken from their upcoming studio album Souls Of The Fallen, set for release on June 26, 2026 via ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. Pre-orders have just started at: https://primecreation.rpm.link/soulsPR

With “Galactic Rebirth,” the band delivers a powerful first glimpse into the album’s cinematic and emotionally charged direction, combining soaring melodies with relentless heaviness. The track dives deep into themes of cosmic conflict and existential struggle, as the band unveils:

“The song is about a cosmic war fought at the edge of extinction, where a dying sun and endless darkness set the stage for a final stand. It follows celestial warriors bound together by fate, legend, and shared sacrifice as they face overwhelming odds. Themes of fear, pain, and loss run through the battle, but so does defiance and unity. Overall, it’s about rising together to confront annihilation and leaving a mark through courage, even if victory comes at a cost.”

Stream “Galactic Rebirth”: https://primecreation.rpm.link/rebirthPR

The video below:

Formed in Sweden in 2015, PRIME CREATION quickly established themselves as a driving force in modern melodic heavy metal. Rising from the ashes of the power metal band Morifade, the group brought together skilled and experienced musicians with a clear vision: combine technical precision with powerful songwriting and a contemporary edge.

Following their self-titled debut in 2016 and the critically acclaimed Tears Of Rage (2019), the band continued to evolve, culminating in Tell Freedom I Said Hello (2023), which gained strong international attention. Known for their dynamic live presence, PRIME CREATION have toured across Europe and shared stages with acts like Masterplan and appeared at festivals alongside Europe and W.A.S.P.
 
With Souls Of The Fallen, produced by Niels Nielsen (Ghost, In Flames), the band take another decisive step forward, pushing their sound into darker, more progressive territory while staying true to their melodic roots.

PRIME CREATION is:
Esa Englund - Vocals
Robin Arnell - Lead Guitar
Rami Tainamo - Rhythm Guitar
Henrik Weimedal - Bass Guitar
Kim Arnell - Drums
 
More on PRIME CREATION:
Website | https://www.primecreationband.com/ 
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/primecreationofficial/ 
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/primecreationband/ 
X | https://x.com/Prime__Creation 
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/Primecreationband

IATT Announces New Single "Somniphobia" From Forthcoming Album Etheric Realms of the Night

Experimental metal band IATT release their new single "Somniphobia", taken from the forthcoming album Etheric Realms of the Night, arriving May 8, 2026 on Black Lion Records.

"Somniphobia" explores the fear of falling asleep and the psychological strain that follows prolonged exhaustion. The song reflects the experience of constant fatigue, mental tension, and the despair that develops when the body and mind are pushed beyond rest. The composition moves through contrasting sonic spaces that mirror the instability of sleep anxiety.

A dissonant bridge introduces an atmosphere of unease and internal conflict. Clashing tones and shifting dynamics capture the feeling of mental tension building beneath the surface. This moment gives way to a dramatic shift that introduces a sample from Ram Dass’ 1994 lecture The Roots of Suffering. The passage centers on the difficulty of understanding the mind and the persistent nature of suffering.

Following the spoken excerpt, the track transitions into trance-like and space-oriented keyboards that suggest a drifting state between wakefulness and dream. The music moves toward a calmer sonic space while still carrying the tension established earlier in the track.

The Ram Dass lecture was chosen for its reflection on the paradox of awareness and suffering. A sense of connection to oneself, to spirituality, or to the dream world does not remove the presence of suffering in reality. The themes expressed in the lecture align with the central tension within "Somniphobia". The impulse to move away from reality exists alongside the realization that acceptance of one’s present condition is necessary. The balance between suffering and awareness becomes part of the larger emotional arc of the song.

Etheric Realms of the Night presents a conceptual exploration of sleep and dream states. Each track represents a stage within the larger narrative of dreaming, beginning with the descent into sleep and continuing through the shifting environments of the subconscious. The album explores themes of fear, transcendence, and the duality that exists between waking life and the dream world.

Through this narrative structure, IATT examine the boundary between consciousness and the subconscious and the ways these states influence one another. The result is an album that moves through tension, uncertainty, and eventual acceptance of a different realm of experience.

About IATT:

IATT is a Philadelphia based progressive extreme metal band known for fusing blackened aggression, technical precision, and cinematic atmosphere into immersive, concept driven works. Their sound moves between ferocity and fragility, combining intricate guitar work, dynamic rhythms, and orchestral textures to create music that feels both emotionally intense and narratively expansive.

Since forming in 2008, IATT has steadily evolved into a project defined by scope and ambition. Each release is approached as a complete experience, with recurring musical themes, symbolic instrumentation, and carefully shaped pacing that guide the listener through psychological and philosophical terrain. Their albums often explore themes such as consciousness, identity, and the tension between reality and inner worlds, expressed through layered arrangements that reward deep listening.

Records like Nomenclature and Magnum Opus established IATT as a band unafraid to stretch the boundaries of extreme metal. Jazz influenced phrasing, classical inspired orchestrations, and atmospheric passages exist alongside relentless riffing and commanding vocal performances, giving their music a multidimensional character that resists simple categorization.

A strong visual and conceptual identity also plays a central role in the band’s work. IATT frequently extend their musical narratives into interconnected visual pieces, reinforcing the emotional and symbolic weight of their albums. This unified approach reflects their belief that sound, story, and imagery can combine to create a deeply immersive artistic statement.

With each new chapter, IATT continue refining their balance of brutality, beauty, and narrative depth, standing as one of the more adventurous and forward thinking voices in modern progressive extreme metal.

IATT is: 
 

  • Jay Briscoe – bass, vocals

  • Joe Cantamessa – lead guitar

  • Alec Pezzano – rhythm guitar, orchestral arrangements

  • Paul Cole – percussion


Connect with IATT:
 

ANNIHILUS MUNDI Returns with “Absolute Terror,” First New Single and Music Video in Seven Years

After nearly seven years of meticulous writing and development, progressive extreme metal project ANNIHILUS MUNDI returns with its newest single and music video, “Absolute Terror.” The track marks a powerful rebirth for the band, delivering its most uncompromising and emotionally charged material to date.

Blending chaotic death metal riffing with an expansive melodic atmosphere, “Absolute Terror” captures the core sonic identity of ANNIHILUS MUNDI while pushing deeper into the band’s progressive roots. The song balances structural familiarity with tonal experimentation, presenting a dynamic yet accessible composition that reflects the project’s ongoing commitment to musical evolution.

Musically, “Absolute Terror” draws textural inspiration from influential acts such as CYNIC and later-era DEATH, while fusing progressive elements reminiscent of DREAM THEATER and early OPETH. Pedal point riffing inspired by bands like AVENGED SEVENFOLD intertwines with atmospheric layers influenced by blackgaze artists including DEAFHEAVEN and SADNESS, creating a soundscape that is both aggressive and emotionally immersive.

The track features an intense vocal performance from Noah Magnelli, delivering the song’s conceptual narrative with visceral energy. A standout moment arrives with a blistering guest guitar solo from Chris Jones of ÆTHER REALM, demonstrating that the guitar solo remains a powerful and expressive force in modern metal.

Lyrically, “Absolute Terror” draws inspiration from the metaphysical Absolute Terror Field (AT Field) concept from Hideaki Anno’s landmark anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. In the series, the AT Field appears as a protective barrier used by the EVA units against the Angels, but it also represents a deeper philosophical idea: the emotional walls humans construct out of fear that prevent genuine connection with one another.

The song explores the psychological struggles of two of the anime’s central characters, Shinji Ikari and Asuka Langley-Soryu. The first verse reflects Shinji’s desperate longing for approval from his emotionally distant father, while the second delves into Asuka’s trauma after witnessing her mother’s suicide. Through the chorus and final verses, the song expands on the philosophical meaning of the AT Field, portraying fear itself as the invisible barrier separating individuals from meaningful human connection.

“Absolute Terror” represents the beginning of a new era for ANNIHILUS MUNDI, with Saillant serving as guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, and primary songwriter while guiding the project toward deeper emotional intensity, melodic aggression, and progressive ambition.

With its fusion of technical precision, melodic depth, and conceptual storytelling, “Absolute Terror” signals a bold resurgence for ANNIHILUS MUNDI and sets the stage for what comes next.

About ANNIHILUS MUNDI

Formed in 2018, ANNIHILUS MUNDI is the creation of Daniel Saillant, blending elements of death metal, shoegaze, and progressive rock. His 2019 debut album Grief and subsequent releases have positioned him as a distinctive voice in the underground metal scene. Inspired by bands such as CYNIC, DEAFHEAVEN, and DREAM THEATER, Saillant continues to push musical boundaries, combining harsh and clean vocals, complex guitar arrangements, and introspective lyrics.

ANNIHILUS MUNDI is:

Daniel Saillant (Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Programming)

Connect with ANNIHILUS MUNDI:

Bandcamp: https://annihilusmundi.bandcamp.com/music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annihilusmundi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annihilusmundi/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@annihilusmundi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@annihilusmundi
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/annihilusmundi
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1keHp0ZrVPtDqCcGspP3Xa?si=jUB4r9JRSzqTqB tKJ3RfEg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/annihilus-mundi/1492843855
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annihilusmundi
Discord: https://discord.gg/PKJDYWPrg9

LUNGBURNER Releases New Single "Apostasy" Ahead of Upcoming Album Dogma, Out April 17

LUNGBURNER has released their new single "Apostasy," the second track from their forthcoming third full-length album Dogma, due out April 17 - pre-orders are available HERE. A song that has already become a staple in the band’s live sets throughout 2025, "Apostasy" captures a balance of controlled intensity and raw emotion.

The track begins with a sample of philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti challenging the role of religion in shaping false realities and imposed truths. From there, "Apostasy" builds into a focused and aggressive composition that reflects the tension involved in breaking away from deeply rooted cultural and ideological systems. It presents both confrontation and release, centered on rejecting expectation and inherited belief.

While the title references the act of leaving one’s birth religion, often at significant personal risk, "Apostasy" extends beyond that idea. The song stands as a statement of individual direction and the pursuit of truth and peace, even when it comes at the cost of social acceptance. It reflects a willingness to move forward without guarantees.

The song was the second written for Dogma and developed from an earlier piece by Joshua. Its early creation helped shape the direction of the album, both thematically and sonically. Its reception in live settings has reinforced its place as a defining track in this cycle.

With Dogma, LUNGBURNER continues to explore themes of identity, belief, and autonomy through a direct and uncompromising sound. "Apostasy" offers a clear introduction to the record’s core ideas.

Dogma arriving in full on April 17.

About LUNGBURNER:

LUNGBURNER is an Atlanta, Georgia based heavy music band formed in Athens, Georgia in 2023 by guitarist and vocalist Jens Anderberg, guitarist Joseph Mills, and drummer Dylan Mincey. The band quickly developed a reputation for combining the crushing weight of southern sludge and doom with industrial textures, progressive songwriting, and atmospheric melody. Current members include Jens Anderberg on guitar and lead vocals, Joseph Mills on guitar and backup vocals, and Joshua Broughton on bass, with a new drummer currently being finalized.

Drawing influence from artists such as YOB, HIGH ON FIRE, KILLING JOKE, NINE INCH NAILS, PRINCE, SLOMATICS, OPETH, LED ZEPPELIN, and MINISTRY, LUNGBURNER creates rhythmically mature heavy music built on downtuned guitars, layered samples and synth textures, and dynamic song structures. Their sound blends the density of doom with progressive timing and melodic depth while maintaining a powerful live energy.

The band released their debut album Embers in January 2024 followed by their sophomore record Natura Duale in September 2024 through Electric Desert Records, along with the standalone single "Misery" in 2024. Both releases helped establish the band within the underground heavy music scene, earning placements including #32 on the Doom Charts in September 2024, Rob Hammer Band of the Year 2024, Weedian Top 100 of 2024, and Monster Riff Top 75 of 2024.

LUNGBURNER has performed widely across the southeastern United States, appearing at festivals such as Tampa Doom & Gloom Fest, Gravitoid Heavy Music Doomfest, Seismic Fest, ATL Doom Fest, Stoned Riff Revival, and AthFest, while also touring the region in 2025 on the Fall Into Darkness Tour with FALSE GODS. Additional highlights include opening for BARONESS at their Atlanta New Year's Eve 2025 performance and headlining Doomed and Stoned Fest in Asheville, North Carolina.

Outside of music, all members work professionally in various engineering fields, and none of them originally came from traditional doom or stoner rock backgrounds. Their approach to the genre grew organically from a shared appreciation for heavy music and experimentation, which continues to shape the band's evolving sound as they move toward a more progressive direction while maintaining their doom foundation.

LUNGBURNER is:

Jens Anderberg — guitar, lead vocals
Joseph Mills — guitar, backup vocals
Joshua Broughton — bass

CONNECT WITH LUNGBURNER:

Bandcamp: https://lungburner.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lungburneratl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lungburneratl
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lungburneratl
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WRBgLDbYMfLSrbb3tjNzK
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/lungburner/1724598173

Out today from Clocktowers - Genesis

The dynamic duo CLOCKTOWERS returns with their explosive new album, Genesis. Packed with raw energy, thunderous riffs, and relentless power, Genesis is a hard-hitting testament to the band’s evolution. Blending gritty rock attitude with the crushing intensity of metal, CLOCKTOWERS delivers a sonic assault that’s both fiercely melodic and devastatingly heavy. Each track pulses with electric emotion, from soaring anthemic choruses to visceral, riff-driven breakdowns. With Genesis, CLOCKTOWERS doesn't just make a comeback — they ignite a new era, proving once again that their sound is as bold and dynamic as ever.

Genesis is more than just an album — it’s a statement of growth, struggle, and resilience. From its thunderous riffs to its deeply personal lyrics, CLOCKTOWERS has crafted a work that’s as emotionally intense as it is musically daring. Each track pulses with raw energy, blending metal and rock with storytelling that captures the complexities of the human experience. With Genesis, CLOCKTOWERS has not only redefined their sound but has forged a path into new sonic territories, proving their evolution as artists is as bold and uncompromising as ever. This album is a journey through darkness, redemption, and defiance — a fitting testament to the band’s indomitable spirit and their refusal to be silenced.

TUNGSTEN Release Epic New Video For "The North Will Rise" Feat. SONATA ARCTICA’s Tony Kakko

Swedish heavy metal force TUNGSTEN have unveiled the official music video for their powerful new single “The North Will Rise,” featuring a guest appearance from Tony Kakko of SONATA ARCTICA. Blending epic melodies, thunderous rhythms and soaring vocals, the track showcases the band’s signature mix of classic heavy metal spirit and modern precision.

Driven by an anthemic atmosphere and cinematic intensity, “The North Will Rise” stands as a perfect display of TUNGSTEN’s trademarks: powerful songwriting, massive hooks and a larger-than-life energy that feels tailor-made for festival stages. This track is a toast to the north, an electrifying hymn that captures the icy beauty and resilience of those lands. With Tony Kakko’s contagious melodies and Mike Andersson’s raw power, "The North Will Rise" is destined to be a loud, unifying call for all who love the north! 

TUNGSTEN lead singer Mike Andersson says; "It’s such an honor to have Tony onboard on this song. He did a tremendous job. I think our voices fits perfectly together which makes "The North Will Rise" extra special. Lyrically it’s kind of a hymn to our part of the world in the north. We hope the metal community and the fans of Sonata Arctica and of course Tungsten will like this song and crank it LOUD!"

Tony Kakko adds; "Catchy like the cold in January on a viking ship crossing a nordic, half frozen sea! Truly a song to unite the people and friends of the North! Very proud and happy to join my friends in Tungsten singing together with Mike on this amazing new track. The melodies are just contagious……Consider yourself warned!"

Stream “The North Will Rise”: https://tungsten.rpm.link/thenorthPR
 
Watch the video below: 

About TUNGSTEN
Formed by drummer Anders Johansson alongside his sons Karl and Nick, TUNGSTEN have quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about acts in the modern metal scene. With a sound rooted in classic heavy metal but sharpened by a contemporary edge, the band has built a reputation for powerful songwriting, a clear identity and relentless forward momentum, earning growing attention well beyond their Scandinavian home base.

TUNGSTEN made a strong entry into the metal scene in 2019 with the release of their debut album We Will Rise. The band quickly built momentum, releasing three further albums over the following years (Tundra, Bliss, and The Grand Inferno). 

Originally formed in 2016, TUNGSTEN soon solidified their lineup with the addition of lead vocalist Mike Andersson. Since then, the band has established a strong live reputation, touring extensively across Europe alongside acts such as BLOODBOUND, FIREWIND, SONATA ARCTICA, ALL FOR METAL and others.

TUNGSTEN have also appeared at numerous major festivals, including Sweden Rock Festival, Leyendas Del Rock (Spain), Midalidare Metal Fest (Bulgaria), Riverside Rock Fest (Switzerland), among many others. In July 2026, the band is confirmed to perform at Germany’s RockHarz Festival, with additional festival appearances currently in the works. Between touring and live performances, TUNGSTEN focuses on writing material for their upcoming album, aiming to create a powerful follow-up to 2024’s The Grand Inferno.

TUNGSTEN are:
Mike Andersson – Lead Vocals
Karl Johansson – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
Nick Johansson – Guitar
Anders Johansson – Drums

Cursed Awakening Unleashes New Single “The Rift” From Upcoming Album Path Of The Soul

CURSED AWAKENING has released their new single, “The Rift,” taken from their upcoming album Path Of The Soul, due out August 2026.

“The Rift” jumps straight into the verse riff, a jumpy, chaotic and energetic thrashy riff that sets the pace immediately. After its relentless opening, the song suddenly slows into a more melodic bridge that opens into dual lead harmonies. The momentum builds again with a solo before dropping into a breakdown. The track then returns to the second verse riff at a faster tempo and closes with the chorus.

The structure mirrors the central theme of the song. It begins with speed and intensity, slows into reflection, and then surges forward again before breaking apart. The pacing reflects the internal fracture at the heart of the story.

“The Rift” represents a turning point in the narrative of Path Of The Soul. The concept character finds himself deep in the consequences of bad decisions and prolonged suffering. At this point he experiences a mental schism, realizing he must decide whether to continue on his path or attempt to repair the damage he has caused.

The rift itself is a mental dialogue. The character recognizes that the self deception in his life had become his “dominion,” a failed life he created and continued to defend. This realization is captured in the line that appears just before the breakdown: “I’ve burned my life to ash, I am my own demise, entombed in my own lies.”

During early development the band referred to the song as “The Riff.” Through several iterations of the track, the opening riff remained unchanged and ultimately became the foundation for the finished version.

“The Rift” will appear on Path Of The Soul, the upcoming full length album from CURSED AWAKENING, scheduled for release in August 2026.

Listen Below:

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About CURSED AWAKENING

Formed in Chicago, Illinois in 2021, CURSED AWAKENING (formerly known as ARRHYTHMIA) delivers a thrashy death metal sound rooted in classic influences such as DEATH, BOLT THROWER, AT THE GATES, SLAYER, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, and SUFFOCATION. Their music combines old school riffing, melodic passages, neoclassical soloing, and introspective lyricism that goes beyond surface level extremity.

After reforming under the CURSED AWAKENING name in early 2026, the band solidified their creative identity and lineup. The current lineup consists of Abraham Verdin on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Michael Nystrom Bala on lead guitar, Brady Dukart on bass and backing vocals, and Ronnie James Keough on drums.

Following their self released single "Rest In Chains" in August 2024 and notable live performances in Chicago and beyond, CURSED AWAKENING continues to sharpen their sound and vision. "Past Newtonium" stands as both a continuation and escalation, marking a darker and heavier chapter as the band moves toward their upcoming 2026 album.

CURSED AWAKENING is:

Abraham Verdin – Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals
Michael Nystrom Bala – Lead Guitar
Brady Dukart – Bass, Backing Vocals
Ronnie James Keough – Drums

HUMANKIND Release Moving Piano Version Of “The Darkness I Own” New Official Video Out Now

Modern metal collective HUMANKIND have released a deeply emotional piano version of their single “The Darkness I Own,” accompanied by a brand new official video. Stripping the song down to its emotional core, the new rendition highlights the vulnerability and introspective weight behind the original track, offering listeners a more intimate perspective on one of the band’s most powerful songs.

While the original song - released in May 2025 via ROAR here - gained attention for its dynamic blend of heavy modern metal and raw emotional intensity, the piano version reveals another layer of the song’s meaning. With its minimal arrangement and haunting atmosphere, the track places the focus squarely on the lyrics and the emotional journey at the heart of the song, emphasizing themes of inner struggle, self-reflection, and personal growth

"The Darkness I Own deals with depression and mental issues as a constant companion in life," says the band about the song. "Sometimes healing is not possible and we have to learn to accept the circumstances we find ourselves in, yet drawing strength from this acceptance and learning to persevere and finally prevail."

Stream: https://humankind.rpm.link/darknesspianoPR
Watch the video clip below:

HUMANKIND are an emerging force in the modern heavy music scene, blending elements of modern metal, alternative and metalcore into a sound that balances intensity and atmosphere. Through emotionally driven songwriting and immersive soundscapes, the band has quickly built a growing and dedicated audience.

Powerful vocals, atmospheric arrangements and a clear artistic vision shape HUMANKIND’s identity. Their music explores universal themes such as inner conflict, resilience and self-discovery, delivering songs that feel honest, intense and deeply relatable.

For More Info Visit:
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HumanKindBandDE
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/humankind_band
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@humankindband_de
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0DaiKu5cYlQ2h-s62EYhQ

HUMANKIND is:
Samuel Scholz (Vocals)
Maria Kimberly Huehn (Guitar)
Simon Keil (Guitar)
Dominik “Doemsen” Stotzem (Bass)
Silas Schué (Drums)

[photo: Thomas Hill]