Dragony Welcome New Member Maria Nesh Ahead of January 2026 Tour

On the heels of the announcement of a January 2026 European tour with ENSIFERUM and FREEDOM CALL, DRAGONY promised additional news. Here it is. Their long-time collaborator and frequent special guest vocalist for live shows, Maria Nesh (RED EYE TEMPLE), is joining the band as a full-time member starting with the January tour.

Touring oftentimes poses considerable challenges for bands, especially when it comes to scheduling, so they made the decision to switch to a two-singer lineup to enable them to not only expand their musical scope by adding an additional female voice, but to also do more shows and tours than before.

Starting with the January tour, DRAGONY live shows will generally feature both singers, except in instances where one singer can't make it for scheduling or work-related reasons, in which case, such shows will be performed solo by the other singer. 

After playing with DRAGONY many times over the past years, it's going to be fun to be working with them on a full-time basis and to perform even more shows with DRAGONY in the future. I am also looking forward to working on new music in the studio with the guys, and maybe there will be some exciting news to be shared in this regard very soon. For now, I'm happy to be DRAGONY's new 'Valkyrie' and look forward to the big European tour in January! See you on the Road to Valhalla!," stated Nesh.
 

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

Photo Credit: Lourdes Castañar

Jet Jaguar Release "Mach 10" Video

Mexican metal band JET JAGUAR have released the video for new single "Mach 10" today.

The song is appears on their upcoming album Severance.

 "Blazing fast and technically fierce, 'Mach 10' pays tribute to the raw power of fighter jets," states the band. "With shredding guitar leads and relentless double bass drumming, this track is built for speed and fans of high-octane metal!"

Watch the video below.

Severance will be released on October 24 through Steamhammer/SPV as CD, LP, and digital. Pre-order it here.

Edenbridge Release "Cosmic Embrace" Video From Upcoming Album "Set The Dark On Fire"

With their 12th studio album Set The Dark On Fire and their return to the Steamhammer label, Edenbridge explore new soundscapes without abandoning their tried-and-tested trademarks. This is primarily due to a significantly heavier basic sound, which harmonizes perfectly with the lyrical and visual direction of the Austrian quintet featuring singer Sabine Edelsbacher and composer/guitarist/keyboardist Lanvall.

The songs are characterized by harmonic and structural diversity. Powerful riffs and expansive guitar solos meet opulent, symphonic orchestral arrangements and unusual string instruments rarely used in metal, such as the dulcimer, swarmandal, monochord, and electric sitar. Edelsbacher's warm, distinctive timbre lends the compositions a high level of recognition.

The opener "The Ghostship Diaries" captivates with its multi-layered chorus and a heavy, doomy finale. The ballad "Bonded By The Light" unfolds cinematic grandeur and would also shine as the title track for a certain British secret agent. "Lighthouse," including the intro "Divine Dawn Reveal," exudes a flair, while the pounding mid-tempo track "Our Place Among The Stars" surprises with a gospel-like finale. The album's centerpiece is the 13-minute, four-part long track "Spark Of The Everflame," which impressively summarizes the entire spectrum of the Edenbridge sound.

The debut single "Cosmic Embrace" captivates with its enormous hit count and skillfully ramps up the tempo in its orchestral middle section. The accompanying video captivates with impressive imagery: The labyrinth symbolizes the path to inner contemplation. The energy gathered thereby culminates in blazing fire — a metaphor for transformation and the uplifting connection with solar energy. Image and sound merge into an emotional wave that deeply touches the listener/viewer.

Watch the "Cosmic Embrace" video below.

Set The Dark On Fire  will be released on January 16, 2026 through Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP gatefold version, and digital and can be pre-ordered here.

Rage Release Video for "Innovation"

Today will see the arrival of the video for new RAGE single "Innovation." The song appears on the new studio album A New World Rising.
 

Peavy Wagner says, "This song doesn't just deliver speed and power — it also packs the perfect dose of melody and thrash, making it a top-notch showcase for our new album. Its positive message of hope and new beginnings ties it all together...!"

Watch the "Innovation" music video Below:

A New World Rising will be released on September 26 through SPV/Steamhammer worldwide except Japan in the following formats:

*CD DigiPak

*LP Gatefold, 140 g, black vinyl, colored insert

*Download / Streaming 
Pre-order link here.
*Exclusive CD/LP Bundles with a shirt and exclusive vinyl only at the Steamhammer shop
Pre-order link here. 
*LP Gatefold exclusive coloured edition only at the Napalm shop
Pre-order link here.

More info about Rage's upcoming tour dates here.

Jet Jaguar Release Video for "Fool's Paradise"

Mexican metal band JET JAGUAR have released the video for new single "Fool's Paradise" today. The song appears on their upcoming album Severance out October 24.

 "A biting satire aimed at far-right ideology and conspiracy culture, 'Fool’s Paradise' is a first-person mockery of the anti-science mindset," the band says. "With sharp lyrics and a driving sound, the track takes aim at flat-earthers, anti-vaxxers, and the rise of reactionary politics in the U.S.!"

Watch the video below:

Severance will be released on October 24 through Steamhammer/SPV as CD, LP, and digital. Pre-order it here.

Rage Re-Imagine Their Own Classic With "Straight to Hell '25" + New Album "A New World Rising" Out 9/26

More than two decades ago, Rage's 2001-released song "Straight To Hell" gained attention far beyond the metal scene as part of the cult film Manitou's Shoe.

Today, the track returns with a bold, modern sound as Rage are releasing "Straight To Hell ’25" — a re-imagined metal classic for the cinema premiere of Manitou's Canoe, the sequel to Michael "Bully" Herbig's legendary hit Manitou's Shoe.

Essentially, it's a powerful new version of the original.

With "Straight To Hell '25," Rage bridge the gap between past and present — delivering the perfect metal soundtrack for a cinema event destined for cult status. The song is also included on the upcoming studio album A New World Rising.

A limited 7" single version of the song "Straight To Hell '25" is available from today onwards only at the Steamhammer shop here.

Watch the music video Below.

A New World Rising will be released on September 26 through SPV/Steamhammer worldwide except Japan in the following formats:

*CD DigiPak

*LP Gatefold, 140 g, black vinyl, colored insert

*Download / Streaming 
Pre-order link here.
*Exclusive CD/LP Bundles with a shirt and exclusive vinyl only at the Steamhammer shop
Pre-order link here. 
*LP Gatefold exclusive coloured edition only at the Napalm shop
Pre-order link here.

More info about Rage's upcoming tour dates here.

Fargo Releases "Frontpage Lover (Live)" Visualizer From "Live in '25"

German hard rockers FARGO have  dropped the visualizer for "Frontpage Lover (Live)," the new single from their upcoming live album Live In '25.
 
Founder and bass player Peter Knorn says, "It was a different era when our album Frontpage Lover was released in 1981. Our record company was desperate to give us a new image: Our band logo was ignored and given a 'plain font' to make us more mainstream. While at the same time, and against our will, it was also decided to put a half-naked lady on the cover being hit on her ass by some bloke with a rolled-up newspaper. We were deeply embarrassed. But our music spoke a language all of its own — reason enough for Germany's biggest TV station (ZDF) to present the cover song on their music program Rock Pop. This gave Frontpage Lover a massive push and a completely unique dynamic."

Watch the "Frontpage Lover (Live)" visualizer below.  

Live In '25 will be released on September 12 through Steamhammer/SPV as CD digipak, 2LP version, and digital , and can be pre-ordered here.

The album boasts 65 minutes of concentrated classic rock, capturing the essence of six studio albums to create a new whole.

The material was recorded at concerts in Germany throughout November 2024.

The lineup features bass player Knorn and singer and guitar player Peter Ladwig — two original members — complemented by guitarist Henny Wolter (Nitrogods and formerly Thunderhead) and drummer Nikolas Fritz (ex-Mob Rules). 

Knorn says, "This live album is not only an exciting journey through the entire history of Fargo, but also a declaration of love to our fans and the timeless sound of classic rock." It's a "must listen" for anyone who wants to relive the energy and passion of special concert evenings.

Founded in 1973 by "Fargopeter" Knorn, the band was joined three years later by Ladwig and shortly afterwards by guitarist Matthias Jabs. When the latter joined the Scorpions in 1978, Fargo's musical style changed to classic rock. It was a good decision, because this chain of fortunate circumstances meant that the Fargo debut album Wishing Well was released worldwide by the corporate giant EMI just one year later. Three more studio albums followed until 1982, now on EMI's renowned "Harvest" label.

The band toured all over Europe several times, shared stages with the biggest names in rock, touring with AC/DC, Mothers Finest, April Wine, and The Small Faces, among others, and also left their mark on TV (including "Rock Pop," ZDF). Because of their stage show (Knorn's legendary somersault while playing his bass was a sight to see), the biggest European youth magazine BRAVO also devoted two whole pages to the Fargo bassist in January 1981.

After a period of upheaval, Fargo evolved to form hard rock band Victory in 1984 and almost seamlessly continued along the successful career trajectory of its predecessor band. Fargo may have been history, but the band was by no means forgotten.

34 years later, Fargo reformed in 2018 and released their fifth studio album Constellation, followed by Strangers D'Amour in 2021. In 2024, the first four albums were made available again on vinyl and also as a 4-CD slipcase titled The Early Years.

Vicious Rumors Release "Crack The Sky In Half" Video

Today, U.S. metal legends VICIOUS RUMORS unveiled the latest single from their upcoming new album The Devil's Asylum. Titled "Crack The Sky In Half," the track arrives alongside an official music video.

Band founder Geoff Thorpe says, "'Crack The Sky...' is a veritable anthem about never giving up and enjoying life to the fullest."

Watch the video below.

The Devil's Asylum will be released on August 29 worldwide (except Japan) through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipak, LP version, download, and stream here. 

VICIOUS RUMORS LIVE 2025:

EUROPE:

7/4 — Hamburg, DE — Logo

7/5 — Eindhoven, NL — Effenaar (With Overkill)

7/10 — Balingen, DE — RV Bang Festival (Warm up headliner show)

7/11— Balingen, DE — RV Bang Festival

7/12 — Cham, DE — L.A.

U.S:

8/20 — San Francisco, CA — DNA Lounge

8/21 — Los Angeles, CA —Whisky a Go Go
8/22 — Salt Lake City, UT — Aces High Saloon
8/23 — Colorado Springs, CO — Thrashers
8/24 — Denver, CO — HQ
8/26 — Sioux City, IA — The Ickey Nickel
8/27 — Des Moines, IA — Lefty's Live

8/28 — Madison, WI — Blades of Steel Fest
8/29 — Chicago, IL — Reggies

8/30 — Detroit, MI — Sanctuary
8/31 — Braidwood, IL — Top Fuel Saloon
9/2 — Wichita, KS — Barleycorn's Wichita

9/3 —Oklahoma City, OK — 89th Street

9/4 — Dallas, TX — Haltom Theater

9/5 — Austin, TX — Kickbutt Coffee

9/6 — San Antonio, TX — Fitzgerald’s

9/7 — Houston, TX — 1810 Ojeman
9/9 — Atlanta, GA — 529
9/10 — Raleigh, NC — Chapel Of Bones
9/11 — Lynchburg, VA — Super Rad Arcade
9/12 — Chesapeake, VA — Riffhouse Pub
9/13 — Richmond, VA — Another Round Bar
9/14 — Albany, NY — Empire Underground

9/16 — Providence, RI — Alchemy
9/18 — Catonsville, MD — Morsburgers

9/19 — Bristol, CT — Bleachers
9/20 — Harrisburg, PA — HMAC
9/21 — Newark, DE — Halftime

Edenbridge Announce New Album "Set The Dark On Fire" + Return Steamhammer/SPV

Edenbridge, one of Europe's most successful symphonic metal bands, have announced their return to the Steamhammer/SPV fold.

The Austrian act, comprised of band mastermind Lanvall (guitar/keyboards) and vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher, are set to release their latest studio offering Set The Dark On Fire on January 16, 2026.

Three singles, including videos, will be available ahead of the album's arrival: "Cosmic Embrace" (September 19); "Where The Wild Things Are" (November 7); and the title track "Set The Dark On Fire" (December 12).

Lanvall and Edelsbacher promise their fans a typical Edenbridge amalgam of powerful metal, and tried-and-tested anthemic, symphonic elements, with a perceptible increase in heaviness, especially in terms of guitars, bass, and drums. 

Lanvall says, "Set The Dark On Fire sees us remain true to ourselves stylistically while making some important adjustments together with our long-standing mixing and mastering engineer Karl Groom (Threshold). The result is the most dynamic, heavy, and at the same time most melodic work to date in the history of Edenbridge."

The studio recordings as well as mixing and mastering of Set The Dark On Fire have already been completed, as has the work on the stunning cover artwork. Edenbridge are currently busy preparing their European tour, which will take them through Austria, Germany, Holland and Switzerland from February to mid-March 2026.

Speaking about their return to Steamhammer/SPV, Lanvall explains, "We're delighted to be able to release our new album with the support of Olly Hahn and his dedicated team again. Due to the organizational restructuring of our previous label, we found ourselves without a contract and promptly received an offer from Olly that proves Steamhammer's faith in us and builds on our successful collaboration between 2013 and 2021." 

Steamhammer label manager Olly Hahn also looks forward to the new association with great confidence, saying, "The band has a large fanbase and continues to impress with the amazing quality and passion of their music. I feel sure that Set The Dark On Fire will successfully continue our collaboration of recent years."

The full track listing of Edenbridge's latest album release and dates of their 2026 European tour will be announced shortly.

Sodom Release Video for "Witchhunter"

German thrash metal legends SODOM released the video for their new single "Witchhunter." The song is the second single from the upcoming studio album The Arsonist.

"Witchhunter" is Sodom’s homage to their late drummer Chris Witchunter and the video was created by Ex-Sodom guitar player Andy Brings.

Watch the "Witchhunter" music video below:

The Arsonist will be released on June 27 worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP version, download, and stream.

Pre-order info is available here.

We all know that good music is always also a question of sound. To this end, the human factor is crucial — along with the right equipment, of course — after all it's about authenticity and individual personality. With that in mind, German thrash metal band Sodom have come to a logical conclusion: To enable the most natural production possible, the drum parts on their latest album The Arsonist were recorded using a 24-track analog tape machine.

No studio tricks, no digital overdubs, or, to quote frontman Tom Angelripper: "No plastic! The difference in sound compared to today's standard drum productions is amazing and has had a positive effect on all the instruments. Naturally, time and effort as well as costs were also higher, but we're happy to fork out for a superior result."

However, it's not only the complex production process that testifies to the band's exceptional creative spirit, but also their diverse songwriting, which saw all four Sodom musicians — the aforementioned Tom Angelripper (vocals, bass), Frank Blackfire (guitar), York Segatz (guitar) and Toni Merkel (drums) — involved in the development of the material on The Arsonist. 

Tom Angelripper continues, "Frank contributed those typical Sodom riffs and hooks again, whereas York favors more epic songwriting. As a perfect complement to both of them, Toni, who is also an excellent guitarist, contributed a number of songs and helped to make the album even more versatile."

Sodom Announce New Album "The Arsonist" + Share Video for "Trigger Discipline"

We all know that good music is always also a question of sound. To this end, the human factor is crucial — along with the right equipment, of course — after all it's about authenticity and individual personality. With that in mind, German thrash metal band Sodom have come to a logical conclusion: To enable the most natural production possible, the drum parts on their latest album The Arsonist were recorded using a 24-track analog tape machine.

No studio tricks, no digital overdubs, or, to quote frontman Tom Angelripper: "No plastic! The difference in sound compared to today's standard drum productions is amazing and has had a positive effect on all the instruments. Naturally, time and effort as well as costs were also higher, but we're happy to fork out for a superior result."

However, it's not only the complex production process that testifies to the band's exceptional creative spirit, but also their diverse songwriting, which saw all four Sodom musicians — the aforementioned Tom Angelripper (vocals, bass), Frank Blackfire (guitar), York Segatz (guitar) and Toni Merkel (drums) — involved in the development of the material on The Arsonist. 

Tom Angelripper continues, "Frank contributed those typical Sodom riffs and hooks again, whereas York favors more epic songwriting. As a perfect complement to both of them, Toni, who is also an excellent guitarist, contributed a number of songs and helped to make the album even more versatile."

The first single and lyric video "Trigger Discipline," the toughest song on The Arsonist, is released today. The song sounds equally martial and is about a sniper who has completely lost control of his actions and shoots people indiscriminately.

Watch the "Trigger Discipline" lyric video below.

The Arsonist will be released on June 27, 2025 worldwide through SPV/Steamhammer as CD digipak, 2LP version, download and stream.
Pre-order info here.

Info about Sodom's Europe shows is here.

Mexico's Jet Jaguar Signs With Steamhammer/SPV Records + Announce New Album "Severance" Due Out This Fall

Aficionados consider JET JAGUAR to be one of Mexico's hottest contemporary metal acts, ready to take Europe and the rest of the world by storm. Following their furioso performance at the 2024 Wacken Open Air and their acclaimed European tour alongside Anvil, the four-piece have recently enlisted with Hanover-based imprint Steamhammer/SPV. Their latest album Severance is scheduled for release in autumn 2025.

Even before the arrival of their 2020 debut album Endless Nights, JET JAGUAR had performed countless concerts and lots of important festival appearances. In 2017, the band played Wacken Open Air for the first time, emerging as winners of the Metal Battle. The band furthers their pedigree seven years returning to the iconic festival stage and joining Anvil’s 2024 European tour. For lead guitarist Ariyuki Arce, these shows were "one of the best experiences JET JAGUAR have ever had. Sharing the stage with metal legends is always a huge honor."

L-R: Bori (Bass), Ariyuki (Lead Guitar), Björn von Oettingen (Head of Promotion Steamhammer), Olly Hahn (Label Manager Steamhammer), Raiden (Voice/Guitar), Jimmy (Drums)

Drummer/band founder Jimmy Lozano on the upcoming album and the band’s contract with SPV/Steamhammer:

“Severance is the culmination of years of work. During the pandemic, everyone was going through some dark and somewhat depressing times, so we ended up with heavier and more aggressive songs than on our previous album. For us, signing with SPV/Steamhammer is an incredible milestone. Having the honour of partnering with one of the biggest and longest-running labels in Germany motivates us to work even harder for our extremely supportive fans. We can’t wait to get started on this amazing collaboration!”

Label manager Olly Hahn is also looking forward to the upcoming collaboration:

"When I saw the band supporting Anvil in Hannover last year, I definitely had to sign them. The club was small and sticky but the band played as if there were 1,000 people in the room. This is what heavy metal is all about and JET JAGUAR are like a breath of fresh air in this genre!"

JET JAGUAR ARE:
Bori — Bass 
Ariyuki — Lead Guitar
Raiden — Vocals/Guitar 
Jimmy — Drums

FIRE ACTION Release New Single "Survive" + Music Video!

Finnish Heavy Metal powerhouse FIRE ACTION unleash their electrifying new single and music video for "Survive", marking a thunderous preview of their upcoming studio album 'Until The Heat Dies'. The single is also accompanied by a music video.

Guitar player Juri Vuortama states:

"'Survive' is about - well - surviving. It comes after 'No Drone Zone' on the LP so maybe we defeated the evil powers pretty quick!"

Watch the Official Music Video for "Survive" Below

With three albums – ‘Rock Brigade’ (2016), ‘Fahrenhater’ (2018), and ‘9112’ (2020) – to their name, FIRE ACTION are anything but newcomers and have long established themselves as an integral part of Finland's metal scene. However, their international career looks to gain added momentum with 'Until The Heat Dies' and an exciting new contract with Steamhammer/SPV.

The quartet surrounding guitarist Juri Vuortama and vocalist Pete Ahonen has taken a musical quantum leap producing eleven traditional heavy metal songs, each diverse in their own right. From the grooving opener "Storm Of Memories" to the anthemic finale "Midnight Avenue" the group’s continued evolution is on mighty metal display.

Vuortama aptly comments on the new songs: “It’s riffs, riffs, and riffs, with awesome melodies on top!”

The album will be available on November 29, 2024 on CD, LP, and for digital download.

Pre-Order 'Until The Heat Dies' HERE

FIRE ACTION are:

Pete Ahonen - vocals

Juri Vuortama - guitars

Jarkko Poussu - bass

Samuli Häkkilä - drums

STEAMHAMMER ALERT: New Music from FIRE ACTION

Finnish Heavy Metal quartet FIRE ACTION releases a new single "No Drone Zone"from their upcoming album 'Until The Heat Dies' out November 29th via Steamhammer/SPV. The track is accompanied by a new music video, available to watch below.

Guitar player Juri Vuortama comments on the single:

"'No Drone Zone' is about a dystopian future that's already a reality in totalitarian regimes such as China: someone is always watching you. Unfortunately, harm's ways are not always far from here. There are such powers even in the Western world that want more and more control over people, their properties, and even their thoughts. No thanks to such surveillance." 

Watch the Music Video for "No Drone Zone"

With three previous albums – ‘Rock Brigade’ (2016), ‘Fahrenhater’ (2018), and ‘9112’ (2020) – to their name, FIRE ACTION are anything but newcomers and have long been an established and integral part of Finland's metal scene. However, their international career is gaining momentum with 'Until The Heat Dies' and an exciting new contract with Steamhammer/SPV.

The quartet surrounding guitarist Juri Vuortama and vocalist Pete Ahonen has taken a musical quantum leap on the new album, producing eleven traditional heavy metal songs, each diverse in their own right. From the grooving opener "Storm Of Memories" to the anthemic finale "Midnight Avenue" the group’s continued evolution is on mighty metal display.

Vuortama aptly comments on the new songs: “It’s riffs, riffs, and riffs, with awesome melodies on top!”

The album will be available on November 29, 2024, on CD, LP, and for digital download.

Pre-Order 'Until The Heat Dies' HERE

'Until The Heat Dies' will be released on November 29th, 2024, worldwide via Steamhammer/SPV in the following formats:

=> CD digipak

=> LP gatefold red vinyl version

=> Download and Stream

FIRE ACTION are:

Pete Ahonen - Vocals

Juri Vuortama - Guitars

Jarkko Poussu - Bass

Samuli Häkkilä - Drums