Swimming Under Ice is the third and final single from Raivo Jackson’s debut album Tangled Up in Roots, released on Thursday. The track is one of the album’s most swinging cuts, where the band’s blues-infused groove is given extra color by a spaghetti western–inspired atmosphere.
Swimming Under Ice tells the story of a person who falls in with the wrong crowd and loses their way. It’s a tale about how difficult it can be to find a path back to the surface from deep waters. The song leaves the listener wondering whether a way to safety will ultimately be found or whether the character will remain trapped beneath the ice.
Released on Thursday, January 15, Tangled Up in Roots showcases Raivo Jackson’s versatile and narrative-driven expression, where rhythm and melody go hand in hand with strong, evocative moods.
The album will also be released on vinyl on February 13.
Previously released singles from the upcoming album include Fire Song Revisited and Babes in the Woods.
Sweden’s sleaze/metal stalwarts Confess are back with their fourth studio album, “Metalmorphosis”, set for release on May 15, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
To give a taste of what’s to come, the band unleash today the first single “Wicked Temptations”, along with an official video.
The band commented: “Wicked Temptations” can be described as a classic Confess anthem. It’s a song about releasing the inner animal and just “Go for it!”
Watch the official video for “Wicked Temptations”:
Swedish rockers Confess are finally back with their long awaited fourth record, their most ambitious album to date marking a bold evolution in their sound.
The band described “Metalmorphosis” in the following way: “It’s definitely the ten most well-crafted songs we’ve ever written, both music and lyric wise. It’s fully packed with heavy riffing, big choruses and a whole new level of dynamics. We’ve pushed ourselves harder than ever and it really shows”.
“The album is mixed and mastered by Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) and he has really taken the band’s sound to a whole new level”, they added.
While staying true to the gritty, hard-hitting energy that has defined the band since their early days in Stockholm, “Metalmorphosis” expands their musical palette with more commercially resonant material, crafting a sound that is both polished and explosively energetic.
Fronted by John Elliot, whose commanding vocals have also been showcased with the legendary Crashdiet, Confess demonstrate a rare balance of raw sleaze-metal grit and melodic sophistication.
On drums, Samuel Samael drives the rhythm with precision and power, while Ludwig Nordlander and Asser Hakala weave dynamic guitar textures that range from shredding riffs to soaring solos. Bassist Lucky anchors the band with a solid low-end punch, rounding out a lineup that is firing on all cylinders.
Since their formation, Confess have earned a reputation for their relentless commitment to the sleaze/metal aesthetic, infusing their work with memorable hooks, arena-ready choruses, and a devil-may-care attitude.
With “Metalmorphosis”, the band take this ethos to a new level, delivering songs that are as catchy as they are ferocious, and as bold as they are accessible. It’s a record that will appeal to longtime fans of the band while opening doors to a wider audience, showcasing Confess at their most confident and inspired yet.
“Metalmorphosis” is not just another entry in the band’s discography – it’s a statement of artistic growth, a powerful celebration of sleaze-metal craftsmanship, and a must-hear for anyone who loves hard-hitting, melodic rock with attitude.
“Metalmorphosis” Tracklist:
1. Colorvision 2. The Warriors 3. Wicked Temptations 4. Metalmorphosis 5. Beat Of My Heart 6. Pursuit Of The Jenny Haniver 7. The Other Side 8. Running To My Death 9. Plague Of Steel 10. Silvermalen
Line Up: John Elliot – Vocals Samuel Samael – Drums Ludwig Nordlander – Guitars Asser Hakala – Guitars Lucky – Bass
German blackened death metal force BLOODRED unleash their new single Resist, the second preview taken from their upcoming studio album “Colours Of Pain”, due out on February 20th, 2026 via Massacre Records. Alongside the single, the band presents an intense lyric video that visually reinforces the track’s powerful message.
Following the release of the devastating title track “Colours Of Pain”, which served as both the conceptual and emotional centerpiece of the album, “Resist” now widens the thematic spectrum by channeling BLOODRED’s most politically charged and socially confrontational material to date.
Serving as the album’s closing chapter, “Resist” weaves blistering blast beats, crushing grooves and searing melodic themes into a defiant anthem that demands strength and perseverance in the face of oppression. Lyrically, the song gives voice to countless women around the world who continue to suffer under patriarchal violence, systemic repression and cultural silencing. “Resist” stands as a rallying cry for self-determination, dignity and justice.
With “Colours Of Pain”, BLOODRED explore suffering in its many shades – from betrayal and grief to censorship, environmental collapse and societal decay – shaping their most diverse and atmospheric record so far without abandoning the Blackened Death Metal ferocity that defined previous releases.
Long-time collaborators Ron Merz (vocals, guitars, bass) and Joris Nijenhuis (drums) deliver a performance marked by aggression, depth and nuance, while producer Alexander Krull sculpts the material into the band’s most cinematic sonic statement to date. The striking artwork was once again created by Stefan Heilemann.
“Colours Of Pain” delivers eight tracks of dark, heavy and emotionally resonant blackened death metal, solidifying BLOODRED’s evolution into one of the genre’s most compelling voices.
BLOODRED are Ron Merz – Vocals, Guitars, Bass Joris Nijenhuis – Drums
RIKET stands at the intersection of ferocity and history, channeling the raw aggression of death metal while weaving in the relentless drive of thrash and the defiance of punk. What sets RIKET apart is not only the uncompromising weight of the music, but also its unique lyrical concept: every song is performed in Swedish and rooted in the darker corners of our shared past: small historic tales of catastrophe, blunder, and human downfall.
Now, after years of honing their craft, RIKET unleashes their debut full-length album, simply titled “2026”. Set for release on April 10th, 2026 via Black Lion Records, the record offers a harsh collection of nine tracks, each one a historical snapshot of calamity.
In support of their upcoming album, the band has released a video for the first single, “1868 Sommar vid Vinterviken,” which you can watch and listen to here:
“2026” track listing: 01. 1868: Sommar vid Vinterviken 02. 1867: Storsvagåret 03. 1965: Höghus och kultur 04. 1948: Att döda ett barn 05. 1885: Dödsdansen (i månskensnatten) 06. 1897: Mot polen 07. 1991: 2000 år (Saliga äro de tålmodiga) 08. 1937: Lågor vid portarna 09. 2009: Alla ska i jorden (Stefan Sundström cover)
Recorded and produced by Sverker Widgren at Wing Studios, “2026” balances crushing heaviness with an eerie sense of narrative, while the haunting artwork, crafted by Axel Torvenius, mirrors the album’s thematic depths.
About RIKET:
RIKET is more than just a band, it is a vessel of memory, a grim messenger bridging today’s world with the chilling truths of yesteryears. 2026 unfolds as a sonic time machine, pulling listeners through nine harrowing tales of human error and misfortune, wrapped in a wall of sound that is both punishing and thought-provoking. On stage, RIKET transforms into an experience unlike any other: a volatile clash of unrelenting metal and twisted storytelling, where dark humor collides with historical fact.
With 2026, RIKET does not simply revisit history: they force you to confront it.
“2026” drops on April 10 via Black Lion Records and is now available for pre-order here:Physical | Digital
RIKET are: Johan “Flid” Fridell – vocals Tobias Jakobsson – guitars Jussi Niiranen – guitars Micke André – bass and backing vocals Felix Wahlund – drums
Swedish death metal maniacs Sins of Omission have announced the re-issue of their 1999 debut album The Creation via Hammerheart Records. This forgotten gem will be released for the first time on vinyl on 3rd March, 2026.
Sins of Omission was a great Swedish band trailing in the footsteps of the formidable At the Gates, and one could say that they probably had a sound close to the ‘Slaughter of the Soul’ era, with a few pretty notable exceptions which pushed their 1999 debut over the top from just a trend hopper to something well worth having.
From the stunning Kristian Wåhlin artwork to the excellent punch of the production, this was for sure one of the better efforts heard from the tenure of Sweden’s Black Sun Records, a label with that unfortunately did not survive very far into the new millennium.
The Creation is with ease one of the better albums within this style which got not enough love, and whether you’re a huge fan of Slaughter of the Soul or you enjoy other bands in its wake like Darkane, Soilwork and Impious, this is totally an album worth snapping up now. Just as virile sounding today as it was then.
Track-list: 1. Eager for the Fray 2. Reap the Storm 3. The Creation 4. Burn the Night 5. The Experiment 6. Let Them March 7. The Serpentine Route 8. To the Grind 9. Exhibition of Sins
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER will return to stages this Spring on a US headlining tour. Spring Fling 2026 will commence on April 2nd in Indianapolis, Indiana and run through May 2nd in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Support will be provided by The Acacia Strain, Disembodied Tyrant, and Corpse Pile.
Comments vocalist Brian Eschbach. “This is set to be a massively heavy trek that will undoubtedly be recounted in the history textbooks for centuries to come. Don’t miss out!“
The “Blastfiend” artist presale begins January 14th at 10:00am ET where exclusive merch bundles will be available. Fans can RSVP at: soundrink.co/TBDM. General on sale date is Friday, January 16th at 10:00am ET. See all confirmed dates below.
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER w/ The Acacia Strain, Disembodied Tyrant, Corpse Pile: 4/02/2026 Vogue – Indianapolis, IN 4/03/2026 The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI 4/04/2026 Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH * no Disembodied Tyrant 4/05/2026 Roxian Theatre – McKee Rocks, PA 4/07/2026 Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY 4/08/2026 Archer – Allentown, PA 4/10/2026 The Webster – Hartford, CT 4/11/2026 The Strand – Providence, RI 4/12/2026 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ 4/14/2026 The Queen – Wilmington, DE 4/15/2026 The NorVa – Norfolk, VA 4/17/2026 Mercury Ballroom – Louisville, KY 4/18/2026 Pop’s – Sauget, IL 4/19/2026 Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN 4/21/2026 Tower Theatre – Oklahoma City, OK 4/23/2026 Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ 4/24/2026 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA 4/25/2026 House Of Blues – San Diego, CA 4/26/2026 UC Theater – Berkeley, CA 4/28/2026 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM 4/29/2026 Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 5/01/2026 Capitol Theatre – Davenport IA 5/02/2026 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER will be touring in support of their critically adored tenth studio album, Servitude, released in 2024 via Metal Blade Records.
“At a brisk thirty-three minutes, there’s no real fat, just a collection of raging riffs and solid gold grooves that never overstays its welcome…,” lauded Blabbermouth. “Whether wallowing in grim, doomy waters on ‘Mammoth’s Hand,’ or blasting away like some crazed, nihilistic army of intergalactic ghouls on ‘Transcosmic Blueprint’ and climactic hook avalanche ‘Utopia Black,’ this is an album that nobly delivers the goods, while screaming defiance at the stars. Everybody involved should be immensely proud.” Metal Injection accurately hailed a record of, “fucking killer death metal,” Distorted Sound crowned THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, “one of melodeath’s greatest, most consistent bands,” while Kerrang wrote, “…the release of Servitude faces down existential concerns with determination and defiance.” Added Last Rites, “Servitude doesn’t feel like a debut because it’s unpolished or full of missteps; it feels like a debut because it’s brimming with a fresh energy and feels like it’s only hinting at what could be in store.”
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
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