THE HELLACOPTERS’ Rarities Compilation “Cream Of The Crap! Volume 3” Out Now & Streaming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 16, 2026
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Today marks the release of Cream Of The Crap! Collected Non-Album Works • Volume 3,  the newest, long-overdue entry in a series of rarities collections by Swedish high energy rockers THE HELLACOPTERS, combining rare and lesser-known material from a myriad of singles, EPs, and compilation songs. The 24 tracks featured in this set have originally been released between 1998 and 2005, most of them only on vinyl and out-of-print CDs, and include originals like ‘Disappointment Blues’, ‘Freeway To Hell’, ‘Doggone Your Bad-Luck Soul’, ‘Ferrytale‘ and ‘Long Gone Losers’ as well as cover versions of songs by Motörhead, Wilson Pickett, MC5, Smokey Robinson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, Alice Cooper, The Ramones, The Nomads, Adam West – whose singer Jake Starr penned liner notes for this release – and many, many more. Furthermore, a lot of these songs have never been released digitally. Meticulously compiled by Robert Eriksson, transferred from master tapes and vinyl by Henke Jonsson, and remastered for maximum audio fidelity by Magnus Lindberg, with Cream Of The Crap! Collected Non-Album Works • Volume 3 THE HELLACOPTERS present a stunning collection of incredible, high-octane rock’n’roll on this more than 75 minutes long double vinyl, CD and digital release. Scroll down for the full track list and release formats.

Purchase or stream Cream Of The Crap! Collected Non-Album Works • Volume 3:
https://hellacopters.bfan.link/cotc

A full album stream via Youtube is available here:

CREAM OF THE CRAP! VOLUME 3 – TRACKLIST
RELEASE DATE: 13 February 2026

  1. Long Gone Losers
  2. Pack Of Lies (The Nomads cover)
  3. Her Strut (Bob Seger cover)
  4. Little Miss Sweetness (The Temptations cover)
  5. Oh Yeah Allright!
  6. I Get A Sensation (Adam West cover)
  7. Disappointment Blues
  8. American Ruse (MC5 cover)
  9. Ferrytale (1998 version)
  10. Whole Lot Of Shakin´ In My Heart (Since I Met You) (Smokey Robinson cover)
  11. I’m Eighteen (Alice Cooper cover)
  12. Sent En Lördagkväll (Nationalteatern cover) *
  13. Working For MCA (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover)
  14. Boney Maronie (Larry Williams cover)
  15. A Man And A Half (Wilson Pickett cover)
  16. 455 SD (Radio Birdman cover)
  17. Freeway To Hell
  18. Get Ready (Smokey Robinson cover)
  19. Doggone Your Badluck Soul
  20. Stab Your Back (Damned cover)
  21. Heaven (Scott Morgan cover)
  22. What´d Ya Do? (Ramones cover)
  23. Speedfreak (Motörhead cover)
  24. Ungrounded Confusion (The Flaming Sideburns cover)

* only available on physical editions

Polish MASS INSANITY Covered Cannibal Corpse’s ‘Butchered by Death’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 16, 2026
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MASS INSANITY is a Polish death metal band working on the Polish metal scene since 2003. They released three studio albums: “The Hypochrist” (2011), “Antihuman” (2015) and “Maveth” (2019). Music group from Chojnice created their version of Cannibal Corpse song which is part of a special compiation.

This cover was recorded for the “Butchered By Death” compilation, a tribute to Cannibal Corpse. The compilation, conceived by Tortured Corpse and scheduled for release at the turn of spring and summer, will feature eighteen covers recorded by eighteen bands.

Song was recorded at Antihuman Studio, and the mix and mastering was done by Michał Grabowski from BlackTeamMedia (Christ Agony, Feto In Fetus, Vader).

COMPILATION TRACKLIST:

01. Avulsed – “Staring Through The Eyes Of The Dead”
02. Vephar – “Hammer Smashed Face”
03. Mastectomy – “Pulverised”
04. Mass Insanity – “An Experiment In Homicide”
05. Uborn Suffer – “Put Them To Death
06. Chainsword – “Death Walking Terror”
07. Kontagion – “Sentenced To Burn”/”Evisceration Plague”
08. Cemetery Rotteness – “Necropedophile”
09. Tortured Corpse – “Butchered By Death”
10. Corpse Throne – “I Cum Blood”
11. Mortis Dei – “A Skull Full Of Maggots”
12. Trauma – “Stripped,Raped and Strangled”
13. Bestial Disgogerment – “Innards Decay”
14. 10 Plagues – “Devoured By Vermin”
15. MorLord – “Gutted”
16. Łukasz “Shadock” Radecki – “Scalding Hails”
17. Funus – “Bloodlands”
18. Putrid Evil – “Fucked With A Knife”

MASS INSANITY LINE-UP:

Wiesław “Viehu” Gruna – guitars
Waldemar “Hektor” Połom – drums
Maciej “Metal” Matejuk – bas
Marcin “Mały” Brzeźnicki – vocal

More info: Facebook | Instagram | LinkTree

BELLE MORTE Release Live Acoustic Cover of Burn the Ballroom’s ‘Kiss Me You Animal’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 16, 2026
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On Valentine’s Day, symphonic noir project Belle Morte invited listeners into a world of obsessive devotion with the release of their live acoustic cover of “Kiss Me You Animal,” originally performed by Burn the Ballroom.
The acoustic version offers a playful, intimate, and deeply romantic interpretation of the original track.

The band chose the track out of genuine love and admiration for the Burn the Ballroom band. The song echoes the narrative world of Belle Morte’s “Willow”, but seen from the opposite side of the story.

The cover embraces love in its most gothic form: obsessive, intoxicating, and eternal.

Previous videos from “Crime of Passion”:
“Lace” Acoustic version: Watch
Stream “Crime of Passion”: orcd.co/crimeofpassion

BELLE MORTE’s Latest Releases:
Stream “Pearl Hunting”: orcd.co/pearlhunting
CD: tinyurl.com/PearlHuntingCD

Previous videos from Pearl Hunting:
“Jorōgumo” Ft. Hisashi, Reigen Fujii, Souzan Kato: Watch
“Willow” Ft. Ruben Monteiro, Emma Spinelli: Watch
“Exorcism” Acoustic Version: Watch
Pearl Hunting: Watch
“Exorcism” Ft. Ulziisaikhan Khoroldamba: Watch
“September” Ft. Ruben Monteiro: Watch
“Black Waters” Ft. Maulana Malik Ibrahim: Watch
“Blame me” Ft. Lernik Khachatrian: Watch

About Belle Morte

Formed in Minsk, BELLE MORTE combines dark symphonic metal with gothic, progressive, and melancholic elements. After their 2018 EP Game On, the band signed with Wormholedeath in 2021 to release Crime of Passion, a conceptual album inspired by John Fowles’s The Collector. Their second album continues this global approach, delivering unique symphonic metal experiences for fans seeking something different.

Stay connected with the band’s latest updates and releases:
www.facebook.com/bellemortemusic
twitter.com/bellemortemusic
www.instagram.com/bellemorteofficial
www.youtube.com/@bellemortemusic
bellemorte.bandcamp.com
bellemortemusic.com

CONTORTED Sign with Dark Essence Records, Debut Full-Length Album Coming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 16, 2026
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Over the past few years, the name CONTORTED has been seen on many concert posters around the city of Bergen, both supporting bigger bands or doing their own gigs. With the quality of the digital EPs they’ve done, it was now time to welcome them to the Dark Essence Records roster.
 
Contorted is a death metal band from Bergen. The band draws from the old school of the genre, delivering riffs that are equally intense and brutal, raw self-production, grotesque melodies, and a violent soundscape. The band aims to explore multiple branches of music, marked by a dynamic sonic palette shaped by black metal’s dark mysticism and atmosphere, death metal’s uncompromising brutality, and the experimental nature of prog rock. This has led Contorted to become an interesting addition to the extreme metal underground.

Formed in 2022, Contorted quickly became a new favourite in the Bergen metal scene. The current lineup consists of Johannes Andreassen (guitars), Kristian Brynjulfsen (vocals, guitar), Mats Hovden (drums) and Vegard Kanestrøm (bass).
 
Contorted has this to say about signing to Dark Essence Records:
We are thrilled to be a part of the roster of Dark Essence Records, and we can’t wait to release our first full length album under their banner. We are very excited to see what this collaboration has in store.
 
The band is currently working on their debut album, and more info will follow.

For more information about Contorted: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090561643158

DARK RIDE Share New Single & Video ‘Coffin’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 16, 2026
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California-based melodic punk rock band DARK RIDE unleashed their new single and official video “Coffin”, on February 14th, on Valentine’s Day.

Released on the day traditionally dedicated to love, “Coffin” embraces romance in its most obsessive, eternal and melancholic form. The track is a punk rock anthem about undying love and a passionate yet fading memory, capturing the feeling of devotion that survives time, distance and decay.

“Coffin” was co-written and produced by Randy Moore (Ghost Nameless Ghoul, Bones Shredder), who also performed all guitar and bass duties on the song. His contribution adds a darker, heavier edge to Dark Ride’s melodic punk sound, amplifying both its emotional intensity and cinematic atmosphere.

Inspired by classic Universal Monster films such as “Dracula” and “Bride of Frankenstein”, “Coffin” blends gothic romance and horror imagery with driving punk energy, turning Valentine’s Day into a celebration of love beyond death – intense, nostalgic and unapologetically dark.

The accompanying official video captures the raw energy and intensity of DARK RIDE’s live performances, translating the song’s urgency and emotional drive into a fast-paced, no-frills visual statement.

Listen to “Coffin” HERE: https://save-it.cc/massacre/coffin

“Coffin” is taken from DARK RIDE’s upcoming full-length album “Blade Manor”, set for release on March 27th, 2026, on CD Digipak, vinyl LP and digital formats via Massacre Records.

“Blade Manor” represents a bold new chapter for DARK RIDE, blending high-energy melodic punk with horror, fantasy and cinematic storytelling. Across 12 tracks, the album delivers infectious anthems, dark humor and atmospheric elements, drawing inspiration from classic horror films, ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture, and West Coast punk rock, while incorporating subtle metal influences.

Created by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emilio Menze, DARK RIDE have steadily carved out a distinctive identity within the modern punk scene. Beyond his work with Dark Ride, Emilio is widely regarded as one of the most visible and respected figures in the global horror punk community – a scene-builder who has spent years setting up shows, supporting other bands, and helping keep the culture alive both in the U.S. and abroad.

Before forming Dark Ride, Emilio toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe with his previous bands, appearing on bills alongside major genre acts and bringing horror punk to new audiences. His work with Stellar Corpses was particularly influential, earning international attention and positioning him as a recognizable presence within the scene. Emilio also fronted Plan 9, considered the world’s most renowned Misfits tribute act – further cementing his reputation as a charismatic and theatrical performer with deep roots in the genre’s legacy.

For fans outside the horror punk niche, Emilio functions as a rare bridge between underground subculture and broader alternative music, combining a cinematic sensibility with melodic songwriting and an unmistakable visual identity. Comparisons to artists such as AFI, Misfits and Alkaline Trio only touch the surface – his creative voice stands firmly on its own.

Produced by Randy Moore and Olav Tabatabai, with mixing by Olav Tabatabai and mastering by Zack Ohren (Castle Ultimate Productions), “Blade Manor” showcases DARK RIDE at their most focused and ambitious to date. The album also features a range of guest musicians from across the punk, horror-punk and metal scenes, further enriching its dynamic and collaborative spirit.

Following acclaimed performances across the US and Europe, including a debut appearance at Germany’s legendary Wave-Gotik-Treffen festival, DARK RIDE continue to build momentum as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary melodic punk.

Track listing

  1. Blade Manor
  2. Coffin
  3. Rewind
  4. Electrocuted
  5. I Bury Boyfriends
  6. Life at the End of October
  7. Seascape Samhain
  8. Fever Dream
  9. Ruined
  10. Rest In Pieces
  11. Do Or Die
  12. Psycho Summer

DARK RIDE online:
https://www.instagram.com/darkridesc/
https://www.facebook.com/darkridesc

RICK MONROE AND THE HITMEN Release New Single ‘Our Love’ with Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 16, 2026
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Rick Monroe & The Hitmen unleash their brand-new single “Our Love” via Asylum 1212 Records /TLG/Virgin Music Group. 

“Our Love,” is a soul-soaked new single that channels the golden era of 1970s country-rock while speaking directly to today’s listeners. Warm harmonies, ringing guitars, and emotionally honest storytelling collide in a song that celebrates a love that bends, bruises, and grows stronger—but never breaks.

With clear echoes of The Eagles and Jackson Browne, “Our Love” feels both familiar and fresh, pairing classic Americana textures with modern polish. Rick Monroe’s unmistakable vocal delivery carries a message of resilience and devotion, making the track a natural fit for fans of Chris Stapleton, Brothers Osborne, and roots-driven country-rock.

Adding to the song’s emotional impact, the official lyric video for “Our Love” was crowd-sourced from friends and fans, featuring candid, real-life photos submitted by the community that has supported Monroe throughout his career. The result is a heartfelt visual companion that mirrors the song’s message—authentic moments of love, connection, and shared history, told through the faces of real people.

Built on soulful guitar lines and a laid-back groove that invites repeat listens, “Our Love” is the kind of song that belongs on long highway drives, sunset playlists, and radio rotations that value craft and connection. The Hitmen’s tight musicianship gives the track a lived-in, road-tested feel that reflects the band’s deep musical chemistry.

“‘Our Love’ is about staying grounded when life pulls you in every direction,” says Monroe. “It’s about choosing love, even when it isn’t perfect—and seeing how fans connected to that message made this release even more meaningful.”

Rick Monroe & The Hitmen have long been known for blending heartland rock, classic country, and Southern soul into a sound that feels timeless rather than trendy. With “Our Love,” they reaffirm their place in the Americana and country-rock landscape—delivering a song, and a visual experience, rooted in honesty, nostalgia, and community.

“Our Love” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

The Band has also launched a new Exclusive VIP Fan List: https://fans.rickmonroe.com/vip-list

The official crowd-sourced lyric video can be seen below:

The birth of the Hitmen. For years Rick Monroe has been a solo artist hiring players as needed and doing the Nashville shuffle of interchangeable bands, but during covid everything changed. In 2020, Rick and the band, with Bobby Perkins & Alan Beeler, were set to have an amazing year starting off with a West Coast tour when the world shut down. Instead of everyone going their own way, they all stuck together and started streaming live shows from their basements, garages and living rooms. At the same time Rick and Alan Beeler started a standing Tuesday writing meeting which eventually became the bulk of their current album. Through some mutual friends, Rick met Malcolm Springer and they decided to track a few songs and see how it went. Once in the studio it was obvious that this was quickly becoming more of a band situation and when Malcolm brought Jason Bohl in, the sound finally came together. Rick joked one night about how the band was killing it and bam- someone said “The Hitmen”- and that was that.

For More Information Please Visit: Official Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – YouTube – TikTok – Spotify