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MERCYFUL FATE Bassist Becky Baldwin Gives Status Update on Band’s Up And Coming Studio Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Becky Baldwin, Mercyful Fate, The Metal Voice. Leave a comment

Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke to Mercyful Fate, Fury Bassist Beck Baldwin about her Top 5 Mercyful Fate Songs. Baldwin also gave a status update on Mercyful Fate’s up and coming studio Album.

Watch the video interview below.

When asked about the status update on Mercyful Fate plans for touring  and new studio album

“I’‘m not too sure at the moment in terms of the time frame. Um but yeah, like there is, there is an album in the works. Yeah. So we’ve got the first single  “The Jackal of Salzburg,” that we played on the tour back in 2022. Um there’s yeah another song which I think is very close to being ready. Um and yeah, there you know there was a full album that is  instrumentally pretty much there. So, it just needs rearranging, a lot of the songs need vocals, but I think they’ve got ideas down.”.

When asked if she heard the demos of the new album

“I’ve only heard like the instrumental demos, but yes the Riffs are and there and  they’re very Hank (Sherman) and they’re very early Mercyful Fate.  I think the fans are going to be really happy when they hear the kind of stuff that’s going on.”

When asked if they allow her to contribute musically to the new album

“Hank and King” they are really doing the writing I can contribute, the kind of flavor that the bass is going to bring. They let me have quite a free reign to just try different things out. They prefer to record the bass actually after the vocals. Uh, which I think is very interesting and I think that’s quite nice. It’s obvious because it’s the best instrument that comes last. (laughs).”

When asked if Mercyfat will be a full album or EP

“King’s been working on the King Diamond album and that’s supposed to be his next step, his next  thing to complete is the  (new)King Diamond album.  The amount (of songs) that they have (for Mercyful Fate) that are instrumental tracks so far  is enough for an album but maybe it would be easier, more efficient, more just how things are done these days to do an E.P. just to get things moving a bit faster?   I’ve heard King say different things, how things are different now in the music industry. So do people even want albums? And I think you know metalheads do want albums especially like old school metal heads. But can the industry just operate in a different way these days? It’s more about singles. More bands are doing EPs and stuff like this. So  I’m  not sure but I have heard an album’s worth of material.(for Mercyful Fate).

ANA Get Provocative with New ‘Hate Me’ Music Video & Single, New Album “Motivated By Death” Out May 29th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ANA. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Electrum Photography

Australia has long been a powerhouse for heavy music, but the Melbourne-based outfit ANA is currently carving out a niche that defies traditional categorization. Identifying as a couture symphonic metal band, the group seamlessly merges high-fashion aesthetics with the grandiosity of melodic metal.

Their latest offering, a visually arresting music video for the single “Hate Me”, serves as a defiant statement of intent for a band that refuses to blend into the background. To capture this vision, the band collaborated with iconic Australian photographer Peter Coulson, who handled the directing, filming, and editing. Known for his mastery of light and shadow, Coulson brings a high-fashion editorial lens to the production, elevating the video beyond standard performance clips into the realm of cinematic art.

This is the first single & music video taken from their upcoming full-length album Motivated By Death which will be released on May 29, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

“The provocative nature of the video was entirely intentional” says guitarist Josh Mak. “We drew significant inspiration from Salma Hayek’s legendary performance in From Dusk Till Dawn, utilizing specific costumes and color schemes to create an atmosphere of dangerous elegance.” 

Vocalist Anna Khristenko adds, “This was the first time I worked with a snake in a video. I have always loved snakes and shooting with one has been a dream of mine. Initially it was a little difficult for me to adapt to the snake’s movements. I tried pulling it in the direction I wanted and was met with some unhappy hissing, but luckily no one was bitten and we managed to get some beautiful shots!”

Keyboardist Mark Shi continues, “I am so grateful that the video was in the hands of the masterful Peter Coulson. It was a great experience watching the master at work and getting to play a tiny part in his grand vision is a surreal experience that I will treasure forever.”

Also, bassist Cody Lamb says, “This was a truly fun experience. Peter made it easy and comfortable for me to work the camera and give my heart, effort, and soul into the performance.” Finally, director Peter Coulson says on the video, “I just pushed buttons and allowed Anna and the band to do the rest.”

Cover art Credit: Peter Coulson

While many symphonic metal acts lean into fantasy tropes, ANA focuses on a sophisticated evolution of the craft. Led by vocalist Anna Khristenko, the band members perform as masked super-humans. This visual identity is captured on the album cover by acclaimed Australian photographer Peter Coulson, bridging the gap between high fashion and the visceral intensity of symphonic metal. Produced by the creative duo of Josh Mak and Khristenko, the record finds a balance between orchestral grandeur and sonic precision. The eight-song track list opens with this first single entitled “Hate Me”, a defiant anthem exploring the thin line between passion and animosity. The song suggests that the true opposite of love is indifference rather than hate. It serves as a declaration of resilience, showing that while vitriol often follows success, it only fuels the band’s drive. The album was produced by Anna Khristenko & Josh Mak, engineered & mixed by Chris Themelco (Eye of the Enemy, Naberus) at Monolith Studios, and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Groove Armada, Soilwork, Mayhem) at The Panicroom Studio. Cover art for the album was shot by Peter Coulson. Motivated By Death by Ana will be released on May 29, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

Pre-Save or Pre-Order Motivated By Death on digital formats & CD Digipak via Eclipse Records at this location.

Motivated By Death track listing

  1. Hate Me
  2. Shadow of Life
  3. You Loved Me More Than I Love Myself
  4. Following the Wind
  5. Eyes of A Child
  6. Sick Love
  7. Papa
  8. Aerials (System of A Down cover)

Ana lineup
Anna Khristenko (Vocals), Josh Mak (Guitar), Cody Lamb (Bass), Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio (Drums), Mark Shi (Keys)

For more information about Ana and their Hate Me music video & single, please visit them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X/Twitter, or Eclipse Records and follow them on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, and Tidal now!

AEGROR Sign Worldwide Deal with EMG

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: AEGROR. Leave a comment

Extreme Management Group (EMG), home to bands like Suffocation, Atheist, Cryptopsy and more, has announced their partnership with Atmospheric Black Metal Band AEGROR.

Aegror is a metal band from Kerken, Germany, founded in 2009. The name Aegror is derived from the Latin word for “disease”. Their music combines atmospheric black metal with progressive and melodic

elements, revolving around themes of disease and psychological phenomena. These themes are woven into a coherent narrative full of horror and madness, centered around the character Plaguebreeder — a being from another dimension seeking to break into the human world.

On a metaphorical level, the lyrics also reflect real-world crises, pandemics and events.

Their debut album, De Morbis (2010), introduced a 90s-inspired black/death sound and laid the foundation for the band’s conceptual storytelling. In 2013, they released the EP Forgotten Tales, which explored more progressive and emotional directions. Their full-length album Dead Man’s Diary (2017) refined their sound, with stronger production and a clearer narrative. After the release of their second studio album Dead Man’s Diary, they discussed concluding the project. Vocalist and founding member Narthaas, along with guitarist Abyssus, decided to continue Aegror in a new artistic direction.

After a hiatus, the duo returned with their third studio album, Reign of Disease, on May 16, 2025. The album was produced and released in the first step independently, blending modern post-black metal with their signature melodic and atmospheric sound. Reign of Disease received critical acclaim and solidified Aegror’s position in the European extreme metal underground. Reign of Disease has so far achieved international chart placements on various streaming platforms.

Now in 2026, AEGROR has signed with Extreme Management Group and says, “We are beyond excited to join the EMG roster, this partnership opens up incredible new opportunities for us, and we can’t wait to take Aegror to the next level together. The future looks bright — and brutal! Before releasing Reign of Disease, we had actually planned for it to be our final album and to bring Aegror to an end. But things turned out completely different — it now feels like this is only the true beginning of the band.”

http://www.aegror.com
https://extrememanagementgroup.com/

WHAT IS NEXT FOR AEGROR?

Aegror returns from the Shadows with their new Album “Reign of Disease”

Kerken, Germany – What was once meant to be Aegror’s final chapter has transformed into a fierce new beginning. After eight years of silence, the German atmospheric/prog black metal duo rises again with their new album Reign of Disease, released independently on May 16, 2025. Frontman Narthaas and guitarist Abyssus unleash a powerful blend of black metal, post-metal, and atmospheric ferocity. The title track “Reign of Disease” attacks with militant rhythms, ominous tremolo lines, and raw, piercing vocals — the unmistakable sound of a band returning with sharpened intent and creative rebirth. Their music strikes a balance between relentless aggression and cinematic tension, delivering a surprisingly massive sonic footprint for a two-piece act.

International Chart Impact

What began as a purely independent release quickly evolved into a global underground success story. Reign of Disease entered the streaming and digital sales charts 21 times across 8 countries, marking Aegror’s first international chart presence and demonstrating the project’s rapidly growing worldwide audience. Without major industry backing, the album’s momentum was driven entirely by organic reach, word of mouth, and a dedicated fanbase within the extreme metal community.

Management Deal with Extreme Management Group, New York

In the wake of this unexpected international momentum, Aegror has signed a management deal with Extreme Management Group (New York) — one of the leading management companies in the global metal scene. This partnership marks a decisive step into the band’s next phase, opening the door for expanded international strategy, new industry networks, and long-term career development while preserving the artistic independence that defines the project.

A Concept of Control, Corruption, and Collapse

Reign of Disease expands Aegror’s long-standing narrative surrounding the interdimensional entity Plaguebreeder, who establishes dominion over humanity by infiltrating and corrupting the world’s most essential institutions and societal functions. On a metaphorical level, this thematic arc reflects real-world dynamics — crises, manipulation, and societal decay — serving as a dark commentary on the fragility of human systems. Despite these themes, Aegror remains strictly unpolitical. The band does not promote any ideological position and explicitly distances itself from all forms of violence, extremism or hateful

worldviews. The narrative is a work of fiction and atmospheric storytelling, shaped by horror, psychology, and speculative dystopia.

A New Era for Aegror

Recorded, mixed, mastered and designed by Abyssus, the album marks the reb irth of a project once close to dissolution and now revitalized with a clear artistic vision, a rapidly expanding international reach, and the backing of a world-class management team. The band is now preparing with close friends and fellow musicians for live performances and upcoming tours.

Listen to “Reign of Disease”: Bandcamp: https://aegror.bandcamp.com

AEGROR is:

  • Sascha Elsner / „Narthaas aka. The Plaguebreeder“ Vocals and Studioguitar.
  • Torben Lazar / „Abyssus“ Lead Guitar
  • Soul 1 / Drums
  • Soul 2 / Rhythm Guitar
  • Soul 3 / Bass

𝕾𝖔𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖑 / 𝕸𝖚𝖘𝖎𝖈: 𝔜𝔬𝔲𝔗𝔲𝔟𝔢 – ℑ𝔫𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔪 – 𝔉𝔞𝔠𝔢𝔟𝔬𝔬𝔎 – 𝔗𝔦𝔎𝔗𝔬𝔎 – 𝔖𝔭𝔬𝔱𝔦𝔣𝔶

EASTBLOOD (Feat. Members of JASTA, DEE SNIDER, GENERATION KILL) Release New Single + Video ‘Grift Witch’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: EASTBLOOD. Leave a comment

Eastblood has officially arrived with the release of their debut single “Grift Witch,” accompanied by a new music video. A four-piece metal band built on speed, volume, and zero compromise, Eastblood fuses thrash metal ferocity with punk and hardcore aggression—delivering ripping riffs, violent breakdowns, brutalizing drums, and nonstop shredding. “Grift Witch” was mixed and mastered by Nick Bellmore.

STREAM “Grift Witch”: https://linktr.ee/eastbloodmusic

Featuring members of JASTA, Dee Snider, Generation Kill, and more, Eastblood strips metal down to its rawest form. No gimmicks. No polish. Just pure sonic violence.

“Eastblood is pure alchemy — speed and intensity colliding with melody and catharsis, without a single compromise. We can’t wait to unleash what we’ve built on the world,” says Charlie Bellmore. 

Debut LP Burn What’s Left lands in 2026, alongside shows across the East Coast and beyond.

Catch Eastblood live:
3/6 in Lowell, MA @ Thirsty First
3/7 in Hamden, CT @ The Cellar on Treadwell

Eastblood:
Charlie Bellmore – Guitar and Vocals
Nick Petrino – Guitar
Christopher Taylor Beaudette – Bass and Vocals
Rob Youells – Drums

For More Information Please Visit: Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – Spotify

NUCLEAR WARFARE Release First Single Video ‘Nuclear War’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: NUCLEAR WARFARE. Leave a comment

On March 19, German thrash metal institution NUCLEAR WARFARE will release their new album, “All Hail To The Liberator”!

Starting today, the album opener “Nuclear War” is available as a video on YouTube and as a digital single on all major platforms, giving fans their first taste of the new neckbreaker. Fans of classic German thrash metal from the 80s mixed with Bay Area influences should definitely give it a listen! The complete tracklist of the album can be found below. Starting on April 18, the trio will also be touring Europe under the motto “United in Thrash,” which will take them through Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. Watch out!

Album Tracklist

  1. Nuclear War
  2. Rough Day
  3. United by Thrash
  4. Power of War
  5. With sword and Cross
  6. The Stricker
  7. Trouble in the World
  8. What I really Can
  9. All Hail to the Liberator

PreOrder
▶ https://amzn.to/4b5NyJO
▶ https://nuclearwarfarethrash.bandcamp.com (soon)

https://fb.com/ThrashMetalTank
https://www.instagram.com/nuclearwarfarethrash/

MAN WITH A MISSION Announce North & South America 2026 Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 25, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: MAN WITH A MISSION. Leave a comment

Half man, half wolf, all rock phenomenon! MAN WITH A MISSION will embark on the MARKING NEW GROUND tour this May, bringing their high‑octane live show to cities across North and South America.  The Japanese rockers are hitting markets they have never headlined before. Designed as the first step in a bold new chapter for the band, the tour sees the wolfpack deepening their global footprint while connecting with a new generation of fans who discovered them through their iconic anime theme songs.

The May run begins in the United States with a stop in San Francisco on May 14 at August Hall, followed by a special appearance at Los Angeles’ ZIPANGU Festival on May 16. From there, MAN WITH A MISSION heads to Mexico for two long‑awaited dates: Monterrey’s Show Center Complex on May 19 and Mexico City’s legendary Foro Teambro on May 21. The tour then moves further south to Chile for a show at Santiago’s Coliseum Theatre on May 24, before closing out in Brazil at São Paulo’s Carioca Club on May 27.

MARKING NEW GROUND focuses on the breadth of MAN WITH A MISSION’s catalog, spotlighting the songs that have defined their international rise. Central to the live set are three of their most recognizable tracks: “Kizuna no Kiseki,” the explosive collaboration opening theme for Demon Slayer, “Merry‑Go‑Round,” which powered the fifth season of My Hero Academia and “Raise your flag,” the adrenaline‑charged opening theme to Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron‑Blooded Orphans. These songs, along with fan favorites from across their discography, anchor a show built for both die‑hard followers and new fans arriving from the anime world.

Guitarist, vocalist and rapper Jean‑Ken Johnny sees the MARKING NEW GROUND tour as a statement of intent for where MAN WITH A MISSION is headed next. “We are very proud to announce and more than looking forward to this upcoming tour. Hope to see our fellow fans and new friends at each and every country, especially the two new areas which are the first time for us to visit, Chile and Brazil.  Those who always waited for us, those who discovered us recently, thank you all, we are The MAN WITH A MISSION and here we come.”

Consisting of Tokyo Tanaka (vocals), Jean‑Ken Johnny (guitar, vocals, rap), Kamikaze Boy (bass), DJ Santa Monica (DJ) and Spear Rib (drums), MAN WITH A MISSION has grown into one of Asia’s most successful rock exports. Their catalog spans hit singles, EPs and albums that fuse rock, metal, hip‑hop and electronic elements, while their music has featured in films, TV dramas, games, sports broadcasts and global campaigns in addition to anime. With MARKING NEW GROUND, the band are using their hard‑won catalog as a bridge into new territories and future releases, inviting fans to dive deep into their body of work ahead of the shows.

Tickets for all dates on the MARKING NEW GROUND North & South American tour will be available via local ticket outlets; further information, including venue and ticketing details for San Francisco on May 14, will be announced shortly. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early due to limited capacities and the band’s history of rapid sell‑outs.

MAY 2026 – NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA

MAN WITH A MISSION – MARKING NEW GROUND

May 14 – USA – San Francisco – August Hall
May 16 – USA – Los Angeles – ZIPANGU Festival
May 19 – Mexico – Monterrey – Show Center Complex
May 21 – Mexico – Mexico City – Foro Teambro
May 24 – Chile – Santiago – Coliseum Theatre
May 27 – Brazil – São Paulo – Carioca Club

Fans can explore MAN WITH A MISSION’s full catalog and anime themes now on Spotify, YouTube and all major digital platforms, and are invited to follow the band’s official channels for upcoming news on the MARKING NEW GROUND tour and future releases.  

OFFICIAL LINKS
Official website: https://www.mwamjapan.info
X (Twitter): https://x.com/MWAMofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWAMjapan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwamofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCWlJ3mOpVtWZoCeEfnAs9w
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3NTbOmzlj2cL86XFuDVFvZ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/man-with-a-mission/424817976

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