Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The Magic Of Metal

  • Home
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • CHIEF SHOCK VIDEO
  • Metal Shock Times
  • PARTNERS
  • WhoWeAre
    • Advertising
    • Contact Us
    • MSF STAFF
    • We Recommend…

“DI’ANNO – IRON MAIDEN’S LOST SINGER” Movie Coming on June 9th in North America + New UK & U.S. Theatrical Dates Announced

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Cleopatra Entertainment, DI’ANNO, DI’ANNO – IRON MAIDEN’S LOST SINGER. Leave a comment

Cleopatra Entertainment is proud to announce the theatrical release of their latest documentary film DI’ANNO – IRON MAIDEN’S LOST SINGER into UK cinemas from May 1st, 2026 at Birmingham’s Mockingbird Cinema, followed by screenings through June 2nd in the UK’s Light Cinema chain.  Full listings and ticket purchase links can be found at https://musicfilmnetwork.com. And while still in U.S. film festivals such as Sound Unseen in Minneapolis (May 13th) and the San Francisco Documentary Festival on (June 3rd), The film will also see its North American Theatrical Premier for public audiences at the Lumiere Music Hall Theater, 9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 on June 9th, 2026 at 7:00pm, which is also the official North American release date for both the digital VOD and Home Entertainment DVD/Blu Ray  formats. A special Q&A session with Director Wes Orshoski will immediately follow the Beverly Hills screening.

In this strikingly raw and intimate film, director Wes Orshoski captures the late singer riding an emotional rollercoaster toward the end of his life. Featuring appearances by James Hetfield (Metallica),​Gene Simmons (Kiss) , Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris and members of Exodus, Slayer, Megadeth, Overkill and Sepultura, the film chronicles how two Iron Maiden fans encounter Di’Anno at the lowest point of his life and then set out to restore his health and relaunch his career.

Metal Hammer describes Orshoski’s latest film as a “harrowing insight into Di’Anno’s frustration and frailty at a desperately low ebb with an abrasively real, warts-and-all approach to its subject that serves Paul’s legacy far more compellingly than some sanitized panegyric”, while Metal Talk called it “a raw, dark and intimate documentary detailing the tragic final years of Iron Maiden’s original singer, Paul Di’Anno.” 

Wheelchair-bound since the mid-2010s, Di’Anno’s health nosedived during the Covid-19 pandemic, when those two fans launched a crowdfunding campaign which ultimately led to him relocating to Croatia, where – through the help of those fans and doctors – he made a dramatic turnaround while running out of money, reuniting with his former Maiden bandmates and falling in love. Eventually he makes a heroic and drama-filled return to the stage. All of this is captured in Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer, which Orshoski began shooting in 2017.  

“For years there wasn’t much to capture,” says Orshoski, whose credits include Lemmy, a study of Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister and The Damned: Don’t You Wish That We Were Dead. “Paul was waiting for surgeries that doctors in the U.K. would not green-light. He was in an incredibly dark place. But once he got to Croatia, fans and doctors gave him the hope he was desperately searching for. It was beautiful to witness. I wanted to make a film that was unlike any rock doc you’ve ever seen. And in the end, I think we got there.” 

One of icons of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, London-born Di’Anno helped launch Iron Maiden around the world, appearing on two of the most foundational metal albums ever released: Iron Maiden’s 1980 self-titled debut and the celebrated follow-up, Killers, released in 1981. In one of the most epic sagas in metal history, Di’Anno left Maiden in 1981 and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, leaving metal fans around the world to debate which line-up and which singer was/is better. It’s a debate that continues to this day, almost 50 years later. 

Watch the official trailer:

  • PRE-ORDER THE BLU RAY AND DVD HERE: https://cleorecs.com/products/dianno-iron-maidens-lost-singer-blu-ray
  • ORDER TICKETS FOR UK THEATERS HERE: https://musicfilmnetwork.com
  • ORDER TICKETS FOR BEVERLY HILLS PREMIER HERE:​https://lumierecinemala.com/films/dianno-iron-maidens-lost-singer/

About Cleopatra Entertainment:

Cleopatra Entertainment is an Austin, Texas – based multimedia company founded in 2015 by Cleopatra Records head Brian Perera. Recent notable films in release include the Film Festival sensation VAMPIRE ZOMBIES FROM SPACE, the award-winning BEYOND TRAINSPOTTING: THE WORLD OF IRVINE WELSH documentary film, the Japanese Sci-Fi hit SHIN ULTRAMAN, the TUBULAR BELLS: 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR, Glenn Danzig’s critically-acclaimed horror film DEATH RIDER IN THE HOUSE OF VAMPIRES and the biopic STREET SURVIVORS: THE TRUE STORY OF THE LYNYRD SKYNYRD PLANE CRASH. For more information about Cleopatra Entertainment, please contact VP/General Manager Tim Yasui, tim@cleorecs.com or (310) 526-7210 and visit www.cleopatra-entertainment.com

EVENING ELEPHANTS Announce Debut Album “Wholeheartedly, Terribly Sweet” with New Single + Video ‘A Digital Touch’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: EVENING ELEPHANTS. Leave a comment
Photo Credit: Olivia Mcdowell

Rising Los Angeles Alt Duo Evening Elephants released “A Digital Touch,” alongside an official music video – watch HERE.
 
Blending raw energy with emotional urgency, “A Digital Touch” marks the duo’s latest step forward as they continue to carve out their place in the alt landscape.
 
Alongside today’s release, Evening Elephants announce their debut album, Wholeheartedly, Terribly Sweet, arriving July 31. The band debuted songs from the forthcoming album including “A Digital Touch,” and “Simple Things,” for an intimate performance for Medium Sized Backyard. The band also took to Travis Mills’ podcast on Apple music for a world premiere of their previous single, “Simple Things.”
 
Comprised of Sam Boggs and Brandon “B” Leslie, Evening Elephants have built their momentum from the ground up transforming pop-up Los Angeles backyard shows into a nationwide following. Their high-energy, immersive performances have since scaled into sold-out dates across major markets, a viral New York City street takeover, and sold out-shows at iconic venues like Los Angeles’ The Troubador. They are set to take the stage for a run of festival appearances this summer including Lollapalooza, The Governors Ball, Frequency Festival, Openair Gampel, and more.

On the recorded side, the duo has amassed over 75 million streams to date, led by breakout single “Snow on The Bluff,” which has amassed over 40 million streams and earned co-signs from Shaun White, Nina Dobrev, and Ana de Armas. Their growing reach extends into sync, with placements on EA Sports’ NHL soundtrack and NFL Thursday Night Football.
 
The new music captures a defining shift for the band, exploring the tension between the raw, chaotic energy that built their audience and the realities of scaling something bigger. The track continues to showcase Evening Elephants’ signature blend of sharp pop songwriting and unfiltered emotional honesty.

About Evening Elephants:
Evening Elephants, the alt-pop duo of Sam Boggs and Brandon “B” Leslie are turning grassroots chaos into national momentum. What began at pop-up Los Angeles backyard shows has evolved into sold-out dates, a viral New York City street takeover, and festival slots at Electric Forest and Governor’s Ball.

With over 75 million streams to date, their breakout single “Snow on The Bluff” has surpassed 40 million streams and earned co-signs from Shaun White, Nina Dobrev, and Ana de Armas, alongside major syncs with EA Sports and the NFL.

Their latest singles “A Digital Touch” and “Simple Things” marks a pivotal moment, capturing the tension between the raw energy that built their audience and the scale they’re rapidly growing into, as they gear up for their debut album Wholeheartedly, Terribly Sweet arriving July 31st.

MELANCHOLOST Release Debut Album “Tales From The Poisoned Apple” with Video for ‘Abramelin’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: MELANCHOLOST. Leave a comment

Melancholost is a German occult rock & metal project founded by musician and producer Sven The Axe. Known for his long-standing work as the frontman of the heavy-metal band Solemnity, Sven launched Melancholost as a darker, more atmospheric outlet for his musical and lyrical ideas.

Emerging from the underground German rock and metal scene, Melancholost blends elements of occult rock, gothic atmosphere, and melancholic dark rock, creating a sound that stands apart from Sven’s earlier heavy-metal work. While Solemnity built its reputation on classic heavy metal themes of battle and dark fantasy, Melancholost explores more introspective territory – ritualistic symbolism, mysticism, existential melancholy, and the shadowy aesthetics of occult traditions.

The debut album “Tales From The Poisoned Apple” is out now. You can order it at the bandshop: http://www.solemnity.de/07_shop/07_cds-dvds.html

To celebrate the album release day, MELANCHOLOST reveal their new video for the song “Abremalin“:

Sven The Axe comments: “All my life I had been deeply immersed in magic, telepathy and occult esoteric knowledge, so it was only natural that, in the course of this journey, I one day came across the works of Abraham von Worms, a 15th-century German master of magic. He possessed a profound knowledge of nature, medicine and chemistry. Had he been a woman and branded a witch, he would have ended up at the stake, but he gathered all his knowledge in secret books and published them under pseudonyms. It would be going too far to go into detail here, but the AI-generated video – which was simply perfect for the task – did an excellent job, for some images speak louder than a thousand words if one is open to understanding the message of the ethereal world. Some may wonder what the last part of the song is all about and why the voice keeps changing, reaching pure ecstasy at the end. Well, before recording, I summoned his spirit, his soul, and asked his ethereal body to join the session; after recording, strange noises suddenly appeared on some tracks, and I had no idea where they came from, but I liked them very much and left them in. I made some of the vocal recordings in rather unusual places to create a magical feeling. A small chapel, a cave in the Swabian Alps – places with a mythical and magical atmosphere where you can feel the sparks in the air. With portable laptops and Pro Tools at hand, so much is possible these days, and I’ve always really enjoyed experimenting with sounds and possibilities. So summon the powers and join Abramelin!”

Also watch the video for “The Book Of Thoth“: https://youtu.be/s1vqEepzF3E

Musically, Melancholost is characterized by haunting melodies, slow-burning guitar riffs, and a brooding vocal style that balances theatrical intensity with introspective melancholy. The project draws inspiration from the darker corners of rock and metal history, combining vintage occult rock moods with modern atmospheric production.

As a creative vehicle, Melancholost allows Sven to take on a broader role beyond performance—handling songwriting, conceptual themes, and artistic direction. The project reflects his long experience within the German underground metal scene while opening a new chapter focused on mood, symbolism, and emotional depth.

Though still relatively obscure, Melancholost represents an evolution of Sven’s artistic identity: a project dedicated to the intersection of dark rock, esoteric imagery, and melancholic atmosphere.

The album was recorded as a trio featuring two close friends on drums and additional keyboards that like to stay anonymous while Sven performed everything else.

It is planned to play several hand selected haunted stage shows if there is request so watch out for a ground breaking stage experience concept to be released.

Tracklist:

I: Alkahest I – The Primal Fire 4:27min
II: If This World Would Be Eden 4:20 min
III: Liber 777 4:56 min
IV: Another Brick On The he Head 5:01 min
V: Wolves By Midnight 4:03min
VI: Abramelin 5:01 min
VII: The Book Of Thoth 4:13 min
VIII: The Swan 3:50 min
IX: These Bleeding Kisses 4:17 min
X: Red Wine & Black Roses 4:36 min
XI: The Raven 4:09 min
XII: Golden Dawn 5:07 min
XIII: Graveyard Of Broken Dreams 3:58 min
XIV: Alkahest II – The Hope 4:38 min
XV: Frozen In Time 3:54 min

Discography:
2026 Tales From The Poisoned Apple

All songs and lyrics written by Sven The Axe

Band:
Sven The Axe – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards
Richard The Sword – keyboards, backing vocals
Alexander The Shield – drums, backing vocals

More info:
http://www.melancholost.de
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082577449450

Norwegian Prog Metal Stalwarts MESSIER 16 Sign to Time To Kill Records

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: MESSIER 16. Leave a comment

Time To Kill Records is proud to announce the signing of Norwegian progressive metallers MESSIER 16, marking a new chapter in the band’s steadily evolving artistic journey.

Hailing from Oslo, MESSIER 16 have established a distinct identity within contemporary progressive metal through a sound that is intricate, inventive and at times deliberately unconventional, yet always marked by a strong sense of elegance and compositional coherence. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Ihsahn, Enslaved and Devin Townsend, the band embraces a forward-thinking approach where extreme metal serves as the starting point for a broader and highly personal sonic exploration. Heavy rhythmic structures, layered guitar work and sharp dynamic contrasts coexist with atmospheric passages, orchestral textures and emotionally driven songwriting, resulting in a musical language that remains adventurous without ever losing sight of structure and songcraft.

The band consists of Jonas Eide (guitars, composer, lyricist), Sondre M. Svalastog (vocals), Aleksander Ilievski (guitars, producer), Nicolo Cavallaro (bass) and Jonathan Hamre (drums). Through their work, MESSIER 16 have developed a deeply narrative and expressive approach, exploring psychological and emotional themes through a form of portrait-like lyricism focused on the inner lives of individuals and the actions stemming from them.

Their previous albums, “Iota” and “Death Poems”, already showcased the band’s ambition and conceptual depth. While the former dealt with mental health struggles and emotional fragility, the latter drew inspiration from publicly available suicide notes, confronting themes of despair and human vulnerability with striking intensity and sensitivity.

Now preparing to unveil their third full-length album, MESSIER 16 further refine their sonic identity while venturing into new musical and lyrical territory. The upcoming record promises a more mature and expansive vision of the band’s progressive approach, balancing technical sophistication, atmospheric depth and emotional resonance within a highly cohesive framework.

Further details regarding the new album will be revealed soon.

More info: https://linktr.ee/messier16official

VOÏVOD Launch New Single ‘The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique)’ with Visualizer

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: VOÏVOD. Leave a comment
📸: Stéphane Bourgeois

After more than 40 eventful years of existence, Canada’s progressive sci-fi metal innovators VOÏVOD return with ‘Symphonique,’ a special live release together with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, set for release on June 5, 2026, worldwide via Century Media Records.

‘Symphonique,’ which functions like an epic piece of cinema, showcases VOÏVOD’s pioneering futuristic metal with the strains of a symphony orchestra, and features a carefully curated VOÏVOD best-of setlist composed of 12 songs across 73 minutes, recorded live on June 4th, 2025, at the Grand Théâtre in Québec City, Canada.

Today, the next appetizer for ‘Symphonique’ can now be heard online via DSP’s with the launch of the second single “The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique),” alongside an official visualizer curated by Cloud Motion Design, available to view below.

Previously, the song “Forgotten In Space (Symphonique)” was launched HERE.

VOÏVOD’s drummer and founding member Michel “Away” Langevin comments on ‘Symphonique’:

“This live album with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra is a longtime dream turned reality. Thankfully, we will experience it again in 2027 with the Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, right in the region where VOÏVOD formed back in 1983. We wish to take this show across the globe with local orchestras one day, but in the meantime, I hope you will enjoy this epic release. It’s the closest we’ve ever come to sounding like a dystopian sci-fi movie soundtrack, another dream of ours!”

VOÏVOD’s guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain shares the following about the second single “The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique)”:

“This one is very special to me. I wrote the riffs imagining Roman naval battles with a full orchestra, like the movies from the 50’s and 60’s. It has a very dramatic vibe. Little did I know that what we synthesized for a four-piece band would eventually explode into its primary, original imagined form. It’s one of the most orchestral pieces on the album, and I remember vividly the crowd’s reaction after the grand finale, it was one of these rare life’s perfect moments. I’m very grateful for that incredible experience.”

‘Symphonique’ follows the release of VOÏVOD’s latest Juno Award-winning studio album, ‘Synchro Anarchy’ (2022), which reached #7 on the official album sales charts in Germany, #64 in Switzerland, #67 in Austria, and #88 in the Netherlands upon release. It also arrives after the band’s special 40th anniversary release, ‘Morgöth Tales’ (2023), from which a selection of videos can be found below.

VOÏVOD – ‘Synchro Anarchy’: “Synchro Anarchy” – “Planet Eaters” – “Paranormalium” – “Sleeves Off” – “Quest For Nothing”

VOÏVOD – ‘Morgöth Tales’: “Morgöth Tales” – “Nuage Fractal (2023 Version)” – “Fix My Heart (2023 Version)” – “Thrashing Rage (Live At Rock Hard Festival 2023)” – “Rise (Live at Wacken Open Air 2023)” – “Rebel Robot” (Live at Wacken Open Air 2023) – “Condemned To The Gallows (2023 Version)”

Pre-order the album here: https://centurymedia.store/pages/voivod-symphonique

‘Symphonique’ Track List:

  1. Experiment (Symphonique)
  2. Holographic Thinking (Symphonique)
  3. The Unknown Knows (Symphonique)
  4. The End Of Dormancy (Symphonique)
  5. Into My Hypercube (Symphonique)
  6. Forgotten In Space (Symphonique)
  7. Cosmic Drama (Symphonique)
  8. Pre-Ignition (Symphonique)
  9. Nuclear War (Symphonique)
  10. Fall (Symphonique)
  11. Tribal Convictions (Symphonique)
  12. Astronomy Domine (Symphonique) [Pink Floyd Cover Version]

‘Symphonique’ will be available in the following formats:
=> CD Jewelcase in O-Card
=> Gatefold 2LP (On either unlimited Black 180g double vinyl, 300x copies limited Yellow 180g double vinyl from Sony Music Canada Shop and EMP, or 300x copies limited Orange 180g double vinyl from VOÏVOD)
=> Digital Album

Artwork: Michel “Away” Langevin

VOÏVOD will next embark on comprehensive European touring runs at a suitable time for the upcoming live release starting in June. Don’t miss the following dates:

June Europe Tour

Thu 04.06 – Stykkishólmur (Iceland) @ Satan Fest
Sat 06.06 – Emmen (The Netherlands) @ Pitfest

UK & Ireland Tour with Midnight & Cryptosis

Mon 08.06 – London (UK) @ The Underworld
Tue 09.06 – Southampton (UK) @ The 1865
Wed 10.06 – Bristol (UK) @ Thekla
Thu 11.06 – Nottingham (UK) @ Rescue Rooms
Fri 12.06 – Manchester (UK) @ Rebellion
Sat 13.06 – Glasgow (UK) @ Slay
Mon 15.06 – Belfast (UK) @ Limelight 2
Tue 16.06 – Dublin (Ireland) @ Whelans
Wed 17.06 – Limerick (Ireland) @ Dolans Warehouse

June, July & August Europe Tour

Fri 19.06 – Vitoria-Gastiez (Spain) @ Azkena Rock Fest
Fri 10.07 – Milan (Italy) @ Frantic Fest Warm-Up
Sat 11.07 – Cagliari (Italy) @ Cueva Rock
Mon 13.07 – Zagreb (Croatia) @ Vintage Industrial
Tue 14.07 – Budapest (Hungary) @ Analog Music Hall
Wed 15.07 – Vienna (Austria) @ Arena
Thu 16.07 – Vizovice (Czech Republic) @ Masters of Rock Fest
Sat 18.07 – Leoben (Austria) @ Area 53 Fest
Mon 20.07 – Salzburg (Austria) @ Rockhouse
Tue 21.07 – Munich (Germany) @ Feierwerk
Wed 22.07 – Weinheim (Germany) @ Cafe Central
Thu 23.07 – Essen (Germany) @ Turock
Sat 25.07 – Brande-Hörnerkirchen (Germany) @ Headbangers Open Air Fest
Mon 27.07 – Gdańsk (Poland) @ Drizzly Grizzly
Tue 28.07 – Warsaw (Poland) @ Hydrozagadka
Wed 29.07 – Bratislava (Slovakia) @ Randal Club
Thu 30.07 – Belgrade (Serbia) @ Zappa Barka
Fri 31.07 – Brasov (Romania) @ Rockstadt Extreme Fest
Sun 02.08 – Sofia (Bulgaria) @ Mixtape 5
Mon 03.08 – Thessaloniki (Greece) @ Eightball Club
Tue 04.08 – Athens (Greece) @ Gazarte Ground Stage
Fri 07.08 – Ancora (Portugal) @ Sonic Blast Fest
Sun 09.08 – Kortrijk (Belgium) @ Alcatraz Fest
Mon 10.08 – Trier (Germany) @ Mergener Hof
Tue 11.08 – Aarau (Switzerland) @ Kiff
Fri 14.08 – Francavilla Al Mare (Italy) @ Frantic Fest
Sun 16.08 – Carhaix (France) @ Motocultor Fest

VOÏVOD – Live 2027:

Sat 30.01 – Chicoutimi (Canada) @ Théâtre du Palais Municipal w/ Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

More info and ticket links: https://voivod.com/en/shows

Stay connected for more VOÏVOD news coming soon, including information on the next studio album that the band is currently working on.

VOÏVOD are:
Denis “Snake” Bélanger – Vocals
Dominic “Rocky” Laroche – Bass
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain – Guitar
Michel “Away” Langevin – Drums

More info: https://www.voivod.com/

SOLEMNITY Celebrates Release of New “Opus Barbaricum” Album with Video for ‘Drums Of War’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SOLEMNITY. Leave a comment

SOLEMNITY is a German heavy metal band from the area of Ulm, founded in 1998 by vocalist Sven “The Axe”. The band quickly established a distinctive identity within the underground metal scene by combining traditional heavy metal with dark, horror-inspired themes and theatrical stage performances. Describing their music as “Heavy Horror Metal”, SOLEMNITY’s music draws heavily from classic heavy metal traditions while incorporating themes of horror, mythology, and dark fantasy. Their sound has often been compared to epic metal acts while maintaining a unique identity through theatrical imagery and concept-driven songwriting. With a discography spanning over a decade and a reputation for powerful live performances, SOLEMNITY remains a cult name within the European heavy metal underground and among fans of horror-themed metal and 2026 will see the Return of the Hairführer!

In the mid-2020s, SOLEMNITY unexpectedly re-emerged with new material and plans for a new album titled Opus Barbaricum, scheduled for release on May 15th, 2026. The revival marks the return of the band’s signature “Heavy Horror Metal” style and continues the dark, epic storytelling that defined their earlier work.

The new album “Opus Barbaricum” is out now. Get the CD at the bandshop: http://www.solemnity.de/07_shop/07_cds-dvds.html

With album release SOLEMNITY reveal a new video clip for the track “Drums Of War“:

Sven The Axe comments: “I really love Skyclad’s version of the Thin Lizzy classic ‘Emerald’, and one day, whilst I was jamming to it, this lovely melody suddenly popped into my head – and that’s the moment when you think: Hey, this is the birth of a great song! Of course, it has that same Irish touch, and I always strive to play music in a way I haven’t done before. When you listen to our music, you always notice that nothing really sounds the same. As for the lyrics, I have to admit that I still believe that dark forces in the underground – call them the global elite, Big Pharma, Big Money, secret societies or whoever – certainly the WEF or the WHO – have orchestrated the whole thing. Instead of parroting what they hear all day on TV or the radio, people shouldn’t believe anything, but should question everything and form their own opinions. You should always bear in mind who benefits from a situation, how bad it could be, and where the money is going – that’s where you’ll find the root of all evil in the world. We are all just pawns on this chessboard of the devil, but that will be the continuation of this story. Some may call me a conspiracy theorist; I would say I always know the news five years in advance.”

Watch the previous SOLEMNITY video clips on YouTube:
Escape From The Matrix: https://youtu.be/prV6x-QlmiU
Nightmares From The Neighbourhood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2ejSHaEgJM
The Last Ghostrider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9osffvbGzBc
Meat Evil Steal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cSv5Yopv0M

The Early Years

SOLEMNITY was formed in the winter of 1998 and began gaining recognition through energetic live shows and a strong visual aesthetic influenced by classic horror imagery. Their early recordings helped them build a dedicated following within the European heavy metal underground. A first demo release in 1999 introduced the band’s dark and epic sound, combining powerful vocals, traditional heavy metal riffing, and dramatic lyrical themes inspired by horror literature, mythology, and fantasy.

Rise in the Metal Underground

The band’s debut album Reign in Hell (2001) marked the beginning of a series of concept-driven releases that solidified SOLEMNITY’s reputation as one of Germany’s more theatrical heavy metal acts. This was followed by King of Dreams (2003), which further expanded their horror-themed lyrical universe and showcased a more refined epic metal sound. SOLEMNITY headlined the first ever Keep It True cult Festival in 2003.

Throughout the mid-2000s, the band continued to develop musically and visually with albums such as Shockwave of Steel (2005) and the EP Another Bloody Sabbath (2006). In 2007, SOLEMNITY also collaborated with members of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, recording a classical interpretation of the Bathory song “One Rode to Asa Bay,” demonstrating their interest in combining metal with orchestral elements.

The album Lords of the Damned (2008) became one of the band’s most recognized releases, featuring dramatic compositions and a darker, more atmospheric production. The band’s concerts during this period became known for elaborate stage shows and pyrotechnics, reinforcing their horror-themed identity.

Final Album and Hiatus

In 2012, SOLEMNITY released Circle of Power, which was initially announced as the band’s final studio album. Around the same time, the group performed what was intended to be their farewell show at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany before entering a long hiatus.

After several years of inactivity, the band was officially declared disbanded in 2018. However, unreleased material from previous recording sessions continued to circulate among fans, keeping interest in the band alive within the heavy metal community.

SOLEMNITY
Opus Barbaricum
Release: May 15th, 2026
Solemnity Music / Hofa

  1. Nightmares From The Neighbourhood 3:50 min
  2. The Last Ghostrider 5:19 min
  3. Meat Evil Steal (A Barbecue Symphony in B minor) 3:42min
  4. Empire In The Underground 4:04 min
  5. Escape From The Matrix 3:46 min
  6. Freya 6:47 min
  7. Cheesecake Commando 4:22 min
  8. The Sleeper 5:56 min
  9. Bitch With The Bow 3:52 min
  10. We Willl Shine 3:21 min
  11. Storm Of Steel 4:43min
  12. The Dragon 4:37 min
  13. Drums of War (Resistance) 4:24 min
  14. Idiocracy 3:58 min
  15. Gladiator 4:25 min
  16. The Way To A Fortunate Wedding (by Henry VIII) 3:56 min
  17. Frozen In Time 4:23 min

All songs and lyrics written and performed by Sven The Axe
„The Sleeper“ is an original poem by Edgar Allen Poe, musically performed by Solemnity

Discography (full CD´s only)
2001 Reign In Hell
2003 King Of Dreams
2005 Shockwave Of Steel
2007 Lords Of The Damned
2012 Circle Of Power
2026 Opus Barbaricum

More info:
http://www.solemnity.de
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082577449450

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
  • Chief Shock Video

  • 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
  • Ads

  • 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.
Kimmo shared: "Esa Kotilainen and I worked on this song some years ago, but it was left unfinished. Now it is completed as a tribute to our 40 years of musical madness together. ‘Aurora Nuclearis,’ featuring and in memory of keyboard player Esa Kotilainen, who is now playing on the cosmic plane." - Click image to watch the video
    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
  • Metal Shock Finland

    Metal Shock Finland
Website Powered by WordPress.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    • Join 920 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar