RISE OF KRONOS Release New Single And Music Video ‘Escalate The Rot’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 9, 2026
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Photo credit: Melina Thomaßen

Olympic death metal powerhouse RISE OF KRONOS have released their brand new single “Escalate The Rot“, taken from their forthcoming studio album Slaves Of Time. The track arrives alongside a striking official music video produced by renowned director Ronald Matthes (Sodom, Volbeat, Amon Amarth and many more) and featuring actress Helen Woigk, known for her roles in numerous productions for German TV networks such as ARD, ZDF and Pro7.

Following the previously released singles “Slaves Of Time” and “Conception Of Humanity“, “Escalate The Rot” pushes the band’s dark and aggressive sound even further. Crushing riffs, relentless grooves and a suffocating atmosphere drive the track forward, showcasing RISE OF KRONOS‘ uncompromising take on modern death metal.

Lyrically, “Escalate The Rot” explores a downward spiral where everything continuously intensifies. The song depicts a symbolic escalation ladder in which destructive rituals begin to take control over the individual, gradually consuming them. At the same time, the track can be interpreted as a reflection of today’s global mindset. A generation growing up with the feeling that the future is slipping further away: a planet pushed to its limits, diminishing prospects, and a growing sense that hope itself is eroding.

The accompanying music video visualizes these themes with a dark, cinematic aesthetic. Directed by Ronald Matthes, the clip combines raw performance footage with an unsettling narrative driven by Helen Woigk’s haunting performance, underlining the song’s vision of decay, obsession and inevitable collapse.

With their upcoming album Slaves Of Time, RISE OF KRONOS continue to refine their signature blend of modern death metal brutality, massive grooves and an ominous atmosphere. The record explores themes of time, decay and existential oppression, delivering one of the band’s most intense and cohesive works to date.

Pre-orders for Slaves Of Time are now live via the official RISE OF KRONOS merch store, including exclusive bundles and limited editions: riseofkronos.bandcamp.com

The full tracklisting is:
01 Heresy
02 Conception Of Humanity
03 Escalate The Rot
04 Slaves Of Time
05 Custodians Of Reality
06 Lit The Sky
07 Black Breath
08 Into The Ashes
09 Poison Of The Gods
10 Chords Of Dismemberment
11 The Liberation
12 Phantom Eternity

In support of the upcoming release, RISE OF KRONOS will bring their new material to stages across Germany in 2026, delivering an intense and crushing live experience.

RISE OF KRONOS live:
18.04.2026 DE – Hamburg, Markthalle
24.04.2026 DE – Frankfurt, Elfer
25.04.2026 DE – Balingen, Sonnenkeller
10.07.2026 DE – Königsee, Metal Underground Resistance Open Air
25.07.2026 DE – Heimburg, Heimburger Metalnacht Festival
31.07.2026 DE – Dortmund, Dortmund Deathfest
03.10.2026 DE – Düsseldorf, Ratinger Hof
12.11.2026 DE – Stuttgart, Schwarzer Keiler

UPPER LIP Unleash Powerful Second Album “Devil’s Ride”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 9, 2026
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Rising hard rock force UPPER LIP returns with their explosive second studio album, Devil’s Ride – an eight-track powerhouse that marks a bold and darker evolution from their debut record, Deep Within.

Following the success of their first release, Upper Lip ventures deeper into the shadows with Devil’s Ride, an album that explores betrayal from those meant to stand by us, the weight of internal struggles, and the eternal duality between good and evil. While the themes cut deep, the record ultimately carries a powerful message of hope – a call for unity and resilience in the face of pain, hardship, and forces that seek to divide and destroy.

Drawing inspiration from the raw blues fire of Rory Gallagher, the intricate acoustic textures of Bert Jansch, and the riff-driven mastery of Jimmy Page, Upper Lip fuse classic rock authenticity with unapologetic power. The swagger and grit of Guns N’ Roses and the explosive, anthemic energy of The Who echo throughout the record, shaping an album that honors rock’s golden era while forging its own commanding identity.

Notably, the track “The Castle” ventures boldly into heavier territory, with verses embracing classic heavy metal textures and dark tonal weight reminiscent of Black Sabbath, adding a brooding, ominous edge to the album’s sonic landscape.

Devil’s Ride was recorded at the iconic Temple Studios in Mistra under the guidance of producer David Vella, who also produced the band’s debut album. The record captures Upper Lip’s raw energy while elevating their sound into darker, more intense territory.

All the music and lyrics on the album were written by Joseph Azzopardi, showcasing his uncompromising creative vision and songwriting depth.

Speaking about the new release, songwriter Joseph Azzopardi reflected on the journey behind the album: “I love this record so much. It took a lot of work to get it where it is, but I think it really shows how much we’ve matured as a band. My favourite track on the album is Won’t You Listen because it’s a very personal song for me. What I really love about Devil’s Ride is how varied it is  it merges different styles and influences, and that’s something I’ve always loved in a record.”

On vocals, Christopher Portelli, often hailed as the band’s very own Bon Scott, delivers a commanding and electrifying performance that channels pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Reflecting on the album, Portelli highlights one track in particular: “One of the songs I love the most on the album is Goddess of the Sun. I’m a massive old-school rock fan, and that song really captures that classic vibe that I grew up loving. Recording this album was also a big step for me personally as a singer I feel like I improved a lot throughout the process and pushed myself further vocally.”

Reflecting on the album, bassist Marcel Paul Grima shared his personal highlights: “My favorite riff on the album is from ‘The Duel,’ it really gives me that old western movie standoff vibe. The song I connect with most is ‘Won’t You Listen,’ because it’s about how stubbornness can create barriers between people, but also about not giving up. It was actually the most challenging song for me to get right, as it needed a very specific feel, but I ended up loving the vibe and melody it became. Looking back at our first album, Deep Within, I feel we’ve grown a lot as a band, both in songwriting and musicianship, and now we really know what we want.”

The rhythm section brings thunder and groove, with Marcel Paul Grima on bass and seasoned Finnish drummer Sami Karpinnen behind the kit. Karpinnen, known for his work with Therion and his collaborations and touring with Opeth, injects the album with dynamic power and precision.

The album’s striking artwork was created by local artist Peter Magro. The cover depicts an intense and symbolic scene: the devil behind the wheel, with two figures riding in the back — a powerful representation of the choices we make and the paths we choose. The imagery perfectly encapsulates the album’s title and underlying message: life itself can feel like a ride steered by temptation, but the direction remains ours to confront.

Devil’s Ride is available now for purchase via Upper Lip’s official website at www.upperlipmusic.com and is also streaming on all major digital music platforms here: https://album.link/s/1lMLCvv7Pj8kJE236j4oNG

With this second release, Upper Lip proves they are not just riding the wave of rock ‘n’ roll, they are steering it straight through fire.

Confirmed Devil’s Ride Track Listing

  1. Blood of Rock n’ Roll
  2. Charlie Plays Harmonica
  3. Another Kiss
  4. Goddess of the Sun
  5. Won’t You Listen
  6. The Duel
  7. The Castle
  8. Going Nowhere

CASTELNUOVO RANCORE Release Debut Album “Rotten In The Skull”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 9, 2026
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On March 6, 2026, marked the official release of “Rotten In The Skull”, the debut album by CASTELNUOVO RANCORE, released by Wanikiya Record, which also marks the band’s entry into the label’s roster.

Formed in 2023 in Modena, Castelnuovo Rancore was born from an idea by Filippo Cristofoli (vocals and guitar) and Walter Esposito (drums). After years of activity in other projects and a long break from the music scene, the two decided to get back into the game by creating a new band with a clear, direct identity and no compromises.

Shortly after, Alessandro Maculan (vocals and guitar) and Marcello Lezzi (bass) joined the line-up, completing a formation that immediately proved to be solid, tight, and well-balanced.

The name Castelnuovo Rancore is a deliberately distorted irony of Castelnuovo Rangone, a town in the province of Modena where, paradoxically, none of the four members actually live. This choice perfectly reflects the band’s disillusioned and sarcastic attitude.

Their musical style moves along the lines of late ‘90s and early 2000s Thrash and Groove Metal, with strong hardcore influences. The band openly cites influences ranging from Machine Head and Pantera to Hatebreed and Sepultura, creating a compact, aggressive, and instantly recognizable sound.

The songwriting follows a direct approach designed to hit the listener without filters, with lyrics addressing social themes and personal experiences, united by a common emotional thread of anger, frustration, and resentment.

“Rotten In The Skull” represents a true statement of intent: a visceral, raw, and uncompromising album that embodies the band’s expressive urgency and clearly defines their artistic identity.

Confirming their growing impact on the national scene, Castelnuovo Rancore took part in the first edition of the Italian Metal Alliance (January 2026), sharing the stage with historic names of the Italian extreme music scene such as Distruzione, Node, and Gory Blister.

With “Rotten In The Skull”, Castelnuovo Rancore establish themselves as one of the most authentic and aggressive acts in the new Italian metal scene, ready to leave their mark.

More info: Facebook

ALIEN ANT FARM Release New Single + Lyric Video ‘Reasons’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 9, 2026
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Alien Ant Farm have released their new single, “Reasons,” via Judge & Jury Records. The track will appear on the band’s forthcoming new album, due out this fall. The release marks a new chapter for the band, leaning into new creative opportunities and collaborations after more than two decades together.

Additionally, Alien Ant Farm will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough album ANThology with a special vinyl edition slated for a 2026 release.

“Reasons,” written by Rome Ramirez (formerly of Sublime with Rome) and Andreas Ramirez and produced by Howard Benson, represents a unique collaboration. Both Alien Ant Farm and Sublime with Rome, are staples of the Southern California music scene and were, at one point, managed by the same team. When management approached Alien Ant Farm with the opportunity to record “Reasons,” the band jumped at the chance to record the song and give it an edgy spin.”

Dryden shares,“‘Reasons’ resonates with me because I love the notion that some people, if granted the opportunity of a second chance, actually make the change in themselves to be present and reliable to someone. This song is tight and concise, and an ANThem to all who have wanted to actually make that change for the better.

This song is about redemption and making your wrongs right. It’s about second chances after hurtful, dumb mistakes. Recording this song with the Judge and Jury production team has been a joy and a privilege to remember for a lifetime.”

“Reasons” marks the first Alien Ant Farm track created alongside Judge & Jury’s production team, comprised of multiple rock music legends such as Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Skillet, Papa Roach), Neil Sanderson (of Three Days Grace), Mike Plotnikoff (Van Halen, Aerosmith, Buckcherry), and Joe Rickard (Breaking Benjamin, STARSET, In Flames).

“Reasons” is available now on all streaming platforms via Judge & Jury Records.

Alien Ant Farm – Official Tour Dates: https://alienantfarm.com

Mar. 21: Austin, TX @ Mohawk Austin (w/ Skating Polly)
Apr. 19: West Hollywood, CA @ Rainbow Bar & Grill (w/ Boy Hits Car, L.A. Guns, Armored Saint)
Apr. 25: Las Vegas, NV @ Sick New World (w/ System of a Down, Korn, Bring Me The Horizon, & more)

Co-Headlining Tour w/ Cold

May 5: Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater
May 6: Albuquerque, NM @ The Historic El Rey Theater
May 8: Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
May 9: Dallas, TX @ Trees
May 10: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
May 12: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
May 13: Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
May 15: St Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live
May 16: Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live
May 17: Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues Orlando

Jul. 19: Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration (w/ Disturbed, Bad Omens, Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, & more)

UK / EU Summer Tour

Jul. 26: Ebbw Vale, United Kingdom @ Steelhouse Fest (w/ Reef, The Temperance Movement, & more)
Jul. 27: Falmouth, United Kingdom @ Princess Pavilion
Jul. 28: Frome, United Kingdom @ Cheese and Grain
July 31: Rejmyre, Sweden @ Skrogsrojet Festival
Aug. 1: Lobnitz, Germany @ Full Rewind Festival
Aug. 3: Leeuwarden, Netherlands @ Neushoom
Aug. 4: Hoofddorp, Netherlands @ Cpunt
Aug. 5: Venlo, Netherlands @ Grenswerk
Aug. 7: Dessel, Belgium @ Alcatraz Festival
Aug. 8: Eshwege, Germany @ Open Flair Festival
Aug. 9: Salzburg, Austria @ Rockhouse
Aug. 10: Dornbirn, Austria @ Conrad Sohm
Aug. 12: Praha 1, Czech Republic @ Rock Cafe
Aug. 13: Dinkelsbuehl, Germany @ Summer Breeze Fest
Aug. 14: Sulingen, Germany @ Reload Fest

Oct. 24: Fort Worth, TX @ Sick New World (w/ System of a Down, Deftones, Slayer, & more)

Alien Ant Farm is a Southern California alt-rock band known for fusing heavy riffs, catchy hooks, and an unmistakable sense of personality. Since forming in Riverside in 1996, the band has carved out a unique place in rock history; first exploding onto the global stage with their breakout 2001 album ANThology, which featured the hit single “Movies” and their era-defining cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” That record would go on to be certified multi-platinum, and its 25th anniversary is just around the corner in 2026; a milestone that underscores the band’s enduring impact on the genre.

Comprised of Dryden Mitchell (vocals), Terry Corso (guitar), Mike Cosgrove (drums), and Tim Peugh (bass), Alien Ant Farm continues to push forward creatively while embracing their legacy. Known for their genre-defying approach to alternative rock and blending elements of metal, punk, prog, and pop… they’ve built a reputation for experimentation, evolution, and explosive live shows that have taken them around the world.

Across six studio albums, including TruANT (2003), Up in the Attic (2006), Always and Forever (2015), and most recently mAntras (2024), the band has explored everything from introspective struggles to full-blown anthemic rock with both emotional depth and sonic variety. Their latest work reflects a band that has grown up without losing the spark that made them stand out in the first place. 

Currently, Alien Ant Farm is writing new music and continuing to tour, reconnecting with longtime fans while winning over new ones with every performance. Nearly three decades into their career, the band remains as passionate and driven as ever proving that reinvention and staying power can go hand in hand.

For More Information Please Visit: Official Website – Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – TikTok – Spotify – Judge & Jury Records

DAN SWANÖ’s “Moontower (Re-issue)” Out Now, EDGE OF SANITY – “Cryptic (Re-issue)” & “Elegy – Chapter II (Demos Comp.)” Coming Next Month

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 8, 2026
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As part of the “Fourth Chapter” of the comprehensive catalogue re-issue campaign for Dan Swanö fronted Death Metallers EDGE OF SANITY and Prog/Hardrock outfit NIGHTINGALE, the time is now also come to re-issue a definitive version of the first solo by the Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and acclaimed metal producer (Opeth, Katatonia, Dissection, etc.). Originally released in 1999 to much acclaim due to its stylistically ground-breaking keyboard-oriented, atmospheric and 70’s rock inspired Death Metal, DAN SWANÖ’s “Moontower (Re-issue)” is out today via Century Media Records worldwide.

Next to a careful full remastering treatment by Dan Swanö himself, “Moontower (Re-issue)” comes with plenty of bonus material (several demos and two cover versions) in the following formats:

DAN SWANÖ – “Moontower (Re-issue)”

  • Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. the original 8 tracks / 43 min. on 1st disc and 16 bonus tracks / 71 min. on 2nd disc)
  • Transparent light blue vinyl LP (180g, 8 tracks)
  • Digital Album (Remaster, 8 tracks)

Note: The ground-breaking first (and only) Dan Swanö solo album from 1999.

The album’s main single “Uncreation (Remaster 2026)” can also be checked out in a visualizer created by Costin Chioreanu / Twighlight13Media here:

Coming up next and completing the final “Fourth Chapter” of the re-issue campaign, EDGE SANITY’s “Cryptic” album as well as the “Elegy – Chapter II” compilation will both be out next month in fully re-mastered shape, on April 3rd, 2026 via Century Media Records worldwide.

EDGE OF SANITY – “Cryptic (Re-issue)”

  • Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. 8 album tracks on 1st disc and 10 bonus tracks on 2nd disc)
  • Dark green LP (180g vinyl, 8 tracks)
  • Digital Album (Remaster, 8 tracks)

Note: The 1997 death metal album featuring then new vocalist Roberth Karlsson (Scar Symmetry, Pan.Thy.Monium, Facebreaker, Darkified), replacing Dan Swanö. Available for the first time ever on vinyl.

EDGE OF SANITY – “Elegy – Chapter II (Demos Comp.)”

  • Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (19 tracks / 73 minutes on 1st disc and 18 tracks / 74 minutes on 2nd disc as bonus)
  • Gatefold 2LP (180g black vinyl, 19 tracks)
  • Digital Album (Remaster, 19 tracks)

Note: Compilation of mainly previously unreleased EDGE OF SANITY rarities (pre-production demos, remixes, rehearsal/live-cuts, previous bonus tracks or alternate song versions, etc.) created between albums from 1990 until 2003, as well as a string of newly prepared instrumentals of the group’s most popular compositions as special bonus. Available with classy hand-drawn cover by visual artist Mark Rudolph (Carcass, Undeath).

You can check out EDGE OF SANITY’s “Uncontroll Me (Remaster 2026)”, taken from the “Cryptic (Re-issue)” album, in a video clip here:

Previously and as initial part of this “Fourth Chapter” of re-releases, the fully remastered re-issues of EDGE OF SANITY’s “Unorthodox” (Out on Century Media Records) as well as NIGHTINGALE’s “White Darkness” (Out on InsideOutMusic) were released in December.

EDGE OF SANITY – “Unorthodox (Re-issue)”

  • Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. the full session of 15 tracks on 1st disc and a brand-new remix of 12 tracks on 2nd disc)
  • Transparent magenta coloured LP (180g, 12 tracks)
  • Digital Album (Remaster, 15 tracks)
  • Digital Album (Remix, 12 tracks)

Note: The landmark second death metal album from 1992.

NIGHTINGALE – “White Darkness (Re-issue)”

  • Ltd. Deluxe 2CD Jewelcase in O-Card (Incl. a total of 22 bonus tracks)
  • White LP (180g, 10 tracks)
  • Digital Album (Remaster, 10 Tracks)

Note: the 6th album from 2007, available for the first time ever on vinyl.

For exact track-listing of the “Fourth Chapter” (as well as the previous chapters) of re-issues, please visit:
https://www.danswano.com/track-listing/
https://www.danswano.com/edge-of-sanity-rereleases/
https://www.danswano.com/nightingale-rereleases/

You can (pre-) order these re-issues and also obtain all other previously launched re-issue titles here:
https://edgeofsanity-nightingale.lnk.to/ReIssues
https://edgeofsanity-nightingale.lnk.to/reissues2025-bio

Stay tuned for the release of the remaining titles of this final chapter of the catalogue re-issue campaign coming next month…

DAN SWANÖ, EDGE OF SANITY & NIGHTINGALE online links:
https://www.danswano.com
https://linktr.ee/eos1
https://linktr.ee/nightingale1

DISTANT Release New Single & Video ‘Spirit’ (Feat. Tyler Beam of The Last Ten Seconds Of Life)

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 8, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Salem Vex @sv.rec

“Spirit” is one of DISTANT’s most personal releases to date. The band elaborates: “Inspired by a real life stabbing of a family member at a clinic called Spirit, the track channels grief, shock, and the uncomfortable human surge of rage and revenge that follows trauma. It is raw emotion turned into relentless sound and not supposed to glorify violence, but it is meant to confront it and ultimately deal with its traumatizing aftermath.” The song and video are both featuring the vocals from Tyler Beam of deathcore heavyweights The Last Ten Seconds Of Life.

Watch the video (that comes with a trigger warning for scenes of violence), Distant “Spirit (feat. Tyler Beam of The Last Ten Seconds Of Life)”:

DISTANT recently wrapped up another European tour with Sylosis, Revocation, Life Cycles and are excited to announce touring the US in May including several shows with In Flames, Thrown and Upon Stone:

DISTANT

May 9, 26 Savannah, GA – Coastal Empire Beer Co
May 17, 26 Albany, NY – Empire Underground *
May 18, 26 Richmond, VA – Canal Club *
May 19, 26 Harrisburg, PA – Capital City Hall *
May 20, 26 Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 *
*= With Tracheotomy

w/ In Flames, Thrown, Upon Stone

May 12, 26 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
May 13, 26 East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt
May 14, 26 Indianapolis, IN – The Egyptian Room
May 15, 26 London, ON – London Music Hall
May 16, 26 Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom

Tickets: https://www.inflames.com/

The band is also due to play multiple festivals this summer:

May 10, 26 (USA) Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville Pre-Party
Jun. 18–21, 26 (BE) Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting
Jun. 24, 26 (CZ) Pilsen – Basinfire Festival
Jun. 26–27, 26 (DE) Leipzig – Impericon Festival
Jun. 27, 26 (NL) Ysselsteyn – Jera On Air
Jul. 4, 26 (ES) Viveiro – Resurrection Fest
Oct. 31, 26 (DE) Göppingen – Core Fest

Make sure to check out the two new songs and videos released previously:
–“Desolation”: https://youtu.be/jOJAV6U_gPs
–“Nothing Left To Hate”: https://youtu.be/4U-cKUpPkQ0

DISTANT has become one of the prominent faces of European Deathcore. Melding together brutal death metal, slam, noise and beatdown with a hyper-dissonant orchestra of impending doom, they’ve come eons since their origins as metalcore obsessed friends in Rotterdam and Bratislava.

DISTANT online:
https://distantofficial.com/
https://www.instagram.com/distantofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/DistantOfficial
https://twitter.com/distantnl