SEED release their new single “Illuso/Deluded” via Volcano Records, available from September 16, 2026 in two versions, Italian and English. More than a simple linguistic adaptation, the choice broadens the song’s perspective, using two different languages to convey the same sense of unease, alienation and search for identity.
“Illuso/Deluded” is born from the inability to see oneself as part of a system that feels alien and does not belong to us, from the need to escape imposed models and from the desire to assert one’s own difference — a desire that inevitably collides with reality. Musically, the new single confirms SeeD’s identity, built on the impact of grunge and on the combination of the raw power of stoner rock with the intensity of the blues. It is a direct and essential formula, fully consistent with the band’s power-trio nature and with a sonic approach focused above all on immediacy and impact.
Formed in Grosseto in 2020 by guitarist Gabriele Lodovichi and vocalist/bassist Alessandro Rocchi, SeeD began their journey on the Tuscan live circuit, winning the Rock My Life contest in 2022 and reaching the finals of Sanremo Rock 2023 the following year, performing on the stage of the Ariston Theatre. Today, the line-up is completed by drummer Emanuele “Lele” Roma, with the band presenting itself in its most essential configuration: three musicians, few elements and a clearly defined sonic identity.
On September 3, 2026, SeeD officially joined the Volcano Records roster. “Illuso/Deluded” marks the first step in this new phase and opens a path that will include the release of three singles, all leading up to the band’s forthcoming album. With two versions of the same song and a message that retains its full strength regardless of language, “Illuso/Deluded” marks the beginning of a new chapter for SeeD: the same attitude, with an increasingly international outlook.
Last week friday, Swedish metal newcomers XION released their second album „When Stars Collide“ via Fireflash Records. XION’s fresh blend of speed and thrash metal sounds unique, and you can clearly sense the power, dedication, boundless energy and ambition of this young band.
Today, XION reveal a new music video clip for the neckbreaker “Burned Onto You“.
“”When Stars Collide” is a modernized thrash metal album with inspiration from traditional heavy metal. It’s been a tough and long journey to write and record these tracks which is reflected in the final product for the listener to acknowledge. It lyrically takes you to a dark place from top to bottom. As for the music itself, it ranges from high-pitched screams and thundering battery to melancholic melodies and effectful guitar playing”, comments the band.
“When Stars Collide” is available on a CD Jewelcase, phantom purple Vinyl (incl. 4-page insert & signed autograph card), digtal and via Bandcamp with various bundle options, incl. new merchandise.
The quintet was formed in 2022, when some of the members were still under 18, yet they were already playing with the same precision and energy as more established metal bands. Since then, the band from Falun has taken the world by storm. The combination of the members’ young age and their extremely precise and virtuosic musical skills has made XION one of the most interesting and promising newcomers on the Swedish metal scene in many years.
In January 2024, XION released their debut album “Between Shadows and Gods”, produced by Johan Reivén (RAM, HOSTILIA, among others). They performed as the support act for IN FLAMES and the GENE SIMMONS BAND at the legendary “Dalhalla Arena” and played at several festivals, including “Gefle Metal”, “Sweden Rock Festival” and the “Sabaton Cruise”. Their concerts have been highly praised. Sweden Rock Magazine rated one of their live performances 9/10, and their performance at the “Sweden Rock Festival” itself received a rating of 4/5. In 2023, the band also won the “Imagine Sweden” music competition.
In June 2025, XION released the single “Wasteland of Time”, produced by Jonas Arnberg (METHANE, DEMONICAL, among others), who is also producing the band’s upcoming studio album, “When Stars Collide”. This track also convinced Fireflash Records to offer them a record deal.
“When Stars Collide” takes things a step further and showcases the band at their very best. The entire record is packed with surprises and metal anthems that stick in your memory. “This upcoming album consists of tracks we’ve worked on for a very long time and put a lot of effort into,” reveals the band – and every serious metalhead should definitely check out these young, up-and-coming stars. XION is the future!
XION Is: Robin Björk – Vocals Erik Zetterström – Guitars Liam Rådman – Guitars Johan Berg – Bass Algot Brask – Drums
Italian Southern groove metal outlaws HELLCOWBOYS join the Octopus Rising family and announce their new album “Renew, Reborn, Return”, out December 11.
Octopus Rising, the division of Argonauta Records dedicated to the discovery and development of uncompromising new heavy acts, is proud to announce the signing of Hellcowboys, the Italian four-piece bringing a dirty, crushing and groove-driven take on Southern metal.
Formed in 2014, Hellcowboys return with a new lineup and a musical direction that is more focused and powerful than ever. Their sound sits at the crossroads of Southern groove metal, stoner metal, sludge and classic heavy metal, combining massive guitar riffs, pounding drums, thick bass lines and a raw Southern attitude. It is heavy music built around groove and impact, with enough grit and swagger to hit hard without losing its sense of melody and dynamics.
At the helm is founding member Cris “Comaante” on vocals and guitar, now joined by Warner (Rainspawn, Mamöt) on lead guitar, Steve Russian (The Core, AGAIN – AiC tribute) on drums and backing vocals, and Val (Hellbow, Fugue) on bass.
This renewed lineup marks the beginning of a new era for Hellcowboys, and the band wastes no time making its intentions clear.
Today, Hellcowboys unveil “Ghiaccio”, the first single and official video from their upcoming third album, “Renew, Reborn, Return”. The track delivers a first taste of the band’s new incarnation, driven by muscular riffs, a relentless groove and a distinctly gritty approach that places Hellcowboys firmly in the territory where Southern metal meets the darker side of stoner and sludge.
“Ghiaccio” is the first chapter of a new beginning.
“Renew, Reborn, Return” will be released on December 11, 2026, via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records, available on CD and digital.
The new album will also be brought to the stage with a series of live dates kicking off with the official release party in Rome, followed by further shows across Italy:
HELLCOWBOYS LIVE
December 19, 2026 – Rome, Defrag – Release Party Show January 15, 2027 – Rome, Questa è Roma, CSA Intifada March 12, 2027 – Frosinone, Metropolis March 13, 2027 – TBC
More live dates will be announced soon.
After more than a decade of evolution, Hellcowboys are back with a heavier sound, a renewed lineup and a clear mission: turn the volume up, lock into the groove and leave the ground shaking.
On February 5, 2027, Grammy-nominated metalcore pioneers AS I LAY DYING return with their new self-titled album, As I Lay Dying, via Napalm Records. For 25 years, the band has helped shape the global metalcore scene through eight acclaimed studio albums, uncompromising heaviness and unmistakable melodic songwriting.
With the two new singles “Polarized” and “Retribution”, AS I LAY DYING showcase two deliberately contrasting sides of their new album. “Polarized” leans into a more melodic and accessible direction, combining heavy riffs with an immediate, driving song structure. “Retribution” takes a darker, faster and more aggressive approach, highlighting the heavier side of the band’s sound. Together, the two tracks offer an early look at the musical range of As I Lay Dying, with much of the album occupying the space between those two directions. Both songs are also available together as a physical vinyl single, and new material will be brought to the stage during the band’s upcoming North American tours.
AS I LAY DYING on the new singles: “’Polarized’ and ‘Retribution’ show two very different sides of what we’ve been creating. One leans more melodic, while the other is darker, faster, and heavier, with much of the record living somewhere between the two. Despite how different they are, both still feel rooted in what AS I LAY DYING is. We’re excited for people to hear them and to bring this new chapter of the band on the road in February.”
Watch the official music videos for “Polarized”HEREand “Retribution”HERE
AS I LAY DYING on the new album: “Making this the first self-titled AS I LAY DYING album felt significant because the record feels like both a continuation and a reset. We weren’t trying to recreate one era of the band or force the songs into a narrow definition of what AILD should sound like. We wanted to bring together everything we naturally gravitate toward: melody, aggression, speed, heaviness, emotion, atmosphere, and big riffs, while making sure every song still felt unmistakably like AS I LAY DYING.”
The album represents a natural evolution of the band’s sound, bringing together melody, aggression, speed, heaviness and atmosphere without being tied to one particular era of AS I LAY DYING. As I Lay Dying was shaped through a highly collaborative songwriting and production process. Since forming around the turn of the millennium, AS I LAY DYING have played a defining role in modern metalcore, selling more than one million albums worldwide, earning Top 10 chart positions including on the Official German Album Charts and the US Billboard 200, and influencing generations of bands with their combination of crushing heaviness, melodic songwriting and technical precision.
Tracklist: 1. Satellites 2. Echoes 3. Relentless 4. The Cost To Stay 5. Polarized 6. Retribution 7. A Heart Meant To Break 8. No Way Out 9. If I Fall 10. After The Storm
As I Lay Dying combines the band’s signature heaviness with melodic and modern elements while moving through a wide range of dynamics across the album. Lyrically, the record explores transformation, letting go and personal growth. “If I Fall” combines raw intensity with vulnerability, confronting abandonment, judgment and the strength to rise again, while “Echoes” creates a darker, emotionally charged atmosphere centered around breaking free from destructive bonds. The album was produced by Chris Clancy and Tim Lambesis, with “No Way Out” produced by Dusten Boles, connecting the band’s past and future while expanding their sound.
AS I LAY DYING – Tim Lambesis (Vocals, Additional Guitars), Chris Clancy (Bass, Main Chorus Vocals), Don Vedda (Guitar, Vocal Harmonies), Bill Hudson (Guitar) and Tim Yeung (Drums) – deliver an album that captures a broad range of the band’s sound. Guest vocalist CJ McCreery of Immortal Disfigurement appears on “No Way Out”. The artwork was created by Corey Meyers, who has worked on the band’s visual identity since “My Own Grave”.
AS I LAY DYING – Shadows Are Security: Final North American Dates
AS I LAY DYING will return to North America in November and December 2026 with special guest The Curse Within for the final dates of their Shadows Are Security run. In February and March 2027, the band will embark on an extensive North American tour with special guest Immortal Disfigurement, bringing music from the new album directly to fans across the United States.
AS I LAY DYING with The Curse Within 18.11.26 US – Santa Cruz, CA / Catalyst 19.11.26 US – Berkeley, CA / Cornerstone 20.11.26 US – Roseville, CA / Goldfield Trading Post 21.11.26 US – Los Angeles, CA / The Whisky 22.11.26 US – Phoenix, AZ / Crescent Ballroom 24.11.26 US – Tucson, AZ / 191 Toole 25.11.26 US – Albuquerque, NM / Sunshine Theater 27.11.26 US – Corpus Christi, TX / House of Rock 28.11.26 US – Dallas, TX / Trees 29.11.26 US – Austin, TX / Come and Take It Live 01.12.26 US – Denver, CO / The Federal 02.12.26 US – Colorado Springs, CO / Black Sheep
AS I LAY DYING with Immortal Disfigurement 04.02.27 US – Indianapolis, IN / Deluxe 05.02.27 US – Grand Rapids, MI / Elevation 06.02.27 US – Joliet, IL / The Forge 07.02.27 US – Milwaukee, WI / The Rave 09.02.27 US – Ringle, WI / Q & Z Expo Center 10.02.27 US – Belvidere, IL / Apollo Theater 11.02.27 US – Detroit, MI / TSDMAAC 12.02.27 US – Columbus, OH / The King Of Clubs 13.02.27 US – Waynesboro, VA / The Foundry 16.02.27 US – Leesburg, VA / Tally Ho 17.02.27 US – Reading, PA / Reverb 18.02.27 US – Baltimore, MD / Baltimore Soundstage 19.02.27 US – Sayreville, NJ / Starland Ballroom 20.02.27 US – New Haven, CT / Toad’s Place 21.02.27 US – Buffalo, NY / Electric City 23.02.27 US – Warrendale, PA / Jergels 24.02.27 US – Cincinnati, OH / Bogarts 25.02.27 US – Cleveland, OH / Globe Iron 26.02.27 US – Cadillac, MI / Venue Event Center 27.02.27 US – McHenry, IL / The Vixen 01.03.27 US – Oklahoma City, OK / Tower Theater 02.03.27 US – Lubbock, TX / Jake’s 04.03.27 US – Las Vegas, NV / Backstage Bar & Billiards 05.03.27 US – Los Angeles, CA / The Whisky 06.03.27 US – Riverside, CA / Riverside Municipal Auditorium 07.03.27 US – San Diego, CA / Observatory North
AS I LAY DYING are: Tim Lambesis – Vocals Chris Clancy – Bass and Vocals Don Vedda – Guitar and Vocals Bill Hudson – Guitar Tim Yeung – Drums
Gåte are one of the most accomplished group of artists to come out of Norway. The band have topped the Norwegian charts, won a Norwegian Grammy and represented Norway in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with their groundbreaking mix of Nordic folk and modern rock. Now, as fans around the world anticipate the upcoming release of their sixth studio album and first for Season of Mist, they are proud to celebrate another career milestone.
Today, Gåte are announcing that their recent single “Sannsiger” has won the grand prize in the World category during Session I of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Released in April 2026 upon signing with Season of Mist, “Sannsiger” sets the stage for the ancient legends and folk narratives that the band explore on Sigil by weaving Hardanger fiddle and nyckeharpa into their contemporary sound. The song features guest vocals from Maria Franz of Season of Mist labelmates Heilung.
“We are deeply honored to be selected as winners of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest”, Gåte says. “This award means a lot to us, especially since ‘Sannsiger’ marks a new direction for our band. The song is driven by the nyceklharpa and a simple guitar loop that our guitarist Magnus Børmark recorded on his phone. From that recording grew a song about the truth-tellers throughout our shared history and how society in every age seems to feel the need to silence them”.
“‘Sannsiger’ hit me from the very first moment that I heard it”, Heilung vocalist Maria Franz said upon the song’s release. “Its raw energy immediately resonated with me. I’ve been a fan of Gåte for many years, so accepting the invitation was a no-brainer. The band were wonderful to work with, and I’m very excited to hear the rest of their upcoming album”.
Winners of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest receive prizes from Taylor Guitars, Genelec and other companies. One 2026 Grand Prize winner will go on to win Song of the Year and $20,000.
Gåte’s upcoming fall tour will bring the band to nine cities across Norway, plus one date in Istanbul, Turkey. During this ten date run, they will perform new songs from Sigil, along with fan favorites from their celebrated discography.
Gåte Concerts 2026
October 23 – Trondheim, Norway @ Havet [TICKETS] October 30 – Drammen, Norway @ Union [TICKETS] October 31 – Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene [TICKETS] November 5 – Haugesund, Norway @ Høvleriet [TICKETS] November 6 – Stavanger, Norway @ Folken [TICKETS] November 7 – Bergen, Norway @ Verftet [TICKETS] November 12 – Skien, Norway @ Parkbiografen [TICKETS] November 13 – Moss, Norway @ Verket Scene [TICKETS] November 14 – Hamar, Norway @ Festiviteten [TICKETS] November 21 – Istanbul, Turkey @ IF Performance [TICKETS]
Rooted in the intersection of Nordic folk tradition and contemporary rock, GÅTE have spent over two decades developing a sound that feels both ancient and fiercely present. Drawing on centuries-old ballads, oral traditions, and traditional vocal forms, the band transform these sources into music that is physical, emotionally direct and unmistakably their own.
Emerging in the early 2000s, GÅTE quickly became one of Norway’s most distinctive bands for their groundbreaking mix of Nordic folk tradition and modern rock. In 2002, their debut album, Jygri, entered at #1 on the Norwegian Albums chart and won them the Spellemann Award (Norwegian Grammy) for Best Newcomer.
“GÅTE have been drawing from traditional music and transforming it with modern means into something new right from their beginning”, Metal Hammer writes.
After two studio albums, three EPs and one live album, GÅTE took a twelve-year hiatus before returning to critical acclaim and sold-out performances with 2017’s Svevn. Following their folk-leaning LP Nord in 2021, the band went on to represent Norway in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with a contemporary re-imagining of “Ulveham”, a traditional Norwegian ballad. In 2025, they toured throughout Europe with Leprous.
Rather than treat tradition as a fixed reference, GÅTE approach it as a living force. Old material is not preserved for its own sake, but reworked and recontextualized, allowing it to resonate with contemporary urgency and relevance.
“Our music comes from a place where tradition is not something fixed, but something alive” the band says. “We draw from old sources because they still speak to us, and because they allow us to express something honest and human today.”
GÅTE have now completed their sixth studio album, which will be released on the band’s new label home Season of Mist. While the band has focused primarily on Norway in the past, signing with the international label reflects both the growing interest they have received from around the world and their desire to reach a wider audience.
During the fall of 2026, GÅTE will perform the album’s lead single “Sannsiger” and other new songs during a headline tour of Norway and one date in Istanbul, Turkey. Their concerts are well-known for being immersive and intense, balancing raw energy with a ritual-like focus that has earned them a glowing and growing reputation beyond the Nordic region.
Production Credits: Recorded at MagnuStudio; Øra Studio. Produced by Kristian Fanavoll Tvedt & Magnus Børmark. Mixed & Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios.
Guest Musicians: Kristian Fanavoll Tvedt — Synths, Programming, Sounds, Guitar, Backing Vocals Maria Franz — Guest Vocals on “Sannsiger” Olav Luksengård Mjelva — Hardanger Fiddle on “Bergteken”, “Oskorsreia”, “Strandvaskar”, “Songen”, “Aude” John Stenersen — Hurdy-Gurdy on “Mi Jord” Knut Anders Vestad — Concert Grand Piano on “Jostedalsrypa” Marit Aspås — Cello on “Jostedalsrypa” Sylvelin Sundli — Upright Piano on “Bòd frå djupet”
Cover Art: Martine Solstad Larsen (Sigil Artist); Martin Kvamme (Cover Art and Design).
Following the recent announcement of their brand-new studio album, Keeper Of The Light, and its powerful first single “Last Man Standing,” power metal force SERIOUS BLACK are back with another new track. Today, the band has released the official music video for their new single “Party in the Sun,” taken from the upcoming record, which will arrive on January 29, 2027 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. In support of the release, the band will embark on an extensive tour throughout Europe with Rhapsody Of Fire and support bands; find all dates listed below!
Inspired by the incomparable atmosphere of Wacken Open Air and the worldwide heavy metal community, “Party in the Sun” is a celebration of everything that makes rock and metal culture so special: friendship, unity, live music and the unique bond shared by bands and fans across the globe. With its infectious energy and festival spirit, the song delivers a fitting soundtrack for everyone whose heart beats to the rhythm of heavy metal.
And if that chorus sounds like it was made for a rather big stage, SERIOUS BLACK happen to agree.The band have decided to throw their hat into the ring for the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, submitting “Party in the Sun” for consideration as Germany’s entry. Whether the road ultimately leads from the festival fields to the Eurovision stage remains to be seen – but a song about bringing people together through music seems like a pretty good place to start.
Band mastermind Mario Lochert comments: “Party in the Sun” tells the story of the worldwide heavy metal family – people from all corners of the globe whose hearts beat to the same rhythm. It is a song about unity, friendship, and the unique bond between musicians and their audience that makes the rock and metal scene so special. Inspired by the incomparable atmosphere of Wacken Open Air, widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic metal festivals, the song is a tribute to this unique way of life. At the same time, its message represents the entire festival and live concert culture, because wherever people come together to celebrate music, this extraordinary sense of unity and the magic of rock and metal comes to life.
“Party in the Sun” is a summer party that celebrates metal, friendship and unity.”
Since their formation, SERIOUS BLACK have established themselves as one of the leading names in modern power metal. Combining the experience of musicians from renowned metal acts with memorable songwriting, crushing guitars, anthemic choruses and emotionally charged melodies, the band has built a strong international reputation.
With multiple charting releases, more than 200 concerts worldwide, and acclaimed performances at major festivals and tours across Europe, Asia and beyond, SERIOUS BLACK continue to prove why they remain one of the genre’s most compelling live acts. Keeper Of The Light perfectly captures the band’s trademark blend of power, melody and passion while pushing their sound forward with renewed energy.
Marking the band’s next chapter, the album once again showcases everything fans have come to expect from SERIOUS BLACK: massive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, soaring melodies and the unmistakable vocals of Nikola Mijic, all wrapped in a powerful, modern production by Mario Lochert and Bob Katsionis.
All of the eleven songs on the album will see SERIOUS BLACK stylistically return to its roots. Straight, classic power metal – the sound the band once became known for – reigns again. “The return to what once characterized us was already indicated on “Vengeance Is Mine” and “Rise Of Akhenaton”,” Lochert explains the natural evolution of the band and adds: “Since joining five years ago, our singer Nikola Mijic has turned out to be a real jewel for us. Because of his expressive voice and his intuitive feeling for great melodies, the songs have gained more clarity and a more direct presence.”
Keeper Of The Light Tracklist: 1. Last Man Standing 2. Final Ride 3. Guardian Of Eden 4. Majestica 5. Light Up the Sky 6. Keeper Of The Light 7. Party In The Sun 8. Little Bird Fly 9. Rise Of A Hero 10. Bad Surprise 11. Lords Of Metal
SERIOUS BLACK Tour Dates:
07.01.27 – DE – ESSEN Turock 08.01.27 – NL – TILBURG O13 09.01.27 – DE – SIEGBURG Kubana 11.01.27 – UK – LONDON Underworld 12.01.27 – UK – MANCHESTER Rebellion 13.01.27 – UK – WOLVERHAMPTON KK’s Steel Mill 14.01.27 – FR – LILLE The Black Lab 15.01.27 – FR – VAUREAL Le Forum 16.01.27 – FR – LIMOGES CCM John Lennon 17.01.27 – FR – BORDEAUX Rocher de Palmer 19.01.27 – ES – MADRID Revi Live 20.01.27 – ES – BARCELONA Salamandra 21.01.27 – FR – MONTPELLIER Victoire 2 22.01.27 – FR – TOULOUSE Metronum 23.01.27 – FR – RIOM La Puce a L’Oreille 24.01.27 – FR – COLMAR Le Grillen 26.01.27 – DE – ERLENBACH Beavers 27.01.27 – CH – PRATTELN Z7 28.01.27 – FR – GRENOBLE L’Ilyade 29.01.27 – IT – MILANO Alcatraz 30.01.27 – DE – LINDAU Vaudeville 31.01.27 – DE – MUNICH Backstage 02.02.27 – HU – BUDAPEST Analog Music Club 03.02.27 – SK – NITRA JS Retro Bar 04.02.27 – CZ – PRAHA Futurum 05.02.27 – PL – KRAKOW Studio 06.02.27 – PL – WARSAW Stodola 07.02.27 – DE – LEIPZIG Hellraiser 08.02.27 – DE BERLIN Orwo Haus * 09.02.27 – DE HAMBURG Logo* 10.02.27 – BE KORTRIJK DVG Club* 11.02.27 – DE STUTTGART Wizemann * 12.02.27 – DE SELB Rockclub Nordbayern *
*Headliner Shows without Rhapsody of Fire
SERIOUS BLACK is: Nikola Mijic – Vocals Mario Lochert – Bass Dominik Sebastian – Guitar Maurus Mayer – Guitar, Keys Christian Widmann – Drums
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 