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EXODUS Ignite Chaos with Third Single + Video ‘Promise You This’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Exodus. Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Jim Louvau]

Bay Area Thrash metal pioneers EXODUS are about to release their new single “Promise You This” tomorrow, March 18 – the final single taken from their new album Goliath (out March 20, 2026). The official video premieres at 04.00pm CET / 10.00am EST / 07.00am PST. Fueled by cyclonic riffs, ferocious energy and turbocharged soloing from guitar icon and main songwriter Gary Holt, the track channels the band’s unrelenting power and marks another fierce showcase of Rob Dukes’ commanding return. EXODUS prove once again that their thrash supremacy remains untouchable, after shaping the genre for almost half a century.
 
Even over 40 years after their debut, EXODUS are steadfast in their refusal to settle for the safety of mediocrity and continue to forge their trademark just as resolutely as they did in their fruition. The band’s highly anticipated 12th studio album is their most multifaceted offering so far, featuring several epic collaborations and marking the return of Rob Dukes as lead vocalist. Secure your copy of Goliath now and check out the music video for the title track below!
 
EXODUS on “Promise You This”: 
‘’Promise You This’’ is one of our favorite songs on the new record, it’s just heavy as fuck but rocks just as hard. The song was inspired by some of the life lessons learned from my father and how long it took me to really listen.’’

Video Premiere for “Promise You This” on March 18, 4.00pm CET / 10.00am EST / 07.00am PST

Pre-Order Your Copy of Goliath HERE

Goliath wastes no time proving as massive as its name, with a sinister introduction opening “3111”. Ode to owning one’s own volatility “Hostis Humani Generis” features a palpable lyrical delivery from Rob Dukes that cuts like crystal amid frenetic riffs, before rolling into “The Changing Me”. The track’s introductory notes cascade into hair-raising rhythms, forming one of the band’s most anthemic offerings – blending menace and melody with the cleans of guest Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) together with Tom Hunting and at the end both Peter and Robb scream off the song. Harmonic dual axe acrobatics from resident guitar legends Gary Holt and Lee Altus. “Promise You This” incites mosh pit treachery with explosive energy, cyclonic riffs and turbocharged soloing from Holt and Altus. Tracks like “Beyond The Event Horizon” and “2 Minutes Hate” provide EXODUS’ trademark deadly dose of thrash theatricality – the latter boasting one of the album’s most grimacing, grooving pit primers – while undeniably 90s-tinged metallic charm attacks alongside drummer Tom Hunting and bassist Jack Gibson’s unmistakable rhythmic rage on tracks like “Violence Works”. The nearly eight-minute epic “Summon Of The God Unknown” turns the danger dial to max capacity, setting the stage with a wicked introductory passage before traversing a variegated passage of trudging riffs and heavy metal melody. Power packed closer “The Dirtiest Of The Dozen” wraps the album on a manic high, showcasing EXODUS pulling out all the stops on all instruments. Flurried dueling solos, an isolated bass excursion, rigorous drum dexterity and a blend of both gritty vocal passages and cutting chants combine to serve as yet another prime example of the band’s ever-evolving musical mastery.
 
Produced by EXODUS, mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Nile, Undeath), Goliath beams with the explosive authenticity that has set EXODUS eons apart from their peers since the release of their debut, 1985’s groundbreaking thrash blueprint Bonded By Blood. 40 years later, EXODUS are steadfast in their refusal to settle for the safety of mediocrity, fearing nothing and no one and continuing to forge their trademark just as resolutely as they did in their fruition.

EXODUS on the new album Goliath:
“Are we excited for this record? That’s an understatement. We put everything we had into this record (and it’s 80 percent complete follow up, but we’ll save that conversation for another day!) and it’s one of our proudest accomplishments. Wildly collaborative, the most band centric album to date with four songs written by Lee, lyrics by Gary, Rob, Lee and Tom, and just killer all the way around. The time to let the monster loose is coming! Bow Down!”

Goliath tracklisting:
1             3111     
2             Hostis Humani Generis 
3             The Changing Me (feat. Peter Tägtgren)
4             Promise You This            
5             Goliath  (feat. Katie Jacoby)
6             Beyond The Event Horizon         
7             2 Minutes Hate
8             Violence Works
9             Summon Of The God Unknown 
10          The Dirtiest Of The Dozen      

EXODUS Live 2026

EU/UK Tour
w/ Kreator, Carcass, Nails
20.03.26 PT – Lisbon / MEO Arena
22.03.26 ES – Madrid / Palacio Vistalegre
24.03.26 FR – Paris / Zenith Paris
25.03.26 BE – Brussels / Ancienne Belgique
27.03.26 UK – London / O2 Academy Brixton
28.03.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Apollo Manchester
29.03.26 UK – Glasgow / O2 Academy Glasgow
31.03.26 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
01.04.26 CH – Zurich / Halle 622
03.04.26 NL – ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) / Brabanthallen
04.04.26 DE – Essen / Grugahalle
05.04.26 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
07.04.26 IT – Milan / Alcatraz
08.04.26 SI – Ljubljana / Media Center
09.04.26 AT – Vienna / Gasometer
10.04.26 DE – Ludwigsburg / MHP Arena
11.04.26 DE – Munich / Zenith
12.04.26 CZ – Prague / Forum Karlín
13.04.26 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra
15.04.26 PL – Warsaw / COS Torwar
17.04.26 DE – Hamburg / Inselparkhalle
18.04.26 DE – Berlin / Uber Eats Music Hall
20.04.26 LV – Riga / Palladium
21.04.26 FI – Helsinki / Black Box Finland OY
23.04.26 SE – Stockholm / Annexet
24.04.26 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene
25.04.26 DK – Copenhagen / Poolen

USA Tour
w/Sepultura
04/29/26: Montclair, NJ @ The Wellmont
05/01/26: Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
05/02/26: London, ON @ London Music Hall
05/04/26: Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Theater
05/05/26: Louisville, KY @ Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
05/06/26: Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
05/07/26: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)
05/08/26: New Orleans, LA @ The Civic Theatre
05/11/26: Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Farm
05/12/26: Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall
05/13/26: Reading, PA @ Reverb
05/15/26: Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theater
05/17/26: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
05/19/26: Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
05/21/26: Denver, CO @ The Ogden Theatre
05/22/26: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
05/23/26: Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club
05/25/26: Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
05/26/26: San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
05/28/26: Berkeley, CA @ UC Theatre
05/29/26: Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern

EXODUS is:
Tom Hunting – drums
Gary Holt – guitars
Jack Gibson – bass, backing vocals
Lee Altus – guitars
Rob Dukes – lead vocals
 
EXODUS online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
TIKTOK
WEBSITE

JINJER Announce 2026 North American Tour with Crystal Lake & Entheos

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: JINJER. Leave a comment
[Photo credit: Lina Glasir]

Just weeks after chart-topping modern metal powerhouse JINJER wrapped up their massively successful European headliner tour, the band now announces their return to North America. Summer 2026 will see JINJER embark on their first North American headline run since 2024, hitting 37 cities across the United States and Canada, with Crystal Lake and Entheos joining as special guests.

The Ukrainian progressive metal leaders recently dominated some of Europe’s biggest venues on their first European headline tour in six years, drawing more than 50,000 fans across the EU and delivering numerous sold-out performances along the way. In recent years, JINJER has emerged as one of the most powerful forces in modern metal, touring globally and sharing stages with acts such as Slipknot, Disturbed, Bullet For My Valentine, BABYMETAL and Sepultura.          

The upcoming run will also mark the final touring chapter in support of the Duél album cycle, bringing one of the most powerful eras of the band’s career to a close.

“After finishing a hugely successful run across Europe, we’re excited to return to North America for our first headline tour there since 2024,” says JINJER bassist Eugene Abdukhanov. “This will be the final tour in support of the Duél album cycle, and we feel like we really saved the best for last. We can’t wait to see old friends and new faces across the U.S. and Canada. Having Crystal Lake and Entheos joining us makes this lineup even stronger.”

The massive summer run will take JINJER across 37 cities throughout the United States and Canada, including appearances at major festivals such as Vans Warped Tour in Washington, DC and Long Beach, California, Inkarceration, Upheaval Festival and Festival Au Lac, alongside a string of headline shows across the continent.

Artist pre-sale begins March 17 at 2PM local time, with additional special pre-sales taking place throughout the week. General on-sale begins March 20 at 10AM local time. See below for all JINJER live dates and visit jinjer-metal.com/tour for tickets and additional information.

JINJER LIVE 2026
 
NORTH AMERICAN DUÉL TOUR
plus special guests
CRYSTAL LAKE
ENTHEOS

05.06.26 CA – Ottawa, ON / Bronson Centre **
06.06.26 CA – Granby, QC / Festival Au Lac
07.06.26 CA – Toronto, ON / Danforth Music Hall **
09.06.26 US – Boston, MA / Big Night Live
10.06.26 US – Wallingford, CT / Dome at Oakdale
12.06.26 US – New York, NY / Paramount Times Square
13.06.26 US – Washington, DC / Warped Tour
14.06.26 US – Philadelphia, PA / The Fillmore
16.06.26 US – Pittsburgh, PA / Roxian
17.06.26 US – Charlotte, NC / The Fillmore
18.06.26 US – Atlanta, GA / Buckhead Theater
19.06.26 US – Nashville, TN / Brooklyn Bowl
21.06.26 US – Orlando, FL / House of Blues
23.06.26 US – Houston, TX / House of Blues
24.06.26 US – Dallas, TX / House of Blues
25.06.26 US – San Antonio, TX / Aztec Theatre
27.06.26 US – Austin, TX / Emo’s
28.06.26 US – Oklahoma City, OK / Diamond Ballroom
30.06.26 US – Tempe, AZ / Marquee
01.07.26 US – San Diego, CA / House of Blues
02.07.26 US – Los Angeles, CA / The Wiltern
03.07.26 US – San Francisco, CA / The Fillmore
05.07.26 US – Sacramento, CA / Ace of Spades
07.07.26 US – Portland, OR / Roseland Ballroom
08.07.26 CA – Vancouver, BC / Commodore Ballroom
09.07.26 US – Tacoma, WA / Temple Theatre
10.07.26 US – Boise, ID / Revolution
13.07.26 US – Des Moines, IA / Val Air Ballroom
14.07.26 US – Madison, WI / The Sylvee
15.07.26 US – St. Louis, MO / The Pageant
17.07.26 US – Mansfield, OH / INKarceration
18.07.26 US – Grand Rapids, MI / Upheaval
19.07.26 US – Chicago, IL / House of Blues
21.07.26 US – Denver, CO / Summit **
22.07.26 US – Albuquerque, NM / Revel **
24.07.26 US – Las Vegas, NV / House of Blues **
25.07.26 US – Long Beach, CA / Warped Tour
 
** without CRYSTAL LAKE

Looking ahead, JINJER will return to Europe in fall 2026 as special guests on Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea UK + EU Tour 2026. The run spans 18 shows across the UK and mainland Europe, kicking off September 12 in Glasgow and wrapping up October 9 in Paris. Bringing together two of modern metal’s most forward-thinking bands, the tour promises a powerful pairing on stage. From groove-driven heaviness to soaring atmospheres and unrelenting intensity, the lineup delivers a night built to shake venues to their foundations.

TSUNAMI SEA EU + UK TOUR 
as Special Guest for Spiritbox
w/ Dying Wish
12.09.26 UK – Glasgow / SEC Centre Hall 3
14.09.26 UK – Nottingham / Motorpoint Arena
16.09.26 UK – Manchester / Co Op Live
17.09.26 UK – Cardiff / Utilita Arena
19.09.26 UK – London / OVO Arena Wembley
22.09.26 DE – Berlin / UFO im Velodrom
23.09.26 PL – Gliwice / Gliwice Arena
25.09.26 CZ – Prag / Forum Karlín
26.09.26 AT – Wien / Gasometer
28.09.26 CH – Zürich / Halle 622
29.09.26 DE – München / Zenith
30.09.26 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
02.10.26 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle
03.10.26 NL – Amsterdam / AFAS Live
04.10.26 DE – Düsseldorf / Mitsubishi Electric Halle
06.10.26 LU – Luxemburg / Rockhal
08.10.26 BE – Antwerpen / Lotto Arena
09.10.26 FR – Paris / La Seine Musicale

LATIN AMERICA DUÉL TOUR
19.04.26 MX – Mexico City / Circo Volador
21.04.26 CO – Bogotá / Astor Plaza
23.04.26 CL – Santiago / Teatro Caupolicán
25.04.26 BR – São Paulo / Bangers Open Air
27.04.26 AR – Buenos Aires / Teatro Flores

FESTIVALS 2026
02.05.25 ID – Jakarta / Hammersonic Fest

Get your copy of their latest album Duél HERE

With Duél, JINJER cement their status as metal trailblazers, delivering one of their heaviest and most dynamic records yet. Produced by longtime collaborator Max Morton, the album has already racked up millions of views and charted internationally, including #2 US Hard Music and #7 UK Rock & Metal. Featuring standout tracks like “Rogue”, “Green Serpent”, and “Tantrum”, Duél showcases the band’s technical mastery and Tatiana Shmayluk’s unmatched vocal intensity.

Duél tracklisting:
1. Tantrum
2. Hedonist
3. Rogue
4. Tumbleweed
5. Green Serpent
6. Kafka
7. Dark Bile
8. Fast Draw
9. Someone’s Daughter
10. A Tongue So Sly
11. Duél

JINJER is:
Tatiana Shmayluk – Vocals
Roman Ibramkhalilov – Guitars
Eugene Abdukhanov – Bass
Vlad Ulasevich – Drums
 
JINJER online:  
FACEBOOK
X
INSTAGRAM
HOMEPAGE
NAPALM RECORDS

SMOKING SNAKES Return with New Video + Single ‘Pleasure And Pain’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Smoking Snakes. Leave a comment
Photo by Liam Espinosa

Swedish sleaze metallers Smoking Snakes return today with their new single and video, “Pleasure And Pain”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The band commented on the new track, by saying: “The song dives into the dangerous attraction between desire and obsession. That thin line where passion turns into something a little more twisted.  Pleasure And Pain plays with the idea that sometimes the things that thrill  us the most can also be the ones that drive us insane”.

Stream “Pleasure And Pain” HERE

Smoking Snakes are a Gothenburg-based sleaze metal band turning heads and making waves in the rock scene. Formed in 2022 by Brett Martin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Andy Delarge (bass, backing vocals), Mackey Gee (drums, backing vocals), and Rob Raw (lead guitar, backing vocals), they are the next generation of hard-hitting, guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll.

Influenced by 80s arena rock giants like W.A.S.P, RATT, Dokken, and Kiss, Smoking Snakes deliver a fresh, modern take on classic sleaze metal — from catchy hooks to heavy riffs and powerful vocals, their sound is unmistakably their own.

Their critically acclaimed debut album, Danger Zone (2024, Frontiers Records), earned finalist status for both Album of the Year and Debut Album of the Year at the Rocknytt Prize, standing alongside some of Sweden’s biggest rock acts. In 2025, the band made their UK debut with explosive shows in London, Nottingham, and Wakefield, leaving audiences stunned and quickly securing a return visit later that year.

Currently putting the finishing touches on their second album, Smoking Snakes are ready to push boundaries, forge their own path, and take the world by storm.

Line Up:
Brett Martin – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar 
Andy Delarge – Bass, backing vocals 
Mackey Gee – Drums, backing vocals 
Rob Raw – Lead guitar, backing vocals

Follow SMOKING SNAKES:
Facebook
Instagram

TYKETTO Release New Single Video for Title Track of Upcoming Album “Closer To The Sun”

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

Hard rocking songsmiths Tyketto release the video for the album title track taken from the upcoming studio offering Closer To The Sun, out on Friday March 20th, via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders go to this location.

‘Closer To The Sun’ is a wistful, ethereal track about the allure of a free-spirited soul whose carefree perspective inspires both admiration and introspection.

“‘Closer To The Sun’ is a bit of a fantasy piece, really. I was thinking about Kate Hudson’s character in the film ‘Almost Famous’” comments vocalist and founding member Danny Vaughn. “I think we have all known someone like that growing up, someone that laughs at life, lives just a little outside of the norm and sometimes seems to float through the world. What does she know that I don’t know? The singer has caught a glimpse of this woman and has fallen deeply in love, despite knowing almost nothing about her. ‘What if I’m missing something in my own life? What if?’”

Watch/Listen to ‘Closer To The Sun’ – video by Andy Pilkington at Very Metal Art.

Joined by Harry Scott Elliott on guitar, Ged Rylands on keyboards, Chris Childs (Thunder) on bass and Johnny Dee (Doro) on drums, Vaughn leads a lineup that brings exceptional performances and undeniable fire to every track, reaffirming Tyketto as one of rock’s most respected and enduring names. Closer To The Sun was recorded across multiple studios in the UK and Europe, including Flip Flop Studios and the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Listen to the first and second video and singles from Closer To The Sun – ‘Higher Than High’ and ‘We Rise’ – and watch the videos here – videos directed and edited by Scott Wardell and filmed by Paul Hollingsworth. 

Fresh from their critically-acclaimed headline performance at Planet Rock’s Winter’s End festival in Wales, and in celebration of their new album, Tyketto are gearing up for a full UK tour this April, with European dates set to be announced soon. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates. For the complete list of upcoming shows and ticket information, visit tyketto.com.

2026 UPCOMING SHOWS:

13 April – The Junction, Cambridge (United Kingdom)
14 April – Waterfront, Norwich (United Kingdom)
16 April – The 1865, Southampton (United Kingdom)
17 April – The 229, London (United Kingdom)
18 April – Academy 2, Manchester (United Kingdom)
19 April – Digital, Newcastle (United Kingdom)
21 April – The Garage, Glasgow (United Kingdom)
23 Apri – Rock City, Nottingham (United Kingdom)
24 April – Corporation, Sheffield (United Kingdom)
25 April – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (United Kingdom)
8 May – Casino Estoril’s Salão Preto e Prata, Cascais, Lisbon (Portugal) – with Russ Ballard
3 July – Barcelona Rockfest, Spain
3 – 6 July – Time To Rock Festival, Knislinge (Sweden)
24 July – Malmö Melodic Festival, Plan B, Malmö (Sweden)
26 July – Steelhouse Festival, Aberbeeg (Wales)
27 November – Belfast Empire Music Hall, Belfast (Northern Ireland)
5 December – Piraeus Club Academy, Athens (Greece)

Closer To The Sun is out this Friday, March 20 and will be available on Deluxe Limited Edition 12” Sunburst Vinyl, Limited Edition 12” Red Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Pre-orders available at this location 

Closer To The Sun Track Listing:

  1. Higher Than High
  2. Starts with a Feeling
  3. Bad for Good
  4. We Rise
  5. Donnowhuddidis
  6. Closer to the Sun
  7. Harleys & Indians (Riders in the Sky)*
  8. Hit Me Where It Hurts
  9. The Picture
  10. Far and Away
  11. The Brave

*Not included on vinyl formats

Band Line-Up:
DANNY VAUGHN – Lead & backing vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, harmonica, keyboards and percussion
CHRIS CHILDS – Bass Guitar, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals
JOHNNY DEE – Drums, percussion, backing vocals
HARRY SCOTT ELLIOTT – Lead and rhythm electric guitars, percussion, backing vocals
GED RYLANDS – Keyboards, percussion, backing vocals

Follow Tyketto:
http://www.facebook.com/TykettoTheOfficial/
http://www.instagram.com/tykettoofficial
http://www.tyketto.com
http://www.youtube.com/@TykettoOfficial

MICROFORUM Solidifies Its Position as Leading North American Record Pressing Plant

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Microforum Vinyl Record Pressing. Leave a comment

For over 25 years, Toronto-based Microforum Vinyl Record Pressing has been at the forefront of the vinyl resurgence, establishing itself as one of North America’s most comprehensive and technologically advanced record pressing facilities. Known for its exceptional quality control and industry-leading turnaround times, Microforum offers artists, labels, and brands a true one-stop production solution.

From 7”, 10”, and 12” vinyl in 140g and 180g weights to specialty 3” records and picture discs, Microforum delivers precision manufacturing in their state-of-the-art production facility based in Toronto, Canada.

What truly sets Microforum apart is its fully integrated, in-house production model. The company handles every stage of vinyl manufacturing under one roof, including lacquer cutting, electroplating, pressing, printing and assembly—an uncommon capability that provides unmatched quality assurance and production efficiency.

Beyond vinyl pressing, Microforum offers:

  • Limited edition color variants and specialty effects (Marbling, Splatter, Color-in-Color, Hand-Pours, Haze effects, and more)
  • Variable data printing for unique numbering and custom notation
  • Premium packaging solutions including tip-on jackets, foil stamping, embossing, and luxury bespoke box sets
  • Complete optical media services including CD, DVD, and Blu-ray manufacturing
  • Custom print production including sleeves, posters, booklets, and specialty packaging

The company recently expanded its production facility, increasing capacity and adding even more specialty offerings with a recent investment of over $2 Million in luxury bespoke packaging capabilities to meet growing demand from artists and labels worldwide.

A Proud Partner of Record Store Day Canada

Microforum has been a proud sponsor of Record Store Day Canada since 2018 and has produced releases for numerous Canadian Ambassadors, including Triumph, The Tragically Hip, Our Lady Peace, and Big Wreck.

Most recently, Microforum pressed The Singles by Honeymoon Suite, the 2026 Canadian Ambassadors for Record Store Day Canada. Issued on limited edition translucent red vinyl and available exclusively at independent record stores across Canada, the release showcases some of the most iconic songs in Canadian rock history.

“Pressing The Singles for the Record Store Day Canada 2026 Canadian Ambassadors Honeymoon Suite is incredibly meaningful to us,” says Noble Musa of Microforum. “Seeing this record in stores nationwide and giving fans the opportunity to experience these timeless hits in analog format is exactly why we do what we do.”

Hot Off the Press for Record Store Day 2026 – Honeymoon Suite – The Singles check it out here: https://recordstoredaycanada.ca/honeymoon-suite-2026-rsdc-pressing/

Honeymoon Suite’s lead guitarist and songwriter, Derry Grehan, adds:
“To me, vinyl isn’t just a format — it’s how I fell in love with music. There’s a magic to holding the jacket, reading the liner notes, and dropping the needle that simply can’t be replicated. Championing independent record stores as Record Store Day Canada Ambassadors is a tremendous honor for our band.”

As vinyl demand continues to grow globally, Microforum remains committed to delivering premium craftsmanship, innovative production techniques, and reliable turnaround times—helping artists bring their music to life in its most timeless format.

For more information, visit: https://www.microforumvinyl.com/

BONG-RA Premiere Upcoming Album “Esoterik” Ahead of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 17, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BONG-RA. Leave a comment

Five days before official release, Industrial Metal pioneer Jason Köhnen (THE KILIMANJARO DARKJAZZ ENSEMBLE, THE LOVECRAFT SEXTET) premieres the full stream of “Esoterik“, the new album from his primary project BONG-RA, on DMP’s YouTube channel. Listen below.

“Fans of the golden era of Industrial Metal have just gained another classic.” (Musique Machine)

BONG-RA‘s signature low-frequency weight, cinematic horn arrangements and percussive austerity remain at the core, but on “Esoterik” they are recontextualised, distorted, mechanized and reforged into a denser, more monolithic sound. The result is an album that feels both primal and post-apocalyptic, ritualistic yet modern, symbolic yet physical.

A spiritual successor to 2025’s “Black Noise“, the record delves deeper into the shadows and luminescence of the occult, expanding the ritualistic atmospheres explored on previous albums “Antediluvian” (2018) and “Meditations” (2022).

Köhnen comments on this fusion:

“I was curious to see the result of the fusion between the styles of the previous albums with the new path taken. Apart from there being a lot of similarities in atmosphere I wanted to be able to also continue the line with the more occult and archaic themes which set a great contrast with the futuristic dystopian atmosphere of (2025 preceding album) “Black Noise“. The idea was already born during the creative process of “Black Noise“, it was just a matter of patience to put those ideas into fruiting a year or so later.“

The title of BONG-RA‘s new album “Esoterik” hints at the record’s conceptual framework, drawing on occult and hermetic traditions. This philosophical dimension is also reflected in the cover artwork, where enigmatic figures evoke a blend of ancient mythological imagery and futuristic, almost extraterrestrial aesthetics.

Köhnen elaborates on the conceptual ideas:

“Hermeticism and Stoicism have been major influential guidelines to life for well over a decade. Hermeticism helps me answer questions to the metaphysical and Stoicism is the guiding moral compass for the physical. “Esoterik” is a wide-ranging accumulation of ideas regarding hidden layers to our existence.“

Find all album info here!

“Esoterik” will be released on CD, vinyl — including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition — and digital on March 20th. An exclusive T-shirt design will accompany the release. Pre-orders are available via DMP’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

March and April sees BONG-RA touring Europe extensively alongside avant-garde Extreme Metal force THY CATAFALQUE. Find all dates below and secure your tickets here.

24.03 – Arena Vienna, Vienna (AT) 
25.03 – Mocvara, Zagreb (HR)
26.03 – Legend Club, Milan (IT) 
27.03 – Antirouille, Montpellier (FR)
29.03 – D8, Bilbao (ES) 
30.03 – Le Ferrailleur, Nantes (FR) 
31.03 – Backstage, Paris (FR)
01.04 – L’Autre Canal, Nancy (FR) 
02.04 – DB’s, Utrecht (NL) 
03.04 – Volt, Sittard (NL) 
06.04 – From Hell, Erfurt (DE)
07.04 – SO36, Berlin (DE)
08.04 – Voodoo, Warsaw (PL)
09.04 – Zascianek, Krakow (PL)

Jason Köhnen began his musical journey in 1988 as the vocalist/bassist for BLUUURGH…, an underground Dutch Crust/Death Metal/Grindcore band. Following the release of an EP and LP, in 1991 he founded the Death-Doom band CELESTIAL SEASON, gaining widespread recognition as a prominent name in the genre outside the renowned ‘Peaceville 3′.

In 1996, Köhnen shifted from Metal to electronic music, creating the project BONG-RA and pioneering the intense Breakcore genre of electronica. His 1998 debut album led to a Peel Session in 2002, and established BONG-RA as one of the first acts to fuse Extreme Metal with electronics. The experimentation deepened with releases like the 2007 “Grindkrusher” EP, featuring BOLT THROWER samples, and collaborative releases with noise artist Maruosa in DEATHSTORM and the neo-classical Doom project WHITE DARKNESS.

Beyond BONG-RA, Kohnen co-founded THE KILIMANJARO DARKJAZZ ENSEMBLE and later THE MOUNT FUJI DOOMJAZZ CORPORATION, releasing a series of cult albums up to 2013. Over his 30-year career, he has collaborated with notable artists such as VENETIAN SNARES and IGORRR, performed at major festivals including Glastonbury and Dour, and toured globally, sharing the stage with legendary acts like APHEX TWIN, MINISTRY and THE PRODIGY.

After a brief hiatus, during which BONG-RA explored Doom, Electronica and Jazz – including via 2018’s “Antediluvian” and 2022’s “Meditations” – Köhnen is now returning to his Metal and Grindcore roots. A deal with Debemur Morti Productions, also home to his Doomjazz project THE LOVECRAFT SEXTET, has been reached.

BONG-RA now prepares for a new era as a live three-piece featuring guitarists Attila Kovacs and Botond Fogl. This freshly rejuvenated vehicle for Metal/breaks fusion debute in early 2025 with a new record “Black Noise” and continues its journey with forthcoming “Esoterik” album (2026) and more touring.

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