Italian rockers NAGUAL return with “Hollow”, their new single released through Volcano Records & Promotion and the second track from their forthcoming EP, due in October.
The release is part of the band’s twentieth-anniversary celebrations and is accompanied by a documentary tracing their journey through archival footage, images and interviews with people who have shared and contributed to their story from 2006 to the present day.
Twenty years of music, live shows, records and evolution. “Hollow” emerges from that history without looking back with nostalgia: the new single is firmly focused on what comes next, becoming another key piece of Nagual’s forthcoming record. The track sits at the crossroads between the musical identity the band has developed over the years and a more immediate approach to songwriting. A sharp, compelling riff, a direct chorus and spacious, ethereal textures shape a song that also reveals echoes of The Sisters of Mercy, The Cure and early U2. “Hollow” explores a relationship suspended between presence and absence, intimacy and disorientation, ultimately turning the sense of emptiness suggested by its title into the emotional core of the song. Recorded during the sessions for the band’s new project, the single follows “If Only”, the first track unveiled from the record earlier this year.
Watch the official video for “Hollow”:
“Hollow” therefore marks the next step towards the new EP, due in October as Nagual celebrate two decades of activity. Adding another dimension to the release is a documentary dedicated to the band’s history, built around archival material, footage and interviews with people who have played a part in Nagual’s journey from 2006 to the present. More than simply a retrospective celebration, the film captures the human and artistic dimension of a project that has continued to evolve over two decades while preserving its identity. Active since 2006, Nagual have developed a musical language rooted in classic rock, progressive rock and blues, while also drawing from the alternative and grunge sounds of the 1990s. Their journey has unfolded through several releases and a constant process of musical evolution, with “Hollow” now marking another significant point along the way.
With a new single, a documentary and a new EP on the horizon, Nagual’s twentieth anniversary is not simply an opportunity to look back at what has been achieved, but above all the starting point for a new chapter in the band’s story.
From Richmond, Virginia, SHY, LOW have a reputation as one of the most compelling voices within the modern instrumental underground. Their music speaks to fans of post-rock’s emotional grandeur and post-metal’s crushing intensity alike, while simultaneously appealing to listeners drawn to experimental, atmospheric, and cinematic forms of heavy music. The band’s ability to merge these seemingly disparate qualities has resulted in a body of work that is immediately recognizable and continually evolving.
Today, SHY, LOW reveal their new single ‘Purity Spiral’, the second from their forthcoming album album of the same name Purity Spiral, to be released 16th October via Pelagic Records.
The band comment: “‘Purity Spiral’ is an exploration of the feedback loop of technological dependency, and the effect it has on our relationships with others and ourselves. The more we worship the golden idolatry of growth, the further from our humanity we seem to stray. Self-isolation is a contagion destroying the bonds between us all.”
With ‘Purity Spiral‘, SHY, LOW continue their trajectory of artistic expansion and their fascination with movement, tension, and transformation, embracing a sound that is meticulously crafted and noticeably heavier; with devastating results. Building vast emotional landscapes through dynamic contrasts, layered textures, and patient, cinematic evolution, SHY, LOW use immersive repetition and tectonic weight to build tension through evolving patterns. While often associated with post-rock and post-metal, their music reaches beyond the familiar boundaries of either genre, drawing equally from cinematic atmosphere, crushing heaviness, ambient minimalism, and the emotional sweep of modern instrumental composition.
Luminous melodies, driving heaviness, layered textures, and carefully controlled tension allows Purity Spiral to move effortlessly between fragile moments of introspection and towering passages of intensity. Whether constructing intricate layers of harmony or driving songs toward explosive climaxes, there is a deep understanding of pacing, atmosphere, and the power of restraint. Momentum is at the heart of this album, through intricate rhythmic detail, and explosive bursts of energy, drums become the anchor and catalyst, supporting the band’s expansive arrangements while pushing them toward moments of cathartic release.
What distinguishes SHY, LOW is their ability to balance enormity with restraint. Their music unfolds patiently, allowing tension to accumulate through layers of texture, melody, and dynamics. Moments of delicate clarity often coexist with overwhelming weight, creating a sense of organic motion. At the core of the band’s sound lies an acute understanding of contrast. From shimmering, expansive passages to towering walls of distortion, the rhythm section provides both propulsion and atmosphere, becoming integral narrative voices that shape the emotion.
There is a disciplined sense of purpose in their writing, an understanding that every note serves a larger arc. SHY, LOW thrives in the space between introspection and catharsis, where subtle details become as impactful as the heaviest climaxes, and listeners are taken on a journey that is as visceral as it is profound.
Tracklisting:
1. Grace 2. The Bloat 3. Palmistry 4. Burning Fields 5. The Charging, Brazen Bull 6. Purity Spiral 7. Greenwood
Three legendary bands. Three unforgettable live albums. One epic collection.
Deko Entertainment proudly presents The Trifecta of ’80s Hard Rock Live, featuring classic live performances from Dokken, Slaughter, and Warrant, all newly remastered and available on stunning 180g colored vinyl.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1978, Dokken became one of hard rock’s defining acts with Billboard Hot 100 hits including “Alone Again,” “In My Dreams,” and “Burning Like a Flame.” The band has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and remains one of the most influential names in melodic hard rock.
Slaughter, formed in Las Vegas in 1988, exploded onto the scene with their platinum debut Stick It To Ya. The album produced three Billboard Hot 100 singles, including “Fly To The Angels” (#19), “Up All Night” (#27), and “Spend My Life” (#39), helping establish the band as one of the era’s premier hard rock acts.
Formed in Hollywood, California, in 1984, Warrant achieved worldwide success with more than 10 million albums sold. Their double-platinum debut Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich featured the smash hit “Heaven,” which climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while subsequent releases cemented the band’s place in rock history.
First up is Dokken’s Live From The Sun, available as a double LP housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket on blue vinyl, with limited bundles (100 copies only) signed by Reb Beach. Recorded on November 4, 1999, at the Sun Theatre in Anaheim, California during the Erase The Slate tour, the album captures the band delivering classics including “Alone Again,” “In My Dreams,” and more. As guitarist Reb Beach recalls: “That was a great time in my life and I had so much fun on that tour. I was a big Dokken fan and I was so thrilled to play those classic songs every night. Luckily, I had a good show. There is a super long solo in the song ‘Too High To Fly’ that was totally improvised every night, and I just lucked out that it was a good one, haha! That album rocks, for sure!”
Next is Slaughter’s Eternal Live, featuring performances recorded during late-1997 shows in Mexico City and Las Vegas. Available for the first time ever on vinyl, this LP comes packaged in a beautiful gatefold jacket on orange vinyl, with limited bundles (100 copies only) signed by Mark Slaughter and Dana Strum. One of the most significant aspects of Eternal Live is that it serves as a tribute to original guitarist Tim Kelly, who tragically lost his life in an automobile accident in 1998. These recordings capture some of Kelly’s final performances with the band and feature fan favorites including “Fly To The Angels” and “Up All Night.”
Rounding out the collection is Warrant’s Live 86-97, making its vinyl debut as a double LP, with limited bundles (100 copies only) signed by Erik Turner and Jerry Dixon. Recorded at Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, on November 22, 1996, during the tour supporting Belly To Belly, the album delivers electrifying performances of hits including “Heaven,” “Cherry Pie,” “Down Boys,” and more. Original guitarist Erik Turner comments: “Warrant Live 86-97 captures the energy, attitude and good times that we are known for. These recordings are a snapshot of Warrant doing what we’ve always loved most, playing live. Crank it up!”
All three titles have been newly remastered for vinyl and pressed on audiophile-quality 180g colored vinyl, giving fans the opportunity to experience these classic live performances with enhanced sound and collectible packaging.
Dokken – Live From The Sun, Slaughter – Eternal Live, and Warrant – Live 86-97 are available now for pre-order from Deko Entertainment: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/specials
Founded in 2019, Kingwhip’s debut album Endless is an uncompromising statement of the band’s songwriting and musical prowess. Released at the end of May, the album spices up the band’s distinctive blend of grunge and heavy rock with catchy melodies, resulting in a raw and soulful nine-track record that remains cohesive from start to finish.
Also described as an alternative heavy band, Kingwhip comes from Finland. The band has strong roots in the Finnish music underground. Its members are known from, among others, Huora, one of Finland’s most popular punk bands, as well as the cult-favourite Day Eleven and Rytmihäiriö.
“Our shared favourites include, for example, Alice In Chains and Black Sabbath, while the vocal melodies may echo artists such as Neil Young, David Bowie and Type O Negative,” says the band’s vocalist and guitarist Janne Pajari.
The album features the previously released singles “Walk Away”, “Like A Wrecking Ball” and “What A Time To Be Alive”. A music video has also been released for “Walk Away”.
Endless was recorded and produced by Timo Väänänen at Saarisound Studio. The album was released both digitally and on vinyl.
Kingwhip released their first singles, “Shut Up!” and “Brinkdish”, in 2023. The following year saw the release of a six-track EP, after which the band took some time to focus on preparing their now-released debut album.
The album tracks: Walk Away What A Time To Be Alive Gettaway All In, All Out Every Good Boy Tumble Endless Highways Hell Hangs Over Like A Wrecking Ball
THE GHOULSTARS, the Finnish horror punk supergroup behind this year’s debut album The Dark Overlords of the Universe, have been confirmed as the opening act for TURMION KÄTILÖT’s Resodance Tour 2026. The band will play six dates across Finland between December 3 and December 19, 2026, hitting Jyväskylä, Joensuu, Seinäjoki, Oulu and Turku.
Before releasing a single track, The Ghoulstars had already built a reputation on the strength of their live shows, sharing stages with established acts and headlining gigs on the back of word of mouth alone. The Resodance dates mark their first extended run since the release of their debut, giving audiences a first look at how the album’s mix of metal riffing, punk rock choruses and B-movie theatrics translates to the stage.
The Ghoulstars x Turmion Kätilöt — Resodance Tour 2026-2027: 3 December: Jyväskylä, FI @ Lutakko 4 December: Jyväskylä, FI @ Lutakko 5 December: Joensuu, FI @ Kerubi 11 December: Seinäjoki, FI @ Rytmikorjaamo 12 December: Oulu, FI @ Tarkastamo 19 December: Turku, FI @ Teatro
The tour follows the May 15th release of The Dark Overlords of the Universe via Season of Mist, mixed and mastered by V. Santura of Triptykon. Opening for Turmion Kätilöt puts The Ghoulstars in front of one of Finland’s biggest cult live draws, a natural pairing for a band built on theatrical, genre-blurring performance.
The Dark Overlords of the Universe remains available now across digital download, CD digipak and 12″ vinyl gatefold, including a coloured yellow, red and white marbled pressing. With the Resodance dates approaching, there’s no better window to catch up on the album before hearing it live.
They Dance Upon Our Graves (3:52) Full runtime: 33:37
Old crusty metalheads can be stuck in their ways, but THE GHOULSTARS are a fresh—and frightening—blast from the past. Since invading the land of the living back in 2021, the horror punk supergroup has captivated press and tantalized crowds in their native haunt of Finland without releasing a single bloody track. Until now! Evil mastermind Markus “Daddy Ghoul” Laakso and his fellow pop-culture junkies are raising the cobwebbed curtain from their blockbuster debut album. On The Dark Overlords of the Universe, no tome is too sacred for these ghouls to summon back to life!
“The Dark Overlords of the Universe is a love letter to our fifteen-year-old selves”, Laakso says. “It’s crammed with headbanging metal riffs, shout-along punk rock choruses, B-movie easter eggs, ‘80s aesthetics, surprising curveballs and the sheer joy of all the pieces falling into the right places. Move over, Rover, and let the ghouls take over!”.
Despite their ghostly appearance, The Ghoulstars are a collection of real talent. Axeman Laakso and goose-bumping drummer Toni “Ghoulio” Ronkainen shared a past life together in the Top Ten charting Finnish death-doom band Kuolemanlaakso. Bassist Markus “Hella Ghoul” Makkonen formerly haunted the low end for Season of Mist labelmates Hooded Menace while moonhowler Arthur “LL Ghoul A” Thure croons for the stoner rockers Thermate.
Banding The Ghoulstars together is a freaky obsession with the classic metal, punk and movies that blew their minds as kids. The Dark Overlords of the Universe is named after the many-teethed mutants from the 1986 cult classic Howard the Duck. “I grew up during a time when movies in Finland were censored, so my hobby was collecting uncensored VHS tapes of horror and sci-fi movies any way I could”, Laakso reveals. As a young skeleton, he frequently raided European record store crates for The Misfits, Bad Religion and obscure metal finds though the album’s lead single spun off from his schooling in the U.S. With Mötley Crüe’s pomp and the can’t-do attitude of Twisted Sister roaming its halls, lead single “Too Ghoul for School” is jam-packed with more fun-filled ‘80s antics than Saturday afternoon detention.
“Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Lost Boys and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off are some of my favorite movies”, Laakso applauds. “I love the cliched characters: the nerds, the jocks, the cool kids and the rebels. They remind me of my junior high school days”.
To bring their ingenious creation to life, The Ghoulstars summoned V. Santura of the mighty Triptykon for the mixing and mastering of The Dark Overlords of the Universe. “Graverobbers from Outer Space” pays homage to Ed Wood’s B-horror classic Plan 9 from Outer Space with a straight-up headbanging chorus, though not many clear-cut punk rippers are enlivened by a doomy C-part and güiro. “That’s one of my favorite moments on the album”, Laakso recalls before relishing the song’s death metal finish. The Wolfman, a zombie apocalypse, the brain that wouldn’t die and other cultishly beloved touchstones jump out during the album’s crisp 34-minute runtime. Though the band also enter original plots to horror’s hallowed crypt. Set amidst the cruel unfeeling world of the Wild West, “The Dead in Purgatory” rides a galloping melody after Morricone’s heart into a sunset that’s colored by the fifty shades of Volbeat.
“No spoilers, but all cowboy hats aside, that song deals with feeling hopeless and abandoned by someone close to you who needs but refuses your help”, teases Laakso.
The Ghoulstars may be undead, but there’s nothing pale or lifeless about The Dark Overlords of the Universe. The title track crosses surf beats, heavy riffing and a hair-raising transition into a chorus that’s absolutely to die for. “We can’t wait to unleash this delightful horror upon the world”, Daddy Ghoul says with an ominous glint in his bloodshot eye. “As V. Santura told me: ‘The record is unique, catchy and a really fun listen’”.
With The Dark Overlords of the Universe, The Ghoulstars direct a monstrously catchy mash-up between metal, punk and B-horror.
Lineup: Markus “Daddy Ghoul” Laakso — Guitars Toni “Ghoulio” Ronkainen — Drums Arthur “LL Ghoul A” Thure — Vocals Markus “Hella Ghoul” Makkonen — Bass
Guest Musicians: Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns (…and Oceans, Finntrol) — Backing Growls Tommi “Tuple” Salmela (Tarot, Raskasta Joulua, Lazy Bones) — Backing Vocals on “The Dark Overlords of the Universe”)
Production Credits: Produced by Markus Laakso. Guitars recorded by Markus Laakso and Erkka Närhi. Vocals recorded by Markus Laakso and Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns. Drums recorded by Erkka Närhi. Bass recorded by Samu Männikkö and Markus Laakso. Percussion recorded by Markus Laakso. Mixed & Mastered by V. Santura at Woodshed Studio in Germany.
Laser Dracul started out in 2015 in a small industrial town called Borlänge in the middle of Sweden. When they started they had the intention to play influenced by the music they really like and make some heavy music. Laser Dracul heavily influenced by the heavy bands of the 60, 70 and 80s.
In early 2016 they record their first four songs that ended up on their first record that was released as self titled in December 2016 on the German label Van Records.
In late 2019 they went in to the studio once again and recorded six new songs that became the album Hagridden. The album Hagridden was released by Swedish label Majestic Mountain Records in autumn 2020.
In September their third album Hin Håle Blues will be released by Majestic Mountain Records. Hin Håle blues is recorded at the same studio as the two previous albums, at Sellnoise studios in Borlänge Sweden.
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
