MAGNADUR released their new single “Rest If Needed” on March 20, 2026. The track is taken from the upcoming album Bloodmoon over Niflheim, which is scheduled for release this summer.
Built around a cinematic and atmospheric approach to melodic death metal, “Rest If Needed” continues the sound Magnadur has been shaping through the work of Tomi Perrakoski at Metal Madness Studios. The new single offers another glimpse into the mood and direction of the forthcoming album.
Magnadur describes “Rest If Needed” as the project’s strongest song so far. Listeners into Dimmu Borgir, Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquillity, Opeth, Amorphis, and Nightwish will find familiar ground in its mix of weight, melody, and atmosphere.
Melodic rock powerhouse MATTADOR is excited to announce the release of their new studio album, titled “III”, and scheduled for June 19, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band also shares the new single “Black Water”, along with an official video, available below.
Carlos Benitez expressed his enthusiasm for the release, by saying: “We are very excited about finally releasing the long-awaited single “Black Water” from our new album. This song is going to kick you up and put you in gear. It’s a very hi-energy, rocking tune with great performance, loud choruses, and it’s the first song we wrote for this album… So, it’s a special one. I can’t wait for all of you to rock out to this one!”
Carlos Benitez said: “We feel that we have a great album packed with amazing songs, from big ballads and acoustic compositions to rock anthems and so much more. It’s an evolution of the band and it has it all. The production is more on the organic side of things, when talking about the sound of the album. We didn’t want it to sound like other productions out there today, and we worked hard to find the right balance to make it sound powerful and current but different from what is considered standard nowadays; and we are pleased with the results”.
“We focused more on the music we wrote for this one. The album was co/produced and mixed by Bob St John, who has worked with Bands like Collective Soul Extreme, Duran Duran, and many others. Newcomer to the band is our bass player and multi-instrumentalist Abraham Millett, who comes from working and touring as a member of Third Eye Blind and many others”, he added. “I play drums, and I also produced the album, while on vocals is original singer Mike Villegas, and on guitar is original member Miguel Rodriguez. Collectively all of the original members have been involved in high-profile gigs/bands and working with international artists and world tours during the band’s hiatus and bring all of that experience and growth to the group’s creative process. With this lineup, we found the right balance that inspired us to make this new album.”
“III” Tracklist:
1. Awake 2. Black Water 3. Out For Blood 4. Say You’ll Stay 5. Levitate 6. Crawling 7. Same Kind Of Crazy 8. Falling Backwards 9. Portal 10. Slow Down 11. Moksha 12. No Way Out
Mattador, the veteran melodic rock band from Puerto Rico, returns with “III” – their powerful new studio album of all-original material. Originally active from 1988 to 1995, the band earned a loyal following thanks to their explosive live shows and a unique blend of hard rock and Latin influences, performing alongside legends like Aerosmith and Iron Maiden and gaining attention across the European rock scene.
Reunited in 2022, the founding members reignited their creative fire, channelling decades of experience into 12 brand-new tracks. From soaring power ballads to riff-heavy anthems and high-octane rockers, “III” captures Mattador’s signature sound with renewed energy and vision.
Co-produced and engineered by Bob St. John (Extreme, Dokken, Collective Soul), the album also marks the beginning of the band’s collaboration with Frontiers Music Srl, poised to bring their music to a global audience.
The current lineup features original members Michael Villegas (vocals), Carlos Benitez (drums, vocals), Miguel “Tito” Rodriguez (guitar, violin), and new member Abraham Millet (bass, keyboards). Together, they forge a unique sound that combines the melodic sensibilities of classic Rock with an undercurrent of Hard Rock with a hint of Prog and a contemporary edge.
Rooted in Puerto Rico and ready for the world stage, Mattador is back – tighter, louder, and more inspired than ever.
Line Up: Carlos Benitez – Drums, Percussion, Background and Lead Vocals Abraham Millett – Bass and Keyboards Miguel Rodriguez – Guitars, Lead Guitar, Violin Mike Villegas – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitars
Pete Lambrou, the visionary composer and multi-instrumentalist behind VLMV (pronounced “Alma”), is one of the most singular voices emerging from the ambient, post-rock, and experimental scenes in the UK. With a career that spans atmospheric solo work, film and television scoring, and evocative live performance, Lambrou has carved out a distinctive sonic universe he describes as “ambient-ish post-something” – a playful yet accurate summation of a sound that is at once genre-fluid and deeply immersive.
VLMV will release his stunning new album There Will Come Soft Rains on 24th April via Pelagic Records.
VLMV has revealed the second single from the album, ‘Tribal (A Heart, Self-Taught)’. Stream and pre-save There Will Come Soft Rains here: https://orcd.co/vlmv-tribal
VLMV comments on the new single: “‘Tribal (A Heart, Self-Taught)’ was the first track written for the new album, and sort of set the tone for the rest to follow. A Berlin inspired, ambient techno piece that is more rhythmic and drum led than anything I’ve done before. It’s an angry yet hopefully communal call to the wilds and questions whether we’ve completely missed the tipping point.”
There Will Come Soft Rains takes its title from Sara Teasdale’s 1918 poem and Ray Bradbury’s later short story, both of which imagine a world continuing quietly after humanity’s disappearance. Written during a period of deep engagement with climate fiction and ecological thought, There Will Come Soft Rains reflects on humanity’s legacy, its technological ambition, and its uneasy relationship with the natural world. A century on from Teasdale’s poem, the balance of power feels less certain, and Lambrou’s music inhabits that tension with remarkable subtlety.
Lambrou’s singular sonic language sits at the intersection of ambient, post-rock, modern classical, and experimental electronic music, while remaining unmistakably human at its core. There Will Come Soft Rains has a geological sense of time: themes creep, expand, erode, and reform, resisting conventional structures in favour of something more patient and immersive. Lambrou’s unique voice is intimate and fragile, his vocals hover above the instrumentation, a guiding thread through the expansive soundscapes, drawing listeners closer into the emotional core of each piece.
Formed in early 2015 and fronted by songwriter/producer Pete Lambrou, VLMV released their debut album via Fierce Panda Records in August 2015, receiving critical acclaim. In 2018 VLMV released their follow-up, and subsequently signed to the illustrious Erased Tapes Music Publishing. Hailed as “Breath-taking in its scope and evoking imagery of the vastness of space…a shimmering soundscape of delicate ethereal beauty” by The Independent, the album was nominated for a Prog Award later that year.
After extensive UK and EU touring until 2020, the pandemic saw a gap in the hectic live schedule and Pete began writing what was to become 2022’s Sing With Abandon. VLMV’s third studio album was described by Prog Magazine as “Gently epic…A proper album, then, as best experienced as such” who crowned it one of the ten albums of the year.
VLMV have toured the UK and mainland Europe multiple times, as the headline act and support with the likes of Mono, And So I Watch You From Afar, Nordic Giants and God Is An Astronaut, and performing as prestigious festivals ArcTanGent, Dunk, Portals and Post In Paris.
As a composer for Erased Tapes Music, Pete’s work has been heard in households all over the world across commercials, film and television, with clients including Ikea, Vice, Hyundai, Rolex, BT Sport, Amazon, The BBC, S-Power and The National Trust. VLMV’s music has also been as far reaching, with high profile spots on Amazon’s The Grand Tour, Santander, The Champions League Final via BT Sport, and even for The University of Zurich.
TRACKLISTING: 1. Tribal (A Heart, Self-Taught) 2. We Are All Explorers Now 3. The Pilot 4. Bodies Grown, Pt.1 5. In Absentia 6. I Am An Officer 7. Philistine! (Reclaim The Sky) 8. Bodies Grown, Pt.2 9. Somnolence
Southern California rock band The Mendenhall Experiment are gearing up for a powerful run of live shows as they join Josey Scott on the highly anticipated “Every Six Seconds 25th Anniversary Tour.”
For this run, the band will be joined by Tuomas Vuorio, who will step in as touring drummer while their current drummer, Cameron, takes personal time. Known for his work with 96 Bitter Beings (96BB), Vuorio brings a seasoned presence and dynamic energy behind the kit, adding an exciting element to the band’s live performances.
Tuomas Vuorio is a Finnish drummer known for his powerful stage presence, precision, and versatility across rock and rhythm-driven music. Based in Turku, Finland, he has built a reputation as a disciplined and dynamic performer capable of delivering high-energy live performances as well as controlled, expressive studio work.
Vuorio is an official member of the American rock band 96 Bitter Beings, led by Deron Miller, formerly of CKY. As part of the band, he performs internationally and contributes to both live and recording projects, providing the rhythmic backbone that supports the group’s aggressive and melodic sound.
In addition to his work in rock music, Vuorio has a strong background in Brazilian percussion and samba. He has served as Diretora de Bateria (musical director of percussion) in Finnish carnival samba, leading large percussion ensembles responsible for the driving rhythmic core of samba performances. Under his leadership and participation, his samba group achieved the Finnish Championship title in carnival samba twice, highlighting his ability to manage complex rhythm sections and large-scale live performances.
Before joining 96 Bitter Beings, Vuorio was active in the Finnish rock and metal scenes, performing in numerous live productions and recording projects. His drumming is recognized for its powerful groove, technical control, and endurance on demanding tour schedules.
Vuorio is endorsed by Pearl Drums, Roland electronics, SE Electronics microphones, Balbex drumsticks, and Sihi cymbals. His playing style blends precision, stamina, and musical intensity, making him a compelling force both on stage and in the studio.
The Mendenhall Experiment on Tour with Josey Scott Dates:
4/19 @ The Wave in Wichita, KS 4/10 @ Wild Goose in Parker, CO 4/11 @ Old City Beer in Casper, WY 4/12 @ Liquid Joe’s in Salt Lake City, UT 4/15 @ Pub Station in Billings, MT 4/16 @ Boomer’s Garden in Lewiston, ID 4/17 @ Cruisers in Stateline, ID 4/18 @ Ray’s Golden Lion in Richland, WA 4/19 @ Wow Hall in Eugene, OR 4/21 @ Alpine in Reno, NV 4/22 @ Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA 4/24 @ Rebel in Phoenix, AZ 4/25 @ Encore in Tucson, AZ
Formed in 2008 and based in Southern California, The Mendenhall Experiment (TMX) was born as Brandon Mendenhall’s own personal aspiration to be in a world-famous band while working within the limitations of Cerebral Palsy, knowing full well that the cards were stacked against finding musicians willing to work with him. Born with Cerebral Palsy, an incurable neurological disorder affecting movement, coordination and, balance; Brandon faces numerous challenges. With limited movement on his left side and zero mobility in his left hand, the odds were stacked against him from birth. However, inspired by acts such as Korn and Pantera, Brandon taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 19, rehabilitating his left hand without surgical intervention.
The Mendenhall Experiment has been regularly performing on the infamous Sunset Strip in addition to gigs throughout the region opening for the likes of such metal mainstays as John 5, POD, Alien Ant Farm, Kill Devil Hill, Fear Factory, Prong, Flaw, Metal Allegiance, Smile Empty Soul, Cold, and more. In 2022 TMX received an award from Daniel’s Music Foundation in recognition of their continuing efforts to raise disability awareness in the music industry and performed to a sold-out audience at the award ceremony which took place at the Symphony Space Performing Arts Center on Broadway in New York City. In 2023 TMX signed with Satellite Touring and embarked on five national tours alongside artists such as Influence, Scream At The Sky and Andrew W. Boss.
The band received another Danny Award from Daniel’s Music Foundation for the 6th Annual Danny Awards in NYC on October 25th 2025.
The Mendenhall Experiment is currently sponsored by Monster Energy, Ibanez Guitars, EMG Pickups, EVH Amplifiers, Evertune Bridges, and InTune Guitar Picks.
The Mendenhall Experiment is: Brandon Mendenhall – Rhythm Guitarist Mario Valadez – Vocalist Nathan Stockton – Bassist Cameron B. Casey – Percussionist
Norwegian-Sámi artist EMIL KÁRLSEN has announced the postponement of his upcoming album “Nannámii” due to health reasons. The record, set for release on By Norse Music, will now be released the September 25, 2026.
Pre-orders will remain valid, contact By Norse directly if you have any questions about your pre-order. Emil Kárlsen´s upcoming shows in Oslo, Bodø and Tromsø have been moved.
Full statement by Emil:
Dear followers, friends and family. I am sorry to announce that my album release and upcoming shows in Oslo, Bodø and Tromsø this spring will be postponed. It is not an easy decision to make: I feel a big responsibility for everyone who were involved and made plans to attend the show, both venues, organizers, co-musicians and most of all my fantastic audience, and I know some of you are traveling far.
But I have been pushing it too hard for a while now, and managed to turn life completely upside down. Life is more than I can handle these days, so I need to turn on the brakes and use the spring to get my head and health back on the right track again.
I am very proud of this album, and It’s important to me to give you the best possible albumrelease and to be capable of delivering top notch live shows. But releasing an entire album and putting up big shows demands more than I can give at this point.
Therefore, the new album-release date will instead be September 25th.
Concerts at Tromsø Kulturhus will take place February 4th 2027 and at Sinus Bodø February 5th 2027.
Your tickets will be moved to the new date, and if you can’t attend the new dates, you can ask for the tickets to be refunded within the next three weeks. As for the concert in Oslo we are working on a new time and place. The opera is fully booked this autumn, and next year they will be closed for renovation, so we will be back with more information as soon as we landed a new spot.
All tickets for the opera will be refunded and more information will follow shortly.
I am very sorry, but I hope you understand, and I look forward to see you all again.
Italian death metallers CHRONIC HATE will release their highly anticipated new album, “Defeating The Oblivion Of Life“, on May 29th 2026 via Time To Kill Records.
The first single “The Wrong” is now streaming HERE.
The band comments:
“The lead single and opening track of our new album, ‘Defeating The Oblivion Of Life’, kicks off with deeply personal lyrics that resonate with anyone feeling out of place in today’s world of forced conformity and hypocritical respectability. Take pride in being an outsider! This track is our manifesto: pure rage, pure death metal, pure defiance”.
Born from a band seasoned by over two decades of experience, the album clearly draws inspiration from the classic ‘90s death metal sound, with a nod to bands like Monstrosity and early Sinister, while updating these influences just enough to create a record that goes beyond mere homage. The songs are built around intricate, well-constructed riffs, impressive technical skill without descending into empty showmanship, and a subtle atmospheric layer that occasionally hints at blackened currents.
“Defeating The Oblivion Of Life” inaugurates a significant new chapter for CHRONIC HATE. The album thrusts listeners into the extreme spirals of death metal through a mature fusion of different influences and compositional approaches. Its sound is driven by a solid and devastating production, achieved in the tradition of the genre with 100% acoustic drums and real amplifiers.
Lyrically, the album is an act of rebellion against a world that seeks to condemn our lives to oblivion, submerging us in distractions and waste, reducing us to a dehumanized herd. The songs alternate between crude, direct verses and more intimate, lacerating, and personal passages, delivering undeniable emotional power and authenticity.
Tracklist:
1. The Wrong 2. Blastphemy 3. Mass Distraction Program 4. Regurgitated Brains 5. Despair… In Sorrow 6. Subjugated Minds 7. Born To Appear 8. Handcuffed 9. Chronic Hate
Formed in 2001 in Northeast Italy, CHRONIC HATE have built a strong presence in the European metal scene, performing alongside bands such as Obituary, Suffocation, Misery Index, Destruction, Hideous Divinity, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Pungent Stench, Disharmonic Orchestra, Severe Torture, Nero di Marte, Sadist, Impiety, Noctem, Tortharry, Doomas, and many more. They have appeared at festivals including Tolminator Metalfest 2024 (Slovenia), Gothoom Fest 2023 (Slovakia), Morphing Fest 2023 (Czech Republic), Metaldays Fest 2015 (Slovenia), Eresia Metalfest 2019 (Italy), as well as several smaller events across Italy, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovenia.
Line-up:
Andrea – Vocals Daniele – Guitars / Backing Vocals Massimo – Guitars Marco – Bass Nicolas – Drums
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 