Leading independent festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents has announced the 2027 dates for Aftershock following a record-breaking 2026 edition that welcomed a sold-out crowd of 180,000 music fans over four days, 140+ artists on 5 stages and an expanded festival site.
The 15th year of the West Coast’s Largest Rock, Punk & Metal Festival takes place at Discovery Park in downtown Sacramento, California 30th September – 3rd October, 2027. More details about the full lineup and onsite attractions will be announced in the coming months.
Aftershock 4-Day General Admission, VIP and Capital Club passes go on sale to the public Monday, November 16 at 12:00 PM PT along with RV and tent camping. Fans are encouraged to visit the festival website to sign up for the subscriber presale beginning Friday, November 13 at 12:00 PM PT, and Jampackhotel packages are available NOW atthis link.
New this year: the 916 Pass gets you GA access to all six days of Aftershock and GoldenSky at a special bundled rate.
Aftershock 2026, Sam Shapiro
Aftershock 2026 received praise from an array of media worldwide, including:
“A heaven for heavy music fans…This year’s Aftershock couldn’t have asked for a better lineup, but four days at Discovery Park proved why the Sacramento festival remains a must for heavy music fans.” —Alternative Press
“Aftershock 2026 proved that heavy music is more alive, diverse… than ever before.” —Heavy Magazine (Australia)
“What started as a humble two-day fest, Aftershock has grown into a four-day behemoth that’s now in its 14th year. Whether your flavor is hard rock, metalcore, nu-metal, pop-punk, post-hardcore, rap, and truthfully everything in-between, you’ll find something you’re bound to enjoy across the festival’s five stages.” —Lambgoat
“Aftershock is no longer just a fleeting event; it has become an integral part of the city spirit of Sacramento.” —Rolling Stone Korea
About Danny Wimmer Presents:
Since 1995, music industry veteran Danny Wimmer has been producing concerts and festivals, both large and small. In 2011, he founded Danny Wimmer Presents, a live entertainment company that produces the largest rock, metal, and alternative music festivals in the U.S. DWP creates unforgettable and all-encompassing festival experiences, leaving both attendees and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. Since 2020, DWP has been an innovator in the digital content space with over two dozen international livestreams, acclaimed social series Offstage with DWP, DWPresents Channel on Twitch, which garnered over 25 million worldwide views since its launch in mid-2021, and The Power Hour, a weekly show dedicated to the world of rock that aired on AXS TV. DWP’s paranormal investigative video series Paranormal Prison (2023-2025) documented some of the supernatural experiences at Ohio State Reformatory during Inkcarceration with the help of bands performing at the festival. Episodes are available at www.youtube.com/@DannyWimmerPresents. The 2026 DWP festival lineup includes Aftershock, Bourbon & Beyond, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival and Welcome To Rockville.
European groove metal masters NOUMENIA are back with a stark and uncompromising new music video for their song “Shards.” Directed by the legendary Steve Saints, the clip strips away extraneous digital noise in favor of a raw, claustrophobic atmosphere. Filmed within the concrete confines of White Studios in Milan, Italy, the video mirrors the suffocating psychological states of depression explored throughout the track. The band confronts their collective skeletons head-on, turning vulnerability into a powerful catalyst for strength. “Shards” is available now on all digital platforms via rock and metal record label Eclipse Records.
“These are sensitive but important topics, especially when you’re living with these feelings” explains vocalist Vivian Black. “I wanted to tap into a more introspective part of myself. We don’t want to destroy the hope of getting better, it’s actually quite the opposite. I believe it’s good to talk about the dark moments in our lives, especially when that hope seems to be missing. It’s important because if talking about it becomes something to be ashamed of, then we all get used to suppressing these emotions rather than expressing them and turning them into a source of strength to actually overcome them. Making music isn’t just about creating a catchy song or talking about nice things, isn’t all roses and sunshine. It’s also about bringing out what’s hard to express in everyday life.”
Musically, Noumenia builds upon the foundational heaviness established by their debut full-length record, Echoes (2025 Eclipse Records). The track balances crushing rhythm sections with haunting vocal cadences, reflecting a broader thematic mission to bring dark internal realities into the light. By refusing to offer superficial optimism, Noumenia validate the heavier moments of human experience, creating a visceral connection with listeners who navigate similar struggles. The resulting production stands as a testament to the group’s uncompromising artistic identity, bridging the gap between aggressive instrumentation and profound introspection. Through deliberate framing and unflinching lyrical honesty, the ensemble carves out a distinct space within the modern European heavy music landscape, proving that true artistic power lies in confronting the shadows we so often try to ignore. Musically, Noumenia balance intense aggression with haunting atmosphere. The track pairs buzzsaw guitars and heavy rhythmic grooves with deeply expressive vocal performances that switch effortlessly between savage power and ghostly vulnerability. By blending raw catharsis with precise musicianship, Noumenia prove why they are one of Europe’s most exciting modern metal exports. Stream Shards today on all major digital platforms and feel the impact firsthand.
About Noumenia: NOUMENIA are a post groove metal band from Northern Italy who have crafted an explosive soul-striking sound that hits you square in the face, the mind, the heart, and the spine. Formed in late 2018, Noumenia first consisted of: Matteo Campagnoli (bass), Matteo Radaelli (guitar), and Samuele Zichi (drums), altogether a more instrumental project that was finally realized in terms of overall sound and theme with the addition of Vivian Nigro (vocals).
Greek power metal band Firewind release today the new single “Firegod”, along with an official video. The track is the second single from the upcoming new studio album, “Gods, Myths & Titans”, out on February 19, 2027, via BLKIIBLK.
Led by guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, King Diamond, etc), Firewind have evolved into a powerhouse band with a devoted international fanbase and a string of acclaimed albums.
Gus G. stated: “Firegod” is the second single from our upcoming album and this one’s about Prometheus and the theft of Fire. According to the myth, Prometheus stole the Fire from the gods (aka wisdom) to give it to mankind, and his punishment was eternal torment chained to a remote rock where an eagle ate his liver. But because Prometheus was immortal, his liver grew back every night, and the agony repeated endlessly. Musically speaking, the track is classic Firewind. Riff driven, old school metal with big melodic choruses & shredding solos. Dig in!”
The band is also pleased to announce new touring plans for 2027, with Spanish tour dates in April, and an appearance at the Quest Fest in Wolverhampton, UK, next October. All the tour dates and details are below.
With “Gods, Myths & Titans”, Firewind return with one of the strongest and most inspired albums of their career. The record also marks the return of Henning Basse behind the microphone, bringing a powerful and distinctive vocal presence that perfectly complements the band’s unmistakable sound.
The album also marks a significant new chapter for Firewind and Frontiers Label Group, as the band’s first album released through BLKIIBLK, Frontiers Label Group’s dedicated metal brand.
Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the record unfolds as a cohesive concept-driven journey through gods, heroes and legends, giving the album an additional sense of identity and epic scope.
Exceptionally strong songwriting, memorable melodies and carefully crafted orchestral arrangements add a new dimension to Firewind’s trademark heavy metal attack, enriching the music without ever compromising its power and intensity.
Tracks such as “Firegod” and “The Legend Of Achilles” are destined to become huge sing-along anthems for the band’s fans, with the kind of memorable choruses made for being shouted back from the crowd. And, as always, Gus G. delivers a phenomenal guitar performance, combining breathtaking technique with melody, emotion and his unmistakable signature style.
“Gods, Myths & Titans” is more than another great Firewind album: it stands as a major highlight in the band’s discography and one of the most exciting heavy metal releases of 2027. For Firewind and Gus G., this is a career-defining chapter.
“Myths, Gods & Titans” Tracklist:
1. Prologue Sacrifice 2. Firegod 3. I Will Sail On 4. The Legend Of Achilles 5. Cries Of A Mortal 6. Queen Of The Underworld 7. Prelude The Chosen One 8. Under Aegean Skies 9. A King Dethroned 10. Unbreakable 11. Titans Fall 12. Epilogue
FIREWIND – Gods, Myths & Titans 2027 Tour:
Spanish Tour Dates: 31.03 – Barcelona 01.04 – Madrid 02.04 – Granada 03.04 – Murcia
Quest Fest 2027: 23.10 – Wolverhampton, UK
Line Up: Gus G. – Guitar, Keyboards Henning Basse – Vocals Petros Christo – Bass Johan Nunez – Drums
Forged in the asphalt-cracked underbelly of Houston, TX, NIGHT COBRA unleashes a blistering, high-octane take on razor-sharp heavy metal. Following their celebrated debut album released in 2022 on High Roller Records the band returns sharper, leaner, and more dangerous than ever with a new union with independent heavy metal purveyor Nameless Graves Records. Mixed by the great Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, etc.), ‘Beware the Dark Future’ is due on November 6 with two stunning vinyl variants, CD, and digital formats. The album can now be streamed in its entirety via NWOTHM Full Albums at THIS LOCATION
‘Beware the Dark Future’ is now available for pre-order via Nameless Graves for CD HERE and vinyl HERE.
The cover artwork was created by Calvin Cushman and can be found below along with the tracklisting.
Tracklist: 01. Keepers Of The Cult (03:26) [LISTEN] 02. Cut By The Knife (04:31) 03. Cry For Blood (05:26) 04. Beware The Dark Future (04:05) 05. Demons Of Fire (04:22) 06. On The Edge (05:08) 07. Cheating Death (04:48) 08. Starlight (08:21) Album Running Time: 00:40:11
Forged in the asphalt-cracked underbelly of Houston, TX, trad metal revivalists NIGHT COBRA unleashes a blistering, high-octane take on razor-sharp heavy metal designed to blow the future apart. Following their celebrated debut album released in 2022 on High Roller Records the band returns sharper, leaner, and more dangerous than ever with a new union with independent heavy metal purveyor Nameless Graves Records.
Fronted by Christian “Bakka” Larson, the driving force behind Necrofier, veteran of Eternal Champion and Venomous Maximus, and visionary creator/producer of the powerhouse Hell’s Heroes festival, Night Cobra carries the torch of true metal pedigree while injecting it with a lethal dose of swagger and attitude that can only come from a band that calls Texas home. The album was mixed by the great Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne) and also marks appearances from Texas metal masters Dobber Beverly (Necrofier, Insect Warfare, Oceans of Slumber) and Trevi Biles (Venomous Maximus). The album is bolstered by a guest appearance from James Rivera (Helstar, ex-Destiny’s End, ex-Vicious Rumors, ex-Malice).
Live Lineup: Christian Bakka – Vocals/Synth Brandon Barger – Guitar Bill Fool – Guitar Trevi Biles – Bass Anthony Vallejo – Drums
Special Guest: James Rivera (Helstar, ex-Destiny’s End, ex-Vicious Rumors) on “Cry for Blood” and “Starlight”
Album credits: Recorded at Southwing Audio & Shadow Wind Studios Mixed by Mike Exeter (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne) Mastered by Peter Hewitt-Dutton at The Bakery Layout by Subhuman Being Cover Artist: Calvin Cushman
2027 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Udo Dirkschneider. The legendary German vocalist has plenty to celebrate, including his 75th birthday, the 40th anniversary of U.D.O., and the release of the band’s 20th studio album, ‘Voodoo Ranger’, arriving January 8, 2027, through Reigning Phoenix Music. Adding to the celebrations, Udo’s autobiography is scheduled for release on January 12.
Speaking with Jimmy Kay at The Metal Voice, alongside longtime musical collaborator and former Accept bandmate Peter Baltes, the two musicians discussed the new album, their songwriting chemistry, the creative process behind the record, the emotional inspiration behind Baltes’ ballad “Moving On,” and some fascinating memories from their Accept years. They also answered the question were they invited to participate in an Accept 50 year Reunion album.
When asked (Peter Baltes) about returning to a creative partnership with Dirkschneider
“It feels really amazing because it kind of is, you know, it’s the real deal. We haven’t seen each other for such a long time and we had so much to catch up with, which we don’t on the road when we were on tour. Writing and having that experience again brings it a little bit back to when you were like 18-19, when we started out. Not much changed. The voice is the same, you know. That’s about it. It’s an incredible feeling.”
When asked (Udo) about comparing the new album to the previous ones
“Touchdown, I think, was more aggressive, more modern. And this time, working with Peter together, that was also already something different. We have also in the band two young guys, my son Sven and Dee Dammers. And so that was like two generations, you know, working together, young generation and the older generation. And that was like a very interesting process. The collaboration required everyone to remain open to new ideas, even when those ideas initially seemed unusual. They came up with some stuff where we was in the beginning like, okay, let’s try that. And then also the other way around, you know, we said also from the older guys, maybe we can do it like this. The most important thing is if you have something like this, young and older generation, to be open-minded. First try everything and see how it goes. And if it works, okay. If it doesn’t work, then it’s also okay.”
When asked (Peter) about his experience writing the album
“For me, it was a big change to come in a band where there’s literally no ego. Once you have no ego and everybody is thinking, all right, let’s do this for the best of the band. I don’t care what happens to my song. You can dissect it, whatever. If you have a good idea, we take it. It doesn’t make any difference. That was the recipe to me that made this album so special. It was literally everybody just threw everything to the wolves, and there it is. Let’s make a great album.”
When asked (Udo) the new song ‘Sky’s the Limit’ off the new album
“Let’s say one of my really favourite songs is also ‘Sky’s the Limit.’ It’s groovy, it’s catchy. I hate this word, but it’s in a way the most commercial song on this album.”
When asked Peter the new song ‘Moving on’ off the new album written and sung by Baltes and if it was about his Accept departures
“The best way to express yourself is through music. You know, I’m not really a writer. When my biography comes out, it’ll be like a cartoon. But yeah, it was even a little bit more like that, I have to say. It wasn’t just about maybe my exit from the band (Accept). It was just looking at yourself. We’re getting older. We’re leaving things behind. Things are changing. It was a very personal song and I wasn’t really sure if we should do it, but Udo really liked it.”
When asked about the innovative controversial video for “Midnight Mover,” which featured rapid camera movements and editing techniques that were quite unusual for the period. The video was so visually intense that it reportedly raised concerns about its rapid editing and whether it could cause problems for viewers.
“It was done with so many cameras, you know, and it was an unusual setup. And back then it was a lot of money spent on these videos. Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) had once told me that he was nearly throwing up after watching it for the first time.”
When asked if Udo was invited to participate as a guest on Accept’s 50 year reunion album “Teutonic Titans 1976-2026”
“No. Not me. That’s completely wrong. Oh, I have to say something about this. I think Peter (Baltes) and Stefan (Kaufmann, Ex ACCEPT drummer) were asked by Wolf (to participate). But they said, in a way, no. And Wolf is talking about (in interviews that) he was also asking me (to appear on the album). He never asked me personally or by management. I don’t like stuff like that. (He) put something in medias, social medias and blah, blah, blah and this is not true. It doesn’t matter if I say yes or no, but don’t tell something like this. This is not… I don’t know. I don’t like stuff like that.”
For fans of heavy music, the four stars of Meridian Veil are easy to spot. Guitarist Danny Marino, vocalist Matt McGachy, drummer Dylan Gowan and cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne are known not only across their native Canada but around the world as members of The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Seven Spires and Leprous. Now, together, they’re pushing themselves to even greater emotional extremes with their new progressive metal band’s inventive debut album. At once bold, blistering and beautiful, Forgotten Sun is a timely reminder of everything that makes us human.
“From the beginning, more than 20 years ago, I wanted Meridian Veil to be deeply emotional”, Marino says. “Even though Forgotten Sun gets heavy, there’s a deep longing that runs through the cautionary tale at the album’s core”.
Today, Meridian Veil are officially announcing Forgotten Sun by premiering its thrilling music video for the album’s epic opener and lead single. “The Watcher” with Metal Injection.
Watch the music video for “The Watcher” over at Metal Injection.
Meridian Veil is two decades in the making. Marino and McGachy first met during the early 2000s while the two were growing up in Montreal, Québec. But the concept behind Forgotten Sun has never been more pressing. Unlike conventional dystopian epics, the album is told from the perspective of an Artificial Superintelligence that’s programmed to serve the greater good, albeit, to disastrous results.
“Technology is evolving far faster than the actual evolution of our species”, Marino comments. “It’s going so fast that soon we’ll be at the point where we are completely disconnected from it”.
Lead single “The Watcher” signals the moment that the A.I. is welcomed into our world. “I am afraid”, McGachy declares in an awe-inspiring scream that’s met by a rush of Gowan’s blast beats. While each band member is well-known for their metallic strength, Meridian Veil prides itself on emotional feats. Like a flutter of excitement in the pit of one’s stomach, Marino’s deep aching melodies leap into piercing leads. Stroking and shredding on his cello, Raphael Weinroth-Browne raises the tension until the song reaches it cathartic finish.
“There’s so much to take in”, McGachy sings, polishing off his raspy cleans. “Now I’m eager to see everything”.
“Singing on this album was freeing for me”, McGachy shares. “I’m happy to show that side of myself”.
“When you have a band that involves writers from different styles, you get something really unique”, Gowan adds.
Weinroth-Browne agrees. “I believe Forgotten Sun captures the best aspects of 2000’s death and prog metal with a distinctly modern approach”.
The video for “The Watcher” was written and directed by Christopher Kells. Kells played bass and contributed backing vocals in The Agonist alongside Marino.
“I’ve known Chris for almost 30 years”, McGachy says. “It’s been very nice for me to watch him blossom into such a great director”.
Additional video credits Director of Photography – Jonathan Beaton Gaffer – Franz Stapleberg Key Grip – Dan Carne Art Direction – Giuseppe Calvanisti Makeup Artist – Ruby Pearls Producers – Christopher Kells & Jonathan Beaton Editing – Christopher Kells Color – Chritopher Kells & Jonathan Beaton Background – Simon McKay & Corey Croisier Location – Dock 619
Tracklist
The Watcher (6:40)
Orpheus Before the Light (5:11)
Ashen Genesis (6:51)
False Shepherd (4:36)
Only Perfection (5:19)
Downfall (4:40)
Children of Betrayal (5:12)
The Last Garden (7:26) Full runtime: 45:47
Meridian Veil is two decades in the making. Guitarist Danny Marino, vocalist Matt McGachy, drummer Dylan Gowan and cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne are household names to fans of heavy music not only across Canada but around the world as members of The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Seven Spires and Leprous. Now, they’re pushing themselves to even greater emotional extremes with their new progressive metal band’s inventive debut album. Bold, blistering and beautiful all at once, Forgotten Sun is a timely reminder of everything that makes us human.
“From the beginning, more than 20 years ago, I wanted Meridian Veil to be deeply emotional”, guitarist Danny Marino says. “Even though Forgotten Sun gets heavy, there’s a deep longing that runs through the cautionary tale at the album’s core”.
The idea for Meridian Veil started when Marino met McGachy during the early 2000s while the two were growing up in Montreal. Touring with Billboard-charting The Agonist and JUNO Award-winners Cryptopsy delayed their plans until 2024, when they met at Marino’s home for what became the initial writing and recording session of Forgotten Sun.
“I remember going home and feeling super excited”, says McGachy, who first flashed his range of harsh and clean vocals with 3 Mile Scream and The Era Of. “Forgotten Sun is an interesting, exciting and very melodic album. Singing on it was freeing for me. I’m happy to show that side of myself”.
With Meridian Veil possessing both the intense ache of melodic death metal and intriguing depths of progressive extreme metal, Marino was correct in thinking Dylan Gowan was the right fit behind the kit. He’d seen the Seven Spires drummer at The Agonist shows, as well as his online drumming videos. But recruiting a cellist instead of another guitarist didn’t cross his mind until he saw Weinroth-Browne open for Leprous.
“Upon hearing the demos for Forgotten Sun, I was struck by the quality of the songwriting”, Weinroth-Browne says. “There was a lot of room for me to contribute leads, melodies, lush harmonies and heavily distorted sounds. I believe the album captures the best aspects of 2000’s death and prog metal with a distinctly modern approach”.
“When you have a band that involves writers from different styles, you get something really unique”, Gowan adds. “Forgotten Sun is progressive metal with a very dark atmosphere and thought-provoking lyrics. I’m very proud of what we accomplished and hope people enjoy the album as much as we did making it”.
While Meridian Veil needed time to come together, the concept behind Forgotten Sun has never been more pressing. “The central tension of the album is the friction between machine logic and human biology”, Marino explains. “We’ve never had more, and yet everybody is depressed. Technology is evolving far faster than the actual evolution of our species. It’s going so fast that soon we’ll be at the point where we are completely disconnected from it”.
Unlike conventional dystopian epics, Forgotten Sun is told from the perspective of an Artificial Superintelligence that’s programmed for good. Lead single “The Watcher” welcomes the A.I. into the world with a rush of blast beats, awe-inspiring screams and raspy cleans. But despite its sincere intentions on early standout shredder “Orpheus Before the Light”, the A.I. grows frustrated as human nature thwarts its efforts toward progress. Emboldened by commanding riffs and an undeniable chorus, “False Shepherd” refuses to serve an earthly kingdom it deems built on lies, loss and endless greed.
“As the album unfolds, the A.I. stops being benevolent and starts to become controlling”, Marino explains. “It steps in to fix our mistakes, only to end up with disastrous results”.
Whether Forgotten Sun ends with a shred of hope remains open to interpretation. Shrouded by strings that ache from sorrow, “The Last Garden” mourns humanity’s failed potential, though its tragic irony cuts far deeper. “I will not fail again”, McGachy belts as his bandmates end the album in the most ideal way possible: with an incinerating climax.
“Forgotten Sun is a cautionary tale”, Marino concludes. “While flawed, it’s our messy human nature that allows us to thrive”.
Perhaps it’s too late for humanity as a whole, but when it comes to metal’s expanded universe, a star is born in Meridian Veil.
Lineup Danny Marino – Guitars Matt McGachy – Vocals Dylan Gowan – Drums Raphael Weinroth-Browne – Cello
Production Credits Vocals, guitars and drums produced and engineered by Christian Donaldson. Cello produced and engineered by Darren Mcgill at Union Sound Studio. Vocals, drums and bass guitar recorded at The Grid. Additional guitars recorded at PHG Studios. Cello recorded at Union Sound. Mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson at The Grid.
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
