After an incredible first four weeks, ROKK is off to a stronger start than we had anticipated. More people signed up faster than we expected, which unfortunately caused some temporary server issues. If you were one of the users affected by these problems, please reach out to us—we’ll happily extend your free trial by another month as a thank you for your patience.
The big news: Direct Artist Support is now available to any artist with music on ROKK, not just those who have partnered with us. This means that even if an artist hasn’t signed up with us directly, they can still benefit from their listeners’ support. Artists will soon be able to log in to their own artist area to track these payments. For now, rest assured that we are setting aside these funds.
Additionally, we have added approximately 2,000 new albums in the past week alone. If you have been missing some of your favorite tracks, chances are they’re available now—so be sure to check them out!
Thank you to all the artists and fans who have made this incredible start possible. We’re just getting started— stay tuned for more updates soon.
Stay Metal, Alex
About ROKK: ROKK is a music streaming platform built by and for rock and metal artists and fans. With a mission to make streaming fairer for artists, ROKK introduces Direct Artist Support, a revolutionary way to support artists directly in your streaming app.
ROKK is available now on iOS, Android, and on the web at rokk.app throughout Europe and the UK, with plans to expand to other territories soon.
Sweden’s CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD release not one, but two songs from their upcoming album “Chasing Danger” in this double digital single, as the album release draws closer. At the same time, the lead song, “Read Your Mind”, will be available as an official video. We’re talking Captain Black Beard at its finest! With soaring choruses and electrifying guitar riffs, this track is an instant melodic rock anthem. What makes it stand out? A killer keyboard solo by John Lönnmyr (The Night Flight Orchestra), adding an extra layer of magic to the song.
Two tracks, two anthems – “Chasing Danger” is shaping up to be an unmissable rock experience!
Join the premiering here:
Captain Black Beard is back with their new AOR masterpiece “Chasing Danger”! The new album features a ten-song energetic joyride of melodic rock with that special Swedish touch. This is the perfect blend of sounds like their contemporaries/friends The Night Flight Orchestra and H.E.A.T.
In late 2023 the band found themselves at a crossroad. Their lead singer Martin Holsner decided to quit the band to spend more time with his family. The Captain had been through a number of personnel changes over the years and the thought of just quitting certainly existed. However, it seemed fate would intervene. Singer Fredrik Vahlgren caught the attention of bass player/founding member Robert Majd. When hearing his voice, Robert knew that if Fredrik were to join the band, then they had to continue and they had a chance to top their earlier albums. Fredrik joined the guys who were 100% focused on making the best Captain Black Beard album to date.
2024 became the first time in the band’s 15-year history without a live show. No distractions were going to get in the way. The Captain spent most of the year perfecting what would become “Chasing Danger” in Wing Studios in Stockholm, under the careful supervision of producer Sverker Widgren with Robert Majd & guitarist Daniel Krakowski co-producing. This album also features over-the-top drumming from Vinnie Stromberg and additional awesomeness contributed by Oscar Bromwall (guitar) & John Lönnmyr (keyboard), the lead single “When It’s Over” (co-written by Wildness’ Erik Modin), a modern AOR statement in “A.I.Lover”, their trademark Disco-AOR is evident in the track “Shine”, a piano-driven ballad called “Piece Of Paradise (co-written with The Night Flight Orchestra’s John Lönnmyr) and the epic ending to the album “In Your Arms”.
“We’ve never been prouder of an album. To come back once again after a bunch of setbacks and doing it this strong feels great!” says Robert Majd. Guitarist Daniel Krakowski concurs: “This is without doubt our best album”.
“Chasing Danger” will be released on LP (transparent blue vinyl, limited to 300 copies), CD and digital on April 4th, 2025 via Mighty Music.
Lineup: Robert Majd – bass Fredrik Vahlgren – vocals Daniel Krakowski – guitar Vinnie Strömberg – drums
Polish Death Metal Legends VADER have announced Summer Festival in 2025!
The band shared: “VADERMANIAX \m/ Here is a handy reminder about Summer festivals in 2025, where we will play at.”
04 May – Sao Paulo, BR – Bangers Open Air 05 June – Stykkisholmur, ISL – Satan Festival 07 June – Gdansk, POL – Mystic Festival 15 June – Leeuwarden, HOL – Into The Grave Festival 19 June – Zdunska Wola, POL – Alternatywna Zdunska Wola 26 June – Spalene Borici, CZ – Basinfire Fest 28 June – Viveiro/Lugo, SP – Resurrection Fest 03 July – Friesack, DE – Under The Black Sun Fest 04 July – Ballenstedt, DE – Rockharz Festival 11 July – Torgau/Entenfang, DE – In Flammen Festival 12 July – Skepe, POL – Rockokop Festival 09 August – Kotrijk, BE – Alcatraz Festival 15 August – Slnecke Skaly (Zilina), SK – Blasphemy Festival 16 August – Dinkelsbuehl, DE – Summer Breeze Festival 22 August – Spital Am Semmering, A – Kaltenbach Open Art.Fest 29 August – Lyski, POL – Lyski Rock Festival
As recently announced, VADER will hit the “March Of The Unbending – Europe 2025” tour, kicking off on April 12th in Luzern (CH), with guests Rise of Cronos and Skaphos.
The band shared: “VADERMANIAX !!!! We have such great news for You today! We’re going to hit the road again \m/ Together with unstoppable Massive Music, we’ll visit 14 cities IN APRIL on “The March Of The Unbending – Tour 2025″ ! ARE YOU READY?”
“March Of The Unbending – Europe 2025”!!! VADER and guests: Rise of Cronos and Skaphos.
Dates: 12.04.2025 CH Luzern / Metal Storm Over Luzern – Chapter II* 13.04.2025 ITA Turin / El Barrio 15.04.2025 GER Weinheim / Cafe Central 16.04.2025 GER Bremen / Tivoli 17.04.2025 GER Trier / Forum 18.04.2025 HOL Leiden / Nobel 19.04.2025 FR Saint Omer / Brutal Swamp* 20.04.2025 UK Birmingham / The Asylum 22.04.2025 SCO Glasgow / Slay 23.04.2025 IRE Dublin / Opium 24.04.2025 UK Manchester / Club Academy 25.04.2025 UK London / Underworld 26.04.2025 GER Bochum / Ruhrcongress 27.04.2025 GER Erfurt / Club From Hell *only Vader
Earlier this year VADER revealed some predictions for 2025:
“The new year will be even more intense. First of all, this spring will see the release of the completely new EP “Humanihility” since the release of “Solitude In Madness” in 2020, as well as the long-awaited reissue of the classic album “Black To The Blind” from 1997 in a new cover with the original cover by Jacek Wiśniewski. Both titles will be released by Nuclear Blast. The recording session for the next full length Vader album will also start in the fall of 2025! Next year will also be Vader’s return to the stages of summer festivals. And we will appear at 20 of them. 2025 will also be the 25th anniversary of the release of the album “Litany”. Therefore, in the summer season, you will be able to hear the entire album as part of a concert set. Most of the songs from this classic album for the band have not been played since its premiere in 2000, and some have never been played. So 2025 will be absolutely explosive and truly vaderish \m/ And we already INVITE you ALL !!! Expect our arrival under the banner of Massive Music \m/”
VADER released their 16th studio album “Solitude In Madness” on May 1st 2020 via Nuclear Blast.
Steel City Kings MALEVOLENCE have announced the details of their hugely anticipated new album, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken, set to be released on the 20th June via MLVLTD in partnership with Nuclear Blast Records.
Alongside the news of their new album, MALEVOLENCE have also released the video for their monumental new single ‘If It’s All The Same To You’. Featuring acting legend Alan Ford, who most famously appeared as Brick Top in Guy Ritchie’s classic British gangster film Snatch, the band’s new video is their biggest visual production to date. It sees the five-piece take on an elaborate art heist, before engaging in a white knuckle car chase with the Police. There may even be some easter eggs to be found throughout that hint at what MALEVOLENCE have in store for the future.
On their new album, the band comment: “‘Where Only the Truth Is Spoken’ is a level up in every sense—musically, lyrically, and visually. This was our first time recording outside the UK, and doing it in LA with Josh Wilbur was fun and refreshing. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in metal, and his approach pushed us to challenge new heights. The production, the songwriting, the videos—everything about this record is bigger, heavier, and more refined. Everything in Malevolence is, and always has been, a team effort and I feel like everyone really delivered on this record. To everyone who supports what we do, thank you. It goes without saying that we wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for your overwhelming support. I’m excited to see where the journey goes next! Malevolence Made in God’s own country, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken”
Malevolence – Where Only The Truth Is Spoken Tracklist 1. Blood To The Leech 2. Trenches 3. If It’s All The Same To You 4. Counterfeit 5. Salt The Wound 6. So Help Me God 7. Imperfect Picture 8. Heavens Shake 9. In Spite (ft. Randy Blythe) 10. Demonstration Of Pain 11. With Dirt From My Grave
ABOUT MALEVOLENCE
MALEVOLENCE have never waited for permission. From the underground to festival main stages, they’ve built their reputation on sheer force of will, crushing live shows, and an unshakable foundation of heavy riffs and harder work. Now, with their fourth studio album Where Only The Truth Is Spoken, Sheffield’s finest step into a new league.
Recorded in California at Dave Grohl’s legendary Studio 606, the album was tracked through the iconic Neve 8078 console, the same desk that captured game-changing records like Nirvana’s Nevermind, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, and Tom Petty’s Wildflowers. For a band that’s always pushed forward without compromise, it was the perfect setting to carve out a record that represents everything MALEVOLENCE stands for. The album marks a new level of songwriting precision without sacrificing the band’s trademark weight. Working alongside Grammy Award-winning producer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Gojira, Trivium), the result is MALEVOLENCE at their most punishing, urgent, and anthemic.
Lyrically, Where Only The Truth Is Spoken reflects the principles that MALEVOLENCE have lived by since day one—honesty, loyalty, and integrity. These are not just themes woven into the album but values the band holds in their personal and professional lives. This record doesn’t deal in facades or empty gestures; it’s an unfiltered expression of the struggles, victories, and unshakable brotherhood that have carried them this far.
Sonne comments on the new track: “Limitless is a declaration of freedom – breaking free from the chains of others’ opinions, standing tall, and living life on your own terms. It’s about embracing your individuality and daring to pursue your dreams, no matter how the world sees you”.
In addition to Defecto, Nicklas is part of Aries Descendant along with Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze, Catalyst Crime). The dynamic duo released their debut album on Frontiers Music Srl on October 18th, 2024. It is a groundbreaking project that seamlessly fuses the evocative allure of film music with the raw power of heavy metal, creating an auditory experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, Nicklas honed his skills by playing along to Metallica and Dream Theater, later diving into songwriting and production. His talent quickly gained industry attention, leading to collaborations with renowned producers Jan Langhoff (Aqua) and Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica). This pivotal moment shaped his signature sound – progressive metal infused with orchestral and choral elements.
Other bands include Evil Masquerade, Theory, Hank Shermann, One Machine, Waving Memories, Section A, Metallica Jam, Wasted, Omvendt Korstog. His long career has included international tours in places such as Japan, and opening for Metal heavyweights including Metallica and Rammstein.
With a relentless work ethic and a passion for musical innovation, Nicklas Sonne continues to push the boundaries of modern metal, cementing his reputation as one of the most dynamic artists in the genre today.
Italian cult heavy rock outfit DEATH SS unleash the official video for their latest single “Love Until Death”. The song is taken from their new studio album “The Entity” which will be released in May 2025 via Lucifer Rising/SelfDistribuzione.
This powerful and dramatic dark ballad is about the impossible and tormented love between Dr. Jekyll and his young housekeeper Mary Reilly. “Love Until Death” is inspired by the short story “Mary Reilly” written by Valerie Martin in 1990. “Mary is the only person who can understand Jekyll’s drama. She assists him without judging, trying to save him from the assaults of his cruel avatar Hyde by showing the Entity how true love can go as far as sacrifice,” explains DEATH SS’ frontman Steve Sylvester.
The video was again edited by Andrea Falaschi who tells us more about the technique used to shoot the different scenes: “The video is a kind of prequel to ‘Dr. Jekyll & Sister Hyde.’ In fact, we find again the character of Mary Reilly played by Jessica, when she was the housekeeper in Dr. Jekyll’s house… We recreated a kind of ‘found footage’ in the style of ‘The Blair Witch Project’ with Jessica’s footage. Done on purpose with a smartphone and further degraded in post-production. The idea was to recreate the found footage of a kind of BSDM snuff movie.”
“Love Until Death” is available digitally and as 12” Limited Deluxe edition featuring a special shaped cover with transparent light violet vinyl and contains the fourth part of the booklet with the full story behind the concept “The Entity” along with two other tracks on Side B, “Cimiteria” and “Evil Never Dies,” included on the new album as well.
Track listing 12” “Love Until Death” Side A: LOVE UNTIL DEATH Side B: CIMITERIA + EVIL NEVER DIES
The concept album “The Entity” was produced by mastermind and frontman Steve Sylvester along with the English Grammy winner producer Tom Dalgety (Rammstein, Ghost, The Cult, a.o.).
The literary inspirations of the 12-song opus range from Aleister Crowley, who seeks to liberate man by awakening his artistic genius (‘Aleister Crowley and the Hidden God’ – Kenneth Grant), to the characters of writers James Hogg (‘The Private Memoirs And Confessions of a Justified Sinner’) and Robert Louis Stevenson (‘The Strange Case Of Doctor Jekyll And Mr. Hyde’), who explore the dark side of mankind. It also includes other literary characters and references such as ‘Mary Reilly’ (Valerie Martin), ‘Portrait Of A Killer: Jack The Ripper – Case Closed’ (Patricia Cornwell), ‘Cemetery’ (Renzo Barbieri), ‘Hyde In Time’ (Mario Gazzola), ultimately linking to the band’s history.
Italian rock group DEATH SS was founded in 1977 by Steve Sylvester with the aim of forming a band that encloses inside of itself all its particular interests for occultism, horror films, erotic comics and rock music, in an original manner. After disbanding in 1982 Sylvester re-founded the band in 1988 whose discography includes albums such as “In Death of Steve Sylvester,”“Heavy Demons,” “Do What Thou Wilt” and “Panic” with influences ranging from dark metal to cyberpunk.
DEATH SS are: Steve Sylvester – vocals Freddy Delirio – keyboards Ghiulz – guitars Demeter – bass Unam Talbot – drums Dahlila & Jessica – performers
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