Avant-garde black/death metal projectNERVOUS is proud to unveil the lyric video for their powerful new track, “Heavy is the Head that Wears an Imaginary Crown.” Taken from the highly anticipated album Acquiescence, set for release on March 28, 2025, via Wormholedeath.
The track serves as a fierce allegory for the mental battles we face—particularly themes of self-doubt, loss of control, and the haunting persistence of inner conflict. Through regal and wartime imagery, “Heavy is the Head that Wears an Imaginary Crown” casts the psyche as a kingdom under siege, where the ruler (the self) is caught in a fierce struggle against both internal demons and external pressures. The metaphorical “grey ooze” represents the suffocating force of depression and societal decay, relentlessly overtaking everything in its path.
Nervous, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Aaron Ciesielski, emerged from profound personal growth and self-discovery. Born amidst an existential crisis, “Acquiescence” is a concept album that chronicles this transformative journey, capturing the essence of rebellion, fear, and ultimately, the profound acceptance of self.
Polish band BRIGHT OPHIDIA has existed since 1998 and has four studio albums under its belt: “Coma” (2003), “Red Riot” (2004), “Set Your Madness Free” (2009), “Fighting The Gravity” (2017) and several demos and singles.
Bright Ophidia is a band that always weaves different styles of heavy playing into its work. A mixture of alternative metal with progressive metal is their unique offer aimed at fans of heavy sound looking for unconventional solutions and sounds.
They have presented their work many times on large stages in Poland and abroad, including: at the largest prog metal festival in Poland – Prog in Park (in 2019 on stage with Dream Theater, Haken, Opeth), Progressive Evening, Hunterfest or Metalmania and at club events together with bands such as Proletaryat, Luxtorpeda, Decapitated, Kat & Roman Kostrzewski, as well as before Adrenaline Mob.
After more than 7 years, the premiere of the new, fifth studio album will take place. The music was recorded at Lagrunge Studio (Cochise, Kraków Street Band). Krzysztof Murawski worked on the mixes, while Richard Addison at TrilliumSound Mastering Studio (Erimha, Sons of Arrakis, Lüger) was responsible for mastering. The graphic design was created by Mayeranec.
The album features several guests:
Krzysztof Murawski – backing vocals, keyboards and electronics,
Marek Kubik – keyboards and electronics,
Marek Papaj – ethnic instruments in songs “Anger” and “Rise”,
Karolina Cicha – vocal solo in “Anger”,
Julita Charytoniuk – ethnic vocal in “Anger”,
Maria Żynel – ethnic vocal in “Anger”,
Magdalena Wieremiejuk – ethnic vocal in “Anger”.
“This is our return to the stage after several years of “peace and quiet”. The album’s lyrics tell the story of various emotional changes that we experience in life. A state of suspension, being in between, discovering ourselves in the eye of a cyclone, a place of apparent peace, around which the destructive element rages. The music refers to these extremes, reaching for both lyrics, vibrations of ethnic instruments and heavy, modern riffs. We are coming back with a new story and new energy!!!” – musicians comment.
The new album entitled “Quiet and Calm” will be released on March 28, 2025 in cooperation with the Polish label Via Nocturna (pre-order). Over the past few years, the band has released music videos for three singles promoting the upcoming release: “Anger“, “Survive” and “In Your Eyes“.
TRACKLIST:
01. Anger 02. Survive 03. In Disguise 04. Cold Embrace 05. In Your Eyes 06. The Room 07. Last Dat 08. Quiet And Calm 09. Silence I Have 10. Rise
LINE-UP:
Przemysław Figiel – guitar Cezary Mielko – drums Adam Bogusłowicz – vocal Grzegorz Popławski – bass Marek Walczuk – guitar
Swedish godfathers of epic doom CANDLEMASS celebrate their 40th anniversary of pioneering the genre with a four-track EP, Black Star. Packed with craterous riffs, this celebration of doom metal mastery is set for release on May 9, 2025 via Napalm Records.
With Black Star, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics. The EP will be available in various formats, including a strictly limited vinyl edition featuring a 12-page vinyl booklet, an A3 poster, and a tote bag.
CANDLEMASS mastermind Leif Edling comments: “Not all bands get to see their 40th birthday and it certainly hasn’t been an easy ride. But many ups and downs later, we stand here as survivors, veterans even… a bit scarred perhaps? Still ready though to unleash another piece of doom-laden metal upon an unsuspecting world. You have to do something when you turn 40, right? Anyway, as always, it’s been fun recording some new stuff as well as covering a couple of old favorites.”
Title track, “Black Star”, blends haunting melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, brought to life by the dark, romantic voice of vocalist Johan Länquist. Songwriter Leif Edling’s lyrics delve into themes of existential struggle, temptation, and the allure of darkness — creating an intense atmosphere imbued with CANDLEMASS’ signature sound. The second new track, “Corridors Of Chaos”, marks a true old school instrumental containing both classic metal riffing and stunning guitar playing by Lars Johansson, showcasing the band’s mastery of dynamics. Adding to this tribute, CANDLEMASS delivers a cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”, taking listeners back to 1973. This is followed by their rendition of Pentagram’s classic “Forever My Queen”, further cementing CANDLEMASS’ remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today.
Prepare for 40 years of epic doom and watch the anniversary trailer:
Black Star tracklist: 1. Black Star 2. Corridors Of Chaos 3. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath 4. Forever My Queen
CANDLEMASS Live 2025 20.-21.06.25 DE – Daun Rengen / Der Detze Rockt 25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons of Rock 04.07.25 TR – Istanbul / Headbangers Weekend 20.07.25 IT – Cremona / Luppolo In Rock Festival 30.07.-02.08.25 NO – Bergen / Beyond the Gates Festival 08.-09.08.25 FI – Helsinki / Helsinki Metal Festival 08.-10.08.25 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz 12.-13.09.25 GR – Athens / Rock Hard Festival 01.11.25 SE – Stockholm / Berns 06.12.25 UK – Wolverhampton / Bloodstock Winter Gathering
CANDLEMASS are: Johan Länquist – Vocals Lars Johansson – Lead Guitar Mappe Björkman – Rhythm Guitar Leif Edling – Bass Janne Lind – Drums
Croatian Folk Metal warriors MANNTRA are experiencing exciting times! Currently supporting folk rockers D’Artagnan on a European tour alongside their label mates The Dark Side of the Moon, and today, they unleash their newest single “The Heart Of The Storm”. With a haunting, melodic, acoustic feel, folk-inspired background vocals, and an unforgettable groovy chorus, this track captures the struggle for freedom, and rebirth amidst chaos. “The Heart Of The Storm” is another powerful example of MANNTRA’s signature fusion of traditional Balkan influences and high-energy metal.
The track is taken from their eagerly awaited 8th studio album, Titans, which will be released this Friday, March 14, 2025, via Napalm Records. By amplifying the rich heritage of ancient Balkan folklore with ferocious intensity, MANNTRA has forged a distinct legacy across seven powerful albums and electrifying performances at renowned festivals like Wacken Open Air. From commanding headline slots to sharing stages with legends like In Extremo, the band has solidified its status as a formidable force in the global metal scene.
MANNTRA is primed to reinforce their claim of the Folk Metal throne, by unleashing Titans upon the world in 2025!
MANNTRA on the new single “The Heart Of The Storm”: “Prepare to be consumed by the raw power and unrelenting intensity of ‘Heart of the Storm’, a melodic metal anthem that takes you deep into the heart of darkness. This track unleashes an electrifying storm of blistering guitar riffs, pounding drums, and hauntingly beautiful melodies that blend strength and vulnerability in every note.
From the gritty undertones of life’s rawest emotions to the soaring highs of redemption, ‘Heart of the Storm’ is a song for anyone who has ever fought to rise above the chaos. The powerful, driving rhythm and haunting melodies will leave you feeling reborn—ready to face whatever storm lies ahead.”
Formed in 2012 around mastermind Marko Matijević Sekul, the band has proven to be extremely productive as Titans is already their eighth studio album. Over the years the quintet developed their trademark sound by combining raw metal riffs and hard-hitting industrial sounds with traditional folk instruments, unleashing a relentless storm of catchy metal hymns. MANNTRA’s high energy soundscape is skillfully built by supposed opposites: authentic folk instruments like pipes and mandolins interwoven with raspy male vocals and an uplifting industrial metal sound. With their newest masterpiece they clearly take no prisoners as the album sets off with the title track “Titans” delivering forceful rhythms and powerful drumming. This continues on tracks like “Higher” or “Riders In The Dawn” kicking off with strong intros. Like no other, MANNTRA manage effortlessly to transport the ancient tunes into modern times by combining its folk elements with synths like on “My Sandman” or the album closer “Nav” delivering massive melodies. But MANNTRA also stay true to their roots with “Teuta” telling the story of a legendary Illyrian queen who reigned in Croatia around 200 BC and “Unholy Water (Voda)” containing a catchy chorus and intense female folk vocals delivering a hymn like melody with lyrics partly in Croatian. The same can be witnessed on the extremely groovy and catchy “Heart Of The Storm”, while uplifting “Skal” is a song to get every folk party started. A clear highlight are the combined songs “Forgotten Pt.1” and “Forgotten Pt.2” which are true industrial metal masterpieces that seamlessly cross genres, heavily leaning towards electronic elements, while maintaining their very own soundscape.
Overall Titans convinces with an enormous hit-density and sets a clear mark, delivering proud hymns and in-your-face metal songs that are undeniable, proving that MANNTRA are on the very top of their game, ready to enter the next level of their promising journey!
Titans tracklisting: 1. Ceremony 2. Titans 3. Teuta 4. The Heart Of The Storm 5. Unholy Water (Voda) 6. Skal (Miracle Of Sound Cover) 7. Higher 8. My Sandman 9. Riders In The Dawn 10. Forgotten pt.1 11. Forgotten pt.2 – The Ritual 12. Nav
European Tour 2025 Supporting D’Artagnan w/ The Darkside of the Moon, Storm Seeker ***& Waldkauz **** 14.03.25 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp * & ** 15.03.25 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn * & *** 21.03.25 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage * & *** 22.03.25 DE – Cologne / Carlswerk Victoria * & *** 27.03.25 AT – Vienna / Simm City * & *** 28.03.25 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk * & *** 29.03.25 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal * 04.04.25 CH – Pratteln / Z7 Konzertfabrik * 05.04.25 CH – Bern / Bierhübeli * 10.09.25 DE – Berlin / Astra * & **** 11.09.25 DE – Hamburg / GR. Freiheit 36 * & **** 12.09.25 DE – Leipzig / Parkbühne *
Festivals 2025 07.05.25 HR – Zagreb / Valhalla Festival 2025 07.06.25 DE – Kranichfeld / Sternenklang Festival 2025 11.06.25 DE – Gardelegen / Metal Frenzy Open Air 2025 08.08.25 DE – Aach / Das Große Treffen 2025 10.08.25 DE – Hildesheim / M’era Luna 23.08.25 DE – Höchstadt / Schlosshof Festival 2025 05.09.25 DE – St. Goarshausen / Loreley 13.09.25 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Folkfield Festival 2025
European Tour 2026 Special Guest: Wisborg 05.02.26 DE – Berlin / Hole44 06.02.26 DE – Leipzig / Täubchenthal 07.02.26 DE – Dresden / Tante Ju 20.02.26 DE – Oberhausen / Kulttempel 21.02.26 DE – Hannover / Musikzentrum 22.02.26 DE – Hamburg / Knust 05.03.26 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle 06.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 07.03.26 DE – Frankfurt / Das Bett 08.03.26 DE – Stuttgart / Wizemann 13.03.26 DE – Erfurt / Club From Hell 14.03.26 DE – Cologne / Luxor 20.03.26 AT – Vienna / Szene 21.03.26 RS – Beograd / Zappa Baza 27.03.26 HR – Zagreb / Tvornica Kulture
Eclipse Records is excited to announce the signing of Noumenia, 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, and the heart! The band recently finished recording their full-length debut album entitled Echoes with Richard Meiz of Lacuna Coil producing the album, and Daniele Salomone (Lacuna Coil, Inverno, D With Us) mixing & mastering at DDStudio Records. Echoes will be released via Eclipse Records on June 27, 2025.
“Signing with Eclipse Records is without a doubt one of the best things that could have happened to us, and we are so excited to begin this journey!” says lead vocalist Vivian Nigro. “All we want for our music is to strike the listener with an insane amount of energy and to reach as many people as possible.” Bassist Matteo Campagnoli adds, “We achieved a complete synergy with Richard in the studio, resulting in what I believe is an incredible album. The journey took almost a year and demanded a lot of effort, but we were all united and driven, simply unstoppable.” Samuele Zichi (drummer) also said, “Signing with Eclipse Records is finally a sign that our music can leave a deep mark in someone, and that’s the main goal of our new album entitled Echoes. I hope everyone enjoys our work as much as we enjoyed making it!” Finally, guitarist Matteo Radaelli states “I am ecstatic about our collaboration with Eclipse, because it’s a big opportunity to bring our art and ideas to life. Echoes is a big step forward for us, because we think it can connect a lot of different people with different musical tastes, mainly because every song gives the opportunity to the listener to have affinity with the lyrics and the music.”
Coverart Credit: Samuele Zichi
Echoesis the title of the exciting post groove metal album by Noumenia, featuring heavy drumming, rhythmic virtuosity, ripsaw growl vocals, and a gargantuan guitar sound that literally reinvents the power of the power chord. Often, the songs on this record kick off with bizarre futuristic introductions constructed of suspense and trepidation, like movie soundtracks made for aliens, dangerous AI, and cyborgs gone mad, yet following these mystic “orchestral” and “celestial” preludes, Noumenia hit us with drop after drop that rock so hard we are stunned. The pound and burn on this record are massive, the hooks mesmerizing, the changes invigorating, the philosophical lyrics all too close to the heart, the bottom-side where we stockpile secrets and darkness. Musically, this record makes for a striking hybrid, explosive and smooth, hard diamond with a soft shine, a thick dose of dangerous velvet. Holistically, it seems that the band has a mission here to invigorate, exfoliate, and buzzsaw the brain so the new world looks real and raw. At the beginning of the record, we are asked to “Tear off the eyes, your sight is stale / Cut off your tongue, [and] never exhale.” That said, we are also prompted to approach each day from a position of strength and rejuvenation, as it says in focus track number one titled, “The Circle” that “From dust and bones, we’ll be reborn.” In the second focus track: “Fall Apart,” the traditional vocal warms us to the core and sets us on the sheer precipice of the monstrous growl symbolizing the fierce internal battles we wage in our effort to “Unbind the rope that chokes [the] heart.” Finally, with the third focus track: “Black Ocean,” we are exposed to a variety of vocals that are in themselves a symphony of tone, pitch, and power. And though there is a warning of a “systems crash,” there is hope in what has become a strange yet peaceful shadowland, in that we are asked to “Stay with me ‘til the sun kisses the horizon / Sail with me through the waves of infinity.” Echoes features cover art designed by Samuele Zichi, and it is scheduled for release on June 27, 2025.
Echoes track listing 01. Blind Idols 02. The Circle 03. Outsider 04. Fractures 05. Fall Apart 06. Black Ocean 07. Outbreak 08. Firewall 09. Digital Aftermath 10. Under the Veil
Swedish Hard Rock / Heavy Metal band Blister Brigade is set to release their fourth studio album ‘A Rioting New Breed’ on April 25th 2025 via Inverse Records. The third single ‘Disturbing Lights’ is unleashed today and the music video can be seen below.
The band comments: “This mid-tempo song was one of the first that was written for the new album. It plays with both heavy riffs and melodic, clean guitars. The pre-chorus with its strong melodies and cool drumbeat goes into a powerful chorus that is lifting the song to another level. Also, the clean outro with its harmonies, adds a depth to the song.
The title came about after loosing sleep over a half-broken lightbulb that was flashing on and off though the night. But because of a fever-condition, there was no ability to do anything about it. As far as songwriting goes, this is one of those songs where the title came first, and then the music and the rest of the lyrics was built around it.”
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 ) 