Female-fronted melodic prog metal powerhouse Diamantide unveils the captivating music video for “Poor Kings”, a standout track from their self-titled album, Diamantide, available now via Wormholedeath Records.
Blending poetic storytelling with their signature dynamic sound, “Poor Kings” dives deep into the symbolic parallels between kings and queens, exploring themes of power, love, and vulnerability. The track’s evocative lyrics challenge the cold pursuit of authority, questioning why kings, burdened by dominance, fail to fight for the love of their queens, who represent longing and emotional depth. With its thought-provoking narrative and haunting melodies, “Poor Kings” captures the heartbreaking cost of isolation and detachment, creating a profound commentary on the human condition.
Diamantide’s music stands as a remarkable fusion of progressive, melodic, and power metal. The self-titled album features standout guest contributions from Tom Englund (Evergrey), Mark Basile (DGM), and Roberto Tiranti, whose performances add extraordinary depth to the band’s already intricate and emotionally resonant sound.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Diamantide – an album that masterfully balances intensity with melodic sophistication while delivering a poignant exploration of life’s complexities.
Formed in September 2023 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Diamantide was born from a long-awaited vision brought to life by guitarist, main composer, and producer Massimiliano (Max) Maggiari. The band’s distinct sound blends heavy guitars, orchestral elements, and deeply melodic vocals, creating an experience that is both grand and introspective. A project marked by international collaboration, Diamantide brings together talented musicians from around the world, each with unique musical experiences and stories.
The line-up includes: Nadin Zakharyan — Vocals Massimiliano (Max) Maggiari — Guitars & Keyboards Alex Sandor Tamas — Bass Joe Londeree — Drums
With “Incitement Of Violence”, the North German thrashers from Extinct delivered a true gem of the genre last year. Since then, however, the quartet has not been idle, because in addition to several club and festival shows, the guys have now released a brand new track and video! Just in time for the WarmUp Party Tour of the Mosh in Mai festival, on which Extinct will share the stage with Jarl, Royal Remains and labelmates Final Cry at 8 upcoming shows, “Worship – Obey – Subjugate” will be released as a video clip on YouTube and as a digital single on all streaming platforms! The upcoming live dates and of course the link to the video can be found below! Check it out!
Mosh im Mai Warmup Tour 07.03. Kiel, Schaubude /w Jarl Royal Remains 22.03. Itzehoe, Lauschbar /w Jarl, Rats Of Gomorrah, Fål 28.03. Bückeburg, SchraubBar* /w Final Cry, Jarl 29.03. Magdeburg, Damned Souls* /w Final Cry, Jarl 12.04. Bad Oldesloe, Inihaus /w Jarl, Fatal Collapse 17.04. Halberstadt, Zora /w Abrogation, Royal Remains 19.04. Asendorf, Kulturhaus BO /w Final Cry, Royal Remains 20.04. Leer, Szenerie /w Final Cry, Savage Blood
Finnish Industrial Metal band Alfa Pentatonik released a new EP Gamma I via Inverse Records. To celebrate the release, also a video is made for track ‘Palvot’ and it’s available below.
Alfa Pentatonik (ex-Pentatonik) play Finnish industrial metal with a heavy hand. It started in early 2000 and they have released two albums and many smaller releases. In 2022 the band returned with a new name and two new singles. Now they release a new EP called “Gamma I” which contains five songs.
Primus motor of the band is JP Immonen (Walhalla, Aria Of Sorrow, Iron Frost) who plays all the instruments, writes the songs and does all the production. He joins forces with Janne Partanen (Hautajaisyö, Verilehto, Marraskuun Lapset, Paavalin Harhat) in 2022, who does the lyrics and vocals. Also on “Gamma I” (one) there are guest appearances by Harri Hytönen (Clown Parade, Fenyx Rising, Armada North & Simulacrum), who plays solos on a few songs and was on the band’s first album. And Maya Liittokivi (Loretta Problem & Deathlike Silence) on vocals, her beautiful voice was heard on “Pelkojemme Perintö” in 2023.
In “Gamma I” heavy riffs mix with dance beats and the whole thing is nailed down with dark vocals. The band is currently working on a sequel to this release and “Gamma II” (two) songs have already been recorded.
Mavis unleash their most electrifying track to date with ‘Sentinel Hill’, a high-energy, bouncy metalcore anthem packed with earth-shaking breakdowns, hauntingly catchy melodies, and a still urgent message (maybe now more than ever). Told through the eyes of a supernatural creature like their last single ‘DNA’, the song explores the relentless clash between humankind and nature, as ancient titans are called upon to restore balance before it’s too late.
With towering riffs, explosive drums, and soaring hooks, ‘Sentinel Hill’ is a call to arms for a world on the brink. The song’s almost Dungeons & Dragons-inspired lead melody in the chorus adds an epic, mystical quality, drawing the listener deeper into its apocalyptic tale—a refreshing and unique twist for metalcore.
Directed by Chris Hesse (Strangeworks), the video brings the song’s themes to life, shifting between majestic nature and cold industrial landscapes—a stark visual reflection of the battle between life and destruction.
Produced by Manuel Renner at Überlärm Studios, ‘Sentinel Hill’ pushes Mavis’ sound further than ever, merging razor-sharp aggression with anthemic, haunting beauty.
Catch the band live: 15.03. Bayreuth, DE – Glashaus 20.03. Düsseldorf, DE – Pitcher 11.04. Winterthur, CH – Gaswerk 12.04. Leonberg, DE – Beatbaracke, Kill Rockstars 20.-22.06. Waiblingen, DE – Silence Can Wait Open Air
Reigning Phoenix Music proudly introduces PERCEPTION, its latest label imprint. Following the success of ROAR, a sub-label dedicated to emerging talents and artists, PERCEPTION is set to provide a strong foundation for regionally and stylistically leading bands with high growth potential.
Jochen Richert, managing director of RPM Europe, shares his vision for PERCEPTION: “My responsibilities at Reigning Phoenix Music have often taken me away from what I love most – working directly with bands, nurturing their growth, and helping them reach their full potential. With PERCEPTION, I now can dive back into artist development, which I’m truly excited about. Of course, my main mission remains unchanged: to help Reigning Phoenix Music to become one of the leading metal labels in the world.”
To celebrate the birth of RPM’s new sibling, PERCEPTION proudly announces its first signing – one that perfectly embodies the label’s core value of passion, professionalism, and ambition: SERIOUS BLACK.
More than 10 years of SERIOUS BLACK and highly melodic power metal with the license to create hymns: since 2014, the band led by bassist Mario Lochert, have been delighting fans not only by releasing six studio albums so far, but also by frequently playing much-lauded concerts and festival appearances, and that’s why PERCEPTION is even more proud to begin its journey by signing such a well-known act.
“We’re really happy, and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Reigning Phoenix Music as they greatly combine expertise and experience. We have a comfortable new surrounding, and re-connecting with old companions makes this new union even more special to us: Everything that belongs together comes together over and over again,” comments founding member Lochert.
Jochen Richert as PERCEPTION A&R adds: “Mario and Dominik [Sebastian; guitars] are incredibly passionate about SERIOUS BLACK, and that’s exactly what it takes to elevate this band even further. They are built for the top tier of power metal – with outstanding songwriting and an electrifying stage presence already in place. We’ll make sure they reach the level they truly belong to: the very top of the scene!”
On the heels of their latest album “Rise Of Akhenaton” [2024], SERIOUS BLACK are celebrating their 10th anniversary with an own headline tour this spring, following an enormously successful European run alongside SONATA ARCTICA, FIREWIND as well as TUNGSTEN. Special guests AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY and RIGORIOUSwill complete the line-up for the upcoming festivities.
Mario states: “10 years, 6 charting albums, over 250 concerts, festival shows and gigs worldwide. A look back that lets me indulge in many memories. Personally, I’m really looking forward to this tour, not only because it’s our birthday headline tour, but also because old friends like AUTUMN BRIDE, DRAGONY [Mar 18-30], and RIGORIOUS [Mar 11-18] will be joining us on this tour with new albums at their hands. Get your tickets and spend an unforgettable power metal party full of hard riffs and hymns with us!”
SERIOUS BLACK live:
“Metalized” World Tour w/ AUTUMN BRIDE, RIGORIOUS (*), DRAGONY (^)
11.03.2025 DE Berlin – ORWOhaus * 12.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Logo * 13.03.2025 DE Herford – KulturWerk * 14.03.2025 DE Monheim – Sojus 7 * 15.03.2025 CZ Prague – Storm Club * 16.03.2025 HU Budapest – Analog Music Hall * 18.03.2025 AT Vienna – Szene */^ 19.03.2025 IT Bologna – Alchemica Music Club ^ (w/ STRANGER VISION) 20.03.2025 FR Lyon – Rock n’Eat ^ 21.03.2025 ES Zaragoza – Sala Lo Intento ^ 22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Revi Live ^ 23.03.2025 ES Vitoria-Gasteiz – Urban Rock Concept ^ 24.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 3 ^ 25.03.2025 FR Paris – La Boule Noire ^ 26.03.2025 BE Kortrijk – CVG Club ^ 27.03.2025 CH Lenzburg – Met-Bar ^ 28.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Club) ^ 29.03.2025 DE Schirnding – Gemeindehalle ^ (w/ CHAPTER ELEVEN) 30.03.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Halle) ^ 01.04.2025 AT Mayrhofen – Full Metal Mayrhofen 26.06.2025 CH Grenchen – Summerside Festival 16.08.2025 CZ Moravský Krumlov – Rock Castle
Originally founded by bassist Mario Lochert and Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN) in 2014 and completed by former members of BLIND GUARDIAN and TAD MAROSE among others, there simply wasn’t another option for SERIOUS BLACK than riding a wave of success. From their debut “As Daylight Breaks” [2015] to their current offering “Rise Of Akhenaton” [2024], the group continuously left their footprint in the scene by delivering six terrific studio albums plus an acoustic album, accompanied by extensive touring with established bands such as HAMMERFALL, GAMMA RAY and KAMELOT. Winning more and more fans over the years, SERIOUS BLACK have become a notable headline act themselves, cementing their music as an essential part of the power metal world through relentless touring and hitting the charts with their whole catalogue (no. 22 of the official German album chart with “Vengeance Is Mine” [2022] to name their highest entry so far).
SERIOUS BLACK are:
Nikola Mijić | vocals Dominik Sebastian | guitars Bob Katsionis | guitars Maurus Meyer | guitars, keyboards Mario Lochert | bass Christian Schichtl | drums
THE QUILL release the single and video “Keep The Circle Whole”.The song is taken from the re-release of the long out-of-print and much sought-after 2006 studio album ‘In Triumph’ which will be released on 18 April on Metalville Records.
Mystical, hypnotic, and relentless – “Keep The Circle Whole” channels The QUILL’s signature heavy groove with spellbinding intensity. Pulsating riffs and commanding vocals weave a tale of power, control, and destiny. This track stands tall as a testament to the bands ability to fuse doom-laden blues with unstoppable rock energy.
Keep the fire burning – keep the circle whole.
The new version of “In Triumph” also contains an unreleased bonus track from the recording sessions at the time.
The album was recorded in collaboration with producer Tommy Newton (Helloween and UFO) at Area 51 Studios in Celle, near Hanover, Germany.
Various concerts followed, with the band headlining a short European tour, as well as a series of European festivals, culminating in another appearance at Sweden Rock.
‘In Triumph’ is also THE QUILL’s first album with new bassist Robert Triches, who replaced Roger Nielsson until 2012, and the last for the time being with singer Magnus Ekwall, who only returned to the band in 2017.
TRACK LISTING 01 Keep The Circle Whole 02 Yeah 03 Slave Master 04 Broken Man 05 Man in Mind 06 Merciless Roomc 07 Trespass 08 Black 09 No Light On The Dark Side 10 Triumph Is a Sea Of Flames 11 In The Shadows 12 Down 13 Rock ‘N’ Roll Might Be Dead (Bonus track CD and digital)
MUSICIANS Magnus Ekwall – Vocals Christian Carlsson – Guitar Robert Triches – Bass Jolle Atlagic – 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
Ads
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 ) 