“Smoking Wheels”, the debut album by ROCKLUST, is now available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.
After months of steady growth and increasing attention from industry insiders, the Italian band presents a record that perfectly captures their artistic identity, projecting it with confidence onto the international hard rock scene. “Smoking Wheels” is deeply rooted in classic hard rock, reinterpreted through a modern attitude and a clear vision. With sharp riffs, driving rhythms, and powerful, personality-driven vocals, the album builds a coherent and recognizable sonic journey, evoking the legacy of bands such as Whitesnake, Airbourne, and Scorpions without ever sounding derivative.
The Rocklust project quickly gained attention within the European underground scene thanks to a series of singles that, step by step, showcased the band’s different facets: “Smoking Wheels”, “Wild Crowd”, the power ballad “Child Spirit”, leading up to “Rocklust”, released just a few days ago — a true manifesto track that solidified the band’s position as one of the most exciting emerging acts in the European hard rock landscape. This sequence of releases, supported by tangible media attention and strong traction across platforms, has placed Rocklust increasingly on the radar of industry professionals, building anticipation around a debut that now finally reaches its full expression.
Within “Smoking Wheels”, energy, attitude, and vision coexist: direct and powerful tracks alternate with more expansive and reflective moments, shaping a record that goes beyond a simple collection of songs and becomes a true artistic statement. An album that stands as a solid and self-aware starting point, capable of anticipating even more ambitious developments in the future.
Stream “Smoking Wheels” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms, and watch the lyric video for the latest single “Rocklust” here:
Norwegian extreme metal titans DIMMU BORGIR have officially announced their long-awaited new studio album, Grand Serpent Rising, set for release on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Returning to the studio in Gothenburg, the band once again joined forces with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström, the mastermind behind some of DIMMU BORGIR’s most revered works, including Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon. The result is a record that captures the band’s signature blend of symphonic grandeur and unrelenting aggression, while pushing their sound into darker, more commanding territory.
Today, DIMMU BORGIR unveil the second single from the album: ‘Ascent’. Striking like lightning across a frozen northern sky, the song is a ferocious statement of intent—aggressive, vicious, and twistedly beautiful. ‘Ascent’ delivers a chilling reminder that DIMMU BORGIR remain at the height of their powers, embodying the intensity, menace, and authenticity that have defined their legacy.
The track arrives alongside a visually arresting, “in your face” music video that amplifies the song’s raw energy and atmospheric darkness.
Shagrath comments on the track: ” Musically, ‘Ascent’ is more ferocious and direct than the first single, ‘Ulvgjeld & Blodsødel.’ Together, the two tracks showcase the musical scope of the album in a great way. From the outset, we’ve said that Grand Serpent Rising stands as one of our most diverse records to date, and these songs underline exactly that.”
Silenoz adds: “ ‘Ascent’ is about the grand serpent rising through your spinal cord. It is not a pretty experience but it is a necessary one – in order to reach higher consciousness and levels of understanding. It’s a voyage of transformation and surrender.
‘Only he who knows fear but overcomes it can be fearless; he who sees the abyss with pride. He who sees the abyss with eagle eyes; he who grasps the abyss with eagle claws; he is courageous.’ – Nietzsche “
The album comes in following formats: CD Jewelcase 2LP + 1CD, 24-Page Mediabook, Transparent Green with Black + White Marble Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Black Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Dark Green Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl (Norway Exclusive) 2LP Gatefold Crystal Clear Vinyl (Sweden Rock Exclusive) 2LP Gatefold Pearl Flip Waterfall Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Gold with Black Marble Vinyl (Revolver Exclusive)
The Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026 tour marks the legendary return of DIMMU BORGIR to North American soil for their first headlining trek since 2018, featuring special guests Hypocrisy, Suffocation, and Hulder.
Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026:
07 Aug 2026 New York, NY – The Palladium 08 Aug 2026 Worcester, MA – The Palladium 10 Aug 2026 Toronto, ON – HISTORY 11 Aug 2026 Montreal, QC – M Telus 13 Aug 2026 Cleveland, OH – The Agora Theatre 14 Aug 2026 Chicago, IL – The Vic 15 Aug 2026 Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore 18 Aug 2026 Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom 21 Aug 2026 San Francisco, CA – The Warfield 23 Aug 2026 Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
In October 2026, two of the most influential forces in extreme metal join together for a monumental live assault: DIMMU BORGIR and BEHEMOTH will embark on the ‘In League With Satan’ Co-Headline Tour, storming across Europe and the UK. As special guests, the Swedish black metal icons Dark Funeral will add even more ferocity to an already devastating lineup.
TOUR DATES IN LEAGUE WITH SATAN TOUR 2026
09 Oct 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Halle 622 10 Oct 2026 – Zwickau, Germany – Sparkassen-Arena Zwickau 11 Oct 2026 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal 13 Oct 2026 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz 14 Oct 2026 – Munich, Germany – Zenith 16 Oct 2026 – Paris, France – Zenith 17 Oct 2026 London, UK – Brixton Academy 18 Oct 2026 – Den Bosch, Netherlands – Mainstage 20 Oct 2026 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium 22 Oct 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Inselpark Arena 23 Oct 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle 24 Oct 2026 – Brno, Czech Republic – Hala Vodova 27 Oct 2026 – Helsinki, Finland – Ice Hall 29 Oct 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – B-K 30 Oct 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – K.B. Hallen
Prepare for a historic night of Norwegian black metal as DIMMU BORGIR returns to Oslo Spektrum on October 31 for a monumental “Unholy Halloween” event featuring special guests ENSLAVED and SATYRICON.
UNHOLY HALLOWEEN 31 Oct 2026 Oslo, Norway – Oslo Spektrum
LINE UP: Shagrath – vocals Silenoz – guitars Damage – guitars Victor – bass Gerlioz – keyboards Daray – drums
Instrumental folk duo TABERNIS take us on a journey to medieval times once more with “Apes Saltis”, the third single off their alluring debut album, Seasons of the Dark Hive. Crafting captivating tunes from echoes of the past, the ethereal musicians explore age-old heritage with an other-worldly charm. As seductive as honey, “Apes Saltis” reaches out and pulls into the shadows to join TABERNIS’ Dark Hive. Seasons of the Dark Hive will be out this Friday, April 24, 2026 via Napalm Records.
TABERNIS about “Apes Saltis”: “‘Apes Saltis’ is our album closer. It is festive, and the lyrics talk about the Collectio season: the harvest before winter. We prepare before the rest. The harvest is sealed. The Beekeepers fade away, but their song remains. Join the Dark Hive.”
Hear the call: TABERNIS summon the shadows for their debut album, Seasons of the Dark Hive, coming April 24, 2026 via Napalm Records. Born out of a passion for history, the enigmatic folk duo created an immersive sound, with bagpipes and davul bringing medieval times to life. TABERNIS intertwine ancient tradition and dark mysticism, their haunting harmonies gifting melodies to the delicate art of beekeeping. Already having performed at major festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze Open Air off of their debut EP, Seasons of the Dark Hive will divulge more of the band’s secrets to an ever-growing following.
Crafting captivating tunes from echoes of the past, TABERNIS explore age-old heritage with an almost other-worldly charm. Reaching out into the darkness, the duo arranges an ethereal undertow as seductive as honey. Seasons of the Dark Hive is an intoxicating experience, an alluring journey into the shadows. Amidst the bees, you are never alone. Together, we rise. Welcome to the Dark Hive.
TABERNIS about Seasons of the Dark Hive: “The album Season of the Dark Hive came to life naturally, without ever forcing anything. We let the energies that live within us come out in an authentic way, using the keys we have at our disposal. With the support of Napalm Records, we can deliver quality work and open the world of TABERNIS to humans from all horizons. We drew from cultures and musical styles from all eras, from everything that has inspired us through the ages, while keeping our foundation: drum & bagpipe. This is only the beginning of the story. The energies of the seasons guide our lives and our strength, just as they do on this album.”
Expanding their apiary with fifteen tracks, TABERNIS weave pervasive compositions in sacred tradition. Setting the mood as the first call to the eternal dance is “Sanctus”, a summoning of voices, a rhythmic reminder of the strength in many. Following, the duo offers an array of moody instrumentals, some buoyantly buzzing (“Tenebrae”, “Sylvanot”), some pensively droning (“Noctilis”)—all of them mesmerizing. With “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)”, TABERNIS devote themselves to one of the most famous surviving medieval songs. Their rendition of celebrated German poet Walther von der Vogelweide’s 13th-century “Palestine Song” bestows a special historicism upon Seasons of the Dark Hive. “Hive Dance (Bransle du maître de la maison)” stands with similar history, originating from a late medieval French dance tune. The melodies, mainly conducted by only two instruments, are enriched by the subtle presence of a Dark Monk on strings and, on rare occasions, distorted whispers and the soothing humming of bustling bees, consistently conjuring a unique atmosphere. Seasons of the Dark Hive is an apicultural ritual, and TABERNIS take the lead.
Seasons of the Dark Hivetracklisting:
Sanctus
Tenebrae
Noctilis
Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)
Sylvanot
Verbah Oblitah
Aurora
Florenscentia
Apem Vidi (Ai Vist Lo Lop)
Lupanar Apum
Apiare
Hive Dance (Bransle du maître de la maison)
Meliferum
Calcinae
Apes Saltis
TABERNIS Live 2026
Festivals 23.05.26 DE – Leipzig / Wave-Gotik-Treffen 11.–12.06.26 DE – Kranichfeld / Sternenklang Festival 13.06.26 DE – Holzappel / Mahlstrom Open Air 20.06.26 DE – Merseburg / Schlossfestspiele Merseburg 8.–9.08.26 DE – Hildesheim / M’era Luna 12.09.26 DE – Erfurt / Fantasypark
Bay Area Thrash icons HEATHEN release another deep dive cover of their members’ musical history to celebrate their signing to Napalm Records. The new single, “Twist of Faith”, was originally released by Psychosis in 1992 as the opening track of their album Lifeforce, featuring HEATHEN members Kragen Lum and Jason Mirza. Now that it has been “Heatheniz-ed,” the song comes as a demonstration of power in its own obscure right, for long-term fans and modern thrash enthusiasts alike.
HEATHEN about the cover: “Let’s keep things rolling with new music for 2026! ‘Twist of Faith’ is another early 1990s era song that we gave the HEATHEN treatment. Demo collectors may have heard the original Psychosis recording of the song (with Kragen Lum on guitar and Jason Mirza on bass), but we’ve added some new elements and taken it to the next level! We have another 15 songs in various stages of production right now so enjoy the Never A God 12” Maxi Single with ‘Twist of Faith’ and get ready for the new album (and more).”
HEATHEN emerged from the San Francisco scene in 1984, leading the Bay Area thrash metal scene in their early years. Breaking The Silence (1987) and Victims Of Deception (1991) are staples of West Coast metal. After a few years of hiatus, they returned in 2001, their albums rare, but heavy-hitting – stay tuned! For now, they offer the Never A God maxi single available in exclusive formats listed below. The title track is available now!
HEATHEN about “Never A God”: “We’re going to start this new partnership with Napalm Records off with a bang and give you something new to listen to while we continue to work on the new HEATHEN album. With that in mind, we recorded a couple of classic Bay Area Thrash tracks originally written by other bands that we played with in the early 1990s. The demo collectors out there may have heard these songs before, but they’ll be new to most of you. The first single is ‘Never A God’, originally recorded in demo form (with David White on vocals) by Laughing Dead. So, new record label, new music, new video, 12” Maxi Single pre-order, and a tour with Coroner in North America starting tomorrow. LFG!”
02.05.26 US – Chicago, IL / Reggie’s (Legions of Metal Festival) 04.06.26 PL – Gdańsk / Gdańsk Shipyard (Mystic Festival)
HEATHEN – North American Tour w/Metal Church 17.07.26 US – Derry, NH / Tupelo Music Hall 18.07.26 CA – Montreal, QC / Foufounes Électriques 19.07.26 CA – Quebec City, QC / La Source de la Martinière 21.07.26 CA – Ottawa, ON / Overflow 22.07.26 US – Newton, NJ / The Newton Theater 23.07.26 US – Pittsburgh, PA / The Crafthouse 24.07.26 US – Rochester, NY / Montage Music Hall 25.07.26 US – Reading, PA / Reverb 26.07.26 US – Leesburg, VA / Tally Ho Theater
HEATHEN are: David R. White – Vocals Kragen Lum – Guitars Kyle Edissi – Guitars Jason Mirza – Bass Blake Anderson – Drums
“This card bears the picture of a tower, with its battlements struck by lightning; two men, one crowned, the other uncrowned, are falling with the fragments of broken masonry” – Papus
“The Lightning-Struck Tower”, the new HEAVENWOOD single, stands as the second stone laid in the creation of the upcoming album “The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II”. A raw and essential piece that captures the moment where everything begins to collapse in order to be rebuilt.
Rooted in the symbolic language of the Tarot, the track embodies sudden rupture and transformation: the violent dismantling of past structures, both internal and external, where identity, belief, and illusion are struck down in a single, irreversible flash.
“This piece also symbolizes, for me, the sudden and unexpected destruction of both the best and the worst of myself – in the immaterial realm – and of the entire structure built in the past – in the material realm”, guitarist, vocalist and founder Ricardo Dias dos Santos states about the song.
Balancing introspection with an undercurrent of tension and release, “The Lightning-Struck Tower” channels Heavenwood’s signature melancholic depth into a powerful reflection on destruction as a necessary force for renewal; a moment of chaos that ultimately clears the path for transcendence.
Join the premiering here:
A whole decade after their last album, Portuguese gothic/dark metal pioneers Heavenwood announce the release of their highly-anticipated new record, “The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II”, set for worldwide release via Mighty Music on LP, CD and digital formats. Marking the second and final chapter of the conceptual work inspired by the hermetic writings of Gérard Encausse (Papus), the album was recorded at Lucky Cat Studio (Portugal) and mixed and mastered at Vamacara Studios (France) by acclaimed producer Niko HK Krauss (Loudblast, Sirenia), elevating the band’s sound to new levels of sophistication and intensity.
“Every work has its own story, and this new album goes far beyond being merely a concept and a continuation of the first part released in 2016″, composer, founder, guitarist and singer Ricardo Dias dos Santos comments. “Against all odds that arose in 2022 – after a near-fatal accident and imperative changes that led to a number of irreversible decisions – the conclusion of “The Tarot Of The Bohemians” finally sees the light of day, continuing a legacy that has endured for more than 30 years”.
The album is further enhanced by impeccable and symbolic visual artwork created by renowned artist Naya Kotko, whose evocative imagery perfectly reflects the esoteric depth and spiritual duality that define this new chapter.
With this “Part II” of the concept started with “The Tarot Of The Bohemians” (Massacre Records) in 2016, Heavenwood dive even deeper into the esoteric and emotional dimensions of the Tarot. This album represents both continuity and transformation – it carries Heavenwood melancholic DNA, but it also pushes the band into a more cinematic, intense and contemporary sonic realm.
“The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II” signals a bold new creative chapter for Ricardo Dias dos Santos. The first glimpse into this renewed cycle came with the digital single “Death”, which laid the conceptual and atmospheric foundations for the new opus.
With a career spanning over three decades, Heavenwood have long stood as one of Portugal’s most respected Metal exports. Since their seminal debut “Diva” (1996, Massacre Records) – the first album by a Portuguese Metal band to be released in Japan – the band has shared stages with international heavyweights such as Cradle of Filth, In Flames, Amorphis and Portugal’s own Moonspell, while also performing at prestigious events including Wacken Open Air.
Throughout their evolution – from “Swallow” (1998) to “Redemption” (2008) and “Abyss Masterpiece” (2011) – Heavenwood have continuously refined their signature blend of gothic atmosphere, dark metal weight and introspective lyricism. Now, under the visionary leadership of Ricardo Dias dos Santos, the band closes the 22 Major Arcana Tarot cycle with what promises to be their most ambitious and emotionally resonant work to date.
“The Tarot Of The Bohemians – Part II” will be released on black LP, blue LP (limited to 300), CD and digital formats on 12.06.2026, via Mighty Music.
Recording lineup: Ricardo Dias dos Santos: guitars, vocals, bass Eduardo Sinatra: drums (session)
Live lineup: Ricardo Dias dos Santos: guitars, vocals Live session musicians
With the new single “Abra Macabre”, Danish death metal stalwarts THORIUM unveil another facet of the bleak world surrounding the upcoming album “Suburban Rot”. The track leans into a darker, more unsettling atmosphere, balancing weight and restraint while maintaining the band’s direct and uncompromising approach.
Built on a foundation of dense riffing and a persistent mid-tempo drive, “Abra Macabre” explores themes of illusion, collapse and the thin line between control and chaos. There’s a deliberate sense of tension throughout, as the band allows space for the song to unfold rather than rushing its impact. It’s the perfect album opener.
“Sometimes shit just happens, but in a good way”, guitarist JP comments about the track. “”Abra Macabre” started with the melodic theme riff that came to me when I was noodling on my guitar while watching flow TV. My first idea for it was to be a song a la Dismember’s “Dreaming in Red”, but as I got some drums done, the song took on a direction that sounded more like Carcass’ “Heartwork”. I don’t know if it’s just me who hears it this way, but one thing I’m sure of is that Johnson, our photographer, is going to love this song, so this song I dedicate to him as a thank you for many years of faithful service”.
Three decades into their career, Thorium continue to refine their sound without softening its edges. “Abra Macabre” stands as a measured but firm statement; one that reinforces the tone of the upcoming album while holding its own as a self-contained piece.
Join the premiering here:
Danish death metal unit Thorium announce the release of their seventh full-length album “Suburban Rot”, set for release on June 6th, 2026 via Emanzipation Productions. Marking 30 years of the band’s uncompromising presence in the Scandinavian underground, the album stands as their darkest and most personal work to date.
Written over an extended period, “Suburban Rot” captures a band still driven by the same anger, nerve and authenticity that defined Thorium from the very beginning – now reinforced by the depth and experience of three decades in extreme metal.
“Spend a weekend around a place like Brøndby Strand Station”, vocalist Michael Hvolgaard Andersen comments. “There is something strangely beautiful about decay, addiction, alcoholism, and broken lives that has always fascinated me. You rarely read about what things are really like in suburban station environments around Copenhagen – how destroyed the buildings are, and how damaged many people living there have become. That reality forms the foundation of the album title and several of the lyrics on “Suburban Rot”. It’s a phenomenon I’m sure people will recognize in station environments all over the world, where city centers are made more attractive while Google Street View is politely kept at a distance when it reaches the suburbs”.
Musically, “Suburban Rot” reflects both the band’s roots and the history of Danish extreme metal. Guitarist JP Storm brings the legacy of his time in Dominus – the band that later evolved into Volbeat – while guitarist Jose Cruz injects a darker, groove-driven and melodic edge shaped by his Spanish background. The rhythm section consists of drummer Daniel Preisler, active since the early 1990s and also formerly of Dominus, and bassist Jesper Nielsen, known from Psy:Code.
The current lineup is the same that recorded Thorium’s critically acclaimed 2022 album “Danmark”, which entered the official Danish Vinyl Chart at #7 and received widespread praise, including a 5/6 review in GAFFA. At the same time, it represents the longest-lasting stable lineup in the band’s history.
In recent years, Thorium have appeared at festivals such as Aalborg Metalfest, Metal Magic Festival, Raise Your Horns Festival, Death Coast Festival and Næstved Metalfest, reaffirming their position as one of the most enduring forces in Danish death metal.
“Suburban Rot” was produced by guitarist JP Storm and mixed and mastered by renowned producer Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio, giving the album a crushing yet detailed sonic character. The artwork was created by Venezuelan artist John Quevedo Janssens, visually reflecting the record’s themes of urban decay and human collapse. Thirty years into their career, Thorium prove that their fire burns stronger than ever. And “Suburban Rot” may well be their most uncompromising statement yet.
“Suburban Rot” will be released on black LP, green LP (limited to 200), CD and digital formats on 06.06.2026, via Emanzipation Productions.
Lineup: JP – guitars Jose Cruz – guitars Daniel – drums Jesper – bass MHA – vokills
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 