BLUTGOTT releases the new single “Das Erbe Des Balgeroth” (Balgeroth Version).
‘Das Erbe des Balgeroth’ (The Legacy of Balgeroth) is a dark fantasy metal epic about the final battle for Earth.
With thunderous riffs and apocalyptic choirs, Balgeroth the Bloodking rises and unleashes a war that tears apart the heavens and wipes out humanity. The song tells of burning cities and the war between the Balgeroth blood gods and mankind.
Epic, brutal and relentless, it draws the listener into the carnage of the blood gods and leaves no doubt: the downfall of humanity is the legacy of Balgeroth.
The Legacy of Balgeroth appears in the first part of ‘Schlacht Um Knochenheim: Death of the Bloodking’. (Release October 2026, 2CD version: Debauchery & Balgeroth).
THE BLUTGOTT METAL UNIVERSE
DEBAUCHERY Death Metal – BLOOD GOD Heavy Metal – BALGEROTH German Metal
Dark Fantasy Metal. There is no political or socio-critical message.
It’s not a band, it’s a universe. An extraordinary concept that goes far beyond music: the BLUTGOTT metal universe, consisting of the metal monsters Debauchery, Blood God, and Balgeroth. For over 20 years, it has combined brutal metal and dark fantasy, with over 20 albums and more than 40 CDs. It is a unique world, the World of Blood Gods – populated by demonic vampire dragons, humans, elves, and dwarves. It has its own miniatures, its own tabletop wargame, art books, and more.
The new album “Death of the Bloodking” is the first part of the trilogy: “The Battle for Knochenheim”. It will be released on October 30, 2026 as a 2CD digipack, accompanied by 10 digital singles and videos.
The cataclysmic final battle between Balgeroth, the Bloodking of Knochenheim, and Luziferon, the most powerful of all demon overlords of Hell. A war whose flames engulf hundreds of thousands of worlds – from Eden to the world of the Nazarene himself.
In the War of Balgeroth, the fascist Imperium of mankind is destroyed. Asgard falls, the godly realms of Valhalla are desecrated and ravaged in apocalyptic battles. But the greatest and most cruel battle of all time rages around Knochenheim. The fortress metropolis on the largest stable route from Hell to Eden. Knochenheim – a monument of horror, the dragon fortress, an unshakeable bulwark of the Blood Gods against the eternal hordes of damnation. There, the demon hordes of Luziferon meet the legions of the Trinity of Blood Gods.
The 2026 concert calendar just got even busier for Hunnu Rock pioneers The Hu and Cello Metal standouts Apocalyptica as the bands announce today that they’ll be hitting the road together for a run of shows this May and June.The tour kicks off on May 12 in Silver Spring, MD and will take them across the country before wrapping in Anaheim, CA on June 7. Joining The Hu and Apocalyptica will be platinum-selling Finnish rock band The Rasmus.
Public on sale for the tour will begin Friday, February 13th at 10AM local time. Official artist presales for The Hu and Apocalyptica will be available starting Wednesday, February 11th at 10AM local time through Thursday, February 12th at 11:59PM. Venue presales will be available on Thursday, February 12th from 10AM to 11:59PM local time. Special VIP packages, including meet and greet experiences and exclusive merchandise will also be available for purchase. Fortickets and additional information on VIP packages, visit thehuofficial.com pre-sale code ‘THEHUN’ and apocalyptica.com pre-sale code ‘CELLOS’.
The Hu and Apocalyptica Spring 2026 Tour Dates
5/12/2026 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore 5/13/2026 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square 5/14/2026 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall 5/15/2026 — Stroudsburg, PA — Sherman Theater 5/18/2026 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave / Eagles Club 5/19/2026 — Green Bay, WI — EPIC Event Center 5/20/2026 — Maplewood, MN — Myth Live 5/22/2026 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall 5/23/2026 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 5/24/2026 — San Antonio, TX — Aztec Theatre 5/26/2026 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live 5/27/2026 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom 5/29/2026 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren 5/30/2026 — Las Vegas, NV — The Theater at Virgin Hotels 5/31/2026 — Valley Center, CA — Harrah’s Resort SoCal – The Events Center 6/4/2026 — Reno, NV — Grand Theater 6/6/2026 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern 6/7/2026 — Anaheim, CA — House Of Blues
— special guest The Rasmus appearing on all shows —
In addition to closing all shows on this tour, The Hu are celebrating the recent release of their latest single, “The Real You”. “The Real You single is the representation of our new album, The Hun,” says Temka – Temuulen N (band’s tovshuur player, throat singer). “While we have traditional songs that have our signature rhythm in our third album, there are few upbeat, fast songs such as this single. We recorded this song thinking of our ancestors, riding fast on the horse back through the landscape. Listen to this song to express the feelings you have buried inside and feel the overwhelming energy we pass through to you. Enjoy.”
“The Real You” is one of the few songs from The Hu in which Western music components are prominent. As evident in the wording, the song is asking the listeners to not judge others but focus on themselves and to become a better person. Derived from the Mongolian proverb, “Don’t worry about what is on top of a person’s head, just worry about what is not on yours.”
Formed in 1993 at the world-renowned Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, Apocalyptica began life as a loving, lo-fi nod to Metallica from four classically trained musicians with no greater ambition than to explore their favorite band’s music with their chosen instrument. The project would take on a life of its own when they finally released Plays Metallica By Four Cellos in 1996. Unbeknownst to Apocalyptica, they’d just boarded a rocket ship that would propel them through eight rapturously received records, a staggering six million records sold, and a relentless touring schedule that would see them bringing their uniquely symphonic concept of heaviness to every time zone and countless festival stages around the world. Most recently, following the 25th anniversary of their debut record, the band released their latest album, Plays Metallica, Vol. 2, to widespread acclaim.
Following the recent announcement of Giant’s original lineup reunion, Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to reveal the full bill for the Frontiers Rock Festival 2026, with the final bands now confirmed for the event, set to take place on May 1, 2 and 3, 2026, at the Live Club in Trezzo sull’Adda (Milan), Italy.
The Final Bands To Rock At The FRF 2026
NELSON Matthew and Gunnar Nelson have built a career that truly stands the test of time. Rising to global prominence in the early 1990s with Nelson’s multi-platinum debut “After The Rain”, the twins topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection”. With five Top 40 singles, five #1 MTV videos, over 6.5 million albums sold worldwide, Nelson became a defining force of their time. Deeply rooted in one of America’s most storied entertainment families, Matthew and Gunnar bring rare perspective to longevity in music. Their grandparents Ozzie and Harriet made television history with “The Adventures Of Ozzie And Harriet”, while Ozzie also pioneered early music-video concepts long before MTV. Their father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson, sold over 200 million records and helped found the country rock genre. Carrying this legacy forward, the twins have consistently evolved and continue to connect with audiences across generations through authenticity, craftsmanship, and heart. Nelson are ready to return to Europe after more than 15 years, at the Frontiers Rock Festival, celebrating decades of iconic songs alongside the spirit that has driven their music from the beginning.
FRONTLINE Frontline was founded in 1989 in Nuremberg, Germany, and quickly rose to become one of the leading bands in European AOR and melodic hard rock. With the powerful voice of Stephan Kämmerer and the songwriting partnership of Stephan Kämmerer and guitarist Robby Böbel, the band soon gained an international reputation for catchy melodies, precise musicianship, and narrative album concepts. Their debut album “The State Of Rock” (1994) is internationally regarded as a milestone of the genre. Frontline’s sound combines powerful vocals, melodic guitar work, and refined production. Inspired by the classic hard rock era of the late 1980s and early 1990s, it carries a distinctive international flair. With a new studio album planned for 2026, Frontline are opening a new chapter – one that honors the band’s history while paving the way toward the future, and now they’re gearing up to bring their captivating sound to the Frontiers Rock Festival.
CONFESS Swedish rockers Confess have earned a reputation for their relentless commitment to the sleaze/metal aesthetic, infusing their work with memorable hooks, arena-ready choruses, and a devil-may-care attitude. Fronted by John Elliot, whose commanding vocals have also been showcased with the legendary Crashdiet, Confess demonstrate a rare balance of raw sleaze-metal grit and melodic sophistication. On drums, Samuel Samael drives the rhythm with precision and power, while Ludwig Nordlander and Asser Hakala weave dynamic guitar textures that range from shredding riffs to soaring solos. Bassist Lucky anchors the band with a solid low-end punch, rounding out a lineup that is firing on all cylinders. Their new album, “Metalmorphosis”, is set to arrive in May, and it’s a powerful celebration of sleaze-metal craftsmanship, and a must-hear for anyone who loves hard-hitting, melodic rock with attitude. The band is thrilled to bring the new songs on stage at the Frontiers Rock Festival!
ATLANTIC British melodic rock band Atlantic was founded by guitarist and songwriter Simon Harrison. Heavily influenced by bands such as Whitesnake, Journey, Bad English, FM and Dare, he set about writing the songs that became the first Atlantic album entitled “Power”, released in 1994. After a couple of decades working as a very successful ghost writer, producer and mix engineer, Simon met up with Mark Grimmett (Vocalist) and decided to reignite Atlantic. In 2021, Simon and Mark got together with some other very talented musicians to form the current line-up, featuring Mark Grimmett (vocals), Simon Harrison (guitar), Nick Burr (guitar), Julian Hill (bass), Mark Peters (keyboards) and Eddie Marsh (drums). Their latest album “Another World” was released in 2024, again to critical acclaim and success. The band are currently writing and recording a new album and are excited to join the line up of the Frontiers Rock Festival, bringing their melodic sound to the Italian stage.
IT’SALIE IT’sALIE is the brainchild of rock singer Giorgia Colleluori (Sinner, Rock Meets Classic, and former Eternal Idol), who collaborates with Mat Sinner, the band’s manager and co-producer, and drummer Camillo Colleluori (also former Eternal Idol). In 2020, their debut album, “Lilith” received excellent reviews from major European rock and metal publications and webzines. Giorgia quickly became recognized as one of the scene’s leading voices, aided by her strong live presence. On December 1, 2021, the band returned to the studio to record their second album, “Emosphere”, was released in 2022, garnering excellent feedback and reviews not only for the album itself but also for their live shows. With their highly anticipated third album coming in 2026, IT’sALIE are thrilled to present their brilliant rock performance to the Frontiers fans in Trezzo!
The Complete Bill of the FRF 2026
The full bill for each day of the festival, and the full list of exclusive VIP acoustic shows are as following:
MAY 1 STARSHIP GIANT HOUSE OF LORDS ROBIN BECK CREYE SHIRAZ LANE STREETLIGHT
VIP Platinum Q&A w/Giant
MAY 2 NIGHT RANGER HEAT HEAVENS EDGE DEGREED ATLANTIC HELL IN THE CLUB FIGHTER V
Acoustic (VIP only) GIANT MICHAEL SWEET DEGREED
VIP Platinum Q&A w/Night Ranger
MAY 3 STRYPER NELSON JOHN CORABI FRONTLINE CONFESS TRANSATLANTIC RADIO IT’SALIE
Acoustic (VIP only) NELSON JOHN CORABI CASSIDY PARIS
VIP Platinum Lunch w/Stryper
Ticket Details and Presale Information Tickets are on sale NOW!
Furthermore, next year’s Frontiers Rock Festival will expand its VIP offer with some exclusive VIP Experience Packages. Don’t miss your chance and grab one of these at frontiersrockfestival.com
Swiss melodic rockers Fighter V have unleashed today the new single and official video, “Raging Heartbeat”, taken from their upcoming album, “Déja Vu”, set for release on April 10, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band described the new single as “a song about tearing down the walls of a refined and uptight society and breaking through to times we are missing. A world that is waiting for us to live the way we want and not to live in the past. Be wild and allow yourself to be as you want to be!”
The band is currently on the road for the co-headlining “Bite And Fight” tour with Snakebite, across Germany and Switzerland. For the full list of dates, please see below and HERE.
The band talked about how the album came to life: “Deja Vu” is our third album, after “Fighter” and “Heart Of The Young”. It was recorded, mixed and mastered in 2025 in the Swiss studio “Little Creek” by the engineer Pulver and produced by Emmo Acar. The vocals and production work happened externally. The vocal recordings and production were done by Ronny Lang aka “The Voicefinder” in his own studio in cooperation with Emmo. The keyboard was produced, played and recorded by Victor Olsson, with whom we already worked on the keys of the album before. Background vocals were done separately by Emmo, Victor, Tess and Ronny. Saxophone as well by Magnus Hägglund”.
“The album contains a variety of styles, like the previous one, thanks to the cooperation with Dave Niederberger (Ex vocalist of FV) and Roman and Emmo. Influenced by our idols from the 80‘s, we are paying tribute to the prime era of Melodic Hardrock/ AOR, which you can hear by the authenticity of our sound”, they continued. “The title “Deja Vu” is not only the title of the album but also the title of a song of it. This classic French quote portrays the events we see already coming but can’t be saved from them. They will repeat cause some things are written in stone”.
Fighter V burst onto the scene in 2019. Born in Hergiswil, Switzerland, the band draws deep inspiration from classic 1980s hard-rock and arena-rock giants like Whitesnake, Journey, Survivor, and Bon Jovi – channeling that vintage energy into modern melodic rock anthems.
Their debut album, “Fighter” (2019), recorded in Sweden with producer Jona Tee (H.E.A.T), delivered 12 tracks of keyboard-driven riffs and old-school rock hooks, quickly establishing the band as one of Europe’s most promising new melodic rock acts.
In 2024 they returned with “Heart Of The Young”, featuring a refreshed lineup led by vocalist Emmo Acar, embracing a renewed but faithful homage to ’80s-era anthemic rock.
Now, with “Déjà vu”, Fighter V embark on a new chapter – their first album to be released through Frontiers Records, a pivotal step that brings their sound to a wider global audience. The record is both a nostalgic nod to their roots and a bold evolution: expect the band’s signature blend of stadium-ready riffs, soaring melodies, harmony-rich vocals, and shimmering keyboard textures, now sharpened by matured songwriting and heightened production.
“Deja Vu” is more than a title – it’s a powerful, time-bending ride through the golden age of rock, reimagined by a band reaching new heights.
“Deja Vu” Tracklist:
1. Raging Heartbeat 2. Victory 3. Made For A Heartache 4. Foolish Heart 5. Deja Vu 6. Stand By Your Side 7. All Your Love 8. Hold The Time 9. For All This Time 10. Break Those Limits 11. Victim Of Changes
RATS WILL FEAST have unveiled their new single “Observer”, offering the first fierce glimpse into their upcoming EP, “An Evocation”, set for release on April 3rd, 2026 via Time To Kill Records.
The song showcases a version of what the band would sound like if they didn’t always play like their lives depended on it. The single brings in breathable, cold and atmospheric elements, and yet might be the heaviest and most oppressing song on the EP.
The instrumentation moves like something monstrous and unimaginably massive slithering deep beneath, as the vocals echo its pained and thunderous roars from the abyss.
The single is also the first song from RATS WILL FEAST to feature a guest artist. Early in the writing process, the band had the idea to bring in Simo from Dome Runner, one of Finland’s greatest bands, as they felt the song needed a very specific sound to it, and had written the chorus with Simo’s vocal style in mind. The result is a massive and twisted industrial misfit that grabs hold of the listener and pulls them deep beneath the surface.
“Observer” marks the opening statement of a new chapter for RATS WILL FEAST, setting the tone for an EP that promises to push further into the band’s most visceral and expressive territory yet, as they continue to carve their path through the international hardcore scene.
“An Evocation” celebrates RATS WILL FEAST‘s diverse and imaginative interpretation of modern metallic hardcore. The new EP is the band’s most concise and clear articulation of what the band wants to say, and what it’s aiming for with its sound. The album’s soundscape is dense, diverse, and exudes a wide palette of tones that have accompanied the band for 10 years.
The band explores a variety of expressions on the album, as the violence and volatility of the sound is balanced with an intensely melodic approach. While the first track “First Snow” lulls the listener into a false sense of comfort with its tranquil soundscapes, the album quickly arrives at the band’s characteristic sound of extreme aggression and hallucinatory chaos.
From the blistering beat and frenzied riffage on tracks such as “Smartless” and “Frail Bones”, to the crushing weight of “Observer” and “An Evocation”, the album’s sound is a forceful expression of unrelenting hardcore with unyielding emotion. While the album offers a wide spectrum, it remains focused on the band’s signature sound.
Lyrically, “An Evocation” is a portrait of a mindscape that strives to accept life as it is. Heavy metal bands often imagine various dystopias and fantasy worlds that they sing about. “An Evocation” thirsts for a safe haven in the turmoil of this world and society.
The lyrics seek to portray a person who moves between different levels of acceptance and resentment. It is a snapshot of a process that touches everyone’s life. Between the lines, the lyrics also reflect on the question of what makes you get up on stage again and again, and what makes writing and performing this kind of music important to yourself and others. Playing heavy music is a valve that lets painful and difficult things flow into some kind of beautiful, manageable form.
For fans of: Converge, Breach, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mastodon
Biography:
RATS WILL FEAST is an experimental hardcore outfit from Jyväskylä, Finland, crafting a musical landscape of extreme aggression, unyielding emotion and hallucinatory chaos. Active in its current form since 2018, the band has built a reputation for intense live performances and innovative sound.
The band’s earlier releases “Scarcity” (LP, 2019), “Songs of a Racehorse” (EP, 2020), and “Malady” (2021) move fluidly between crushing hardcore and noisy psychedelia, occasionally dwelling in more mellow post-rock atmospheres. Their 2024 album “Hellhole” pushed the band’s signature sound to its extremes, delving further into destructive chaos, aggression and desolation.
RATS WILL FEAST’s forthcoming release, “An Evocation” (EP, 2026), continues their evolution, standing as their most focused and defined musical expression and proving that the band shows no signs of slowing down.
THE GEMS are on their way to the top! With “Gravity” the Swedish trio reveals a new single off their sophomore album, Year Of The Snake (out March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records). Electrifying and ambitious, THE GEMS invite Tommy Johansson (Majestica, ex-Sabaton) onto the 80s-inspired track, adding a new dimension to their ever-so-catchy style with the band’s first feature collaboration. Originally all members of Thundermother, THE GEMS again prove themselves as important new players in hard rock—nothing can make them come back down. Make sure to pre-order your copy of Year Of The Snake and check out the video for “Gravity” now!
THE GEMS on “Gravity”: “’Gravity’ is an 80s-inspired rock anthem about chasing your dreams without compromise – with big hooks, soaring vocals and that timeless rock energy. Featuring Tommy Johansson, two powerful voices unite in defiance and freedom.”
THE GEMS return with their second albumYear Of The Snake, out on March 13, 2026. The Swedish trio solidifies their position as a strong player in modern hard rock. Their very first single, “Like A Phoenix”, instantly hit #2 on the German Rock Radio Airplay Charts and they impressed both fans and critics with their debut recordPhoenix(2024). With one album under their belt, and numerous electrifying live shows, THE GEMS quickly established whatYear Of The Snakenow effortlessly proves: this is the future of rock!
THE GEMS on Year Of The Snake: “Year Of The Snake is about facing previous hardships in your life, letting go and moving forward to a brighter chapter. It’s packed with strong and empowering themes, just like a snake shedding its skin and now standing strong in its own power! Year Of The Snake is a homage to our fans at our live shows. We wrote the songs envisioning an excited festival crowd; from our loyal diamonds in the front row, knowing all lyrics by heart – to the crazy headbangers in the back. The album is packed with Van Halen and Europe-inspired hard-hitting grooves and riffs that will take you back to the 80s. Yet, the production is modern and fresh. In an increasingly artificial world, we want to stay true to our roots – solid musicianship and songwriting from the heart. Our aim is to always create a great sounding album with the live show in mind. The future is live and heavy glam rock is here to stay!”
Shaping the genre with 14 new tracks, THE GEMS are all about the energy. “The time to change is now!,” proclaims opener “Walls”, before the hard hitting and empowering title track offers the showstopping trifecta of frontwoman Guernica Mancini’s powerful vocals, guitarist Mona Lindgren’s heavy riffs and the heartbeat of the band; Emlee Johansson’s steady drumming. Demonstrating just how much the future is really theirs to take, “Gravity” adds Tommy Johansson’s (Majestica, Ex-Sabaton) powerful voice to an 80’s inspired sound, taking Year Of The Snake up another level. “Diamond In The Rough” is an understatement compared to the blues-y strength this song possesses, while previously released “Live And Let Go” with its catchy rhythm is undeniable radio hit material – a style this band wields extraordinarily well. “Clout Chaser” and “Hot Bait” come in uplifting, before THE GEMS delve into “Forgive And Forget”, a ballad in which Guernica’s voice comes across especially strong. “Go Along To Get Along” again illustrates the Swedish fireballs breaking the chains of their past and emerging stronger from it – as proven by speedy “Math Ain’t Mathing”, mighty “Firebird”, and “Stars” with its virtuoso guitar solo. Year Of The Snake is wrapped up by the catchy “Buckle Up” and “Happy Water” – with energetic grooves that end this album on a high note!
In less than three years of existence as a band, THE GEMS have managed to shape modern rock like few other bands. Year Of The Snake is an impressive follow-up to their debut, filled to the brim with catchy anthems and groovy hits. This Swedish trio is on its way to the well-deserved top. Female, fiery, unforgettable: The future of rock is now!
Year Of The Snake Tracklist: 1 Walls 2 Year Of The Snake 3 Gravity 4 Diamond In The Rough 5 Live And Let Go 6 Clout Chaser 7 Hot Bait 8 Forgive And Forget 9 Go Along To Get Along 10 Math Ain’t Mathing 11 Firebird 12 Stars 13 Buckle Up 14 Happy Water
THE GEMS Live 2026 Following their formation in 2023, THE GEMS quickly showed the exceptional live energy of the new band, with highlight performances including Sweden Rock Festival 2024. After the release of the upcoming full-length, THE GEMS will hit the road on their “Slithering Through Europe” tour.
Slithering Through Europe Spring Tour w/ Special Guests: King Zebra 21.03.25 DE – Lingen / Alter Schlachthof 22.03.25 DE – Cologne / Helios 37 24.03.25 DE – Hanover / Lux 25.03.25 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal 27.03.25 CH – Oberentfelden / Böröm Pöm Pöm 29.03.25 DE – Munich / Backstage 30.03.25 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 31.03.25 DE – Dresden / HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar 01.04.25 DE – Berlin / Frannz Club 02.04.25 DE – Hamburg / Knust
THE GEMS are: Guernica Mancini – Vocals Emlee Johansson – Drums Mona “Demona” Lindgren – Guitar, Bass
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 ) 