GODSLAVE present the single “Part Of The Pack” – the new studio album will be released on September 11 at Metalville.
Some songs take a few listens to get into. Not “Part of the Pack”!
The new GODSLAVE single had the crowd fired up from the very first bars on the “…and practice for all” mini-tour and, within just a few gigs, became the sing-along highlight of the evening. Now, everyone outside the clubs can finally get their ears on this anthem.
“Part of the Pack” is dedicated to all those who’ve felt a bit different their whole lives. To those who never quite fitted in and wondered whether they belonged anywhere at all. The answer from the five lads from the Saarland is as simple as it is powerful: We know how it feels. You’re not alone.
The hook sticks in your head, the message in your heart. Live, “Part of the Pack” is already showing just how quickly strangers can become a community.
Because, at the end of the day, we’re all looking for the same thing: a place where we belong. A place where we’re part of the pack.
LINE UP Thommy (Vocals) Bernie (Guitar) Manni (Guitar) Mika (Bass) Tobi (Drums)
Finnish melodic death metal band WHISPERED, renowned for blending Japanese musical influences and traditional themes with modern metal, will release their long-awaited fourth studio album, Honorbound, on September 11. Nearly a decade has passed since the band’s previous full-length, Metsutan (2016), making Honorbound a highly anticipated return.
The album campaign began in April with the release of the first single, “Ikikaere”, which climbed into YouTube’s Top 20 Trending Music Videos shortly after its release. The enthusiastic response confirmed that Whispered’s return had been eagerly awaited by fans both in Finland and abroad.
Honorbound is the result of years of dedicated work. During the lengthy writing and recording process, the band also became increasingly self-sufficient, taking full control of the album’s production.
“After the previous album, we had a strong feeling that we wanted to take everything into our own hands and learn how to do this entirely on our own terms. That was the beginning of a journey that definitely wasn’t supposed to last ten years, but sometimes things simply take as long as they need to.
Along the way, we also realized that chasing perfection is an excellent way to stretch deadlines into eternity and lose touch with reality one new mix at a time.
Still, we never gave up. Even when the process felt endless at times, we kept pushing the album forward with determination until it was finally finished. This record was created largely by two people, but its completion also strongly belongs to the new lineup. The energy that came from them reminded us why we do this in the first place: to get this album out into the world, return to the stage, and above all finally move on to making the next record.”
Released today, the album’s final single, “Battlecry”, captures everything that defines the Whispered sound: crushing riffs, epic melodies, and storytelling inspired by Japanese tradition.
“‘Battlecry’ was born in the midst of the album process from dire need to create something that drives forward with steady and heavy pulse while capturing many aspects what Whispered is all about. As the name might give away, the song is about going to battle with everything you got, even when the odds aren’t at all in your favour. Steel, honour and no prisoners. The battle hymn of the Shogunate!”
Whispered will perform a selection of festival shows throughout the summer before embarking on a UK mini-tour in September. Additional live dates will be announced later this autumn.
Upcoming Live Dates are:
July 10, 2026 – Dark River Festival, Kotka, Finland August 15, 2026 – SaariHelvetti, Tampere, Finland September 9, 2026 – 229 Club, London, UK September 10, 2026 – Bannerman’s, Edinburgh, UK September 11, 2026 – Nightrain, Bradford, UK September 12, 2026 – Gryphon, Bristol, UK September 18, 2026 – Kuudes Linja, Helsinki, Finland
“Orders to all warriors: stream the new track relentlessly and march to the shows in full force to witness the return of the shogunate. Ikikaere! – Whispered
Whispered’s music represents True Finnish Samurai Metal – melodic death metal that blends influences from Japanese traditions with epic orchestration. The band was founded by Jouni Valjakka in 2004 out of a love for metal music and Japan, giving birth to Whispered. Their debut album Thousand Swords (2010) introduced this distinctive fusion to the metal scene. A darker and more mature continuation followed with their second album Shogunate Macabre (2014), and their third full-length Metsutan – Songs of the Void (2016) elevated the band’s multi-layered vision to a new level. Whispered’s music and visual identity have earned the band widespread international recognition for its cross-cultural approach to heavy music. The band has toured in Finland, across Europe, and in Japan, building a strong live reputation and a loyal fanbase. After several years on hiatus, their long-awaited next album will be released this year.
Lineup: Jouni Valjakka – Vocals, Guitar Mikko Mattila – Guitar Olli Paajanen – Bass Filip Gäddnäs – Drums
Ecuadorian progressive metal trio MINIPONY have unveiled “Pachanga”, the first single and official music video taken from their upcoming third studio EP, “Detach”, set for release on July 24 via Subsound Records.
The track showcases the band’s signature blend of powerful organic sonorities and experimental djent-driven textures, while its metaphorical lyrics explore the contradiction between consumption and animal compassion. The result is an intense and emotionally charged composition that perfectly reflects MINIPONY‘s distinctive musical identity.
Musically, “Detach” unfolds as an intense journey through technical metal, mathcore, and djent-driven structures, enriched with Latin-influenced textures and electronic layers. Dense, low-tuned guitars, intricate rhythmic complexity, and visceral guttural vocals combine into a sound that is both physically overwhelming and mentally immersive.
Recorded at Borgo 41 Studio in Lumbisí, Ecuador, by Amadeus Galiano and mixed by Jamie Uertz (known for his work on Gojira’s ‘Magma’), the EP presents MINIPONY in their most defined, honest, and uncompromising form, revealing the band’s true sonic identity with exceptional clarity and power.
“Detach” stands as a sonic evolution; a statement of identity and intent, solidifying MINIPONY’s position as one of the most distinctive and innovative emerging acts in the global heavy music scene.
“Detach” will be out on July 24 via Subsound Records and is available for pre-order via BANDCAMP and HERE
CELTIC HILLS are proud to officially announce the new formation of Celtic Hills — stronger, louder, and more international than ever.
This is not just a line-up change — it’s an evolution. A multinational force forged by different backgrounds, united by the same fire and vision. The international identity of Celtic Hills is now fully sharpened and ready to hit harder than ever. New energy. New blood. Same unstoppable attitude.
For nearly two decades, Edi Žorž has been one of the most respected musicians in the Slovenian heavy metal scene. Renowned for his technical ability, musical versatility and deep respect for classic heavy metal, Žorž has built his career through dedication, consistency and passion rather than seeking the spotlight.
Born on May 26, 1982, in Slovenia, Edi Žorž began his musical journey with Fosgen before becoming guitarist for the thrash metal band Keller from Nova Gorica. He later expanded his musical experience through Shutdown, while also becoming a key member of Madbringer, the tribute band dedicated to the legendary Slovenian heavy metal pioneers Pomaranča.
His long-standing connection with Pomaranča reached a milestone in 2024 when he was invited to perform as surprise guitarist during the band’s 45th anniversary reunion concert at Kino Šiška in Ljubljana. Sharing the stage with founding guitarist Mijo Popovič, Žorž delivered a performance that was widely praised by the Slovenian music press, which described him as the “sixth horseman” of the legendary band.
In 2026, Žorž embarks on a new international adventure by joining the Italian heavy metal band Celtic Hills as lead guitarist. He joins bassist Luca Fumagalli and drummer Luka Stone, whose career includes collaborations with former Europe guitarist Kee Marcello and former Crimson Glory vocalist Wade Black.
For Celtic Hills, the addition of Edi Žorž represents not only the arrival of an outstanding guitarist but also a musician deeply rooted in one of the most important heavy metal traditions of the Balkans. His experience, professionalism and unmistakable playing style will contribute to the band’s next creative chapter.
With this new role, Edi Žorž continues a musical journey built on talent, commitment and respect for heavy metal, strengthening the artistic connection between the Slovenian and Italian metal scenes.
Line-up: Jonathan Vanderbilt – vocals & guitars Luca Fumagalli – bass Luka Stone – drums Edi Zorz – guitars
July 2, 2026, Sharp N’ Loud made their return with the explosive new single “The Band Is At Work,” released through Wanikiya Record/Promotion.
While their previous single, “I Live For Your Love,” showcased the band’s more mature, reflective, and melodic side, “The Band Is At Work” reveals the other side of the coin: a powerful explosion of energy, determination, and pure Hard Rock.
Driven by razor-sharp riffs, an uncompromising attitude, and an explosive sound, Sharp N’ Loud tell the story of a band that continues to challenge itself every single day, working tirelessly for both themselves and their audience. This is more than just a song—it’s a bold statement of intent.“The Band Is At Work” is a promise, a manifesto, and a battle cry:
The band is at work—and they’re determined to keep bringing Rock exactly where it belongs.
Formed in 2024 in the Marche region of Italy, in the province of Macerata, Sharp N’ Loud embody the true spirit of Rock: raw energy, a rebellious attitude, and a sound deeply rooted in the golden era of the 1980s and 1990s. Five old-school rockers ready to set every stage on fire with an authentic and powerful live performance.
Their debut album, “Room2080,” currently in production with Wanikiya Record/Promotion, promises to be far more than just a record. It will be an emotional and sonic journey, blending the timeless appeal of classic Hard Rock with a modern, impactful production.
Adding even more depth to the project is an engaging sci-fi storyline woven throughout the album’s concept, transforming the listening experience into an immersive and cinematic adventure.
Since the very beginning, Sharp N’ Loud have demonstrated both ambition and determination by taking part in important events on the Italian rock scene, including Fatti Scoprire by RockerTV, and by sharing the stage with renowned artists and bands such as Chris Catena’s Rock City Tribe and Lost Reflection, quickly establishing themselves as a powerful live act.
Now, with their official signing to Wanikiya Record/Promotion and the addition of a new member to the lineup, the band is ready to push the accelerator even harder and write the next exciting chapter of their story.
Sharp N’ Loud aren’t simply playing Rock.They’re taking it exactly where it belongs.
Canadian hard rock outfit Dali Van Gogh continue their Roadkill live EP rollout with the release of “Bury The Lead (Live at The Scotiabank Centre, Halifax)”, available now on all digital platforms.
The track follows two earlier Roadkill singles, “Wicked Way (Live at Overtime Sportsbar, Kingston)” and “Boneyard (Live at Tide & Boar, Moncton),” both currently available alongside the new release.
Roadkill is a six-track live album capturing the band across venues in Eastern and Central Canada. The album documents three years of touring and is being released in a waterfall format, with one track dropping every three weeks from May 22 through September 4.
Tracklist & Release Dates:
Wicked Way (Live at Overtime Sports Bar, Kingston) — May 22
Bury The Lead (Live at The Scotiabank Centre, Halifax) — July 3
Savanna (Live at Bovine Sex Club, Toronto) — July 24
Out For Blood (Live at The House of Targ, Ottawa) — August 14
Little Hell (Live at The Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown) — September 4
Roadkill serves as a deliberate bookend to the band’s breakout chapter, which includes their critically recognized EP “New Blood, Old Wounds” and the single “Wicked Way.” That release cycle saw the band earn two nominations at the East Coast Music Awards in 2023, taking home Loud Recording of the Year. The studio version of “Wicked Way” continues that momentum with a 2026 nomination for Loud Release of the Year.
With new material looming in the near future, Roadkill captures a band in motion—looking back only long enough to slam the door behind them.
About Dali Van Gogh
Dali Van Gogh are a Canadian hard rock band known for their high-energy live performances, blending aggressive riffs with anthemic songwriting. With multiple award nominations and a growing national presence, the band continues to carve out their place in Canada’s heavy music landscape.
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
