Bahrain’s death metal project ZVINDIYAR are set to release their debut full-length later this year. Today, the band reveal the first taste of what’s to come with new single “Anqa | عنقاء”.
“Anqa is about chasing transcendence beyond reach while confronting the inner voice of doubt. The tension between rising and collapsing. Anqa marks our rebirth; everything before led to this moment where we arrive fully formed.” – says the band
The track is now streaming alongside an official lyric visualizer on the band’s YouTube channel:
ZVINDIYAR blends dark, cinematic atmosphere with ambient death metal, rooted in Persian and Arabic mythological themes. Built around a strong visual identity and concept, the project aims for both sonic and aesthetic impact beyond typical releases. Members bring extensive live and recording experience, including major international stage performances.
With the previously-released Celestial EP laying a powerful foundation, Australian/Finnish dark progressive gothic metal collective THE ETERNAL return with a striking new chapter: an animated lyric video for their brand new single “Lament For The Hollow.” The track offers a first glimpse into their upcoming studio album Obscured Horizons, set for release on September 18th via Reigning Phoenix Music!
Following the widespread acclaim of their 2024 full-length Skinwalkerand the evocative successor Celestial earlier this year, which was praised by fans and media alike for its melancholic atmospheres, doom-laden heaviness and progressive depth, the band now pushes forward with a composition that feels both expansive and deeply personal. First album single “Lament For The Hollow” opens with a grand, sweeping guitar harmony, unfolding into goosebump-inducing melodies and deeply moving vocals.
The accompanying cinematic animated video mirrors the song’s emotional intensity. Set against a stormy, restless high sea, it visually captures the track’s dark yet captivating atmosphere, both destructive and mesmerizing.
Mark Kelson (vocals, guitars) reveals:
“Lament for the Hollow really come from a place of confronting that moment when everything you thought was solid – your identity, your direction – starts to fracture. I was exploring the idea of stripping away illusion, of recognising the voices and influences around you that aren’t real or honest, and having the strength to cut them off. Time is the ultimate truth-teller, eventually everything false gets washed away, whether you’re ready for it or not. The recurring imagery of waves and erasure ties into that cleansing force, but it’s not gentle—it’s destructive, almost violent. ‘Lament For The Hollow’ is about facing fear, self-doubt, and betrayal, and what happens when people allow themselves to be consumed by emptiness or led astray. It’s both a warning and a kind of catharsis. In a way ‘Lament For The Hollow’ is an anthem for the disenchanted, disillusioned and disenfranchised.”
With Mark Kelson (vocals/guitars) and Richie Poate (guitars) in Melbourne, joined by Niclas Etelävuori (bass,ex-Amorphis/Flat Earth) and Jan Rechberger (drums, Amorphis) in Helsinki, THE ETERNAL have solidified themselves as a truly international collaboration. Their music resonates with fans of acts such as Katatonia, Swallow the Sun, and Anathema – dark yet luminous, heavy yet emotionally transcendent!
Further album details and new singles will be unveiled in the weeks ahead. The band’s latest EP, Celestial, was released in January through Reigning Phoenix Music and is available digitally and as a limited, eco-friendly recycled vinyl LP edition at: https://theeternal.rpm.link/celestialPR
THE ETERNAL is: Mark Kelson / Guitar & Vocals Richie Poate / Guitar Niclas Etelävuori / Bass Jan Rechberger / Drums & Percussion
Swedish four-piece Moloken have spent nearly two decades forging a sound where doom, death, sludge, black and post-metal converge into something singular and immersive. The result is a unique blend of dark, moody and menacing music that manages to be both cerebral and crushingly heavy.
Today, Moloken announces their self-titled fifth album for a September 25th release via Discouraged Records. The album marks a powerful return after six years of silence – a dark, introspective journey through themes of consciousness, death, and eternity – and with the album announcement, the first single and video ‘A Night Vision Revealed (Asterion pt.I)’ is released.
Listen to ‘A Night Vision Revealed (Asterion pt.I)’ HERE and watch the video below.
As an entry point to the album, ‘A Night Vision Revealed (Asterion pt.I)’ sets the tone for what lies ahead: a deeper exploration of contrast, where light and darkness coexist, and where Moloken’s evolving identity takes shape in its most human form yet. The song offers a glimpse into a new dimension of Moloken’s sound. Marking the band’s first use of clean vocals, the track reveals a more exposed and vulnerable side without sacrificing the weight and intensity that defines them.
A Night Vision Revealed (Asterion pt.I) is a retelling of a classic story about the Minotaur of Crete, hiding in his labyrinthine palace. On surface level it is a story regarding profound loneliness, the loss of innocence and holding out hope for some kind of redemption but it is also a personal reflection on feeling stuck, the loss of self, life’s dreariness and routine finally coming to a head.
Filmed in a single unbroken take in Holmsund, outside Umeå, the video captures the night sky in real time — a conceptual “slow video” where drifting clouds and the subtle movements of nature become the only visual counterpart to the music’s unfolding atmosphere.
Moloken will play two May shows in Sweden and Norway, with more shows to be announced in the months to come.
MOLOKEN Live 2026: 09.05.26 – Umeå, Stallet (SE) 15.05.26 – Vadsø, Valo Rock Festival (NO)
Doom, death, black, sludge or post – few metal subgenres escape Moloken’s gravitational pull. Since forming in 2007, the four-piece from Umeå, Sweden has consistently pushed the boundaries of their sound, carving out new musical terrain with each release.
Moloken’s music moves like a shifting legend. For nearly two decades it has passed from listener to listener, changing shape along the way and leaving behind a lingering aura of mystique. Pinning the band down to a single genre is nearly impossible – but their uncompromising weight and precision as a live act are undeniable. At its core, Moloken is an experience: something to be felt rather than explained, reaching its full force on stage.
After six years of silence, the album marks a powerful return. Moloken reconnects with a more primal, doom-laden foundation while expanding their sonic palette: clean vocals, acoustic passages, and subtle traces of Nordic folk music are woven into the whole. Since ‘Unveillance of Dark Matter’ (2020), the band has undergone significant changes shaped by loss, hardship, and transformation ñ all of which resonate throughout the new material.
The band’s fifth album revolves around the burden of consciousness, death, and eternity. It unfolds as a journey through a Nordic mythscape, drawing the listener deep into a dense forest. Lush melancholy intertwines with a creeping unease; what first feels inviting gradually becomes disorienting. When the illusion breaks, you find yourself alone in the dark, surrounded by your own thoughts – with only a faint light somewhere beyond the fear
Pre-order starts may 28th, releasedate September 25th.
Moloken Discography:
upcoming 2026 “Moloken” (Digital/CD/LP album Via Discouraged Records)
2020 “Unveilance Of Dark Matter” (Digital/CD/LP album Via The Sign Records)
2015 “All Is Left To See” (Digital/CD/LP album via Temple of Torturours)
2011 “Rural” (Digital/CD/2LP album via Discouraged Records)
2009 “Our Astral Circle” (Digital/CD/2LP album via Discouraged Records)
2008 “We All Face The Dark Alone (Digital/CD EP via Discouraged Records)
Moloken Line Up 2026: Nicklas Bäckström: Bass & Lead vocals Kristoffer Bäckström: Guitar & vocals Patrik Ylmefors: Guitar Jakob Burstedt: Drums
Progressive metal act MANUEL has joined NYC-based alternative prog-rock band The Phoenix Within and Central Virginia melodic metal outfit Ashes Reign for a multi-date East Coast tour billed as the Reign of the Phoenix Tour.
The Reign of the Phoenix Tour is not just a series of shows—it’s a surge of resistance, rebirth, and raw expression crashing through the East Coast. This tour brings together three distinct forces in modern heavy music—each with their own voice, each refusing to conform. From the emotionally explosive soundscapes of The Phoenix Within, to MANUEL’s genre-bending fusion of progressive metal and Latin fire, to Ashes Reign’s relentless melodic aggression—this lineup doesn’t just perform, it erupts.
Every night is designed to feel like a release—of pressure, of truth, of everything that’s been building beneath the surface. It’s loud, it’s vulnerable, it’s chaotic, and it’s real.
This is music for those who feel everything deeply. This is for the outsiders, the fighters, the ones rebuilding themselves from the ashes. The Phoenix doesn’t rise quietly—and neither does this tour.
The Lineup
The Phoenix Within is an independent NYC-based alternative prog-rock band that incorporates diverse elements and styles of rock into their soundscape. The band is fronted by Omar Feliciano and is backed by bassist Nick Narlis, guitarist John Narlis and drummer James Narlis. Their songs are emotionally charged, always walking a thin line between hard rock elements and heavy, felt vulnerability. Their themes explore topics such as resilience, perseverance, and the underdog mentality.
Ashes Reign is a melodic metal band from Central Virginia delivering a powerful blend of traditional metal with modern appeal. After releasing their debut EP, “Mountain Echoes” in 2022, they quickly followed up the following year with their thrashy reimagining of the classic Rolling Stones masterpiece, “Paint it Black”, entitled “Paint it Thrash”.The band signed with independent label Affiant Records (Dallas, TX) in mid-2023 and have been working on their debut album with Chris Dawson of Aphotic Studios (Kansas). Their newest release, ‘My Final Plea’, continues to delve deep into interpersonal conflict lyrically while the band relentlessly enforces the subject matter sonically.
Manuel: Born and raised in Los Angeles, Manuel Urgiles has forged a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary progressive metal. His band MANUEL merges intricate, virtuosic guitar work with authentic cultural influences, creating a sound that is both visceral and intellectually charged. Grammy Award winner Stacy Parrish calls MANUEL “a true musical revelation, pushing boundaries with genre-defying fusion and emotionally charged, virtuoso guitar performances.”Manuel has already established themselves as a formidable live force, performing at major New England festivals including All Roads and VICES Fest, with a relentless touring schedule across the Northeast. Their high-energy performances have captivated audiences across metal, punk, and alternative scenes alike, proving that authentic artistry transcends genre boundaries.
MANUEL is: Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar Jason Ingalls – Drums Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar DJKTF – Keys/Percussion
About a month ago, the new album “All Hail To The Liberator” by German thrash metal band NUCLEAR WARFARE was released. With “United By Thrash,” the guys now present a track from the album, packaged with live and tour impressions as a video clip on YouTube.
At the same time, the “United By Thrash European Tour” kicks off on May 7th, featuring around 20 dates across Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Switzerland.
You’ll find the complete tour dates and the link to the video below – check it out!
UNITED BY THRASH EUROPEAN TOUR 2026 – SPRING CAMPAIGN
07/05/26 – BAFO DE BACO – LOULLÉ/PT 🇵🇹 08/05/26 – X TREM BAR – CASTELO BRANCO/PT 🇵🇹 09/05/26 – NEVERLATE – COVILHÃ/PT 🇵🇹 10/05/26 – FUNDICION NAUTILUS – VIGO/ES 🇪🇸 12/05/26 – EL PUEBLO CAFÉ CULTURAL – OURENSE/ES 🇪🇸 13/05/26 – BURIL – SARRIA/ES 🇪🇸 14/05/26 – LOS BANCOS DE ATRÁS – UNQUERA/ES 🇪🇸 15/05/26 – CS LA CASA – VALLADOLID/ES 🇪🇸 16/05/26 – F.E.T.O FEST – VIC/ES 🇪🇸 17/05/26 – SALA CREEDENCE – ZARAGOZA/ES 🇪🇸 19/05/26 – SALEM BAR – BORDEAUX/FR 🇫🇷 20/05/26 – PUB EPAP – LLEIDA/ES 🇪🇸 21/05/26 – KJBI – MONTPELLIER/FR 🇫🇷 22/05/26 – EMMA 23 – HEILBRONN/DE 🇩🇪 23/05/26 – THE CAVE – AMSTERDAM/NL 🇳🇱 24/05/26 – VORT N VIS – IEPER/BE 🇧🇪 19/06/26 – NED CLUB – MONTREUX/CH 🇨🇭 20/06/26 – TBC 21/06/26 – KV – NÜRNBERG/DE 🇩🇪 22/06/26 – LIVE CLUB – BAMBERG/DE 🇩🇪
–Composed, mixed & mastered by Jere Neejärvi –Lyrics by Tommi Manninen –ISRC: FI3FC2600801 –Artwork by Gates Open
The band comments: “The black scorpion has always been present where fear and darkness meet. It moves through cultures. From the deserts of South America to the deepest chambers of the human mind, always as the same symbol: inevitable, venomous, and powerful.
This song, however, is not solely about destruction. It is a metaphor for the shadows that live within all of us, for those fears that move in silence before striking with full force. Black Scorpion is a journey into darkness, where fear is confronted, not escaped.
It is fast-paced, enigmatic, and inevitable, just like the creature itself.
Step inside.Let the venom flow.Face the darkness.”
BIOGRAPHY:
Gates Open is a Finnish blackened death/thrash metal band. The band was founded in early 2023. Gates Open is a band founded by two men, the band includes Jere Neejärvi, in the role of guitarist/composer, and Tommi Manninen as singer.
The members’ united history began already in 2007 during the previous band’s time. Our band moved to the distribution of the Inverse Records label in June 2023. The first official single “The Awakening” under Inverse Records was released in June 2023. The second official single “Let The Night Become Your Guide” was released in October 2023. Our third single, by the band name “Gates Open” was released in December 2023. Our first full-length debut album “Voice After Silence” was released in February 2024. A single release called “Nightmares Coming True” from “Black Clouds Over The World” EP was released June 2024. A second single release called “Preys And Predators” from “Black Clouds Over The World” EP was released August 2024. A six-song EP called “Black Clouds Over The World” was released October 2024. A single release called “The Blood On Their Hands” was released October 2025. The Upcoming single release called “The Black Scorpion” will be released in spring 2026.
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 ) 