The self-reliant, boundary-pushing post-punk trio Sonic Punter has released a new single, Cloud Indigo. The track is a striking example of its genre, where magical guitar textures and dark, resonant vocals create a powerful and hypnotic atmosphere.
Alongside the single, Sonic Punter is releasing a live performance video of Cloud Indigo on YouTube. The video was captured in June at Kuudes Linja in Helsinki and offers a glimpse into the band’s intense, gritty and tightly focused live energy. More live footage from the same show will be released in January.
The band will also appear live later this year at their single release show on 20 December at Maanalainen in Tampere.
Sonic Punter is currently preparing for the release of their second album. Cloud Indigo, however, is a special Christmas gift for fans and will not appear on the upcoming full-length, which is set for release next spring.
Sonic Punter’s debut album, Twin Stranger, was released in 2024.
Helmed by three figures revered in the Québec Black Metal underground, MISERERE LUMINIS have shaped an anguished, atmospheric and singular body of work since their 2008 formation. Following a self-titled debut “Miserere Luminis” (2009) and acclaimed follow-up “Ordalie” (2023), the trio now heralds their arrival on DMP with exceptional new album, “Sidera“, to be released March 6th, 2026.
Tracklist:
01. Les fleurs de l’exil 02. De cris & de cendres 03. Aux bras des vagues & des vomissures 04. À la douleur de l’aube 05. Dans la voie de nos lumières
Drum and piano recording by Sylvaine Arnaud at Wild and Mixart studios, mastering at Tehom Productions.
The cover was painted by Adam Burke, band photography by Victoria J. Polsoni.
Extraordinary new album “Sidera” finds the band completing the journey set by 2023 predecessor, “Ordalie“: weaving impassioned Black Metal, cinematic soundscapes and contemplative textures into a deeply moving set of songs which blend heartfelt sorrow with a fierce will to exist.
MISERERE LUMINIS comment:
““Sidera” must be understood as the second chapter of what was started with “Ordalie“. Each piece explores a poetic tension between our human nature and consciousness, between untamed visceral experience and the elusive search for meaning. Although it was mostly composed in conjunction with “Ordalie“, parts of “Sidera” were composed with pure instinct.“
As an initiation into this spellbinding realm, MISERERE LUMINIS unveil the epic ‘De cris & de cendres,’ as its first single, a lament steeped in tragedy and wrath, mourning and longing – where profound sorrow meets unyielding spirit.
Listen to ‘De cris & de cendres‘ via Bandcamp on DMP’s YouTube channel:
“Sidera” will be released on CD, vinyl – including an exclusive DMP variant – and digital on March 6th. A special t-shirt design will accompany the launch. Pre-orders are possible via DMP’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
MISERERE LUMINIS are an unorthodox, atmospheric Black Metal band who hail from Montreal and are born from the minds behind GRIS and SOMBRES FORÊTS, two prime-movers in the Québécois underground Black Metal scene. The band’s eponymous debut album was released in late 2009 on Sepulchral Productions, after which the band returned to the shadows. MISERERE LUMINIS was resurrected in 2018 for the creation of acclaimed second opus, “Ordalie“, which was unleashed in June 2023. Various live gigs – including an expansive Autumn 2024 tour through Europe with GIVRE – followed and demonstrated the band’s move towards a more luminous presence in future.
Intense works are currently in motion on an upcoming third album which will be released by Debemur Morti Productions.
Finnish black/dark metal royalty Mirzadeh has released a black metal version and music video of the 80s classic You’re My Heart, You’re My Soul. After experiencing several lineup changes, the 25-year-old Mirzadeh is also working on new material with new keyboardist Descrato (Star Insight, Arina) and session guitarist Asagor (Boneset).
Listen to the single on music streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon etc.): https://push.fm/fl/mirzadeh-ymhyms
Founded in 2000, the Finnish band Mirzadeh has created a dark sound inspired by Finnish mythology. The band’s lyrics are in both English and Finnish. Over more than two decades, the band has released three full-length albums as well as several singles, EPs, and demos.
Following the explosive reception of his debut single “Ground Zero,” UK metal virtuoso Constantine Kanakis returns with “Solitude,” a breathtaking instrumental piece that showcases his extraordinary command of the six-string and deep reverence for the genre’s pioneering masters.
Much like his debut instrumental effort, Solitude is a personal homage to the guitar legends who shaped Kanakis’ sound—artists like Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Joe Satriani, Vinnie Moore, and Jeff Loomis.
Guided by exceptional guitar mastery and a love for finely crafted music, Kanakis once again reveals his remarkable touch, producing instrumental pieces that are as powerful as they are moving. Each note resonates like a verse of poetry, lifting the listener beyond the ordinary.
Active in the UK metal scene and known for his work with power metal band Sorceress of Sin, Kanakis has been praised for his “absolutely fluid and beautiful shredding” and the ability to weave “spectacular Neo-Classical flourishes” into his guitar lines. With Sorceress of Sin, he has contributed to three studio albums, including the latest, Ennea (2024), and performed at Bloodstock Festival 2021 on the New Blood Stage.
Currently, Kanakis is focusing on his solo instrumental work, channeling influences from neo-classical and metal guitar greats to create music that is both technically dazzling and emotionally engaging.
–Music: Ari Väntänen / Kristian Herkman / Mika Rytilahti –Lyrics: Kristian Herkman –ISRC: FI3FC2588202 –Cover art by Kristian Herkman –Band logo by Ari-Pekka Lehtisalo –Recorded in Finland & Italy –Mixed and mastered by Marvin T / Tide Studio, London
“I went through Kristian’s demo folder and found this gem of a song that had been lying there for a while already”, says Ari Väntänen. “I thought it had a great hook and that it would be cool to release something different for a change. I mean, we aren’t really known for pretty ballads, are we?”
More mournful than pretty, the song weighs on you like a looming storm until it exploding into a thundering middle part followed by cathartic final choruses, a gem of a song indeed.
And the lyrics, you ask, what are they about? This is not a love song, that’s for sure.
“The is song about the difficulties in communication. It relates to the false consensus effect, individualism, conformism and neurodiversity”, says Kristian Herkman, the man behind the music and the lyrics.
“In some societies you have to be like the others to cope,” the singer elaborates. “Some people are neurotypical and some are not. Sometimes neither have the best social skills.”
There certainly is room for improvement. Maybe emotional intelligence and structured communication should be subjects in school.
“People like different things and usually they like familiar things,” Kristian continues. “People fear uncertainty, so they want to be in control. Money is power and conformity makes the masses easier to control. The more you know, the more you know what there is yet to understand.”
The temporary line-up on “So Far” is Kristian Herkman (vocals, lead guitar, kantele, 12 string acoustic guitar), Ari Väntänen (rhythm guitar), Mika Rytilahti (bass), Miika Niemelä (keyboards) and Fabio Alessandrini (drums).
Line-up: Kristian Herkman: vocals Ari Väntänen: guitar Mika Rytilahti: bass Miika Niemelä: Keyboards Fabio Alessandrini: drums
Italian metal squad, HyperioN, have released the official visualizer for “Yet We Still Fight,” the third single from upcoming album, Cybergenesis. Watch the visualizer here: youtu.be/j6LtOrkrBr4
HyperioN return with new LP, Cybergenesis, a dark sci-fi concept album for fans of traditional Heavy Metal. Fighter Records will release the album on January 15, 2026. Album pre-orders are available now at: hyperionbandheavy.bandcamp.com/album/cybergenesis
Cybergenesis, HyperioN’s third full-length album, is eight tracks of powerful, dynamic Heavy Metal!
The concept of Cybergenesis fits seamlessly with the fiery heavy metal therein. A daring expedition into a space-time rift ends in disaster, awakening the Choir, an ancient alien hive mind from an alternate dimension, and plunging humanity into a desperate war for survival. On an Earth enslaved by the Choir’s army of cyborgs, a former commander is reborn as the Rhizome Rider, leading a rebellion from within and sacrificing himself to free humanity.
Rooted in classic sci-fi, from Star Trek to Ghost in the Shell, Cybergenesis tells a story of resistance and sacrifice, where the human spirit defies impossible odds.
The album’s striking cover artwork was hand-painted on canvas by English artist Ryan T. Hancock, renowned for his work with bands such as Seven Sisters, Blood Star, and Stormborn. HyperioN chose a handcrafted, non-AI artwork to give Cybergenesis a tangible and authentic visual identity.
All lyrics written by Davide Cotti. All music written by Davide Cotti except track #02 (written by Davide Cotti and Francesco Madonna) and track #07 (written by Francis Dipasquale and Davide Cotti).
Production, recording, mixing and mastering by Davide Cotti.
Vocals recorded by Antonio Inserillo.
Line-up: Davide Cotti – Guitars Francesco Madonna – Drums Max Morelli – Vocals Simone “Nega” Cauli – Bass Francis Dipasquale – Guitars
HyperioN were formed in 2015 by drummer Jason Beghelli and guitarist Davide Cotti to play traditional heavy metal, drawing inspiration from bands such as Metal Church, early Queensrÿche, and Judas Priest, while adding their own personal touch.
The band quickly gained attention with their debut album Dangerous Days (2017), released via Spanish label Fighter Records. The album was warmly welcomed by critics and gave HyperioN the chance to share thestage with established Italian acts such as Tarchon Fist, Black Phantom, and Rain.
After the recording of the second album, founding drummer Jason Beghelli stepped down for personal reasons and was replaced by Francesco Madonna. In 2020, the band released Into The Maelstrom, again on Fighter Records. The album received excellent reviews worldwide, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of all live promotion plans. Despite the circumstances, HyperioN significantly expanded their fanbase across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe through platforms like Bandcamp, finally returning to the stage in 2021.
This first era of the band came to a turning point in 2021, when several lineup changes reshaped HyperioN’s identity. Long-time bassist Antonio Scalia left the band, and after a long search Simone Cauli joined in September 2022. Just a week earlier, guitarist Luke Fortini had
departed, but the vacant role was swiftly filled by Francis Dipasquale (from thrashers Dypron). With the lineup restored, work began on new material, only to face another setback in spring 2023 when vocalist Michelangelo Carano decided to leave.
After months of auditions, HyperioN found the missing piece in singer Max Morelli, known for his work with Signum Draconis and Ladykiller. With this new and revitalized lineup, Hyperion completed the writing and production of their third album Cybergenesis, a record that represents both continuity and rebirth. Although only guitarist Davide Cotti remains from the original formation, he has always been the main composer and driving force behind the band, making sure HyperioN’s sound stays true to its roots: driving riffs that ignite into bursts of speed, soaring yet gritty vocals, and melodic hooks that make every chorus memorable.
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