A pact started with a blood-drenched razor has been formed between SILENT FUTURE DISTRIBUTION and THE SINISTER INITIATIVE. Like everything from the brain of Niklas Kvarforth, The Sinister Initiative is an abyss of nihilist chaos that offers music, merchandise and more for the truly cursed souls that crave darkness.
Now working together with Silent Future, The Sinister Initiative’s vile art will be distributed worldwide effective immediately. This begins with a celebration of Kvarforth’s legendary band SHINING, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, with a complete reissue of the first four classic albums.
Being labeled ‘The Definitive Editions’, “I / Within Deep Dark Chambers” and “II / Livets Ändhållplats” have both received a visual upgrade by in-house designer Ritual. This is also the case of “III / Angst” and “IV / The Eerie Cold”, however, the latter have also been re-mastered by Andy La Rocque.
Furthermore, the full SHINING catalogue will be reissued in its entirety as this pact unfolds. These “final” editions will come on CD, CASSETTE and beautiful gate-folded, 12″ VINYL editions, including a vinyl-only A2-sized poster.
The first four albums are available for pre-order now at the Silent Future Distribution stores with exclusive merchandise pre-orders to be launched in the immediate future.
Swedish rock quintet Hällas have released their fourth full-length Panaroma, via their own label Äventyr Records.
With their new album, Hällas both consolidate and expand the image of what the band is – but also what rock can be. This time, different perspectives in a scenario are explored regarding whether humanity is capable of understanding a viewpoint other than their own. It reflects our time but is, in typical Hällas fashion, staged in a fictional, distant world.
Hällas have previously announced new Scandinavian and European tour dates in support of the release. A full list of confirmed dates can be found below.
Hällas live 06-02-2026 Korjaamo, Helsinki (FI) 13-02-2026 Rockefeller, Oslo (NO) 20-02-2026 Fållan, Stockholm (SE) 21-02-2026 Filmstudion, Gothenburg (SE) 28-02-2026 Amager Bio, Copenhagen (DK) 11-03-2026 Uebel & Gefaerlich, Hamburg (DE) 13-03-2026 La Machine du Moulin Rouge, Paris (FR) 15-03-2026 De Helling, Utrecht (NL) 16-03-2026 Junkyard, Dortmund (DE) 17-03-2026 Dynamo, Zürich (CH) 18-03-2026 Hansa39, Munich (DE) 19-03-2026 Arena Wien, Vienna (AT) 21-03-2026 Heimathafen Neukölln, Berlin (DE) 22-03-2026 Futurum, Prague (CZ)
For fans of: Rush, Genesis, The Devil’s Blood, Opeth, Ghost, Graveyard Genre: Adventure Rock
Forget about everyday life and step into an adventurous fantasy world – that’s what Hällas want for their audience to experience. The Swedish quintet craft epic fantasy-themed concept albums filled with adventurous twin guitars, vintage synths, and mystical storytelling, carving out their own genre of adventure rock.
Their upcoming album Panorama is Hällas‘ fourth full length release. While staying true to their signature sound and lyricism, it may very well be the most varied and complex so far.
In one way, Panorama sounds familiar: an imaginative hybrid of progressive 70s rock and heavy metal with echoes of both folk and psychedelia, along with conceptual content. In another sense, you have not quite heard a record like this from Hällas before. The self-confidence has never been as evident. Influences from different directions collide, and sometimes clash, contributing to the feeling that the expected instead culminates in wonder at what it is you’re hearing.
Hällas were founded in 2011 and saw their initial breakthrough with their first full length album, Excerpts From A Future Past (2017), and its hit single ‘Star Rider’. Building on their initial success, Hällas released their sophomore album Conundrum in 2020, garnering them a Swedish Grammy nomination. The album trifecta was complete with the release of Isle of Wisdom in 2022, widening their repertoire even further.
With each release, the band have cultivated a cult following in the modern prog and hard rock scenes around the world. With their cinematic storytelling and timeless sound, Hällas has been touring far and wide-playing sold out shows all over Europe, as well as North and Latin America. Regardless of where, Hällas capture their audience with their own adventure rock universe coming to life on stage.
With Panorama, the band writes yet another chapter in the story of Hällas. Tread carefully, friends.
Hällas are: Tommy Alexandersson: vocals, bass Rickard Swahn: guitar Marcus Petersson: guitar Nicklas Malmqvist: keyboards Kasper Eriksson: drums
Brutal Planet Records announces that two long-awaited titles from Florida Christian metal pioneers Apostle are finally getting the deluxe reissue treatment — and both are available now for pre-order at discounted prices exclusively at boonesoverstock.com.
White Metal (1985) — available for the first time ever on CD and Vinyl, including the rare 1984 demo as bonus tracks
Chariots of Iron (1987) — the underground classic finally receiving its first official CD release
Both titles are fully remastered by Rob Colwell, feature expanded packaging with archival notes and rare photos, and are part of the Metal Icon Series. Quantities are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
In the early 1980s, when Christian metal was still finding its footing, Apostle emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, led by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Matt Harding (1957–2012). What began as a small local group with a deep spiritual calling soon became one of the most dedicated and prolific underground acts in Christian metal. Formed in 1983, Apostle combined fiery, melodic metal with an unwavering devotion to sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
From the start, Apostle’s ministry reached beyond the church walls. As drummer Bill Box recalled, the band would play “anywhere and everywhere—clubs, reformatories, outdoor parks, churches, coffee houses, and skating rinks.” Their mission was to take the gospel wherever people would listen. Bassist Dave Lawson summarized their purpose simply: “What you have to do is sell out to Jesus and let Him change your life. We’ve tried to stay straight to the Bible and sing songs that glorify God.”
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Apostle toured widely across the South and Midwest, often sharing stages with national Christian rock and metal acts such as Whitecross, Bride, and Rez Band. In 1989, Apostle recorded with Glenn Kaiser (Rez Band/JPUSA) in Chicago—one of the scene’s most respected figures—resulting in their most polished and spiritually intense album. Harding’s soaring guitar work, layered harmonies, and heartfelt conviction set Apostle apart as a band unafraid to merge heavy music with deep faith.
Despite their talent and steady output, Apostle’s recordings were distributed only in small cassette runs, making them treasured finds among collectors. Their catalog remained largely unheard outside underground tape-trading circles. These official Retroactive Records reissues finally make that catalog accessible on both CD and vinyl for the first time—all beautifully remastered by Rob Colwell and accompanied by restored artwork and historical notes.
One exception, Prepare to Meet God, did receive a limited CD release years ago but quickly became nearly impossible to find. Its inclusion alongside the earlier Apostle material—and Matt Harding’s solo project Steel Armada—completes the long-overdue restoration of his musical legacy.
Albums included in this Retroactive Records / Metal Icon Series reissue campaign:
Apostle – White Metal (1985, +1984 Demo Tracks)
Apostle – King of the Saints (1986)
Apostle – Chariots of Iron (1987)
Apostle – Hymns (1988)
Apostle – Apostle (1989)
Apostle – Prepare to Meet God (1994)
Matt Harding’s Steel Armada – Steel Armada (1989)
Brutal Planet Records had been trying to obtain the rights to reissue Apostle’s music for nearly 30 years. After Matt Harding’s passing in 2012, they continued searching for any contact that could lead to his family or former bandmates—years filled with dead ends and unanswered messages. Eventually, they reached out to the Christian Rock & Metal Facebook group, asking its 80,000 members for help. Chris Rozier (writer for Heaven’s Metal Magazine) responded and connected them with Larry Motes, one of Apostle’s drummers. Larry then contacted Jacob Harding, Matt’s son, and through that connection, this long-awaited reissue campaign was finally set in motion.
Previously available only as a flimsy, low-quality cardboard-sleeve promo that barely surfaced in the collector world, Unburied has long been considered nearly impossible to obtain. This Brutal Planet Records edition finally gives these unearthed horrors a proper home in a jewel case with a 12-page lyric booklet, remastered by Rob Colwell and officially welcomed into the Metal Icon Series.
Finnish doom metal outfit GRAIN OF PAIN has announced the release of its new full-length album, “Behind Us All”, set to drop on March 27 via Noble Demon. To mark the occasion and offer a first glimpse into the record’s bleak yet emotionally resonant soundscape, the band has unveiled its first single today.
The track, titled “To Burn Inside”, is now available on all major streaming platforms and arrives alongside a brand new music video, which can be watched here:
“To Burn Inside” sees GRAIN OF PAIN leaning deep into their signature blend of doom-laden heaviness and powerful melodies. Featuring a striking guest solo by Pekka Olkkonen(Stam1na), the song explores themes of reflection and the clarity that often comes with age.
Mastermind Timo Solonen comments: “So many stones, so many hopes. We are very happy to have Pekka Olkkonen to feature on our first single and to play solo on our song. Song is about life choices we made to earlier in life to chase dreams which weren’t worth it in the end. When you grow older you will find what is most important in life and the struggle to leave old life behind is not always easy. But you can do it as it becomes clear in the end of the song“.
Tracklist:
Shattered Peace
To Burn Inside (Featuring Pekka Olkkonen)
The Offering (Featuring Eemeli Bodde)
Ruins Of The Heart
The House
Dance With Me
Bless You With Sorrow
If Morning Never Comes (Featuring Kirsten Jørgensen)
Hailing from Finland, GRAIN OF PAIN delivers a powerful and emotionally charged take on doom/death metal. At the core of the band is Timo Solonen, who handles composition alongside growls and guitars. On bass and clean vocals is Lars Eikind (Before The Dawn), standing out with a prestigious Spellemannsprisen (Grammy) win in Norway.
Joining as session musicians are Juho Räihä (guitars, additional screams) and Juuso Raatikainen (drums), both of whom claimed a Finnish Grammy with Swallow the Sun in 2025. Drawing from a wide range of influences, GRAIN OF PAIN weaves dark atmospheres and powerful melodies into music that resonates long after the final note fades.
Following the signing with German metal specialist Noble Demon in April 2024 for their debut release (“The Moon Lights The Way”), GRAIN OF PAIN now raises the stakes with “Behind Us All”, their second studio album, set for release in March 2026.
“Behind Us All” was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Juho Räihä at SoundSpiral Audio. The cover artwork was created by Gogo Melone. The album will be released on March 27 via Noble Demon and is now available for pre-order HERE.
Following the success of previously-released singles‘Scum’, ‘Ball & Chain’ and ‘Big Brother’, Swedish-Norwegian rap-metal pioneers CLAWFINGER have released their latest single ‘Going Down (Like Titanic)’. The song is taken from their hotly-anticipated studio albumBefore We All Die, set for release on February 20 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Before We All Die marks CLAWFINGER’s first studio album in 19 years, capturing the band’s trademark fusion of sharp rap delivery, heavy grooves and biting social commentary, now more relevant than ever.
Frontman Zak Tell reveals about the new track:
“This started off as a silly braggadocious rap lyric, simply because that’s what the beat was telling me to do. It wasn’t very well thought out at all, just threading together cool words that rhymed. I guess in some ways it was about a Clawfinger comeback without me really even thinking about it, not that we’ve really been gone but it’s been a while since we released anything. I guess the question the lyric ended up asking was: What are we really coming back to, we may be awesome and all that but everything is still completely messed up. We can brag and boast but we’re still arrogant idiots heading towards a total collapse of the world as we know it.
The Titanic chorus idea came from Jocke, I’m not even sure he realized what a great metaphor it was for the lyric? We’re talking about a massive ship that they said was unsinkable… that sank. Rich people partying onboard, enjoying the luxury at the top, while the less fortunate working class were stuck down below, everyone headed straight for disaster without having a clue. Does that sound familiar?”
Known for their pioneering fusion of metal, rap, and unflinching social commentary, CLAWFINGER return with their brand new record Before We All Die, that will rekindle the fire which made them one of Europe’s most groundbreaking crossover acts. This long-awaited comeback marks not just a return, but a reinvention, proof that true intensity never fades.
Despite releasing their first studio album since 2007, CLAWFINGER are seeing significant success across social media platforms and streaming services, where both new material and classic tracks are gaining impressive traction. The band’s sharp lyrical perspective and unmistakable sound clearly strike a chord with the current zeitgeist, resonating not only with long-time fans but also with a new, younger generation of metal listeners. This renewed relevance proves that CLAWFINGER’s message, attitude and musical identity remain as powerful and timely as ever.
From environmental collapse to political hypocrisy, personal disillusionment to collective denial, Before We All Die is CLAWFINGER at full volume – still pissed off, still sharp as ever, still sprinkled with a touch of self-irony, and still refusing to shut up while the world pretends it’s all fine.
This album is part protest, part therapy, and part middle finger,” the band says. “We’re not offering solutions. We’re screaming because silence is surrender.”
Before We All Die Track Listing: 1. Scum 2. Ball & Chain 3. Tear You Down 4. Big Brother 5. Linked Together 6. A Perfect Day 7. Going Down (Like Titanic) 8. You Call Yourself a Teacher 9. A Fucking Disgrace 10. Kill The Dream 11. Environmental Patients 12. Before We All Die
CLAWFINGER Live: 02.05.2026 (NO) Karmøygeddon Metal Festival 19.06.2026 (CH) Quellrock Openair 07.08.2026 (CZ) Brutal Assault 08.08.2026 (AT) Picture On 15.08.2026 (CH) Rock The Lakes Festival 22.08.2026 (DE) Headbanger Festival 22.10.2026 (DE) Munich Backstage Werk 23.10.2026 (AT) Vienna, Arena 24.10.2026 (CZ) Prague, Palac Akropolis 26.10.2026 (DE) Cologne, Kantine 27.10.2026 (NL) Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg 28.10.2026 (BE) St Niklaas, De Casino 30.10.2026 (FR) Paris, Elysee Montmartre 31.10.2026 (CH) Pratteln, Z7 02.11.2026 (DE) Nürnberg, Hirsch 03.11.2026 (DE) Hamburg, Übel & Gefährlich 05.11.2026 (DK) Copenhagen, Amager Bio 06.11.2026 (DE) Berlin, Kesselhaus 07.11.2026 (DE) Münster, Skaters Palace
Our Mirage have entered their next era with the release of their brand-new album Fractured Minds – a record that doesn’t just continue their rise, but cements their status as one of the most impactful metalcore acts on a global scale.
To celebrate the release, they have dropped a video for new single ‘The Chase’ featuring Elwood Stray. Watch it below.
Following a massive breakthrough album cycle that began in 2025, Our Mirage have experienced a relentless upward trajectory. What started as a steady build quickly turned into an international surge, pushing the band to over 350,000 unique monthly listeners on Spotify and placing them among the most-streamed metalcore acts worldwide. With each release, their audience grew louder, broader, and more deeply connected to the band’s emotionally charged sound.
Fractured Minds feels like the logical next step – and at the same time, a bold evolution. The album dives headfirst into themes of inner conflict, mental strain, and emotional fracture, translating vulnerability into anthemic heaviness. Balancing crushing riffs with soaring melodies and raw, honest lyricism, Our Mirage refine the sound that carried them through their breakthrough while sharpening its edge even further.
What sets the band apart has always been their ability to combine modern metalcore intensity with genuine emotional weight – and on Fractured Minds, that balance is pushed to new extremes. The songs hit hard, but they linger longer, resonating far beyond the final breakdown.
From a defining run in 2025 to the release of Fractured Minds today, Our Mirage have proven that their rise is no accident. This album doesn’t just capture where the band is right now – it signals where they’re heading next. And judging by the momentum behind them, Our Mirage are no longer just part of the global metalcore conversation – they’re helping lead it.
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 ) 