Modern metalcore outfit HUMANKIND return with their most emotionally charged track to date. Their new single “Black Sands” dives deep into the weight of responsibility carried from a young age, pushing their blend of modern heaviness and melodic vulnerability into even darker territory.
Following the release of theirlovely EP in August through ROAR – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music (Stream/Download HERE), which showcased their ability to fuse metalcore grit with cinematic emotion, HUMANKIND now sharpen their focus with a track that hits harder both musically and lyrically.
The band explains: “‘Black Sands’ deals with the burden of having to carry great responsibilities from a young age. Everything is a struggle, nothing comes easy, nothing is given for free. It addresses the longing for a tangible being or higher power that lifts the weight off our shoulders and takes us into its embrace, allowing us to finally rest and realise that life is more than just fighting and suffering.”
Produced, mixed, and mastered once again by Christoph Wieczorek (Sawdust Recordings), “Black Sands” pushes HUMANKIND’s signature sound to new emotional extremes. Crushing guitars, soaring hooks, and a sense of relentless pressure define the track, capturing the band’s blend of modern metalcore, post-hardcore atmosphere, and raw confessional energy.
HUMANKIND continue to cement themselves as one of the most promising acts in the new wave of alternative heavy music: honest, melodic, intense, and unafraid to confront the internal battles that shape us.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the upcoming reissues of Brazen Abbot’s studio albums “Guilty As Sin” and “Live And Learn”, out on December 12, 2025.
The track “Live And Learn (feat. Glenn Hughes)”, along with a visualizer, is available now.
Nikolo Kotzev said: “Having Glenn Hughes in my studio was an out of worldly experience. He was the first global star I had a direct contact with. I can’t describe the feeling of hearing my songs performed by him. He was very humble and extremely efficient in the studio and was well-prepared, so he nailed most of it on the first take”.
“I often read comments from Glenn’s fans, that ‘Live And Learn” is one of the best songs he ever sang”, he added. “Don’t know if that’s true, but I don’t mind hearing that. It is a track, combining rock, blues and soul in one explosive extravaganza. And it happened right in front of my eyes. Nothing beats that”.
Pre-Order “Guilty As Sin” HERE – Pre-Order “Live And Learn” HERE
Nikolo Kotzev commented:
“Live And Learn” was the first Brazen Abbot album, released originally in Japan and other Asian countries. It packed a fantastic lineup of musicians – Glenn Hughes, Göran Edman, Thomas Vikström, Ian Haugland, Svante Henryson and Mic Michaeli. Wow. Even to this day it sounds like a crazy mountain of talent… It contains some extraordinary songs, which sound surprisingly fresh even today. Don’t miss that one – it’s the one, that started it all”.
“Guilty As Sin” says a lot about a tough period in my life. Many of the songs are written after true events and reminiscent my state of mind. Extraordinary musicianship as always by the Europe guys and all the singers. There are quite a few memorable ones on this one and as Joe said himself – the production and writing quality is extraordinary. Not bad to hear it from someone like him, eh?”, he continued.
Brazen Abbot was originally conceived as a studio project by Bulgarian guitarist, producer, and songwriter Nikolo Kotzev. The band has since performed live on several occasions, particularly in the early 2000’s
A unique feature of Brazen Abbot is its use of multiple singers on each album. Göran Edman and Joe Lynn Turner have contributed with vocals on most of their records. Initially, Kotzev planned to work with a single vocalist, Göran Edman (ex-Malmsteen) but, due to contractual restrictions, he could only record two songs for the debut album. The “Voice of Rock” Glenn Hughes was then lined up to sing the remaining tracks, but similar issues limited him to three songs.
To complete the album, Thomas Vikström (Talk of the Town and later on Therion) was brought in, and Kotzev was so satisfied with the outcome that he decided to continue the multi-singer approach for future albums. However, during live performances, Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Malmsteen, Rainbow, Deep Purple) usually handled all lead vocals.
Several Brazen Abbot members also participated in Kotzev’s rock opera Nostradamus (2001). During the rock opera’s development, Brazen Abbot was temporarily on hiatus. Former members of the band include Mic Michaeli, John Levén, and Ian Haugland, all of whom are also members of the legendary rock band Europe.
“Guilty As Sin” arrived in 2003 as a bold comeback from Nikolo Kotzev’s long-running studio project, a record that pairs grand, melodic hard-rock songwriting with powerful, characterful vocal performances. Kotzev’s fingerprints are all over the album – his guitar work, arrangements and production drive the record – while the vocal duties are shared between three distinct frontmen: Joe Lynn Turner, Jørn Lande and Göran Edman, each contributing four songs and giving the album an extraordinary tonal variety.
Backing that vocal triumvirate is a rock-solid foundation: the rhythmic punch of John Levén’s bass and Ian Haugland’s drums, plus Mic Michaeli’s keyboards, which together deliver the muscular yet melodic backdrop Kotzev needed to realize his vision.
Musically, “Guilty As Sin” moves confidently between anthemic AOR, heavier riff-driven moments and dramatic, cinematic passages – a combination that lets the songs breathe and the singers shine in their different registers. The title track closes the album with an expansive, almost operatic sweep, while opening numbers and mid-tempo standouts balance immediate hooks with layered instrumentation that rewards repeated listening.
Originally released in 1995, “Live And Learn” stands as one of the strongest statements in European melodic hard rock of the ’90s. The project, led by Bulgarian guitarist, songwriter, and producer Nikolo Kotzev, combines razor-sharp riffs and symphonic arrangements with soaring vocal performances, creating a record that feels both powerful and timeless.
The album is notable for its rotating cast of world-class singers, with the “Voice of Rock” Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen), and Thomas Vikström (Talk of the Town, Candlemass) each delivering unforgettable performances that give the songs their distinctive character.
Musically, Kotzev’s vision is realized through the expert interplay of his guitar work, the thunderous drumming of Ian Haugland (Europe), the driving bass of John Levén (Europe), and the lush keyboard textures of Mic Michaeli (Europe), forming a band that sounds as massive as its pedigree suggests.
Among the fan favorites are the dramatic title track “Live And Learn” and the opening gem “Extraordinary Child”, both of which capture the balance of heaviness, melody, and emotional depth that define the Brazen Abbot sound.
“Guilty As Sin” Tracklist:
1. One Life To Live (Joe Lynn Turner) 2. Eyes On The Horizon (Jørn Lande) 3. I’ll Be Free (Göran Edman) 4. Slip Away (Joe Lynn Turner) 5. Mr. Earthman (Jørn Lande) 6. Like Jonah (Göran Edman) 7. Bring The Colors Home (Jørn Lande) 8. Fool’s Confession (Göran Edman) 9. Supernatural (Joe Lynn Turner) 10. Eve (Göran Edman) 11. A Whole Lotta Woman (Jørn Lande) 12. Guilty As Sin (Joe Lynn Turner)
Line Up: Nikolo Kotzev – guitars, keyboards Ian Haugland – drums Mic Michaeli – Hammond John Leven – bass Joe Lynn Turner – singer Göran Edman – singer Jörn Lande – singer
“Live And Learn” Tracklist:
1. Extraordinary Child (Göran Edman) 2. No Way Out of Nowhere (Thomas Vikström) 3. Live And Learn (Glenn Hughes) 4. Russian Roulette (Thomas Vikström) 5. Clean Up Man (Glenn Hughes) 6. When November Reigns (Thomas Vikström) 7. Miracle (Glenn Hughes) 8. Big Time Blues (Thomas Vikström) 9. Feeling Like A Rolling Stone (Göran Edman) 10. Children Of Today (Thomas Vikström) 11. Shadows Of The Moon (Thomas Vikström)
Line Up: Nikolo Kotzev – guitars and keyboards Svante Henryson – bass Ian Haugland – drums Mic Michaeli – Hammond Glenn Hughes – singer Göran Edman – singer Thomas Vikström – singer
Spanish dark post-rock collective Müntrails present their music video for “Outbreaks,” taken from their acclaimed album The Cenobite Tapes, released via Wormholedeath.
If you crave the dark intensity of bands like The Cure and Sisters of Mercy, Müntrails delivers. “Outbreaks” is a direct and minimalist video that perfectly captures the song’s gripping lyrical theme: the sudden, unwelcome event that hits you, destroys you, and ultimately, makes you reborn.
More Videos:“Ancient Enemy”:Watch, “The Bell”:Watch, “Erase My Name”:Watch, Heretic Eyes:Watch
Discover Müntrails
Müntrails is a Spanish band formed in 2022 by Dibasson (vocals), Beszel (guitars, programming, backing vocals), Zennon (keyboards), BasLag (bass), and Shevek (drums). Blending darklight atmospheres with conceptual storytelling, the group aims to create deeply personal and enduring music.
After releasing three EPs — Venom To Come (Feb 2024), Disorder Road (June 2024), and Dance Divine (Nov 2024) — and performing live across their region, Müntrails signed with WormHoleDeath Records in January 2025 for the worldwide release of their CD, The Cenobite Tapes.
What would happen if Motörhead decided to cover Blur’s “Song 2”? Dharma Guns — proudly calling themselves dandy punks — didn’t just wonder. They turned the idea into their newest single.
“Devil’s Beat” borrows attitude and flavour from both iconic groups, yet somehow lands with a sound that’s unmistakably Dharma Guns. The track fires off a muscular guitar riff, a huge shout-along chorus and lyrics celebrating the wicked charm of the evil powers of rock’n’roll.
After making their comeback in October with the single “King of Action Rock”, the band now offers a second taste of the forthcoming album arriving in the spring 2026.
The accompanying music video was filmed in an indoor swimming pool that doubles as the band’s rehearsal room. Drummer Olli Vartiainen used a 360° camera and body-mounted cams to capture the raw, sweaty energy of the group’s live and practice vibe.
“If ‘King of Action Rock’ felt like a punch below the belt, then ‘Devil’s Beat’ pushes you straight into a vengeful chase — right onto the Devil’s trail,” singer-guitarist Pete jokes.
Dharma Guns released their debut album Ex-Generation Superstars in November 2024. The record spawned four singles, each supported by its own music video.
Following the release of the new album, Dharma Guns will head out on tour with the British glam punk legend Steve Vincent.
Dharma Guns Tour 2026
30 Apr – On the Rocks, Helsinki (FI) – w/ Steve Vincent + Plastic Tears 1 May – Nirvana, Turku (FI) – w/ Steve Vincent + support TBA 21 May – Bannerman’s, Edinburgh (UK) – w/ Steve Vincent 22 May – Trillians, Newcastle (UK) – w/ Steve Vincent 23 May – Gifford Arms, Wolverhampton (UK) – w/ Steve Vincent 24 May – Hope & Anchor, London (UK) – w/ Steve Vincent
“Facing the realization I’ve been frozen and in that moment deciding to melt, and with the first teardrop fighting its way through ice, I will, though hesitantly, invite love to my heart and see how the sky opens for my light. To unfurl my wings, breaking free from being Kept”
Rioghan, known for its multifaceted brand of modern metal, opened a new chapter last month by releasing “Chapter I: Frozen”, the first single from the band’s upcoming EP. The story, which began with a cover of Madonna’s track, unfolds further today with the release of the next single “Chapter II: Moment” showcases Rioghan’s original material, building from piano-led ambience and electronic pulse toward a cathartic, emotional eruption.
“Moment continues EP’s storyline at the point where the ice begins to crack. The track describes the moment when the thaw begins – a delicate but decisive movement towards change. It’s the instant you realize that things aren’t as they should be, and change is necessary,” Rioghan Darcy explains.
“Chapter II: Moment” arrives accompanied by a music video once again crafted in collaboration with Aarni Visuals. True to form, the result is a visually striking, multilayered, and meticulously constructed piece. The previously released Chapter I: Frozen, also paired with a music video, dropped in October and quickly drew attention among metal and alternative audiences as well as media and radio both in Finland and abroad.
This year has been a significant one for Rioghan. The band’s second album ‘Kept‘ was released in February, debuting at #6 on the physical album chart and earning glowing reviews internationally. In addition to the release tour, the band performed with alternative pioneer SARA at Ääniwalli in Helsinki and made their first festival appearance at Nummirock.
The momentum has carried into the end of the year. On Halloween, Rioghan appeared at the H-18 Halloween event at Science Center Heureka, and this Friday (28 November) the band will take the stage at John Smith Frozen in Jyväskylä. Both of these shows are special acoustic performances, offering a chance to experience Rioghan’s sonic world from a new perspective – unique, thrilling, and enchanting.
Rioghan is: Vocals – Rioghan Darcy Guitar – Teemu Liekkala Guitar – Tero Luukkonen Bass – Antti Varjanne Keyboards – Aleks Toppari Drums – Valtteri Revonkorpi
Just in time for their upcoming European co-headline tour with labelmates Warkings, symphonic metal pirates VISIONS OF ATLANTIS announce their new album. Armada – An Orchestral Voyage is a masterful interpretation of their successful most recent album, Pirates II – Armada, which gained them top 5 charting positions in Germany and Austria upon its release in 2024. Sailing on through and showing the depth of the music in a whole new way, the album is now reimagined with a completely new instrumental mix on Armada – An Orchestral Voyage! With it, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS compose themselves to accompany your very own adventures, be that reading or gaming (for which they offer exclusive bundles – see below!). With the album announcement also comes the first single: The hauntingly beautiful new rendition of “Ashes To The Sea” follows the gentle notes of the original ballad, sending shivers down your spine.
Clémentine Delauney about “Ashes To The Sea”: “We are delighted to present another immersive work with Armada – An Orchestral Voyage. This very first track, ‘Ashes to the Sea,’ is very dear to me because of the original message it carries. In this version, the words fall silent, leaving space for emotions and vibrations to envelop the listener, who is then free to imagine and feel along with the strings and the beautiful orchestral arrangements.”
Clémentine Delauney about Armada – An Orchestral Voyage: “With this new instrumental record, we truly wanted to enhance the core of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS’s sound: symphonic music. When we released A Pirate Symphony, the feedback from our fans was enthusiastic. With An Orchestral Voyage, we didn’t limit ourselves to repeating a winning formula—we aimed to go even further and offer the epitome of a symphonic piece. Still rooted in an orchestral instrumental approach, all the lead melodies have been passionately and skillfully performed by real instruments such as violins, flutes, and even a duduk! This album turns our latest studio release Armada into the most epic journey—the ultimate symphonic soundtrack to any adventure. To be enjoyed on its own, or alongside your favorite book, outdoor hikes, or game nights!”
Order Your Copy of Armada – An Orchestral VoyageNOW
On Armada – An Orchestral Voyage, the vocal melodies of Pirates II – Armada are innovatively played with a vast variety of orchestral instruments, including atmospheric flutes (by Sandro Friedrich), dramatic violin (by Fabio Polo from Elvenking) and even ancient instruments like the Duduk, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in this beautiful sea of sounds. Vivid soundscapes carry the album like the dramatic waves of the ocean, shifting through multifaceted emotional settings. From the epic opener “To Those Who Choose to Fight” to mid-album highlights such as the hauntingly beautiful single “Ashes to the Sea”, and finally to the impactful closing track “Where the Sky and Ocean Blend”, this magnificent journey spanning over 12 tracks is not to be missed.
This instrumental pirate metal masterpiece was produced, mixed and mastered by VISIONS OF ATLANTIS vocalist Michele Guaitoli. The striking cover artwork crafted by accomplished artist Peter Sallai fits the cinematic atmosphere of the album perfectly. Armada – An Orchestral Voyage will be available in several exciting editions, with bundles including a thrilling VISIONS OF ATLANTIS adventure game, D20 Dice, and manual, designed for Aureus Aestus by Wyrd Edizioni, and gorgeous A5 character prints, drawn for Aureus Aestus by Mirco Paganessi.
Armada – An Orchestral Voyage tracklisting:
To Those Who Choose to Fight
The Land of the Free
Monsters
Tonight I’m Alive
Armada
The Dead of the Sea
Ashes to the Sea
Hellfire
Collide
Magic of the Night
Underwater
Where the Sky and Ocean Blend
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS LIVE 2026
PIRATES & KINGS Tour 2026 w/ WARKINGS 05.02.26 CH – Pratteln / Z7 06.02.26 DE – Saarbrucken / Garage 07.02.26 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle 08.02.26 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp 10.02.26 UK – Manchester / Academy 2 11.02.26 UK – London / O2 Academy Islington 12.02.26 FR – Paris / Elysée Montmartre 13.02.26 NL – Tilburg / 013 Poppodium 14.02.26 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 15.02.26 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater 16.02.26 PL – Warsaw / Proxima 18.02.26 CZ – Zlin / Masters of Rock Cafe 19.02.26 DE – Hannover / Capitol 20.02.26 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle 21.02.26 DE – Geiselwind / Musichall
Exclusive headline shows 23.02.26 SE – Gothenburg / Valand 24.02.26 DK – Copenhagen / Hotel Cecil 01.03.26 HR – Zagreb / Močvara 04.03.26 SK – Košice / Collosseum
w/ WARKINGS 26.02.26 FR – Lyon / La Rayonne 27.02.26 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann Halle 28.02.26 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk 05.03.26 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 06.03.26 AT – Vienna / SimmCity 07.03.26 AT – Worgl / Komma
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are: Clémentine Delauney – Vocals Michele Guaitoli – Vocals, Piano, Orchestra Arrangements Thomas Caser – Drums Christian Douscha – Guitars Herbert Glos – 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 ) 