In staying true to metal’s origins, Borknagar have always let their spirit guide them. Starting with the band’s self-titled beginnings back in 1996, these Norwegians pushed past the boundaries set by traditional black metal. Over the course of the past 30 years, the band’s domain has come to include prog, neofolk and darkly enchanting hard rock, capped by major international tours and chart placements across the world.
Today, Season of Mist is proud to announce a reissue of Borknagar’s album True North. More than two decades into their storied career, the band reached another creative peak on their eleventh full-length, which includes the hit singles “Up North”, “Voices” and “The Fire That Burns”.
True North will be reissued by Season of Mist on May 15, 2026.
Available formats –2×12″ Vinyl Gatefold (Black) –2×12” Vinyl Gatefold (Crystal clear, black and white marbled)
True North found Borknagar at a crossroad. Half of the band’s lineup had turned over, but their longstanding members kept them on a dizzying upward trajectory. Whether picking or riffing, founder and guitarist Øystein Brun led the way, lighting a path for the versatile ICS Vortex (Arcturus, ex-Dimmu Borgir) to return to the mic. His thunderous cleans shine amidst the warm misty keys of hit single “Up North”, while his screams cut through the more hellish passages of “The Fire That Burns”. Even when hounded by “Voices”, keyboardist Lars Nedland’s resounding chorus resonated far and wide. Loudwire named the album one of the best of 2019.
Swedish death metal outfit Sarcasm have announced their brand new full-length Lifeforce Omnibound, which will be released 29th May via Hammerheart Records.
In celebration, the band have released the first hard-hitting track ‘Altering The Perception’ which is now streaming via the Hammerheart Records YouTube channel.
Sarcasm comment on the track: “The first single from the new album is an explosive journey filled with complex riffs and melodies while remaining outmost extreme, combined with full speed and heaviness, and the dynamic atmosphere the band is known for.“
Sarcasm is one of those Swedish death metal acts that’s difficult to pin down. Labels like “Swedeath” and “melodic death metal” only tell part of the story, the band has deliberately avoided those safe categories. Instead, Sarcasm embraces a broad spectrum of metal while remaining uncompromisingly extreme.
The current quartet behind Lifeforce Omnibound bears little resemblance to the band’s early ’90s incarnation, which released several demos through 1994, recorded a debut full-length, and then split up until 2015, when that first album finally saw the light of day. Now on their sixth album, Sarcasm pushes the boundaries yet again. The combination of intense speed, complex riffing, and genuine catchiness cements them among the genre’s top tier.
The eight tracks on Lifeforce Omnibound capture Sarcasm at their highest level, both musically and in terms of production. While the effectively straightforward four-minute opener “Essence of Existence” hits hard and fast, much of the record leans into greater complexity. With an average runtime of over five minutes per song, the material allows room for structural twists and detailed touches that sustain interest throughout repeated listens. The album was once again mixed and mastered by renowned producer Lawrence Mackrory.
Sarcasm is currently a four-piece, and due to time constraints, Anders will no longer participate as a recording member, though he will remain with the band as a live member going forward. Since the band’s resurrection, only one member from the earlier era has remained: vocalist Heval Bozarslan. Exploring otherworldly themes once more, Heval does not seek credit for the lyrics; according to him, the words were channeled from a higher force, delivering answers across eight distinct topics. Ethereal and metaphysical themes have long been part of Sarcasm’s identity, but this time the lyrics are less metaphorical and more direct. Over the album’s 40-minute journey, doorways open,revealing a remarkable range of atmosphere and depth that few bands can achieve.
Track-list: 1. Essence of Existence 2. Altering the Perception 3. The Reward of Adversity 4. Crumbling Mind Edifice 5. Plunged Into a Paradox 6. Wayward Fragments of Infinite Divisibility 7. A Concept Older Than Time 8. Empirical Life Metaphysical
CD bonustracks: 9. Be Dead 10. Onslaught Without Mercy (Damien Cover)
Line-up: Heval Bozarslan – Vocals Peter Laitinen – Guitars Philip Borg – Bass Jesper Ojala – Drums
CROWN THE BEAST go all out with unrelenting force on their new single and official video “Judgement” – a blistering statement of intent and the first glimpse into their upcoming EP of the same name.
“Judgement” is a hateful last look upon mankind before the end of the world”, the band comments. “Mankind must pay for their sins as the angels of death begin the extermination of humanity. A fast and aggressive track that shows exactly what Crown The Beast do best: groove-laden and hard hitting death metal!”
With this track, the Danish band sharpen their apocalyptic vision and further refine their groove-driven take on modern death metal, infused with old-school intensity. Self-recorded and brought to life through a crushing mix and master handled by Horde Echo Sound Production, “Judgement” delivers an aggressive, end-of-days soundscape that pulls listeners deep into the band’s dark universe.
Join the premiering here:
The forthcoming “Judgement” EP will expand on this destructive energy, showcasing a heavier, more immersive chapter in Crown The Beast’s evolution. The end is coming. And Crown The Beast is the soundtrack.
Lineup: Søren Rønnebech Grønning – guitars Jason Campbell – vocals Jens Moseholm – bass Simon Skyrme – guitars Lars Von Løvendal – guitars Mikkel Øllgaard Bjelke Laursen – drums
Danish hard rock band BLACK OAK COUNTY step into a different kind of intensity on their new single and official video, “Starlight”. Taken from the upcoming album “Misprint” (out April 10, 2026), the song is a warm, heart-on-sleeve ballad about the quiet cost of life on the road – and the people you keep thinking about when the show is over.
Where “Misprint” is the band’s heaviest and most aggressive album to date, “Starlight” acts as its emotional core and a necessary pause: a reminder that behind the riffs and adrenaline there’s still real life waiting at home. Written from the shared perspective of the band, the lyrics were sparked by singer and guitarist Niels Beier, as guitarist Jack Svendsen joined his brother and bandmate, drummer Mike Svendsen, as well as singer and bassist René Kristensen, and became a father – a story about the familiar heartbreak of telling your kids you’ll be gone, while promising you’ll be back before they know it.
Built around a strong melodic theme, a hook-driven chorus and a cinematic arrangement, “Starlight” carries everything a great rock ballad needs – right down to subtle details like chimes, layered slide-guitars, and a soaring solo that leans into classic storytelling rather than flash. It’s a love song, a lullaby, and a reminder: stay strong, hold on a little longer, we’re coming home soon.
The track was once again produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Aries Descendant), who helped elevate the band’s composition into one of Black Oak County’s biggest and most emotional moments to date.
Join the premiering here:
With “Misprint”, Danish hard rock outfit Black Oak County deliver their most focused, aggressive and emotionally charged album to date. Releasing April 10th, 2026 via Mighty Music, the band’s fourth full-length is a confrontational, hook-driven hard rock record shaped by years of personal pressure, unrest, and hard-earned clarity – as well as celebrating some of the band’s greatest professional and personal victories.
Following the award-winning “III” (2024), “Misprint” finds Black Oak County pushing both ends of their sound – heavier, more melodic, and more direct than ever – without losing the no-nonsense hard rock core that has earned them a strong live reputation across Denmark and beyond.
The album’s title reflects a central feeling running through the record: the sense of being off, wrong, or out of place, and the damage done when those feelings are left unspoken. While much of “Misprint” carries a dark emotional weight, it’s balanced by moments of resolve, love, defiance and release. This is not a record about wallowing, but about confrontation.
The first single, “Kill The Pain”, opens the album with its heaviest statement. Driven by crushing riffs, groove-heavy production and an explosive chorus, the song functions as both a wake-up call and a release valve. Lyrically, it confronts the growing division, violence and dehumanisation dominating modern society. At its core, “Kill The Pain” is about facing what’s broken, rather than ignoring it, and choosing action over apathy. Written during a period marked by both global unrest and personal crisis, the song ultimately lands as a call to stand together and fight back against despair – in whatever form it takes.
“Misprint” was once again co-written, produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Danish Eurovision Preliminaries). The result is a bold, modern hard rock album that blends aggression, melody and layered instrumentation – including subtle synth elements – while keeping the songs immediate, physical and built for the stage.
Black Oak County have steadily built momentum through relentless touring and releases, earning Årets Single (Single of the Year) for “Save Your Breath” at Den Hårde Tone 2024 and Årets Rock Single (Rock Single of the Year) for “Boom Boom Baby” at the Danish Alternative Music Awards 2025. Known for their high-energy live shows, the band will support “Misprint” with their most ambitious touring cycle yet, including their first full German headline run.
“Misprint” will be released on LP (gatefold, splatter orange vinyl, limited to 500 copies), digipack CD and digital formats on 10.04.2026, via Mighty Music.
Lineup: Niels Beier – guitar, vocals René Kristensen – bass, vocals Jack Svendsen – guitar Mike Svendsen – drums
Connecticut-based noise rock henchmen INTERCOURSE present their official cover of ‘Violet’ by Hole. The new single follows the release of their scathing fourth LP, How I Fell In Love With The Void, last year, via Brutal Panda Records.
‘Violet’ was recorded during the How I Fell In Love With The Void sessions with Chris Teti (The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die).
The news follows the announcement of INTERCOURSE‘s UK tour, where they’ll be supporting sludge legends Eyehategod alongside Rwake.
Dates:
7/11 MANCHESTER UK DAMNATION FESTIVAL 8/11 SOUTHAMPTON UK THE 1865 9/11 LONDON UK THE SCALA 11/11 BRISTOL UK STRANGE BREW 12/11 LEEDS UK BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB 13/11 NOTTINGHAM UK RESCUE ROOMS 14/11 NEWCASTLE UK DIGITAL
“I have no life. I don’t fucking do anything else. I don’t have any hobbies. I don’t play video games. I don’t do fantasy football. I’m just obsessed with making music and writing.”
That’s INTERCOURSE vocalist Tarek Ahmed explaining how the acclaimed Connecticut noise rock band has averaged a release per year since forming in 2013. From their self-titled debut and 2018’s Everything’s Pornography When You’ve Got an Imagination to 2023’s Halo Castration Institute and last year’s Egyptian Democracy EP, INTERCOURSE have kicked against the pricks, power brokers and pissants who make America “great” while tempering their outlook with a self-deprecating look inward.
INTERCOURSE’s How I Fell In Love With The Void delivers ten searing new tracks that merge elements of metallic hardcore into an antagonistic foundation of corrosive noise rock. The album was recorded by ChrisTeti (The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die) at Silver Bullet Studios in Burlington, Connecticut. It was mastered by George Richter (Thy Will Be Done) and mixed by Chris Teti and Greg Thomas. The photograph on the album cover was shot by Sherilyn Furneaux (Portrayal Of Guilt) and features exotic dancer Clementine.Ahmed and his bandmates – guitarist Sean Prior, drummer Caleb Porter and bassist Pete Stroczkowski – spent more time and money on their fourth full-length than any of their previous releases. “Usually we record in a basement home studio, or they’re done super quickly,”Ahmed says. “This time, we figured it was a really good investment to book a full week of studio time and challenge ourselves to write better songs.”
In fact, Ahmed ended up rewriting his lyrics three times. “I f*cking wrote my ass off, and then I do this thing about two months out where I’m like, ‘Everything I wrote sucks, so I’m going to rewrite all the lyrics.’ Then a month before recording, my wife and I decided to split, so I tried to punch up the lyrics and make them funnier by throwing some divorce stuff in there. But I think I made it more depressing.”
Marital bliss aside, the lyrical themes on How I Fell in Love with the Void aren’t dissimilar from those on INTERCOURSE’s 2016 EP, Pissing Into the Abyss, which features a cover illustration of a woman f*cking a giant insect while an alien watches. “On the new record, there’s definitely a lot of talking about the void and that emptiness that a lot of us try to fill with food, booze or sex,”Ahmed explains. “Pissing Into the Abyss was about being so comfortable with the void that you’ll just piss there. Unfortunately, I’m super acquainted with it. But once you realize that nothing will ever fill the void, it will no longer rule over you.”
Ultimately, How I Fell in Love with the Void is about being on the outside looking in. “We’re music for weirdos and freaks,” Ahmed says. “I grew up as the only Egyptian kid in a little white town. I’m an outsider, and we make music for outsiders. Every time we play a faraway place that we haven’t been to before, there’s always one person there that has followed us for years and is there specifically for us. They are always the weirdest person in the room, and I love that. Those are my people.”
INTERCOURSE formed in 2013 and have been annoying ever since. With the lofty (or pointless, depending on who you ask) goal of ditching the pretension of noise rock and fusing it with the immediacy of hardcore, they’ve managed a release a year since 2014. 2023’s Halo Castration Institute helped the band reach a new level of notoriety with positive reviews across the board. With the release of a last year’s EP Egyptian Democracy, and now How I Fell In Love With The Void the band is sure to become the high watermark for annoying adults who dress like they’re 17 and simply will not quit.
INTERCOURSE have played sold-out shows with the likes of Chat Pile, Deadguy, The Red Chord and The World is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die. The quartet have been featured on notable websites Decibel, Lambgoat, New Noise Magazine and were recently featured on The Needle Drop’s top 15 EPs of 2024.
How I Fell In Love With The Void is out now.
INTERCOURSE are: Tarek Ahmed – Vocals Caleb Porter – Drums Sean Prior – Guitar Pete Stroczkowski – Bass
“Max Avoidance is my psychedelic, glitchy, dark yet hopeful electronic pop project. ‘Easy’ is my 4th release. It’s about being stuck in a place where you feel like everyone gets it – except you…”
“Just ‘cause it looks easy doesn’t mean it is”
Recorded and produced at home in Islington Mixing and further production by Nick Brine (Oasis, Stone Roses, Stereophonics) at his studios in Spain and Wales
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
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