Rising Alma returns on July 24, 2026, with an emotionally driven listening experience, Your Own Story, a five-track EP that blends the intensity of melodic hard rock with the atmosphere and edge of alternative rock, resulting in a sound that is both modern and deeply expressive.
Built around strong melodic vocals, driving riffs, and carefully crafted arrangements, Your Own Storystands as a cohesive and impactful work. Each song carries its own identity while contributing to a larger narrative.
The EP invites listeners into a space where vulnerability and strength coexist, creating a journey that is as introspective as it is energetic.
Released independently,YourOwnStory marks a new chapter following the band’s previous album Cracking The Moment. The result is a collection of songs that feel direct, purposeful, and deeply connected.
Musically, the EP highlights a balance between heaviness and melody. Crushing guitar work is paired with expressive vocal lines, while tight, memorable structures ensure that each song leaves a lasting impression. The production maintains a natural and authentic sound, allowing the emotional core of the music to remain front and center.
Your OwnStory is more than just a release; it is an experience shaped by contrast, emotion, and energy. Each song offers a different perspective, yet together they form a unified statement about navigating life’s challenges and embracing change.
With this EP, Rising Alma delivers a refined and compelling work that captures both immediacy and depth, offering listeners a powerful new soundtrack for reflection and connection.
Track listing: 1. Your own story 2. Underneath 3. Colors flow all around us 4. Authenticity 5. Endless
Line up: Alīse Elme: Vocals & Keys (Latvia) Máximo Marset: Guitars (Uruguay) Sebastian Rätz: Bass (Germany)
Band bio: Rising Alma is a Melodic Hard Rock, female-fronted, multinational formation founded in 2021.
The band brings together crushing riffs, strong melodic vocals, and catchy arrangements. Their lyrics are a reflection of deep personal experiences, exploring themes of life struggles, transformation, dreams and the unbreakable human spirit.
Their ability to balance strength with vulnerability sets them apart, making each song a journey through the depths of emotion and the energy-filled highs.
Power metal legends Masterplan share today the new single, “The Call”, along with an official video, taken from the upcoming new studio album, “Metalmorphosis”, set for release on June 26, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Roland Grapow said: “The Call” is the most complex and controversial song on the album, but also, in our view, one of its most powerful. It feels like a prayer – just written in a modern way. We worked on this track longer than on any other.”
“We don’t want to explain exactly what the song means, because everyone will hear something different in it. That’s the whole point”, he added. “But we’d still like to think it has a positive message: no matter how chaotic life becomes, we all return to where we came from. And somewhere under all the noise, we should try to find the harmony we were born with – to create, not destroy.”
Grapow expressed his enthusiasm for the record – the first new songs since “Novum Initium”, released in 2013: “Metalmorphosis” really captures what this album means to us: a transformation, but still true to the spirit of Masterplan. We’ve grown over the years, both as musicians and as people, and you can hear that in the new songs. Some ideas go back many years, and now they’ve finally come to life. It’s powerful, melodic, and emotional – classic Masterplan, but with a new energy”.
Masterplan stand among the most enduring and influential names in German power metal. Founded in 2001 by guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch following their exit from Helloween, the band quickly established a distinctive identity built on strong melodies, technical precision, and an epic yet modern metal approach.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 2003, was met with widespread critical acclaim and immediate chart success, setting the standard for a career defined by consistency and evolution.
Over the years, Masterplan have released several highly regarded albums – including “Aeronautics”, “MK II”, “Time To Be King” and “Novum Initium” – each showcasing refined songwriting and a powerful balance between classic power metal energy and progressive elements.
Their work earned them international recognition, extensive touring across Europe and beyond, and industry accolades that confirmed their status as a leading force in the genre.
After a prolonged hiatus from studio releases, Masterplan have re-emerged with renewed creative drive. The band recently signed a new worldwide deal with Frontiers Music SRL, marking a significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in their career.
This partnership sets the stage for their long-awaited return with a brand-new studio album, “Metalmorphosis”, representing both transformation and continuity: a heavier, more aggressive edge combined with the melodic sophistication that has always defined Masterplan’s sound.
With renewed focus, sharpened songwriting, and decades of experience behind them, Masterplan are poised to reaffirm their relevance and deliver one of the most anticipated power metal releases of the year.
“Metalmorphosis” Tracklist:
1. Chase The Light 2. Electric Nights 3. Shadow Man 4. Bound To Fall 5. Pain Of Yesterday 6. Metalmorphosis 7. Through The Storm 8. Ghostlight 9. The Call 10. Rise Again (Album vers.)
Line Up: Rick Altzi Roland Grapow Jari Kainulainen Axel Mackenrott Kevin Kott
KHEMMIS continue the march toward their towering new self-titled album with the news that they’ll be returning to Europe this October. The EU leg of their ‘Forsake The Light’ tour will take the doom metal soothsayers across seven countries, including a performace on the Copenhagen Metal Cruise, and four dates across Germany and the UK. Celestial Sanctuary will be joining as supports.
KHEMMIS stated,
“We cannot wait to bring the FORSAKE THE LIGHT tour overseas, with a long-overdue return to Europe AND our first-ever UK headlining shows. We’re bringing the mighty Celestial Sanctuary with us for this run, so you know these shows are going to be HEAVY. See you soon, hellions!”
10.10.26 Germany Bochum @ Die Trompete 11.10.26 The Netherlands Hengelo @ Metropool 13.10.26 UK Birmingham @ The Flapper 14.10.26 UK Manchester @ The Bread Shed 15.10.26 UK London @ The Underworld 16.10.26 UK Portsmouth @ Kola 17.10.26 France Paris @ Backstage By The Mill 18.10.26 Belgium Liège @ Desertfest 19.10.26 Germany Leipzig @ Naumanns 20.10.26 Czech Republic Prague @ Subzero 21.10.26 Germany Berlin @ Cassiopeia 22.10.26 Germany Hamburg @ Monkeys 23.10.26 Copenhagen Metal Cruise (* Khemmis Only) 24.10.26 Norway Oslo @ Høstsabbat * Khemmis Only)
Earlier this month, KHEMMIS released new track ‘Beneath The Scythe,’ the latest single from the Denver heavy metal institution’s massively anticipated self-titled full-length, due out June 12th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Following the explosive first single ‘Invocation of the Dreamer’, ‘Beneath The Scythe’ digs even deeper into the band’s sharpened sense of purpose-melding colossal riffs, soaring melodies, and the unmistakable emotional weight that has defined KHEMMIS for over a decade. Taken from an album that finds the band reconnecting with the pure exhilaration of making heavy music together, the track captures both the darkness and triumphant spirit at the heart of Khemmis.
Khemmis—the follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed Deceiver—features eight tracks of unrelenting, monolithic heavy metal adorned by stunning artwork from Christopher Remmers. More than just another chapter, the record represents the band in their truest form: a celebration of heavy music, forged through camaraderie, conviction, and an enduring love of the riff.
Across eleven years, KHEMMIS have become one of modern metal’s most revered names, beginning with their 2015 debut Absolution and continuing through landmark releases like Hunted—named Decibel’s Album Of The Year—Desolation, and Deceiver. But while the band’s legacy is firmly established, Khemmis finds them energized by something more immediate: the joy of simply playing loud, heavy music together.
As Hutcherson explains:
“We decided early in the songwriting process that we wanted to write a tight, high-energy album that retained the essential ‘Khemmis sound’ while also embodying the joy of creating, experiencing, and loving heavy metal. Ours have always been deeply personal songs born from tragedy and sorrow; while the songs on Khemmis are still undeniably dark, they are not mined from our suffering. Instead, this record is a celebration of the music world that has sustained us.”
KHEMMIS will perform a special one-off show with ACID BATH in May before embarking on a headlining tour in early summer with support from NECROFIER and WRETCHED, followed by an excursion with MONOLORD soon after. Tickets and additional tour information are available at khemmisdoom.com/live.
KHEMMIS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
Forsake The Light Headline Tour w / NECROFIER & WRETCHED June 19 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater June 20 – Seattle, WA – Substation June 21 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater June 23 – Sacramento, CA – Starlet Room June 24 – Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone June 25 – Santa Cruz, CA – Felton Music Hall June 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room June 27 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick June 28 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s June 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Nile Theater July 1 – Cottonwood, AZ – Queen B July 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister
W / MONOLORD
Aug 27 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall Aug 28 – Louisville, KY – Portal Aug 29 – Atlanta, GA – Garden Club Aug 30 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy Aug 31 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern Sep 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts Sep 3 – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere Sep 5 – Baltimore, MD – Labor Daze Sep 8 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups Sep 9 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary Sep 10 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle
About KHEMMIS:
After eleven years of albums and global touring, Colorado’s Khemmis have cemented themselves as pillars of modern heavy metal. Yet as they approach their fifth full-length, the band found something newly vital: the simple joy of creating heavy music together. Formed with no expectations, the group’s longevity has become its foundation, with guitarist/vocalist Ben Hutcherson describing the band as a rare source of stability and camaraderie. Since their 2015 debut Absolution, followed by the acclaimed Hunted, Desolation, Doomed Heavy Metal MLP, and Deceiver, Khemmis have built a legacy of towering, spiritual doom that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Despite changes—including members relocating and bassist David Small joining in 2022—the band emerged more focused than ever. Recording again at Flatline Audio in Colorado, the lineup of Hutcherson, Phil Pendergast, Zach Coleman, and Small leaned into renewed trust and chemistry, with distance paradoxically strengthening their bond. The addition of Small invigorated the rhythm section and encouraged experimentation, while the band rediscovered the excitement that defined their early days. That renewed energy fueled a collaborative atmosphere rooted in confidence, inspiration, and the shared thrill of simply playing heavy metal.
The resulting self-titled album is both a celebration and reinvention: a conceptually framed ritual of heavy metal that moves from the pounding “Invocation of the Dreamer” to the climactic “Benediction Tones,” balancing galloping aggression with emotionally resonant anthems. The record embraces extremity, catharsis, and joy in equal measure, complemented by new visual direction from artist Christopher Remmers. Through lineup changes, distance, and a shifting world, Khemmis remain unshaken—leaning into the music that defines them. Their self-titled album arrives June 12th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast, capturing the band in their truest and most energized form.
Melbourne alternative garage rock trio Desert Fire have unleashed their debut single, “R.A.D.I.O.”, out now across all major streaming platforms, marking the band’s first official recorded outing.
Fast, sharp and impossible to ignore, “R.A.D.I.O.” kicks the door in with biting guitars, a relentless rhythm section and a vocal that cuts clean through the noise. Sitting somewhere between garage rock swagger and raw rock’n’roll urgency, it’s a no-nonsense introduction from a band built for volume, sweat and stages that feel too small.
Lyrically, the track leans into ambition, image and expectation, giving the song a tongue in cheek undercurrent beneath its punch. That friction adds weight to a debut that hits hard on first listen but lingers well after. “We wanted our first track to land like a punch but still have something sim mering underneath,” the band says. “R.A.D.I.O. felt like the right place to start – it’s got the energy, the hook and the attitude that define Desert Fire.”
The single was recorded, mixed and produced by Ricki Rae at Lighthill Sound Recording in Riddells Creek, Victoria, mastered by Bill Skibbe at Third Man Mastering in Detroit, and pressed as a limited edition 7” at Third Man Pressing. Featuring guest backing vocals by Jackie Yamada and Ramonda Carrico.
Desert Fire is a Melbourne alt-rock trio featuring Stevie Reds, Roachy and Rachie Reds. Loud, direct and driven by melody, groove and force, “R.A.D.I.O.” serves as the band’s opening shot.
Argonauta Records proudly unveils the first chapter of its brand new “Digital Split Collaborations” series, an initiative created to connect artists from the label’s roster through exclusive releases built around artistic exchange and underground spirit.
Kicking off the series are Italy’s Sonic Wolves and Swedish collective Ockra, joining forces for the release of The Path, a unique digital split EP set available on all major streaming platforms.
Far from being a simple split release, The Path captures two distinct creative visions converging into a single immersive experience shaped by hypnotic atmospheres, expansive songwriting and a shared passion for sonic exploration.
Representing the Italian side of the project, Sonic Wolves deliver four powerful tracks recorded in July 2025 at Trai Studio in Inzago, Italy, with production, mixing and mastering handled by Fabio Intraina. The release includes the multi part epic “The Drowned Phoenix Parts I, II and III” together with the instrumental trip “When Mama Was a Hippie”.
Formed in Alessandria, Italy in 2014, Sonic Wolves features drummer Vita, formerly of Ufomammut, bassist and vocalist Kayt Vigil, known for her work with Pentagram, The Hounds of Hasselvander and …Of The Horizon, alongside guitarist Marco Grassano. On this release, guitars are performed by Alberto Catasso.
Balancing the release with a more introspective and dreamlike approach, Ockra contribute two deeply personal tracks born from sessions that initially remained outside the scope of the band’s latest album. The collaboration ultimately became the catalyst that gave those songs new life and meaning.
The band comments:
“We had these songs, which were kind of special and didn’t fit onto our last album. When we got the chance to make a split EP with Sonic Wolves, we finally got the spirit to put some more love into these songs and we are very happy with the result. It was a great pleasure and privilege to work with other musicians and like minded folks such as Sonic Wolves. Thanks Gero and Argonauta Records for this opportunity. We hope you enjoy this EP. Take care, Erik, Jonas and Alex, OCKRA.”
With the launch of the “Digital Split Collaborations” series, Argonauta Records further reinforces its commitment to fostering meaningful artistic connections between bands from different countries, backgrounds and creative approaches, offering listeners exclusive releases available only in digital format.
This first installment stands as a meeting point between two visionary acts from the Argonauta family, opening the doors to future collaborations still to be unveiled.
Epictronic is delighted to announce the signing of Happy Sad, the evocative solo project of Japanese multi-instrumentalist and acclaimed sound designer Hiroaki Kusano. The partnership kicks off with the worldwide release of the masterpiece album, The World is Grand When We See, arriving June 11, 2026.
“It all began with a comment from Mr. Carlo of Epictronic on Hiroaki’s music.” Kusano said, “The partnership took shape from a shared vision and a clear understanding of the idea of ‘music that paints the landscapes of the heart.’”
“We are extremely proud and honoured to announce our collaboration with HAPPY SAD, an extraordinarily talented Japanese artist whose vision goes far beyond the boundaries of conventional songwriting. What immediately captured my attention was not only the quality of the music itself, but the depth, sensitivity, and artistic identity behind every composition. HAPPY SAD represents the kind of artist that today has become incredibly rare: authentic, cultured, emotionally honest, and deeply devoted to the creative process in all its forms. His music naturally blends elements of mellow soul, ambient, trip-hop, and cinematic soundscapes into something deeply personal and recognisable. There is a poetic elegance in the way he combines acoustic instrumentation with modern production techniques, creating songs that feel intimate, atmospheric, and timeless at the same time. Beyond his solo work, his impressive career as a sound designer and composer for more than 60 video game productions and multimedia projects demonstrates an exceptional artistic versatility and a truly international level of professionalism. For us, this collaboration is not simply a licensing agreement. It is the meeting of two artistic visions connected by a shared love for emotionally powerful music, sonic exploration, and artistic sincerity. We genuinely believe HAPPY SAD deserves much wider international recognition, and we are incredibly excited to help bring his music to new audiences around the world.” — Carlo Bellotti
A Cinematic Journey Through Shadow and Light
The World is Grand When We See brings together a refined selection of recent works, focusing on compositions designed to evoke imagery through sound. The album moves between neoclassical arrangements, ambient layers, lo-fi textures, world music influences, and alternative rock structures, forming a fluid and cinematic listening experience.
At its core, the record reflects a personal journey shaped by contradiction. Hiroaki’s perspective—formed through years of travel across ten countries in search of sound, instruments, and lived experience—embraces both beauty and discomfort in equal measure. The result is a body of work that does not avoid darkness but allows light to break through it.
The album carries a dynamic emotional arc. Initial heaviness gradually gives way to moments of clarity, where softness and warmth emerge like light after rainfall. This contrast becomes a central theme, mirroring the instability and emotional complexity of contemporary life. Rather than following trends, Happy Sad focuses on expression rooted in direct experience and human connection.
The title The World is Grand When We See reflects a simple idea: meaning does not come from second-hand perspective, but from direct observation and lived understanding. The music invites listeners into that process—quiet, reflective, and deeply personal.
About the Artist: The Architect of Sound
Hiroaki is the artist behind the project Happy Sad. He began making music during his student years, recording demos while performing solo acoustic sets and playing in café bars. His influences span soul, British rock, folk, trip hop, neoclassical, world music, film scores, and ambient, alongside a strong connection to literature and the arts. His work balances live instrumentation with programmed elements. To date, Happy Sad has released seven albums and 19 EPs.
Alongside his solo work, Hiroaki is a Sound Designer and Sound Director with around 14 years of experience in the game industry. He has held senior roles at companies including NetEase Games, FunPlus, NHN PlayArt, IGNIS / Studio King Inc., and Noisycroak Inc., contributing to more than 60 projects. His work covers music composition (BGM), sound design, MA, direction, promotional video production, and audio for games, commercials, and short dramas.
In 2013, his track “Everyday” won the domestic DJ category and became a finalist in MTV and Lenovo’s “CO:LAB” contest.
Happy Sad is his personal artistic outlet, developed since his student days. It reflects his inner landscape and explores both beauty and darkness in life, connected to a wider tradition of art and philosophy focused on human experience.
In recent years, he has traveled across ten countries in search of sounds and traditional instruments. Along the way, encounters with displaced people left a strong impression and reinforced his desire to share music that carries shared human emotion.
He views music as a universal language—capable of connecting people in the same way visual art can capture and communicate a single, lasting moment.
Tracklist:
Red Sun, Red Rain Fall on the Ground (2026mix version)
It’s Raining in Guangzhou
Requiem for Dead Flowers
Daily Life (2026mix version)
Lily (2026mix version)
A Waltz for the Fleeting Beauty of Nature
The Flow of Time (2026mix version)
Sunflower (2026mix version)
Changeable (2026mix version)
Floating Mellow (2026mix version)
Confirmation (2026mix version)
Nobody Knows Your Hidden Feelings (2026mix version)
Crown of Flowers (2026mix version)
Watch the stunning video for “Red Sun, Red Rain Fall on the Ground” and step into the world of Happy Sad:
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 