Mid-west Heavy Metal torchbearers SACRED LEATHER have released their eagerly awaited, new album, Keep The Fire Burning, todayvia King Volume Records / Wise Blood Records.
SACRED LEATHER set the underground ablaze with their debut album, Ultimate Force. Seven years later the beast is back with a unrelenting, classic metal masterpiece that recalls a time when tight leather and heavy riffs ruled the world. With Keep the Fire Burning, the band expands on their reputation for electrifying live performances and unflinching authenticity. Drawing from the steel-plated legacy of Judas Priest, Accept, and early W.A.S.P., Sacred Leather blend classic metal tradition with cinematic flair, evoking the neon glow of midnight highways and the danger of the unknown.
1. Resurrection 2. Spitfire At Night 3. Phantom Highway (Hell Is Comin’ Down) 4. Wake Me Up 5. Fallen Angel 6. Flatline 7. Tear Out My Heart 8. Malevolent Eyes 9. Keep The Fire Burning 10. Mistress Of The Sun
About SACRED LEATHER:
Forged in the fires of classic heavy metal and baptized in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, Sacred Leather stands as a defiant reminder that true metal never dies. Hailing from the American Midwest, the band delivers an unrelenting assault of twin-guitar fury, thunderous rhythms, and commanding vocals that channel the essence of leather, chains, and midnight highways.
Following their 2017 full-length debut Ultimate Force, which established them as torchbearers of traditional heavy metal’s resurgence, Sacred Leather return with their long-awaited sophomore album Keep the Fire Burning, due December 2025 through King Volume Records and Wise Blood Records. The album is both a declaration and a promise—rekindling the spirit that started it all while pushing their sound into sharper, more melodic, and more anthemic territory.
Sacred Leather is: Dee Wrathchild – Vocals Lynn St. Michaels – Lead Guitar Magnus Legrand – Bass Don Diamond – Drums Cvon Owens – Rhythmn Guitar
PAVIC have unveiled the official video for the title track of their upcoming album “Live To Thrive”, set for release on January 16th, 2026.
The song offers a new glimpse into the record’s vibrant blend of modern hard rock vitality and melodic depth. The song encapsulates the album’s core identity, combining muscular contemporary metal elements with the uplifting drive of classic rock, and visually amplifies the band’s message of resilience and forward momentum. With dynamic performances, infectious hooks, and a production that mirrors the album’s bold spirit, the “Live To Thrive” video sets the tone for what promises to be PAVIC’s most empowering and energizing release to date.
“‘Live to Thrive’ is a raw reflection on the chaos of our times and the will to rise above it. A declaration of resilience and clarity, built on emotional depth and strength. It captures the instinct to keep fighting and to stand tall in the storm because we all live to thrive, not just to survive.”
Formed in Rome, Italy, and led by guitarist and founder Marko Pavic, the band has built a solid reputation for crafting songs that balance emotion, precision, and raw power. Across its tracks, “Live To Thrive” highlights the group’s evolution — from passionate storytelling to intricate musicianship — while keeping its roots firmly grounded in hard rock tradition. The album’s sound is bold and uplifting, channeling the strength to overcome adversity and celebrate resilience. With this release, PAVIC reaffirm their place among Europe’s most compelling hard rock acts, offering an album that bridges intensity and hope, proving that true rock thrives when passion meets purpose.
Tracklist:
01. Save You From Yourself (featuring Mistheria) 02. Never Sleep Again 03. One Of These Days 04. Roll With The Punches 05. Fade To Grey 06. Live To Thrive 07. Till The End 08. Spinning Wheel 09. Rise 10. The Day Of A New Dawn 11. The Sun Has Fallen
Hailing from Rome, Italy, PAVIC is a hard rock/metal band led by guitarist and founder Marko Pavic. Fusing the powerful riffs of modern metal with the melody and soul of classic rock, PAVIC delivers music that is energetic, emotionally charged, and technically refined. The band’s mission is clear: to create uplifting and impactful songs that resonate with authenticity and power.
Formed in the mid-2000s, PAVIC quickly made an impression with their debut album Taste Some Liberty (2005), featuring vocalist Chris Catena and renowned guests like Kee Marcello (Europe), Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, Whitesnake), Vitalij Kuprij (Ring Of Fire), and Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye). The album gained strong acclaim across Europe for its high-caliber musicianship and catchy yet heavy songwriting.
Their follow-up, Unconditioned (2008), again featuring Chris Catena on vocals, saw the band take a bold step forward. Mixed by Tobias Lindell (Europe) at Sweden’s Bohus Sound Studio and mastered by Dragan Tanaskovic (In Flames, Evergrey), the album blended classic and modern rock elements and included another guest solo by Kee Marcello.
In 2014, with the addition of dynamic vocalist Joe Calabro, PAVIC released Is War The Answer? a record that showcased a heavier, more contemporary sound. Mixed by U.S. producer Rick Beato (Shinedown, Fozzy), the album included a standout cover of Duran Duran’s “Notorious” and featured a concept music video for the single In Your Eyes, written by Dylan Dog creator Roberto Recchioni.
Over the years, PAVIC played across Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine, sharing the stage with bands such as Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, Michael Schenker Group, and Circle II Circle among others.
In 2014, the band also played the Rock In Idro festival in Bologna, Italy, joining a massive lineup that included Iron Maiden, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Opeth, and more.
Their work has received widespread attention in the rock and metal press, with features in Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Rock It, and Metal Maniac. The band’s music videos, including Every Time I Die, Song For The Rain, and The Sun Has Fallen, showcase their evolving sound and visual style.
Now, PAVIC is set to return with their most ambitious work yet: Live To Thrive (2025), produced by Marko Pavic, mixed and mastered Francesco Mattei @ Underworld Studio and Hyper Focus Studio. Featuring keyboard maestro Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson, Vivaldi Metal Project), the album offers a tight blend of melody, heaviness, and emotional depth. The first single, Save You From Yourself, is accompanied by a visually striking video shot by Kinorama Studio, with more videos on the way.
Whether in the studio or on stage, PAVIC stands for quality songwriting, powerful performances, and a message of positivity and perseverance. The band’s sound continues to evolve — always rooted in heart, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll fire.
Lineup:
Marko Pavic – guitars, keyboards Joe Calabro – vocals Aleks Ferrara – bass, keyboards Valerio Manca – drums
Special Guests:
Mistheria – keyboards on “Save You From Yourself” Enrico Sandri – bass on “Save You From Yourself”, “One Of These Days”, “Live To Thrive”, “Fade To Grey” Lorenzo Antonelli – keyboards Enrico Scutti – backing vocals
It’s not often that a new band explodes into view without first having peppered our social media feeds with countless memes, reels and similar jiggerypokery.
Every King Has A Clown, however, prove that it can still be done. Roaring out of a background split intriguingly between Sweden and the Canary Islands, and marshaled by bassist/songwriter Ryker Castro, Every King Has A Clown deliver melodic, yet mighty metal, seamlessly blending the energies of European and international power metal with progressive touches.
Ryker says, ““Every King Has A Clown is my solo project. I created it to have total freedom over the songwriting, the sound and the artistic direction. The idea was simple: write the record I always wanted to hear, with strong melodies, heavy energy and no compromises. The jester-king on the album cover, named EKHAC, is the visual symbol of the project — the contrast between good and evil.”
He did not work alone. “This album is the sound of me fighting my own demons. I wanted a record built on strong songs, heavy energy and great voices — nothing else.” Thus, Every King Has A Clown’s self-titled debut album includes contributions from some of the biggest names on the modern scene, as Ryker details.
“Ray Alder (Fates Warning – guesting on the album’s penultimate track, “Revenge”) brings a unique emotional weight and intensity that lifts the track instantly.
“Mats Levén (ex-Therion) delivers the darker edge of the album with power and character.
“Mark Boals (Ring of Fire) adds precision, range and a classic melodic metal feel.
“Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot) brings grit and soul, [and] a strong hard-rock backbone.
“Anders Engberg (Sorcerer) adds depth and authority with his unmistakable tone.
“Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) brings clarity and elegance — his voice cuts through perfectly.
“Steve Braun (Halcyon Way) adds pure metal attitude and delivers exactly the punch [I] needed.
“Berzan Önen (Deer From Space) brings raw energy and a modern edge to the album.
“Christian Palin (ex-Adagio) adds aggression and dynamic range, pushing the [music] forward.
“Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator) gives the album a tight, precise and powerful foundation.
“Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) adds intensity and drive, with a very sharp and modern drum approach.”
A cast of 1000s!
In addition, the album was mastered by Tony Lindgren (Katatonia, Enslaved, Testament, Haken and hundreds more) at his home base Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden.
Every King Has A Clown will be out on January 30. But to pave the way, today sees the release of both the band’s first single, “Crucify Me,” and an accompanying full concept video, a dynamic live performance shot through with precisely the visuals that the song title demands. It’s exhilarating stuff!
After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world’s most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal.
As they prepare for what’s building up to be a monumental 2026, today, Rotting Christ are releasing the new Blu-Ray edition of 35 Years of Evil Existence Live in Lycabettus. This Blu-Ray honors Rotting Christ’s lasting legacy by capturing their first time performing at the historic Lycabettus Hill Theater in Athens. A sold-out crowd of 7,000 people were treated to a two-hour setlist that spanned the band’s entire career, from early mighty classics to the latest monuments from their Hellenic period.
Watch the full performance of 35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus on Rotting Christ TV:
The formidable bond between Rotting Christ and their legion of followers is not only felt across their unholy discography but also live and in the flesh. Having played more than a hundred shows all across the world in 2024, the band continue to keep the true metal spirit alive time and time again.
The Blu-Ray edition of 35 Years of Evil Existence – Live in Lycabettus arrives as a glowing testament to Rotting Christ’s indomitable spirit. While only performed a handful of times before the band stepped onto the theater’s historic stage last summer, “Like Father, Like Son” had the crowd pumping fists to its timeless message from the majestic opening riff. “Δαιμόνων Βρώσης (Demonon Vrosis)” raised horns to the newly re-recorded AEALO, while “Sorrowful Farewell” and “Among Two Storms” delivered a classic one-two punch. Picking one song to close such a monumental evening is no easy feat, especially among this band’s pantheon-level discography. But the opening chant of “Under the Name of Legion” gave them the perfect send-off.
“Love of darkness signifies the enlightened life eternally“. Beating from inside Lycabettus’ ancient halls, Rotting Christ’s true metal spirit echoed beyond the ages.
“We are proud that our new live album will now be available on Blu-Ray”, says Sakis. “Thanks to all our metal brothers and sisters for your attention, support and dedication over all these years. You can be sure that we will be at the frontline of the battlefield until the end. Non Serviam!”
The footage from 35 Years of Existence – Live in Lycabettus was directed by Yiannis Margetousakis & Thanos Liberopoulos.
Additional video credits
Camera operators Thanos Liberopoulos Giorgos Margetousakis Manolis Rizikos Roxani Varela Phillip Daskas Spirodon Flouretzou Mike Kochiev
Drone operator Yiannis Margetousakis
Editors Evaggelia Tsiliakou Yiannis Margetousakis
Coloring Yiannis Margetousakis
Catch Rotting Christ next year during appearances at major summer festival. More dates announcing soon!
Rotting Christ 2026 Summer Festivals May 22 – Baltimore, Maryland @ Maryland Death Fest (Exclusive 1989-1995 Set) [TICKETS] June 19 – Clisson, France @ Hellfest [TICKETS] July 19 – Bergen, Norway @ Beyond the Gates [TICKETS]
Track-list:
1. 666 (5:45) 2. P’Unchaw Kachun- Tuta Kachun (4:54) 3. Fire God and Fear (4:44) 4. Kata Ton Demona Eaytoy (4:50) [WATCH] 5. Apage Satana (4:40) 6. Dies Irae (4:37) 7. Demonon Vrosis (5:00) [WATCH] 8. Aealo (3:42) 9. Like Father, Like Son (4:41) 10.King of a Stellar War (6:22) 11. Shadows Follow (2:07) 12. Archon (4:25) 1. The Sign of Evil Existence (1:51) 2. Fgmenth Thy Gift (4:16) 3. Societas Satanas (4:07) 4. Forest of N’gai (4:19) 5. Sorrowful Farewell (4:29) [WATCH] 6. Among Two Storms (3:54) [WATCH] 7. After Dark I Feel (4:08) 8. Athanatoi Este (5:32) 9.Nemecic (4:17) 10. In Yumen Xibalba (6:27) 11. Grandis Spiritus Diavolos (6:05) 12. The Raven (5:28) 13. Under the Name of Legion (5:51) [WATCH] Full runtime: 1:56:31
In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe. Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.
Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.
But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek, English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.
In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou. Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.
Fans of classic Canadian rock n’ roll must be overjoyed with not only the announcement of Triumph‘s first North American tour in decades, but that they will have another one of the Great White North’s top rock bands supporting these spring dates: April Wine.
Running from April 22nd through June 6th, the tour will hit all the spots that both Triumph and April Wine amassed legions of fans over the years; Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, St. Louis, San Antonio, New York, etc. Tickets are now on sale for all the shows, and can be ordered via this link: https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ917CqB0/triumph-events
Comprised of members Brian Greenway (guitar), Richard Lanthier (bass), Roy Nichol (drums), and Marc Parent (lead vocals, guitar), this will not be the first time April Wine and Triumph have shared the stage before. Longtime fans may recall a show at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas on February 18, 1977, which served as Triumph’s major American debut and a significant breakthrough for the band.
Also, in San Antonio during March 1978, as part of a run of five shows in Texas for promoter JAM Productions. One fan recalled the lineup for this show as April Wine, Crack the Sky, and headliner Triumph. Both bands have a strong history with the state, as San Antonio radio station KISS-FM was an early supporter of Canadian hard rock acts, helping both bands gain a significant U.S. following.
April Wine has been a staple in the rock music scene for over five decades. Known for their powerful ballads and rock anthems, the band has seen several lineup changes but has always stayed true to their roots. April Wine has weathered the storms of the music industry with remarkable resilience and the band continues to captivate audiences with their electrifying performances. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next show, ready to experience the magic that April Wine delivers.
The journey began in 1969, marking the start of a legendary career in rock music. With hits like “Just Between You and Me”, “Sign of the Gypsy Queen”, “Roller”, “I Like To Rock”, “Say Hello”, “Oowatanite”, “Enough Is Enough”, “Rock N Roll Is A Vicious Game” and many more, April Wine has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Significant milestones include their induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2009, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2023. These accolades are a reflection of their hard work, talent, and the significant role they have played in shaping the rock genre. April Wine’s ability to consistently deliver powerful performances and connect with audiences has earned them a place among the greats in rock history.
Today, the band continues to tour, keeping the spirit of rock alive for their dedicated fanbase. And in 2026, they will bring their melodic and anthemic brand of rock once more to North America!
COMPLETE TOUR DATES:
CANADA
April 22 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON | GFL Memorial Gardens April 24 – Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena April 25 – Hamilton, ON | TD Coliseum April 28 – Halifax, NS | Scotiabank Centre April 29 – Moncton, NB | Avenir Centre May 1 – Laval, QC | Place Bell (Montreal) May 2 – Ottawa, ON | Canadian Tire Centre May 5 – Winnipeg, MB | Canada Life Centre May 7 – Edmonton, AB | Rogers Place May 8 – Calgary, AB | Scotiabank Saddledome
UNITED STATES
May 13 – Rosemont, IL | Rosemont Theatre (Chicago) May 14 – Milwaukee, WI | Miller High Life Theatre May 16 – Kansas City, MO | Starlight Theatre May 17 – St. Louis, MO | Hollywood Casino Amphitheater May 20 – Irving, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (Dallas) May 21 – San Antonio, TX | Frost Bank Center May 22 – Houston, TX | Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land May 24 – Tampa, FL | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater May 26 – Atlanta, GA | Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park May 28 – Camden, NJ | Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Philadelphia) May 30 – Sterling Heights, MI | Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill (Detroit) June 3 – Darien Center, NY | Darien Lake Amphitheater June 5 – Wantagh, NY | Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (New York) June 6 – Boston, MA | Leader Bank Pavilion
The long-awaited debut album from the Icelandic/US Black Metal ensemble MARTRÖÐ is now officially released. A profound, unsettling, and cataclysmic work, “Draumsýnir Eldsins” (‘Dream Visions of the Fire‘) channels dark primal energies into a vast and psychedelic netherworld. The album is available on CD and vinyl – including t-shirts – and can be streamed in full through Bandcamp and DMP’s YouTube channel.
“A cacophonous symphony of transcendental insanity!” (Toilet ov Hell)
Composers A.P. (SKÁPHE) and H.V. (WORMLUST) discussed the album’s creation in an interview with Rock Hard Italy:
AP: “Musically, the writing sessions for “Draumsýnir eldsins” felt almost dream-like. An experience that isn’t fully understood in the moment yet reveals its patterns and thematic threads only in hindsight upon reflection. It became a kind of mirror into the creative subconscious. My own writing began as a stream-of-consciousness exercise, deliberately silencing the overly analytical part of the mind and avoiding any conscious external influence, only working within the boundaries of a high-level vision. The process was simple: allow ideas to surface freely, then return to review, refine, and repeat. I think this approach is audible in the final work. There’s a cyclical quality to the compositions, mirroring the album’s unfolding narrative. While the record forms a self-contained story, each track may also exist in isolation as their own entity.“
HV: “MARTRÖÐ as a concept explores dream states in various forms and the divides between them and ‘true’ life, if there is any and ultimately through that the supranatural. It is about looking into dreams like pools of water that hold within them reflections of their surroundings, reality and beyond that the metaphysical. Through my own studies I decided dream visions not only fit thematically but also were time tested in revealing of what can be filed under hidden knowledge. You can impart upon the reader what you have learned in your own mental journeys through shared words and literary references. Since dreams are forced upon you then they flow from the stream of the subconscious, which in turn reflects how the music was created.“
“Draumsýnir Eldsins” is available on CD, vinyl and digital. A special t-shirt design accompanies the launch. Orders are possible via DMP’s EU, US, and Bandcamp shops.
MARTRÖÐ began in 2015 not as a band, but as an experiment in convergence. It was never about the individual, but about what emerges when singular wills dissolve into a shared vision. In this sense, MARTRÖÐ functions as both seed and symptom: the impulse that later unfolded into Mystískaos, but also a form of collective dreaming in its own right.
The first articulation of this came with the “Transmutation of Wounds” EP in 2016, a work that did not seek catharsis but rather confrontation, a descent into layered sound as a mirror of existential fracture. After this, MARTRÖÐ entered a long period of gestation. What now emerges years later is not a continuation but a transformation: the full-length “Draumsýnir eldsins“, a cycle of dream-visions where humanity dreams its own apocalypse, angels are stitched from remnants, divinity is suspended in endless death, and creation collapses as the dreamer stirs awake.
MARTRÖÐ has remained intentionally outside the categories of stage, permanence, or identity. It exists in the unwaking hours, in the liminal space where visions take form. Its essence is the alignment of forces that briefly converge to give voice to dissolution, not performance, but invocation; not continuity, but the persistence of a nightmare that survives only through its recording.
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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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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 