FERALIA have unveiled their new single “Ballata Avernale”, now streaming exclusively through a premiere hosted by No Clean Singing. The track is taken from the band’s forthcoming third full-length album, “Ultima Requies”, set for release on June 26, 2026 via ATMF.
With “Ballata Avernale”, FERALIA offer a compelling glimpse into the atmosphere and artistic direction of the new record. The song combines harsh and earthy black metal textures with a solemn, almost liturgical sense of grandeur, reflecting the band’s fascination with death, memory and the sacred dimensions of the ancient world. Moving between moments of fierce intensity and contemplative passages, the track captures the balance between ritualistic darkness and emotional depth that lies at the heart of “Ultima Requies”.
With this third full-length, FERALIA delve deeper into their singular vision of Black Metal, forging a work that resists easy categorization. “Ultima Requies” is neither rooted in old school orthodoxy nor aligned with the polished tendencies of contemporary production. Instead, it stands as a raw and evocative offering, where abrasive textures and ritualistic atmospheres converge into something austere, immersive and profoundly spiritual.
The sound remains anchored in a sense of the sacred, drawing from arcane and occult dimensions tied to the archaic Roman world. Each composition unfolds as a passage, evoking forgotten rites, liminal states and the tension between life and death, presence and absence.
The artwork of “Ultima Requies” reflects this vision, depicting a reinterpretation of the necromantic ritual of Erichto, the Thessalian witch described in “De Bello Civili” by Lucan. A figure feared even by the gods, Erichto was said to raise fallen soldiers from the battlefield during one of the most turbulent phases of Roman civil war. This imagery embodies the album’s core: a confrontation with death not as an end, but as a threshold to forbidden knowledge.
Following the path opened by “Helios Manifesto” and “Under Stige / Over Dianam”, FERALIA further refine their language, balancing raw intensity with a deeply contemplative undercurrent. The result is an album that feels both immediate and timeless, grounded in the physicality of Black Metal yet reaching toward something intangible and eternal.
Hard rock supergroup Iconic – featuring Michael Sweet (guitars), Joel Hoekstra (guitars), Marco Mendoza (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums), and Nathan James (vocals) – have unveiled today a new track, “Take Me To The Place”, ahead of the release of their upcoming sophomore album “II”, scheduled for July 31, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Michael Sweet commented: “Take Me To The Place” is once again, a song that takes you back to the past. The whole point of this band/album is to remind people of the power of classic rock. Some of the greatest music came out of the 70’s/80’s and we’re very proud to be able to continue waving that flag and carrying the torch!”
“It was great fun to riff away to trade leads with Michael Sweet on this one. Nathan James is belting away and the classic rock vibes are omnipresent. Hopefully you all like it as much as we liked recording it!”, added Joel Hoekstra.
Marco Mendoza also said: “Another great song coming from all the talent in this band… Michael and Joel killing it, Nathan sounding great and delivering big time… Tommy driving!!!”
Iconic return with “II”, a second album that doesn’t just continue the band’s journey – it defines it. Where their debut introduced the chemistry between five world-class musicians, II sharpens that vision into a clearer, heavier, and more confident sonic identity, delivering a sound that is more powerful, more direct, and unmistakably rock.
At the heart of the album lies the electrifying guitar partnership of Joel Hoekstra and Michael Sweet, delivering a masterclass in soaring melodies, blazing solos, and muscular riffs that perfectly balance technical brilliance with pure hard-rock attitude. Beneath them, the rhythm section of Tommy Aldridge and Marco Mendoza drives the record with thunderous authority, creating a groove that is both massive and relentless.
The album kicks off with “Cry No More”, a high-octane opener that immediately sets the tone – an energetic slice of hard rock packed with driving riffs, explosive drums, and a chorus built to stick.
On the other side of the emotional spectrum, “Tears Keep On Falling” showcases the band’s dynamic range, unfolding as an electrifying power ballad where melody, atmosphere, and intensity come together in dramatic fashion.
Towering above it all is Nathan James, whose performance on “II” is nothing short of extraordinary – powerful, soulful, and commanding, elevating every track with unmistakable presence.
With bigger riffs, deeper grooves, and a stronger sense of identity, “II” captures Iconic at full force: a band no longer introducing itself but fully owning its sound.
With just days to wait now before the ultimate tribute to Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Ride The Rainbow, touches down on June 19, Cleopatra Records are proud to unleash the final single from the set, and they might just have saved the best until last.
Sebastian Bach, the former Skid Row and Big Noize hero who now leads Twisted Sister, fronts a devastating performance of “Man On The Silver Mountain” – originally a cut from Rainbow’s epochal debut album, back in 1975, but a concert favorite for years thereafter.
Rainbow’s own Bob Daisley, Uriah Heep’s Mick Box, Journey’s Jonathan Cain and Whitesnake’s Doug Aldrich complete the line-up, alongside the super-legendary Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck Bogert & Appice, Rod Stewart etc) – who reveals that he was almost in Rainbow himself!
“I was supposed to be in Rainbow back in the day. Ritchie asked me to be in it, but I couldn’t do it, so I was very pleased to play on this track. I love all the musicians, too – they are all fantastic players and all good friends .So this track kicks ass!”
Jonathan Cain, too, has only the happiest memories of Rainbow. “When Cleopatra asked me to play on a Rainbow Tribute project, I was excited to add my keyboards to it. Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio were one of the truly melodic and memorable metal bands. I got to party with him towards the end of his touring days after a Sweden Rock Festival. His soaring voice and melodies will be remembered for decades to come.”
Ride The Rainbow itself is an absolutely star-studded journey through the many faces of the Ritchie Blackmore-led legend, with stunning performances from no fewer than six Rainbow alumni – Daisley is joined on the album by Ronnie Romero, Graham Bonnet, Don Airey, Joe Lynn Turner and Doogie White! Plus Steve Morse (Blackmore’s successor in Deep Purple), and Ritchie’s Blackmore’s Night partner Candice Night,. As the subtitle says, it truly is “The Ultimate Tribute To Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.”
1. Long Live Rock ’n’ Roll – Bob Daisley, Graham Bonnet, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Carmine Appice, Don Airey 2. Man on the Silver Mountain – Sebastian Bach, Doug Aldrich, Bob Daisley, Carmine Appice, Mick Box, Jonathan Cain 3. Stargazer – Derek Sherinian, Marty Friedman, Vinny Appice, Jürgen Engler, Joe Bouchard, Ronnie Romero 4. Lady of the Lake – Angel 5. Rainbow Eyes – Mike Tramp 6. Since You Been Gone – Marty Friedman, Vinny Appice, Graham Bonnet, Jürgen Engler 7. Kill the King – Rick Wakeman, Bob Daisley, Vinnie Moore, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler 8. The Temple of the King – Steve Morse, Phil Soussan, Ronnie Romero, Simon Wright, Jonathan Cain, Kevin James Morse 9. Jealous Lover – George Lynch, Vinny Appice, Andrew Freeman, David Ellefson, Jonathan Cain 10. I Surrender – Eric Gales, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Phil Soussan, Don Airey, Chris Adler 11. Catch the Rainbow – Doogie White, Derek Sherinian, Chris Poland, Vinny Appice, Bob Daisley 12. Street of Dreams – Paul Shortino, Joel Hoekstra, Joe Bouchard, Fred Aching, Jonathan Cain 13. Stone Cold – Vivian Campbell, Joe Lynn Turner 14. I Surrender – Marcus Nand, Candice Night
Ancient spirits come alive as SKÁLD extend an invitation into times long gone but not forgotten. Ørlǫg, coming September 25, 2026, is the French band’s first album via Austrian label juggernaut Napalm Records, and it is our destiny. As the Norns weave our future, this album is a fascinating passageway into our pristine origins and the consequences of our choices. Inspired by Skaldic poetry, SKÁLD use instruments fitting of the time: Ørlǫg is shaped by Nordic fiddles, different forms of harps and lyres, horns, kannels, and whistles, among others, as well as three lead vocalists to bring the arrangements to life. Ten new songs as stepping stones, Ørlǫg is an offering to listen, to dwell, to reflect—and to find something within yourself previously unknown. SKÁLD don’t just play music, they awaken ancient ways.
SKÁLD about the signing: “Signing with Napalm Records is a really exciting step, the band has never been so united and this strong partnership with the label makes us even stronger. It was undoubtedly meant to be, and Ørlǫg is the perfect album to make it happen. We can’t wait to see where this shared vision takes us.”
Napalm Records Senior A&R Sebastian Münch about the signing: “SKÁLD have a remarkable way of bringing Nordic folklore and mythology to life through their music. Their new album, Ørlǫg, is a fantastic release that both longtime fans and those discovering the band for the first time are sure to enjoy. I’m thrilled to be working with SKÁLD and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together with Napalm Records.”
Along with the album announcement comes the first single: “Draumakona” opens up the atmospheric journey into Ørlǫg with an expressive look at the female side of shamanic prophecy. Lyrically focusing on dreamscapes, the French band constructs their Nordic folk melodies to be particularly catchy to pull listeners right into their world, shifting powerfully between female lead singing and multilayered vocal arrangements to create an antiphony between individuum and community.
SKÁLD about “Draumakona”: “‘Draumakona’ explores the unique role women play in divination and shamanic vision; the Norns, who weave the destinies of gods and mortals, support this perspective. Everyone wants to know what their future holds and may wait for it to be revealed to them, but to truly know, one must confront oneself, travel far and wide, not fear the different worlds, and listen to one’s dreams.”
A staple band in the genre, SKÁLD deliver a striking work of art with their latest album, deferentially using their sources to keep old spirits alive and form the enchanting world of Ørlǫg. The language might sound unfamiliar, but the music still touches the soul.
SKÁLD about Ørlǫg: “Ørlǫg is the cosmic web that influences the world and every person. Part of our Ørlǫg is determined by our birth, our past actions, and our upbringing, but Ørlǫg is not set in stone; our daily choices are constantly shaping it. What we do now and what we have done in the past determines what will happen to us in the future; we cannot escape the consequences of our actions. This album makes us question our choices—both individual and collective—and the patterns we accept or reject. The Norns weave our destiny, but we can take control of certain things: travel, ride worlds, and grow. Each song on this album describes a situation, a place, a choice to be made. Let’s take hold of our Ørlǫg.”
The atmospheric journey to claim direction starts within the dreamscapes of “Draumakona”, an expressive look at the female side of shamanic prophecy. The French band constructs their Nordic folk melodies to be particularly catchy, shifting powerfully between female lead singing and multilayered vocal arrangements to create an antiphony between individuum and community. Inspired by Skaldic poetry, SKÁLD use instruments fitting of the time: Ørlǫg is shaped by Nordic fiddles, different forms of harps and lyres, horns, kannels, and whistles, among others, as well as three lead vocalists to bring the arrangements to life. “Myrkviðr” picks up on the opening track’s persuasive energy, with male vocals taking the lead this time. Further spreading their message is “Ratatoskr”, intonated by clattering sounds and throat singing, channeled into hauntingly repetitive chants of the eponymous squirrel’s name.
For “Dǫkksalir”, SKÁLD unwind their melodies to form a gentle song, sweet-talking almost like a lullaby—and therefore fitting the concept of the charming yet also frightening sirens lurking in the dark. “Útgarðr” contrasts the different voices compellingly by the passages being sung simultaneously with alternating focus and a goosebump-inducing climax—instantly opposed by “Ek skald rida” which makes use of similar techniques, but is the most tranquil track on the album. “Himinbjǫrg” reaches far out to the edge of Asgard, where Heimdall guards the rainbow bridge, Bifröst. SKÁLD lend him an assertive voice, so the song serves as an emphatic yet reassuring guide through our sometimes-clouded destiny. “Heiemo og Nykkjen”, a rendition of a traditional medieval folk ballad from what is now Norway, takes a more provident approach to both instrumentation and vocal delivery, while “Veit barnit” calls upon the knowledge of children and uses a child’s voice alongside their usual harmonies to reflect that. The grim finale, “Eldr ok iss”, Old Norse for “fire and ice”, again calls on contrasts as well as referencing part of the creation myth in which the primordial being Ymir emerged from Muspelheim—the realm of fire—colliding with icy Nilfheim in the beginning of times. SKÁLD build an appropriate arc of suspense with a formidably sinister atmosphere.
Ørlǫg tracklisting:
Draumakona
Myrkviðr
Ratatoskr
Dǫkksalir
Útgarðr
Ek skald rida
Himinbjǫrg
Heiemo og Nykkjen
Veit barnit
Eldr ok iss
SKÁLD Live 2026
Summer European Tour 18.06.26 FR – Clisson / Hellfest Open Air 20.06.26 PL – Poznan / Pyrkon Fantasy Festival 17.07.26 DE – Dresden / Weisser Hirsch Open Air (w/ FAUN) 18.07.26 DE – Regensburg / Piazza Festival (w/ FAUN) 19.07.26 PL – Bolków / Castle Party 21.07.26 CH – Nyon / Paléo Festival 30.07.26 NL – Lisse / Castlefest 15.08.26 NO – Borre / Midgardsblot 30.08.26 AT – Graz / Kasematten (w/ FAUN)
North America Tour 26.06.26 US – Denver, CO / Marquis 27.06.26 US – Farmington, NM / Locke Street 28.06.26 US – Phoenix, AZ / Crescent Ballroom 29.06.26 US – Los Angeles, CA / Lodge Room 30.06.26 US – San Diego, CA / Brick By Brick 01.07.26 US – San Jose, CA / The Ritz 02.07.26 US – Portland, OR / Hawthorne Theatre 03.07.26 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon 04.07.26 CA – Vancouver, BC / Rickshaw Theatre 06.07.26 CA – Calgary, AB / Dickens 07.07.26 CA – Edmonton, AB / Starlite Room 09.07.26 CA – Winnipeg, MB / Park Theatre 10.07.26 US – Minneapolis, MN / Turf Club 11.07.26 US – Chicago, IL / Reggies 12.07.26 US – Detroit, MI / Sanctuary 13.07.26 CA – Toronto, ON / TD Music Hall 14.07.26 CA – Montreal, QC / Fairmount Theatre
Warrior Chant Tour As Special Guest for The Hu 29.09.26 UK – Glasgow / O2 Academy 01.10.26 UK – Bristol / Prospect Building 02.10.26 UK – Bournemouth / O2 Academy 03.10.26 UK – Newcastle / O2 City Hall 05.10.26 UK – Belfast / The Telegraph Building 06.10.26 IE – Dublin / 3Olympia Theatre 08.10.26 UK – Birmingham / O2 Academy Birmingham 09.10.26 UK – London / O2 Academy Brixton 10.10.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Apollo 11.10.26 UK – Norwich / UEA LCR 14.10.26 BE – Brussels / Ancienne Belgique 15.10.26 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle 17.10.26 DE – Munich / Tonhalle 18.10.26 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle 19.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Stodola 20.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Stodola 22.10.26 DE – Cologne / Palladium 23.10.26 NL – Utrecht / TivoliVredenburg 24.10.26 NL – Tilburg / 013 27.10.26 FR – Lyon / Le Radiant 28.10.26 FR – Paris / L’Olympia 30.10.26 CH – Zurich / X-TRA 31.10.26 LU – Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
SKÁLD are: Christophe Voisin Boisvinet – Percussion, Nordic Fiddles, Harp, Horn, Vocals, Programming Marti Ilmar Uibo – Percussion, Lyre, Kannel, Whistles, Jaw Harp, Vocals Steeve Petit – Percussion, Vocals Marie Potosniak – Fiddles, Vocals Guillaume Levy – Irish Bouzouki, Citole, Gudok Nathalie Lemoye-Voisin – Vocals Ravn – Moraharpa Michel Abraham – Vocals Eyline Uibo – Vocals
German folk rock frontrunners SCHANDMAUL aim for the stars in a new lineup: the upcoming album, Sternensegler (Engl. “star sailor”), coming September 11, 2026 via Napalm Records, is their first album with Till Herence on vocals. The new singer already filled in during live shows starting in 2024 when Thomas Lindner had to step back from the microphone due to illness. But just as on stage, SCHANDMAUL’s founder is still around, switching to instruments instead, and together, the folk rock band steers into an unexpected but masterfully re-navigated musical future.
SCHANDMAUL rise from the rough sea convincingly and make for calmer, sparkling waters led by their valiant captain, Thomas Lindner. Expanded by longtime companion Till Herence, the crew works together seamlessly on Sternensegler—turning the album itself into the guiding star for their new direction.
SCHANDMAUL about the new album: “Our Sternensegler rises powerfully like a phoenix from the ashes—and that same strength is reflected in these new songs. They symbolize rebirth and are a sign of unity and friendship. That’s how you deal with setbacks. Giving up was never an option for us. Let’s look ahead and set sail for new horizons!”
Sternensegler sets its sails with “Nimm alles mit” (Engl. “take everything with you”). SCHANDMAUL paint a positive image with their opening track, casting off from their previous port fueled by joy and luck, and leave the dark echo of their recent past behind with an enticing arc of suspense. The title track, “Sternensegler”, offers fans a hand, while “Beide Füße in der Luft” (Engl. “both feet in the air”) shows the harsher side of the band early on while simultaneously emphasizing the voice of Till Herence, which carries SCHANDMAUL through dire times. Following, they hoist up their “Flagge” (Engl. flag): the song is a clear political statement supporting diversity, both a warning and encouragement—we stand together! “Nosferatu” and “Wo Sprache aufhört” (Engl. “where language ends”) again show a calmer side of the band that has been a regular in the top 5 of the Official German Album Charts for years, reaching the top position in 2016 with LeuchtFeuer. Then, “In der Hand” (Engl. “in hand”), the first single they ever released with their new frontman in 2025, finds its album home. “Things will never quiet down around us,” SCHANDMAUL already stated back then with the lyric “Um uns wird es niemals leise”—Sternensegler proves it. Exhilerating “An beiden Enden” (Engl. “at both ends”) brings sing-along parts and purposefulness. After “Lass nicht los” (Engl. “don’t let go”) comes “Trag dich” (Engl. “carry you”), a love ballad, before “Zwei Raben” (Engl. “two ravens”), feat. Laura Fella (Faun), leads the ship into a safe new haven.
Sternensegler tracklisting:
Nimm alles mit
Sternensegler
Beide Füße in der Luft
Flagge
Nosferatu
Wo Sprache aufhört
In der Hand
An beiden Enden
Lass nicht los
Trag Dich
Zwei Raben (feat. Laura Fella)
Sternensegler also comes with additional cargo: the bonus album included in some editions contains instrumental harp versions of seven songs, as well as the previously released “Räuber und Narren” (Engl. “outlaws and fools”), a collaboration with fellow medieval rock band SUBWAY TO SALLY.
Sternensegler bonus album tracklisting:
Sternensegler (acoustic version)
Beide Füße in der Luft (acoustic version)
Nosferatu (acoustic version)
In der Hand (acoustic version)
Lass nicht los (acoustic version)
Trag Dich (acoustic version)
Zwei Raben (acoustic version)
Räuber und. Narren (feat. SUBWAY TO SALLY)
SCHANDMAUL LIVE 2026/27
Festivals 2026 27.06.26 DE – Brande-Hörnerkirchen / Hörnerfest 24.07.26 DE – Wölfersheim / Open Air beim Sommer am See 15.08.26 DE – Coesfeld / Fabrik 16.08.26 DE – Fulda / Kultur findet Stadt – Räuber & Narren 04.09.26 AT – Kufstein / Festung Kufstein (In Extremo Burgentour) 11.09.26 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Amphitheater (Folkfield Festival) 12.09.26 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Amphitheater (Folkfield Festival)
Sternensegler Tour 2027 12.02.27 DE – Hanover / Capitol 13.02.27 DE – Hamburg / Gruenspan 19.02.27 DE – Leipzig / Anker 20.02.27 DE – Dresden / Tante JU 26.02.27 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 27.02.27 DE – Berlin / Columbia Theater 04.03.27 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 05.03.27 CH – Pratteln / Z7 Konzertfabrik 06.03.27 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann 12.03.27 DE – Cologne / Carlswerk Victoria 13.03.27 DE – Bremen / Kulturzentrum Schlachthof 19.03.27 DE – Frankfurt am Main / Batschkapp 20.03.27 DE – Munich / Muffathalle 02.04.27 AT – Vienna / Simm City 03.04.27 AT – Linz / Posthof 09.04.27 DE – Magdeburg / Factory 10.04.27 DE – Erfurt / Central Club
Motorhead proudly share second single, Be My Baby (Live At Lowlands Festival 2007), taken from the upcoming 20th anniversary edition of Kiss of Death out 3rd July via BMG on expanded double LP and 2CD.
You can watch/listen to Be My Baby (Live At Lowlands Festival 2007) on YouTube HERE and pre-order ‘Kiss of Death’ HERE.
Taken from the recently announced expanded 20th anniversary edition of Kiss of Death, the Lowlands Festival performance of Be My Baby is taken from the previously unreleased radio broadcast of Motörhead’s 2007 performance at the hallowed Dutch festival.
Originally released in 2006, Kiss of Death is a ferocious reminder of Motörhead’s uncompromising, no-frills spirit—and a timely nod to the legendary status they’ve earned as one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time.
Driven by Lemmy’s unmistakable growl, backed by Phil Campbell’s blistering guitar work and Mikkey Dee’s razor-sharp precision drumming, Kiss of Death—their 18th studio album—picks up exactly where 2004’s Inferno left off. It’s Motörhead doing what they do best: loud, fast, and relentless.
Leaning into the heavier edge of their sound, the album also features guest appearances from Mike Inez (Alice in Chains) and C.C. DeVille (Poison), and delivers standout cuts like Sucker,Trigger, and the fan-favourite God Was Never On Your Side.
Marking its 20th anniversary, this new edition sees the album newly half-speed mastered from the original tapes, with fresh liner notes from Classic Rock’s Dave Ling paying tribute to the contribution of the legendary Phil Campbell following his recent sad passing. It also includes an exclusive bonus live LP, capturing the band’s 2007 performance at Lowlands Festival in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands, available on vinyl for the first time. The CD edition features three additional bonus tracks.
Full tracklisting details are below, and for the latest news and updates, head to www.imotorhead.com.
Tracklisting:
VINYL LP 1 – Kiss of Death (20th Anniversary Edition)
SIDE A
Sucker
One Night Stand
Devil I Know
Trigger
Under the Gun
God Was Never on Your Side
Living in the Past
SIDE B
Christine
Sword of Glory
Be My Baby
Kingdom of the Worm
Going Down
LP2 – Live at Lowlands Festival, 2007
SIDE C
Snaggletooth
Stay Clean
Be My Baby
Killers
Metropolis
Over The Top
SIDE D
One Night Stand
In The Name Of Tragedy
I Got Mine
Going To Brazil
Killed By Death
Aces Of Spades
CD CD 1 – Kiss of Death (20th Anniversary Edition)
Sucker
One Night Stand
Devil I Know
Trigger
Under the Gun
God Was Never on Your Side
Living in the Past
Christine
Sword of Glory
Be My Baby
Kingdom of the Worm
Going Down
R.A.M.O.N.E.S (2006 Version) CD Bonus track
Whiplash CD Bonus track
R.A.M.O.N.E.S (Live) CD Bonus track
CD 2 – Live at Lowlands Festival, 2007
Snaggletooth
Stay Clean
Be My Baby
Killers
Metropolis
Over The Top
One Night Stand
In The Name Of Tragedy
I Got Mine
Going To Brazil
Killed By Death
Aces Of Spades
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 ) 