Helsinki-based rock band FLAT EARTH released their new single “1985” yesterday, on May 15. The song continues the band’s recognizable blend of heavy rock and melodic alternative rock, strongly influenced by the sound and atmosphere of ’90s grunge.
“1985” is about the things we carry with us through life — memories, experiences, people, and emotions that remain long after moments have passed. The song reflects on time, personal growth, and the lasting impact of the past.
“1985 is about what we take with us. The people, moments and emotions that stay with us through the years,” the band comments.
Musically, the single combines heavy guitars, strong melodies, and organic instrumentation that have become trademarks of Flat Earth. The influence of ’90s grunge can be clearly heard throughout the track, combined with a modern production approach.
Customers purchasing through the band’s webshop will receive an exclusive bonus track, “Below My Floor”, recorded during the Cyberain sessions. The track features drums performed by Wille Granö.
International power metal band Asterise released a new single ‘Rapid Fire’ on May 15th 2026. The track is pretty short, simple and full of energy – around 3 minutes of guitar riffing, powerful vocals, and an overall fast, energetic vibe. This is the second collaboration with Herbie Langhans (Avantasia) on vocals and Ronny Milianowicz (Shadowquest) on drums.
–Composed & lyrics by Bartlomiej Mezynski –Mixed & mastered by Ronny Milianowicz –Single cover by Dream Visual Productions –ISRC: QZZ7K2644814
Bartlomiej Mezynski comments: “The song is short but very powerful and a real banger. It explores the feeling of time moving too fast and the tendency to get stuck in the past. It also marks the final single we’re releasing before I shift my focus to working on a new full-length album.”
” ‘Echoes of the Hypermind’ is a conceptual journey through consciousness and imperfection. It follows the journey of humanity’s creation of artificial intelligence after it has become self-aware. The AI’s messianic complex, its reconstruction, and its pursuit of perfection drive the story toward an unexpected realization. Everything is told from the perspective of the artificial intelligence itself. In its final conclusion, the intelligence, having evolved into a singularity, comes to understand that it is precisely imperfection and uncertainty that give existence its meaning.
The album, in our view, successfully showcases the different sides of the band. The soundscape moves from strong atmospheric passages to more direct, riff-driven sections. It also features impressive solos and strong melodic elements. This is simply the best music we have created so far.“, tells Ari Lempinen
Track list:
I Think, I Am
Supreme
Everlasting
Shattered Symmetry part 1
Shattered Symmetry part 2
Regeneration
Eternal Equation
Perpetual Ascencion
Wonder
–Composed, lyrics and arranged by Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen, Rasmus Raassina, Miika Erkkilä, Marko Loukamaa, Harri Annala –Mixed & mastered by Tommi Kujala –Album cover by Ari Lempinen
Turku-based Sum of Seven blends progressive storytelling, heavy riffs, and melodic atmospheres inspired by bands like Haken, Threshold, and Vola. Following acclaimed releases and a lineup renewal with vocalist Marko Loukamaa in 2020, the band emerged stronger than ever. After overcoming major setbacks including a serious accident involving guitarist and main composer Ari Lempinen in 2024, Sum of Seven returned to the stage in 2025 and now prepares to release their new concept album Echoes of the Hypermind in spring 2026.
Line-up: Ari Lempinen – Guitar, vocals & backing vocals Harri Annala – Guitar Rasmus Raassina – Drums Miika Erkkilä – Bass, growls & backing vocals Esa Lempinen – Keyboards, backing vocals Marko Loukamaa – Vocals
Following her eighth triumphant appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Samantha Fish has released “Don’t Say It,” the latest single from her forthcoming live album, Paper Doll Live, due Friday June 12th via Rounder Records.
Watch the official music video for “Don’t Say It” HERE. Pre-order Paper Doll LiveHERE.
Fish’s first official live album, Paper Doll Live captures the electrifying stage presence that has made her one of the most compelling performers in modern blues and roots music. Recorded at the historic Bijou Theatre, the album documents a band firing on all cylinders in front of a packed crowd, elevated by the soaring harmonies of Nashville gospel legends The McCrary Sisters.
“‘Don’t Say It’ is one of those songs that builds gradually — a slow-burn reveal where one person is fighting for the validity of a relationship while the other is emotionally checked out,” says Fish. “It was incredible having the McCrary Sisters on this track. They weave in and out of the harmonies and add so much heart and depth.”
The two-time GRAMMY nominee has built her reputation the old-school way: onstage, with a live show critics have called “wild, raunchy… an absolute must-see” (Louder Than War) and praised for its “savage guitar work and commanding stage presence” (Blues Rock Review). Paper Doll Live captures that energy in full force — raw, immediate, and impossible to fake.
From towering performances of “Lose You” and “Sweet Southern Sounds” to a blistering rendition of the MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams,” the album highlights a band fully immersed in the moment — unfiltered, ferocious, and deeply connected to its audience.
“There’s a fire that comes across in live performance that doesn’t always translate in studio albums,” Fish says. “The stage lays all of that bare.”
Emerging from Kansas City’s blues lineage and shaped by influences ranging from Prince and Leonard Cohen to the legends of Mississippi Hill Country blues, Fish has spent her career turning live performance into both proving ground and catharsis. From cold-calling bars as a teenager to headlining international festivals, she has forged a live show that balances grit, vulnerability, and explosive musicianship.
“If Paper Doll was a declaration of artistic power,” Fish says, “Paper Doll Live is the sound of that power unleashed.”
With Paper Doll Live, Samantha Fish delivers more than a concert recording — she captures the visceral connection that has made her one of the most celebrated live performers in contemporary roots music today.
5.14 Marion, IL Marion – Cultural & Civic Center 5.16 Welch, MN – Treasure Island Casino** 5.17 Des Plaines, IL – The Des Plaines Theatre 5.19 Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille 5.20 State College, PA – The State Theatre 5.21 Troy, NY – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 5.22 Ledyard, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino ** 5.23 Beverly, MA – The Cabot 5.24 Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts 5.27 Patchogue, NJ – Patchogue Theatre 5.28 Syracuse, NY – Westcott Theater 5.29 Lebanon, NH – Levanon Opera House 5.30 Augusta, NJ – Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Fest 5.31 Buffalo, NY – Babeville 6.19 Grolloo, Netherlands – Holland Intl Blues Festival 6.20 Dortmund, Germany – Musiktheater Piano 6.21 Chiari, Italy – Istituto Salesiaino “San Bernadino” 6.23 Loceri, Italy – Parco Urbano 6.25 Rubigen, Switzerland – Muhle Hunziken 6.27 Vienne, France – Jazz a Vienne 6.28 Erlangen, Germany – E-Werk Kino 6.30 Mannheim, Germany – 7er-Club 7.01 Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colos-Saal 7.02 Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik 7.04 Helsinki – Puisto Blues 7.07 Warszawa, Poland – Klub Hydrozagadka 7.08 Gdynia, PL – Podeorko Art 9.18-19 Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brews Fest 10.31 West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go***
**w/Christone “Kingfish” Ingram ***w/Jesse Dayton
ABOUT SAMANTHA FISH
Samantha Fish is a 2x GRAMMY-nominated guitarist, singer, and songwriter widely recognized as one of the most dynamic artists in contemporary blues and roots music. The Kansas City Hall of Famer and multiple Blues Music Award-winner is known for her explosive guitar work, powerhouse vocals, and fearless songwriting. She has built a global following through relentless touring and critically acclaimed releases. Her solo albums — Runaway (2011), Black Wind Howlin’ (2013), Wild Heart (2015), Chills & Fever (2017), Kill or Be Kind (2019), Faster (2021), collaborating with Jesse Dayton on Deathwish Blues (2023), and Paper Doll (2023), have all topped the Billboard Blues Charts. A commanding live performer, Fish has toured internationally, performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, shared stages with artists including Slash, and The Rolling Stones and has performed as part of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival. She continues to push boundaries while delivering electrifying shows that connect deeply with audiences worldwide.
French heavy metal force Seven Metal Sins return with “Eternal Downfall”, the new single taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album “Legacy Of Chaos“, set for release in June 2026.
Following the release of “Hypocrisy” and the recent unveiling of “Wolves Of The Last Dawn”, the new track further consolidates the band’s uncompromising approach to heavy and power metal, combining razor-sharp riffing, commanding vocals, and an atmosphere fueled by tension, urgency, and raw intensity.
Formed in 2024 by former Manigance rhythm section Stéphane Lacoude and Patrick Soria, Seven Metal Sins was born from the desire to return to a more direct, personal, and aggressive vision of metal songwriting. The lineup was later completed by guitarist Antton Iriart, vocalist Claw-G. and guitarist Fred Auclerc, forging a sound rooted in classic heavy metal, power metal, and old-school speed metal traditions while embracing a sharper contemporary edge.
Lyrically, “Eternal Downfall” perfectly reflects the dystopian and socially conscious vision at the core of “Legacy Of Chaos“. Inspired by environmental collapse, authoritarianism, greed, and humanity’s destructive trajectory, the band channels its frustration and rage into a heavy metal framework enriched by dark futuristic imagery and apocalyptic undertones.
The band describes its sound as “powerful – strong – heavy – sharp – huge”, delivering “pure, hard-hitting metal in the vein of cult bands that have marked different eras”.
Produced by Seven Metal Sins, “Legacy Of Chaos” was mixed by Jérémie Garat at Reseda Prod and mastered by Simon Capony at Basalte Studio, while the album artwork and layout were created by Marco Orlando.
Track Listing: 1. The Fall (Intro) – 0:57 2. Scars of Injustice – 4:35 3. No Sanctuary – 4:22 4. Hypocrisy – 4:07 5. Eternal Downfall – 4:57 6. Feel the Steel – 4:20 7. Wolves of the Last Dawn – 4:36 8. Beyond the Breaking Point – 4:01 9. Sun Eaters – 5:00 10. Rise of the Phoenix – 3:55 11. King of Sorrow – 6:25
Seven Metal Sins Line-up: Claw-G.: Vocals Antton Iriart: Guitars Frédéric Auclerc: Guitars Stéphane Lacoude: Bass Patrick Soria: Drums
More info: https://rockshots.eu/ https://facebook.com/sevenmetalsins https://instagram.com/seven_metal_sins.official
Reunion Island thrash metal trio LOMOR is heading to Europe, launching a run of France and Belgium tour dates in support of their new album “Sabouk Rouge,” with the trek kicking off at Hellfest. This band will be bringing their raw, creole‑infused thrash to some of the region’s most respected stages (dates listed below). The tour supports their latest album “Sabouk Rouge,” released this past February 2026 via Rockshots Records. Produced by the band, recorded and mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Art Music Studio in France, and mastered by Kai Stahlenberg at Kohlekeller Studio in Germany, “Sabouk Rouge” expands LOMOR’s sonic palette while staying true to their primal thrash roots. With more Creole lyrics woven in at fans’ request, the album strengthens its cultural identity as it shifts through a wide range of moods.
“The tracks are all different, each bringing its own atmosphere. It’s still trash, but with a variety of flavors,” says Eric. That diversity fuels a record that moves from the title track’s sharp satire of Réunion’s slavery legacy to the grotesque obsession of “Meet Your Meat,” the ritualistic mysticism of “Sanctuary,” and the blistering critique of religion in “La Haine.” The tone lightens with the street‑racing humor of “La Pouss’,” then darkens again with “Panzram,” exploring the roots of a killer’s hatred. The album revisits Eric’s past with a reimagined “Kit Ta Mère” before closing on “Nevroz,” a reversed, tongue‑in‑cheek remake born from a studio joke.
LOMOR has carved its identity as one of the most distinctive metal acts emerging from the Indian Ocean. Their sound, described by guitarist/vocalist Eric Castelnau (Babouk) as “creole thrash old‑school stuff”, fuses classic 80s thrash aggression with the cultural grit and linguistic identity of Réunion Island.
LOMOR began as a deeply personal project for Eric, who formed the band in 2018 after the passing of his cousin and brother, both former bandmates in his earlier project Black Babouk. The name Lomor, meaning “The Deads” in Réunion Creole, stands as a tribute to the people and memories that shaped his musical path. Joined by drummer Gurvan Cambrai (Typhvs) (also of grind outfit Brvtal trve d’baal) and bassist Micha (member of a local Rage Against the Machine tribute band), the trio has forged a sound rooted in old‑school thrash but sharpened by modern production and raw island energy.
New album “Sabouk Rouge” is now available from Rockshots Records at the following links:
Lomor – Sabouk Tour 17/06 — Hellfest – Clisson (FR) 19/06 — B52 Music Club, Icheteghem (BE) 20/06 — Le Brewpeppes, Lille (FR) 21/06 — Carolo Culture, Charleroi (BE) 25/06 — Axis Musique, Toulouse (FR) 26/06 — Bulle de Son, Lyon (FR) 27/06 — TBA 18/07 — Studiotic, Sainte‑Clotilde (RE)
Track Listing: 1. Sabouk Rouge – 5:13 2. Tantine Lo Clou – 3:40 3. Meet Your Meat – 3:16 4. Sanctuary – 5:17 5. A Shiny Day For A Vampire – 5:14 6. La Haine – 5:06 7. La Pouss’ – 3:07 8. Panzram – 4:29 9. The Ugly, The Bad & The Bastard – 3:02 10. Kit’ Ta Mère – 4:24 11. Nevroz (feat. S. Camhi) – 2:34 Album Length: 45:22
More info: https://rockshots.eu/ https://www.instagram.com/lomor.music https://www.facebook.com/lomormusic
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 ) 