Finnish hard rock juggernaut Sixgun Renegades returns from a hiatus with a new single, while also unveiling its revamped lineup. Hunter And The Hunted is the first single from the album Slave To The Grid, set for release in spring 2026. Shaped by internal challenges within the band, the songwriting process has given birth to an album that promises to be the most personal, bold, and powerful output of the band’s career so far, offering a depth not previously heard from the group.
As longtime bassist Miko Mattila (2013–2025) steps aside, the Helsinki–based Sixgun Renegades introduce a new member with this release: bassist Tuomas “Topo” Koskipää, replacing Mattila. Formed in 2008, the band draws its influences from the cornerstones of stadium rock, with Thin Lizzy, Van Halen, Judas Priest and Dokken at the forefront. Three years of hard work and love for music come together on the upcoming fourth album. The band’s signature sound, soaring vocal melodies, strong riffs, and powerful rhythms are more present than ever, and the songs sound better than they ever have before.
The song “Hunter And The Hunted” tells a story of the obsessive pursuit of ever-greater success and fame, achieving it, and the unhealthy ways of dealing with the side effects that come with success—ultimately spiraling to the brink of madness. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. -Niko Räty
Sixgun Renegades – Hunter and the Hunted Lyrics: Niko Räty Music and arrangement.: Niko Räty, Miko Mattila, Samu Tuomi, Teemu Räty Produced by: Mark Bertényi, Tuomas Riihimäki Recorded by: Tuomas Riihimäki, Teemu Räty Mixed by: Jori Saloranta, V.R. Studio Mastered by: Svante Forsbäck, Chartmakers Kataloginro: VRDIG352 ISRC: FIV2U2600004 Distributor: Playground Music Scandinavia.
Alfa Pentatonik continues with new songs. Even though it has not been a year since their latest EPs, Gamma I & Gamma II, they are already releasing new music. They will now release a new single called “Sulje silmäsi maailmalta” (Close your eyes from the world), which was created at the end of 2025.
–Composed by JP Immonen –Lyrics by Janne Partanen –Cover art by JP Immonen & Janne Partanen –ISRC: FI3FC2697901
The song is built with a clear vision. JP Immonen (Soulgrind, Walhalla, Aria of Sorrow, Iron Frost) plays the guitars, bass and synths, and is responsible for all the production and composition. Janne Partanen (Hautajaisyö, Verilehto, Paavalin Harhat & Marraskuun Lapset) wrote the lyrics and did the vocals. Sami Lindqvist, who joined the band for Gamma II, plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals. Mika Nikula (Semi) is now joining the band to play the drums.
‘Sulje silmäsi maailmalta’ is guaranteed Alfa Pentatonik. The heavy guitar riffs are brutal and the chorus will make you dance. The song is about modern-day problems. People keep their dopamine levels high and bad news is too easy to skip. Opinions change with trends, and when something makes you feel bad, you can always read an aphorism on your wall.
Alfa Pentatonik 2026: JP Immonen: bass, guitars, synths, composition & arrangement. Janne Partanen: vocals, lyrics & arrangement. Sami Lindqvist: lead guitar & backing vocals. Mika Nikula: drums.
Across a string of acclaimed performances with Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Vandenberg (and more!), vocalist Mats Levén long ago established himself among metal’s most dynamic performers. And now he brings that dynamism to bear on the latest single by fellow Swedes Every King Has A Clown.
“Victim of the Night” is the latest single from the band’s upcoming debut album, a self-titled monolith that delivers melodic, yet mighty metal, seamlessly blending the energies of European and international power metal with progressive touches.
Bass and keyboard player Ryker Castro 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.
“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.”
“Victim Of The Night” meets those criteria and more. Ryker explains, “‘Victim of the Night’ was born from an obsession with the figure of Jack the Ripper — not just the crimes themselves, but the psychology behind them. I wanted to explore the darkness, the mystery, and the unanswered questions surrounding who he was and what drove him.
“Musically, it set the tone for the entire project: dark, atmospheric, and intense. It was the first song I wrote, and in many ways, it became the foundation for everything that followed.”
It was producer (and guitarist) Pedro Vallejo who suggested the song be recorded late at night, gathering together Ryker, Mat, and his own brother, drummer Alex, “To fully capture the atmosphere. That approach helped everyone involved connect with the mood and tension of the track, making the performances feel more natural, instinctive, and true to the song’s dark character.”
Ryker also recalls how Mats Levén was the voice he heard for this song from the beginning. “His ability to combine power, darkness, and emotion made him the perfect fit for the character and mood of ‘Victim of the Night.’ When he delivered the vocals, the song immediately reached the level of intensity and drama I had envisioned from the start.”
Levén serves up what Ryker describes as “the darker edge of the album,’ but Every King Has A Clown also 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.
“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 (Dreams in Fragments) 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.”
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 whet your appetite, here’s “Victim Of The Night,” a sonic blast that will leave you hungry for more.
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and front man of Christian rock icons Stryper, MICHAEL SWEET is proud to announce his new album, ‘The Master Plan,’ his most personal and spiritually resonant solo album yet. Set for release on April 3, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl, this deeply worship inspired record marks a bold departure from his previous solo work — blending heartfelt devotion with fresh musical textures and melodic depth unlike anything SWEET has done before.
To celebrate the announcement, MICHAEL SWEET also shares the album’s title track alongside an official lyric video, available below.
MICHAEL SWEET comments:
“I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to make this record. I think I subconsciously started making it when I was a kid. All the music that has influenced me over the years is revealing itself on this album. It’s certainly not cookie cutter by any stretch of the imagination. It’s one of a kind and very eclectic and unique, but that’s exactly what I wanted. It has something for everyone and I hope you all are as excited about this one as I am. The title track is quite a song musically and lyrically. The goal is to inspire and encourage and give people hope. I hope this one does just that. I want to personally thank you all for your patience and for your undying support for everything that I do. Much love to you all🙏”
Musically rich and lyrically uplifting, ‘The Master Plan’ journeys into new acoustic oriented landscapes, built on warm harmonies, intimate vocal layers and heartfelt expressions of faith. SWEET’s unmistakable voice leads a tapestry of heartfelt worship, inviting listeners to reflect, celebrate and draw closer to the timeless truths at the heart of his message. With sweeping arrangements and a sincere spiritual core, the album offers both comfort and inspiration for moments of prayer, praise and quiet contemplation.
Recorded with a stellar ensemble of musicians and co produced by MICHAEL SWEET and Jeff Savage, ‘The Master Plan’ also features lush keyboards, evocative guitar work and memorable vocal moments that elevate each song into something deeply personal yet universally uplifting. Mixed by Danny Bernini at Spirithouse Studios, the album balances polished production with the warmth of true worship expression.
With its heartfelt lyrics and spiritual sincerity, ‘The Master Plan’ is designed to inspire peace, faith and encouragement — music that comforts the weary, uplifts the spirit, and celebrates the profound love at the center of SWEET’s faith journey.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – formed in 2009 – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements. With a contemporary and refined sound, the band has built an international following, particularly in Finland, USA, Spain, France, Brazil, Germany, Poland, and Canada.
Their music is born from a balance of emotional impact, technical skill, and production quality. Over the years, they have also connected their image to the world of motorsport and F1, becoming the first rock band to perform on the podium of the Monza Circuit during the awards ceremony of the 2015 Monza Rally Show. Several of their tracks have been used as soundtracks in TV features for programs such as Griglia di Partenza, and on channels like Eurosport or RTBF Belgium.
Their songs have also received international rock radio airplay, being broadcast on various stations in several countries, including the USA, Poland, and France (Virgin Radio France).
The band reveals on the upcoming news + projects: “We’ll be working on a video for a song from the latest album as soon as possible, probably the ballad “We Shall Meet Again” or the song “A Light on Darkness”, while we’re working on the next live shows.”
Next concert: Saturday, February 26th at the Merula Strumenti Musicali auditorium (one of the largest musical instrument stores in Italy)
Began in the Turin underground scene with numerous club gigs.
In 2009 opening for: Marco Mendoza (Withesnake, Thin Lizzy) and Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Malmsteen).
In 2012 The Rock Alchemist release “Eyes of Mind ” by the italian label Videoradio and reaching immediately:
1st place in the ranking of the Top Rock Download on Meteli.net in Northern Europe with Slash, Linkin Park and others, then remaining in the Top 10 in the following spring / summer period. 1st Place on 17 Million of the song “Live or Die” ranking Northern Europe Meteli .net 1st Place for two consecutive weeks on Nokia Music Italy with the song “Guardian Angel”. Appreciation for the entire album by national and international critics, both by specialized magazines and by non-sector magazines such as Marie Claire.
In 2014, the Band plays for “Ayrton Senna Tribute” – Imola Circuit, with “Live or Die” dedicated to the Brazilian driver. the same year the band is hired to play at the Superbike GP again at Imola
Between 2015 and 2016 The Rock Alchemist performs at the “X Giornate di Brescia” -Festival Off – International Music Festival 2015 – at events organized by FCA (now Stellantis) – Jeep – Harley and also at the Ariston Theater on the occasion of the Sanremo Beatles Summer Festival.
Become the first Rock Band to play on the podium of the Monza Circuit during the awards of Valentino Rossi and Tony Cairoli at the Monza Rally Show 2015:
Closing of the event by playing for the award ceremony, from the podium of the racetrack, We Are The Champions of Queen. The song to the memory of Ayrton Senna, entitled “Live or Die” is uploaded to McLaren-F1.com website, recognized by the Ayrton Senna Foundation and the English Wikipedia page of the driver
2016 start the cooperation with the great Mix / Producer Chris Sheldon and the award-winning Master Engineer John Webber of the historic Air Studios in London.
2017 The band signs an agreement with the Finnish Lion Music, the indipendent progressive, neoclassical, hard rock label. 2017 Release of the album Elements (Lion Music). The album also includes “The Temple” anthem dedicated to the Monza Motor Speedway.
2018 Release the single American Woman a revisited cover of the famous and historic song of the Canadian band “The Guess Who” (Lion Music).
2019 Release the video of Cars into the MAUTO National Automobile Museum of Turin
2021 Release of the reimagined cover All I Want for Christmas is You (Lion Music).
2024 Release of the album Lead, Love and Gold (Lion Music).
2025 Video for Passion Drives You Over, shot in Monte Carlo in agreement with the Principality of Monaco and ACI.
Swedish black metal outfit LÖMSK has announced their new full-length record, “Act II – Of Iron and Blood”, set for release on March 6 via Vendetta Records.
In support of the album, the band has unveiled the first single and opening track, “Fields of Elysium”, accompanied by a lyric video, which can be viewed here:
Hailing from Gothenburg, LÖMSK is a black metal entity formed in 2022. Their music stands as a direct response to a world they perceive as rotten and vain. With “Act II – Of Iron and Blood”, the band moves away from the thematic framework of their debut and plunges headlong into the wreckage left behind.
The previous release, ‘Act I’, was a manifestation of creative destruction – the black bile of yore fused with newborn ire, portending eternal return. With a somber gaze cast upon the modern world, LÖMSK emerged as an artistic trial by fire, set to raze the stalemate of vanity and face the numen within.
Through a lens of nihilism and stoic defiance, “Act II – Of Iron and Blood” charts a descent into a world choked by ash and smoke. As towers fall and heavens split, the march continues through valleys of sorrow toward the inevitable entropy awaiting all things. This is the sound of Rome burning – a prayer of violence, whispers beneath skies of iron and blood. Brace yourselves for the upheaval to come.
Tracklist:
Fields of Elysium
Of Iron and Blood
Requiem of Fire
Entropia
The Gathering Storm (not included on vinyl)
Chimaera
Stare Into the Void
Furia
The Silence Thereafter
All music on “Act II – Of Iron and Blood” was written, produced, recorded, and mixed by LÖMSK. The album was mastered by Robert Kukla at Obsidian Recording Studios. Artwork was created by Misanthropic Art, with booklet design and layout by Jacob Fredén.
“Act II – Of Iron and Blood” will be released on March 6, 2026, via Vendetta Records.
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 