Emil Kárlsen announces new tour dates for 2026, bringing his unique blend of joik, alternative pop and contemporary Sámi storytelling to audiences across the Nordics and beyond. The shows will celebrate the release of Kárlsen’s highly anticipated debut solo album Nannámii, that will be released September 25, 2026 via By Norse Music. Emil states: – I am overwhelmed by -and so thankful your patience and kindness when I needed to pull back and reset. I am slowly working my way back up again, using this spring and summer to recover and prepare, so now I almost can’t wait to release the album Nannámii and go on a tour this autumn/winter, finally! Where do we meet?
During the release tour, the musician will visit several cities in the Nordics this fall and winter. Known for his powerful and ever-evolving live performances, Kárlsen creates a concert experience where sound, language and heritage come together — whether performing solo, with a band or alongside an orchestra, no two shows are ever the same. Tickets are on sale now.
Recently, Emil Kárlsen released the song “Giđa ávašta” (“one senses spring”), featuring rising Northern Sámi singer-songwriter Elina Ijäs. The song is streaming at the link below.
With roots in Omasvuotna/Storfjord and a deep connection to Northern Sámi culture, Emil Kárlsen continues to establish himself as one of the most distinctive new voices on the Nordic music scene.
LIVE DATES
27.10 — Havet (Árdna), Trondheim / Tråante 28.10 — Parkteatret, Oslo / Ušlu 20.11 — Rabagast, Alta / Áltaheajju 21.11 — Halti Kulturscene, Storslett / Hánssagiieddi 04.02 — Kulturhuset, Tromsø / Romsa 05.02 — Sinus, Bodø / Bådåddjo 16.02 — Lille Ole Bull, Bergen / Birgon 17.02 — Korjaamo, Helsinki / Helsset
Songwriter, actor, joiker, and producer Emil Ráste Karlsen—better known by his artist name Emil Kárlsen—is a Sámi multi-instrumentalist born in 1997, from Omasvuotna/Storfjord. Emil blends traditional joik with melodic pop, creating music with a deeply rooted expression that builds bridges between generations and cultures.
At the core of Emil’s artistry lies a strong passion for forging connections between people, places, and time. After a decade of performing in Norwegian with his award-winning band Resirkulert, Emil made a conscious decision to write in his mother tongue, Northern Sámi, and to revive the tradition of juoiggan (joik) in the coastal Sámi regions—as a form of resistance and a reclamation of identity through sound.
Emil is also a recognized actor at the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš and plays one of the leading roles in the critically acclaimed Disney+ series To Cook a Bear, alongside actors such as Gustaf Skarsgård and Pernilla August, released in autumn 2025. In early 2026, he made his debut in the title role of the opera Ovllá, which combines classical music and joik—composed by Emil himself.
Emil Kárlsen has also made a strong impression as a live performer, touring extensively. Whether performing solo, as a duo, with a full band, or with an orchestra, an Emil Kárlsen concert experience is never the same—and always unique.
Rising modern metal stars DOMINUM expand their catalogue with a new catchy hymn: “Dark Melodies” is a haunting ballad in waltz time, blending an eerie atmosphere, powerful vocals, and a massive melodic hook. The third single from the upcoming album, Night is Calling, which will be released on July 3, 2026 via Napalm Records, emphasizes DOMINUM’s strong presence in the metal scene, in which they have created their very own niche. Horror aesthetics and arena-ready hooks – this band has it all, and the enticing “Dark Melodies” is another proof of that.
With their sophomore studio album, The Dead Don’t Die (2024), DOMINUM, led by mastermind and singer Felix Heldt—better known as Dr. Dead—stormed into the top 10 of the German charts. Together with his zombies, Tommy Kemp (guitars), Patient 0 (bass), and Victor Hilltop (drums)—DOMINUM has already taken this undead spectacle to major stages across Europe. Touring alongside icons such as Bruce Dickinson, Avantasia, Battle Beast, and Peyton Parrish, the band has proven its strength both at major festivals and during their own headline shows.
Dr. Dead comments on “Dark Melodies”: “I never had a problem being alone. At least, I thought I didn’t. But for some time now – far too long – I’ve been hearing these melodies. Always. They whisper in my mind, tugging at me, like a black shadow sneaking into my heart. Sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter, but always an unstoppable pull I cannot escape. Dark Melodies – they are there, even when no one else can hear them. Yours, Dr. Dead”
DOMINUM open the next chapter of their dark, theatrical universe with their new full-length Night Is Calling. With their bombastic sound and outstanding stage presence, the band continues its rapid ascent on the international metal scene, without losing sight of its strengths: theatrical, melodic, and uncompromising modern metal—driven by the dark charisma of Dr. Dead and his zombies. One thing is certain: the Living Dead Squad continues to grow.
Night Is Calling is now available for pre-order, with selected formats including the bonus album Live at Wacken 2025.
Dr. Dead on Night is Calling: “’They grow up so fast.’ – Ugh. It makes me sick. And now I feel it myself: my zombies have grown up. Our creation… has grown up too. But unlike the pitiful rest, we don’t mourn our childhood. No. We revel in who we are. Being a child, being an adult – what does that even mean? Anyway – the world lies at our feet, and we can do whatever we damn well please. Believe me from firsthand experience: an army of zombies makes everything a hell of a lot easier… and way more fun with every bit of trouble getting the punch it deserves. We have the power to reshape our world. And oh, we do. ‘Night is Calling’ – this is our outlet. Stronger melodies, heavier riffs, sharper, unflinching lyrics – honesty as our deadliest weapon. We are who we are. And you… you’re in this whether you like it or not. The undead are on the march, more relentless than ever. Join us – immediately, willingly… or a little later when we come to your neighborhood. Either way… we’ll be seeing you. Dr. Dead”
Produced by Felix Heldt and mixed by renowned producer Jacob Hansen, Night is Calling expands the band’s sonic universe with even heavier riffs, bigger choruses and cinematic drama. The explosive opener “The Circus Is In Town” throws listeners straight into DOMINUM’s twisted carnival, while infectious anthems such as “Doctor Doctor” and “Dark Melodies” deliver massive hooks destined to echo across festival crowds. The powerful title track “Night is Calling” (feat. Battle Beast) further highlights the band’s growing presence on the international metal stage.
Night is Calling Tour 2026: w/ The Night Flight Orchestra 24.11.26 FR – Paris / La Machine du Moulin Rouge 25.11.26 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp 27.11.26 DE – Hamburg / Grosse Freiheit 36 28.11.26 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 01.12.26 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra 02.12.26 AT – Vienna / Szene 04.12.26 CH – Pratteln / Z7 05.12.26 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage 06.12.26 BE – Sint Niklaas / De Casino 08.12.26 UK – Manchester / O2 Ritz 09.12.26 UK – Bristol / Bristol Electric 10.12.26 UK – London / Electric Brixton 12.12.26 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle 13.12.26 NL – Utrecht / Tivoli Vredenburg 15.12.26 DE – Berlin / SO36 16.12.26 DE – Hanover / Capitol 18.12.26 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn 19.12.26 DE – Munich / Backstage 20.12.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
Festivals: 05.-07.06.26 CZ – Pilsen / Metalfest Open Air 01.-04.07.26 DE – Ballenstedt / Rock Harz Festival 03.-06.07.26 SE – Knislinge / Time To Rock 24.-25.07.26 DE – Bissingen / Wisdom Tooth Festival 13.-15.07.26 DE – Sulingen / Reload Festival 23.08.26 DE – Sankt Goarshausen / Loreley Freilichtbühne (w/ Judas Priest, Thundermother) … more to be announced
DOMINUM are: Dr. Dead – Vocals Patient 0 – Bass Victor Hilltop – Drums Tommy Kemp – Guitars
Melodic hard rockers NESTOR unleash the first single from the upcoming live album, Live at Gothenburg Film Studios (out August 14, 2026, via Napalm Records) with nostalgic “On The Run”! The studio version, released on the celebrated debut album Kids in a ghost town (2021), counts as one of the biggest NESTOR hits to date and has gathered millions of streams. Now, the band’s captivating live energy meets the song’s epic AOR-inspired keys and guitars – and one of their possibly catchiest singalong-choruses so far.
Originally formed in 1989, NESTOR broke into the international rock scene with the band’s comeback and debut album in 2021, immediately gaining critical praise and massive live opportunities. The acclaimed hard rock force has played alongside iconic acts like Kiss and Europe, and fans have gotten to experience NESTOR‘s outstanding stage presence also on headline tours around Europe and even in Japan. Check out the atmospheric live video for “On The Run” below for a first glimpse of NESTOR‘s first live album and DVD!
Vocalist Tobias Gustavsson comments: ”We are super thrilled to release our live album Live at Gothenburg Film Studios with ‘On The Run’ as the first single leading the way into our universe. I think this album captures NESTOR in our natural habitat: loud, heartfelt, unapologetically dramatic, and somehow both nostalgic and new at the same time. I hope you’ll enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed playing.”
Pre-Order Your Copy of Live at Gothenburg Film StudiosNOW
Live at Gothenburg Film Studios treats fans old and new to a hefty selection of live versions of future classics from NESTOR‘s celebrated catalogue. The band brings the heat with a new rendition of the track “Firesign” (originally from Kids in a ghost town, 2021) – catchy riffs and rhythms carry the heavily 80s-inspired, authentic sound that is topped with impressive rock vocals. The nostalgia-drenched following track “Teenage Rebel” (title track of the latest studio album, 2024) gets audiences singing along without a failure with its irresistible chorus that is accompanied with emotion-loaded melodies and massive riffs. Further highlights of this extensive, 16-track offering include a live rendition of one of the biggest NESTOR hits to date, “On The Run” (also from the praised debut Kids in a ghost town, 2021).
This comprehensive live album, available even as a DVD, draws from NESTOR‘s impressive repertoire of arena-worthy anthems and rock ballads, polished with the very best AOR and classic 80s rock influences. Without a doubt, NESTOR continue their steady mission to restore the glory of rock!
Vocalist Tobias Gustavsson comments: “When I listen to Live at Gothenburg Film Studios it becomes clear to me that it shows everything that NESTOR was about, from the beginning. A live performance with all the little quirks and mistakes that makes it human, a thing that I have learned to love even more in an era of AI generated music. Live at Gothenburg Film Studios is less clinical and more of a human experience in comparison to our studio albums and shows a different side of NESTOR. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did recording it up on stage.”
Live at Gothenburg Film Studios track listing: 01. Intro 02. We Come Alive 03. Kids In A Ghost Town 04. Stone Cold Eyes 05. Perfect 10 06. The One That Got Away 07. Last To Know 08. Unchain My Heart 09. Signed in blood 10. Victorious 11. Caroline 12. Firesign 13. On The Run 14. Teenage Rebel 15. 1989 16. It Ain’t Me
NESTOR Live 2026
Festivals 17.07.26 FI – Laukaa / John Smith Rock Festival 25.07.26 DE – Mönchengladbach / BOBfest 01.08.26 FI – Turku / Baltic Metal Storm 15.08.26 SE – Falköping / NestorFest 2026 19. – 22.08.26 DE – Haddeby / Baltic Open Air
Finnish modern death metal newcomers Monarch of Hate burst onto the scene with a force that leaves no one indifferent. The band is releasing their debut single, “There Goes the Sun,” which showcases an uncompromising blend of groovy heaviness, modern production, and the dark intensity of melodic death metal.
At the heart of the track beats a finely honed sound where crushing riffs and a captivating atmosphere go hand in hand—the result is a sound that sticks in your mind and resonates deep within your body.
–ISRC: FI3FC2602001 –Composer: Tomi Tilli –Lyricist: Mikko Aittola
Tomi TIlli: guitar, vocals, programming Mikko Aittola: guitar
Monarch of Hate is built around the strong vision of two experienced musicians: Tomi Tilli – known in the melodic death metal scene, notably as the singer and guitarist of Superdeathflame Mikko Aittola – a veteran guitarist and technical virtuoso whose touch is evident in both his playing and production
Although the artists have built impressive careers in various projects, Monarch of Hate brings their talents together for the first time—creating a whole where aggression, precision, and melody strike a perfect balance.
“There Goes the Sun” doesn’t ask for permission—it just takes its place.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST have released their new live performance video for ‘Passion Drives You Over’, taken from the band’s latest album “Lead, Love and Gold”, released in 2024 via Lion Music.
The live performance video was recorded during their concert on February 28, 2026, at the auditorium of Magazzini Musicali Merula, one of the largest musical instrument stores in Europe. Mixed by Beppe Geracitano.
Aldo, the singer shared on the song: “Passion is the essence of our existence, for better or worse. Passion is what makes us human. It is also the very thing that allows us to push beyond. ‘Passion Drives You Over’ is a play on words; it means that passion will guide you beyond—beyond your limits, beyond your fears and your struggles. If you are a motorsport fan, for example, what better place than Monte Carlo to represent this idea of going beyond? It visually embodies a concept that applies to motorsport, but also to music, love, friendship, or anything else. Don’t be cold souls; strive to live life with as much passion as possible, even in the smallest things, because otherwise, it simply wouldn’t make sense!”
Watch ‘Passion Drives You Over’ live video here:
You’ll find the official video for ‘Passion Drives You Over’ (shot in Monte Carlo in agreement with the Principality of Monaco and ACI) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZiutnHzHRI
Just recently the band released their first live video for ‘Limitless’ from Magazzini Musicali Merula -show, in case you missed it, watch here: https://youtu.be/Jrh-LFXWJoI?si=sOUNco1P46r8ubEb
The band about their music: “No autotune, no samples, and no overdubbing. Just a keyboard backing on some tracks. We care about keeping live music as pure and real as possible. Considering how technology is overused in 2026, even on stage, we think it’s important to speak up!”
More information: 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).
Fresh from crushing packed crowds during last month’s headline tour of the United States, Defeated Sanity are announcing their first North American tour since the release of Chronicles of Lunacy. This 27-date fall run includes the band’s first shows in Canada since 2023. They will perform songs off their latest Billboard-crushing album, along with other favorites from their three-decades long discography, as direct support for Revocation, who are celebrating their 20th-anniversary. Fuming Mouth and Weeping are also joining in support.
“We are thrilled and humbled to join the legendary Revocation in celebrating their 20th anniversary this coming fall”, Defeated Sanity guitarist Vaughn Stoffey says. “We’ll be playing a fresh set of DS classics for all of the true sickos across North America”.
Pre-sales ends this Thursday, June 4 at 10 pm Eastern Time.
General ticket sales begin Friday, June 5 at 10 am local time. Get tickets for Defeated Sanity’s 2026 North American Tour: https://defeatedsanity.com/
Defeated Sanity 2026 North American Tour Dates with Revocation, Fuming Mouth and Weeping
September 10 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium [TICKETS] September 11 – Montreal, QC @ Foufones [TICKETS] September 12 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace [TICKETS] September 13 – Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary [TICKETS] September 15 – St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar [TICKETS] September 16 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre [TICKETS] September 17 – Regina, SK @ The Exchange [TICKETS] September 18 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room [TICKETS] September 19 – Calgary, AB @ Dickens [TICKETS] September 20 – Kelowna, BC @ The Reverly [TICKETS] September 22 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw [TICKETS] September 23 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon [TICKETS] September 24 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s [TICKETS] September 25 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz [TICKETS] September 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ 1720 [TICKETS] September 27 – Mesa, AZ @ Nile Underground [TICKETS] September 28 – Las Vegas, NV @ Backstage Bar [TICKETS] September 30 – Denver, CO @ HQ [TICKETS] October 1 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room [TICKETS] October 2 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies [TICKETS] October 3 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups [TICKETS] October 4 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground [TICKETS] October 6 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In [TICKETS] October 7 – Asheville, NC @ Eulogy [TICKETS] October 8 – Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club [TICKETS] October 9 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg [TICKETS] October 10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts [TICKETS]
Tracklist 1. Amputationsdrang (2:30) [WATCH] 2. The Odour Of Sanctity (3:36) [WATCH] 3. Accelerating The Rot (3:22) [WATCH] 4. Temporal Disintegration (5:52) [WATCH] 5. Extrinsically Enraged (4:09) [WATCH] 6. A Patriarchy Perverse (4:16) 7. Condemned to Vascular Famine (6:00) [WATCH] 8. Heredity Violated (3:48)[WATCH] Total runtime: 33:35
DEFEATED SANITY is unequivocally one of the most unique, boundary-pushing and crucial bands in the history of extreme death metal. Their music is as technically coherent as it is mind-bending and memorable. Endlessly replay-able and full of discovery, their maze of riffs and musical passages is inspired by infamous classic bands in the extreme metal genre, while also heavily steeped in jazz and progressive classical elements.
The band consists of four members. They’re led by drummer Lille Gruber, who’s the son of deceased co-founding member Wolfgang Teske. Gruber is joined by bandmates Jacob Schmidt (bass), Josh Welshman (vocals) and Vaughn Stoffey (guitar).
As well as being the drummer of Defeated Sanity, Gruber is the multi- instrumental, songwriting mastermind behind the band’s deep and compelling catalogue of songs and compositions. He possesses a bag of tricks seen nowhere else in the genre, and a musical prowess which is on full display throughout their new album Chronicles of Lunacy.
“We love experimenting”, explains drummer and founding member Lille Gruber. “But we realized that some of our oldest fans might have gotten lost after our last couple of albums. With the new one, we wanted to focus more on neck-snapping brutality”.
Chronicles of Lunacy punches you right in the face. Press play and “Amputationsdrang” already has you pinned to the mat beneath its non-stop blasts. Get comfortable, too, because Defeated Sanity don’t let the album up for air until the very end of Track 4. But turns out, acting like knuckle-dragging cavemen isn’t so easy for a band that has a Mensa-level maestro like Gruber at the controls.
At the tender age of six, Lille Gruber picked up heavy guitar and drums. Inspired by killer American BDM bands like Disgorge, Monstrosity and Brodequin, the German wunderkind recorded the band’s first demo alongside his father, Wolfgang Teske. Since Wolfgang’s passing in 2010, Gruber has taken on the bulk of the composing for Defeated Sanity. Whether he’s hammering his snare, pinging between cymbals or riding a colossal groove, The Chronicles of Lunacy flows like a never-ending stream of filth.
“Lille’s drumming is just ridiculous”, Jacob Schmidt says. Schmidt – who toured with Obscura behind Cosmogenesis – joined as the other half of Defeated Sanity’s chaotic rhythm section for the band’s beloved second album. His nimble, belching bass give the new album’s lead single “The Odour of Sanctity” a dizzying bounce. “He’s the face of the franchise, so we’re never going to abandon those head-scratching moments that set Defeated Sanity apart”.
Indeed, Chronicles of Lunacy isn’t Defeated Sanity for dummies. Heck, the lyrics are wrapped up in the twisted ways that delusions can rot the human psyche. This heady concept was made flesh by none other than Jon Zig. Drawn in painstaking detail by his wicked right hand, the album’s cover shows that the birth of some ideas look an awful lot like a gory and sex-crazed nativity scene.
“Each song on Chronicles deals with a different form of mental corruption”, Josh Welshman says”. “Odor” stinks of religious fanaticism. “A Patriarchy Perverse” cracks open the mind of co-ed killer Ed Kemper, while “Extrinsically Enraged” practically foams at the mouth with squealing hammer-ons. “That one’s more literal”, says Welshman with a hearty laugh. “It’s about contracting rabies”. If it weren’t for Disposal of the Dead / Dharmata, then Defeated Sanity would’ve chewed through as many vocalists as they have albums, but after a brutal showing on their last one, Welshman is back with more guttural vengeance. His growls ooze from the pit of his gut on “Temporal Disintegration”, stomped out like the innards of a cockroach by the gravity-defying slams.
While it still hits from every odd angle, Chronicles of Lunacy does draw a jagged red line back to Defeated Sanity’s brutal origins. After all, the band now share a label with their namesake. In true, DS fashion, the first song written for this album was “Heredity Violated”, a headbanging grand finale that never stops chugging. “This album isn’t as tough on the brain as the last two”, says new guitarist Vaughn Stoffey, whose chunky riffs whip “Accelerating the Rot” into the fastest song in the band’s canon. “It’s rawer and more straightforward, which gets back to what fans love about Psalms of the Moribund“.
To dig up the sheer brutality that long-time fans have come to crave, Defeated Sanity returned to Thousand Cave Studios. New York City’s most vile underground hotspot also served as the excavation site for the Billboard-charting The Sanguinary Impetus, which shoveled a fresh layer of dirt over the “polished” production of Passages into Deformity. But the band encouraged producer Colin Marston to get down and dirty with Chronicles of Lunacy. “We still wanted some of the high fidelity that you hear on modern death metal records”, Schmidt says, “but this album has the same crushing low-end as Psalms or Chapters of Repugnance“.
The band execute this two-headed approach to monstrous effect on “Condemned to Vascular Famine”. At just under six minutes, the song delivers the longest ass beating on Chronicles of Lunacy. At times, all four members sound like they’re climbing up the walls in separate asylums, but after slipping in a brief nod to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the band come slamming down into the album’s ugliest breakdown.
“That’s one of our favorites”, the band says. “It lands at a crossroad of the DS sound that we ended up with on Chronicles of Lunacy. Even though it gets pretty fucking weird at times, there’s still an emphasis on heavy, straight-up slamming”
None of their albums are ever going to follow a straight line, but on Chronicles of Lunacy, Defeated Sanity return to sheer brutality.
Lineup Josh Welshman – Vocals Vaughn Stoffey – Guitars Jacob Schmidt – Bass Lille Gruber – Drums
Guest musicians Danny Nelson and Paolo Paguntalan provide backup vocals on “Amputationsdrang” and “Accelerating the Rot”
Recording Studio Thousand Caves Studio in January 2024.
Production Recorded, mixed and mastered by Colin Marston. Produced by Colin Marston and Defeated Sanity.
Cover Art Artwork by Jon Zig Title lettering by Liz Schmidt Layout by Alex Eckman-Lawn
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 ) 