Hot on the heels of last year’s Squirrely Years deep dive into the early days of industrial superstars MINISTRY, Al Jourgensen’s youthful repertoire resurfaces once more with a supercharged remaster of a song known only from the band’s live show.
Remixed by Die Krupps mastermind Jurgen Engler, “Dancing Alone” originally appeared in the band’s live set in the aftermath of their debut album With Sympathy in 1982.
Yet it has little in common with the synth tones of that record, as Jourgensen struggled to free himself from the gravitational pull of “Work For Love” etc.
Instead, it points towards the dancier, heavier sound evinced on the singles that followed the band’s arrival at Wax Trax… in other words, the future starts here, even as the accompanying kaleidoscopic video transports you back to the early 80s club scene from which Ministry arose.
This is not the song’s first release. A straightforward live version of “Dancing Alone,” recorded in Chicago in 1982, appears on Ministry’s 2015 Trax! box set of rarities and unreleased material, and again on the Chicago/Detroit 1982 compilation.
Here, however, it has been brought solidly into the band’s future, a wild 177bpm electro stomp whose 4 minute running in time is jam-packed with raucous riffs, aggressive rhythms and a sassy Jourgensen vocal that is scarcely reconcilable with the familiar growl of later years.
Yet still it instantly identifiable, a magnificent missing link that recaptures the past, even as it then points you towards Ministry’s unforgettable future. The Squirrely Years roll on!
Season of Mist present the full album stream of Hugrheim, the new album from EIHWAR, released today.
With their second full-length, the pagan troublemakers invite listeners into the hidden tenth world of Yggdrasil. This is Hugrheim, a realm shaped by the Hugr, the force of mind and spirit. It is also, conveniently, a place where war drums echo endlessly and nobody complains about the noise.
Blending Nordic folk instrumentation with electro-industrial pulse and thunderous ritual percussion, Hugrheim captures the chaotic energy that has already rattled festival grounds from Wacken Open Air to Midgardsblot. Eihwar treat Norse mythology less like a museum piece and more like a very loud celebration. Ancient symbolism collides with trance languages, pounding rhythms, and the kind of ritual enthusiasm that tends to make crowds forget they are supposed to stand still.
Across ten tracks, the album unfolds like a guided tour through the stranger corners of this unseen world. From the rune-bound trial of lead single “Nauðiz” and the invocation of “Freyja’s Calling” to the victorious chant of “Heill Óðinn,” each composition opens a new gateway into Hugrheim’s shifting landscapes, including the album’s eponymous track “Hugrheim”. There are battle rites, shadow realms, and luminous gardens. There are also quite a lot of drums.
At the center of the story stand Mark and Asrunn, wandering spirits whose memories of Hugrheim slowly return while inhabiting human bodies on Midgard. Through chants, war drums and trance-driven rhythms, the duo translate that mythology into sound. The result is a concept album that moves easily between ritual atmosphere and outright pagan dancefloor energy.
There is something truly unique about Eihwar. In a way, the band relates to Vikings much like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles relate to turtles: wild, over-the-top superheroes who don’t take themselves too seriously. And yet, from their mischievous spirit and contagious joy emerges a deep and moving poetry. A kind of childlike wisdom.
Berserkr (Tim’s Memorial Version) (04:26) Full runtime: 40:03
Following the release of Hugrheim, Eihwar will carry the Tenth World across Europe on a headline run presented under the banner Pagan Folk Nights, joined by special guest Mira Ceti. After commanding major festival stages and igniting packed club shows, the duo now bring their ritual drums, trance chants and industrial folk pulse into an extended continental campaign.
MARCH 26, 2026 — FR — Paris | La Machine du Moulin Rouge MARCH 27, 2026 — UK — London | The Dome ➔ Venue Upgrade MARCH 28, 2026 — LU — Esch-sur-Alzette | Kulturfabrik MARCH 29, 2026 — NL — Eindhoven | Effenaar MARCH 31, 2026 — DE — Hamburg | Betty ➔ Sold Out APRIL 1, 2026 — DK — Copenhagen | Stengade ➔ Sold Out APRIL 2, 2026 — SE — Stockholm | Kollektivet Livet APRIL 4, 2026 — FI — Helsinki | On The Rock ➔ Sold Out APRIL 5, 2026 — LV — Riga | Vagonu Hall APRIL 7, 2026 — PL — Warsaw | Proxima APRIL 8, 2026 — DE — Berlin | Privatclub ➔ Sold Out APRIL 9, 2026 — CZ — Tabor | Blavicon APRIL 11, 2026 — DE — Lichtenfels | Ragnarök Festival APRIL 12, 2026 — HU — Budapest | Dürer Kert ➔ Venue Upgrade APRIL 14, 2026 — AT — Vienna | Szene APRIL 15, 2026 — SI — Ljubljana | Kavarna Cukrarna ➔ Sold Out APRIL 16, 2026 — IT — Milan | Legend Club APRIL 17, 2026 — FR — Mulhouse | Le Noumatrouff ➔ Sold Out APRIL 18, 2026 — BE — Brussels | La Source ➔ Sold Out
Get ready for the wild electro Nordic folk of EIHWAR! These “Enfants Terribles” aren’t here for solemn atmospheres—their fierce and festive fantasy is made for raging Viking dancefloors. Backed by Season of Mist (home to Heilung and Danheim), Eihwar burst onto YouTube in 2023 and hasn’t slowed down since. With millions of views and festival appearances at Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, and Midgardsblot at the Midgard Viking Center in Norway, they bring a new wave of pagan power shaking across Europe.
This second album from Eihwar describes the world from which these two pagan superheroes originate. It is “Hugrheim,” the 10th hidden world of Yggdrasil in Eihwar’s fantasy mythology. The two musicians explain:
“Over the past few years, our souls have gradually taken over the bodies of two human musicians. Through incarnation, we lost much of our memories. All that remains are images, emotions, and fragments from our previous existence, mixed in with the thoughts and memories of our human hosts. In this new song, we evoke the memories that gradually come back to us: memories of Hugrheim, the tenth world of Yggdrasil, hidden and unknown to men. This world is shaped by the Hugr, the spirit. In this realm dwell the invisible forces of the soul and consciousness. When our vessels perish here and our incarnation ends, we will return to Hugrheim. Still, we hope to remain here as long as possible this time, because nowadays the beer is fucking good, the rockstar life is pretty damn cool, and dental anesthesia actually exists.” — Mark & Asrunn
Line-up: Asrunn — Vocals, Shamanic Drums Mark — Vocals, War Drums, Lute, Folk Guitar, Tagelharpa, Percussion & Programming
Production Credits: Mark & Asrunn of Eihwar — All Production, Mixing & Mastering at Eihwar Studio.
VIAMAER is a project behind which stands Krystian Jurkiewicz and did not emerge from the need to create music, but from the need to express something that cannot be spoken in words. It is a way of capturing states a person goes through; a method of giving shape to the intangible yet deeply real. Sound became a natural tool — a place where emotions do not need to be explained, because they can be heard in melody, timbre, contrast, and the silence between notes.
Earlier this year, VIAMAER released debut album “In Lumine Lunae” that was well received by listeners and music critics. The project VIAMAER returns to its essence in the most raw and intimate form. Acoustic Sessions is neither an add-on nor an alternative version; it is a conscious return to the starting point. To the emotions before production. To the compositions in their bare state.
The tracks known from the original album have been reinterpreted in acoustic-instrumental form. No distortion, no layered production, no weighty sound. With space. With breath. With silence, which becomes an equally important element of the narrative.
“In lumine lunae (Acoustic Sessions)” reveals the structure and emotional core of the compositions. It is the same story, but told closer, more directly, without filters and without excess. This version is a mirror of the original album, more focused, more direct, sometimes even intimate. The same story told in a different language.
Music for new EP album was composed, recorded, mixed and mastered by Krystian Jurkiewicz. Cover artwork was done by Piotr Pryk. but edited & adapted by Krystian Jurkiewicz. EP will be released on April 2, 2026 in digital format.
Krystian describes it this way: “These compositions were born in silence and return to silence.Without weight. Without excess. In the acoustic versions, there is nowhere to hide, only what is real remains. Sound does not lie.“
“Sonus est locus ubi affectus vere audiuntur.” Sound is the place where emotions are truly heard.
TRACKLIST:
1. In excitatione terrae (Acoustic Sessions) 2. In lumine lunae (Acoustic Sessions) 3. Liberum arbitrium (Acoustic Sessions) 4. Smaragdus somnium (Acoustic Sessions)
In 2026, MESHIAAK continue their trajectory with the release of “Bleed For Grace” — a single that consolidates the band’s past while sharpening its present.
Rather than positioning this as a reinvention, the track represents a natural progression. “Bleed For Grace” draws from the structural precision and melodic weight that defined Meshiaak’s first two albums, now delivered with tighter execution, greater clarity, and a heightened sense of control.
The creative alignment between Danny Camilleri and Dean Wells is central to the single’s impact. Aggression is disciplined. Technical guitar passages are fluid without excess. The songwriting remains direct and purposeful — heavy without indulgence, intricate without losing momentum.
Meshiaak have long operated within the lineage established by thrash metal’s most enduring architects — Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax — but “Bleed For Grace” makes a stronger statement: this is a band not content to echo that legacy.
There is an unmistakable sense of hunger in the track — a refusal to soften edges or dilute intent. If the so-called Big Four built the throne of thrash, Meshiaak are among the contemporary acts pressing forward at its foundation — not imitators, but challengers operating within the same uncompromising framework of precision, weight and authority.
“Bleed For Grace” affirms Meshiaak’s position as a modern force within heavy music — rooted in tradition, executed with present-day focus.
The single will be available worldwide across all major streaming platforms.
MYSTFALL has released a video for “Sleeper In The Abyss”, third single taken from the new album “Embers Of A Dying World” to be released on March 20 by Scarlet Records.
video by Kostis Konstas
“Embers Of A Dying World”:
sophomore record for the Greek symphonic metal band led by soprano singer Marialena Trikoglou;
produced, mixed and mastered by Dionisis Christodoulatos (Sorrowful Angels) at CFN Recordings Studios;
cover and full artwork by Giannis Nakos/Remedy Art Design (Kamelot, Amaranthe, Evergrey);
FFO: Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Xandria, Two Steps From Hell
“Embers Of A Dying World” tracklist: 1 Whispers In The Tempest 2 Embers Of A Dying World 3 Guardians Of The Earth 4 The Nectar And The Pain 5 Sleeper In The Abyss 6 Fading Memories 7 Crimson Dawn 8 Cosmic Legends 9 Echoes Of Archadia 10 Remnants Of Tomorrow
Total running time – 38:20
artowrk by Giannis Nakos/Remedy Art Design
The second studio album of the Greek symphonic metal ensemble, led by the extraordinary voice of soprano singer Marialena Trikoglou, will seduce the listener and take him to a journey in a world of dark and dreamy cinematic atmospheres.
“Embers Of A Dying World” depicts an alternative dimension where dreams are alive and fighting with nightmares to keep the human spirit intact. The main concept of the album is about the consequences of every person’s actions on Earth, and each song is a story yet untold.
What will remain on this planet if we keep destroying everything around us? How could we survive the ordeal? Is there hope for a better future? Find the answers and feel the emotions through the tracklist of this majestic symphonic metal opera.
Yesterday, German power metal force BRAINSTORM kicked off their upcoming tour run and celebrate the moment with a special release: their cover version of “Celebrate Youth” is now available digitally for the very first time! The track was previously only available as an exclusive CD bonus track on their latest studio album Plague Of Rats, released via RPM in 2025.
“With ‘Celebrate Youth,’ we chose a song that meant a lot to me personally in my early Youth,”Andy B. Franck reveals. “Yes, not a metal song—but a song that perfectly reflected that era and my feeling as a young person of wanting to achieve a lot. Listening to the younger generation, giving them a voice… I don’t think I’ve ever really matured that much deep down, I’ve retained that feeling and still think and feel like a young guy. This thing rocks, and we had a lot of fun recording it. The Youth, then and now, needs to be heard and understood. This song is the perfect statement about that topic.”
The digital release follows the overwhelming response to the band’s cover of Don Henley’s classic “Boys Of Summer”, which was released in August last year and quickly gained strong traction across streaming platforms.
Released in early 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music, Plague Of Rats marks another milestone in BRAINSTORM’s long career. The album combines the band’s trademark sound – powerful riffs, soaring melodies and gripping choruses – with a renewed intensity and modern production. With over nearly three decades of history, worldwide touring and numerous chart placements, BRAINSTORM remain one of the most consistent and respected acts in German metal. Order Plague Of Ratshere: https://brainstorm.rpm.link/plagueofratsPR
BRAINSTORM Tour Dates supporting ANGUS McSIX – Album Release Tour w/ Bloodbound
When it comes to metal “Made in Germany”, there is no way around BRAINSTORM. Since their debut album Hungry (1997), the band has continuously evolved while maintaining their unmistakable sound built on powerful riffs, driving rhythms and memorable choruses. Albums such as Metus Mortis, Soul Temptation and Liquid Monster helped establish the band internationally, followed by acclaimed releases like Midnight Ghost and Wall Of Skulls.
With their latest album Plague Of Rats, BRAINSTORM once again demonstrated their ability to combine classic power metal energy with fresh influences. Produced by Seeb Levermann, the record captures the raw intensity of their live performances and continues the band’s tradition of delivering uncompromising metal. After decades on the road and countless shows worldwide, BRAINSTORM remain a defining force in the international metal scene; and the best is yet to come!
BRAINSTORM is: Andy B. Franck (Vocals) Torsten Ihlenfeld (Guitars) Milan Loncaric (Guitars) Danij Perl (Bass) Kevin Lütolf (Drums)
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 ) 