Heavy metal outfit Running Wild have announced the re-issue of their two classic albums Death Or Glory and Blazon Stone on very limited picture disc vinyl via Hammerheart Records.
Death Or Glory (1989) is the pinnacle of Running Wild’s career and one of the best heavy/power/speed metal albums ever made. The vocals, lyricism, drums and guitar/bass playing here have no equal in their later or earlier efforts. It’s a passionate and epic project of legendary proportions, one of such albums that can be correctly labeled a “classic”. Death or Glory is seminal heavy metal, and a war cry against the oncoming hordes of emerging death metal bands. Classic metal songwriting will always have a place in metal regardless of current trends and developing styles.
After the classic Death Or Glory, Running Wild decided to speed things up without sacrificing the melody of their previous albums. The result was 1991’s Blazon Stone. It became their best-selling album to date, due to the critical success of Port Royal and Death Or Glory.
Running Wild rarely gets the recognition it deserves. What began as a band has become a focused force still burning with the spirit of its prime. Many creators change over time, and Running Wild is no exception. Few in metal history have delivered so many powerful albums across nearly a decade, a legacy that still commands respect.
Track-list: 1. Riding the Storm 2. Renegade 3. Evilution 4. Running Blood 5. Highland Glory (The Eternal Fight) 6. Marooned 7. Bad to the Bone 8. Tortuga Bay 9. Death or Glory 10. Battle of Waterloo
Track-list: 1. Blazon Stone 2. Lonewolf 3. Slavery 4. Fire & Ice 5. Little Big Horn 6. White Masque 7. Rolling Wheels 8. Bloody Red Rose 9. Straigh to Hell 10. Heads or Tails
Michael Monroe releases the irresistibly anthemic second single ‘Disconnected’ from forthcoming new studio album Outerstellar, set for release on February 20th via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders go to this location.
‘Disconnected’ speaks of something that Michael Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.
“Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff” comments Michael Monroe. “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That‘s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that!”
Watch/Listen to ‘Disconnected’here– video by Leigh Brooks.
The new album Outerstellar, is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. The harmonies and vibes roll effortlessly in silk scarves, lounging in leather pants with liquor and a smile on a beat-up sofa in those small AM hours. And the sheer attitude, which screams carefree (not careless!) confidence (not arrogance!), a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing real rock ‘n’ roll the right way.
The recently released first video and single, ‘Rockin’ Horse’, is a defiant blast against critics and judges and comes with one of the craziest Michael Monroe videos you’ve ever seen. “I am who I am and I’m not going to edit myself for your benefit,” Michael says unequivocally for anyone who might doubt that fact.
Watch/Listen to ‘Rockin’ Horse’ here– video by Leigh Brooks.
Outerstellar Track Listing:
Rockin’ Horse
Shinola
Black Cadillac
When the Apocalypse Comes
Painless
Newtro Bombs
Disconnected
Precious
Pushin’ Me Back
Glitter & Dust
Rode To Ruin
One More Sunrise
From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.
Outerstellar will see a whole burst of life onstage when Michael Monroe and the band bring it to stages internationally over the next year. It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, in fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.
2026:
24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK) 25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK) 27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK) 28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK) 1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK) 3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK) 4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK) 6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK) 7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK) 8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK) 3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)
Band Line-Up: Michael Monroe – Lead vocals, Harmonica Steve Conte – Guitars, Vocals Rich Jones – Guitars, Vocals Karl Rockfist – Drums Sami Yaffa – Bass, Vocals
Total Darkness Promotions is proud to announce that the legendary force Aurora Borealis has officially entered a pact with Non Serviam Records.
This alliance marks the dawn of a bold new chapter for the band, joining a roster of relentless and uncompromising artists. Their upcoming full-length release set for unveiling in due time promises to expand their dark legacy with ferocity and unwavering vision. With Aurora Borealis’ unmatched intensity and long-standing presence in the extreme metal realm, this collaboration is poised to carve a formidable imprint upon the scene.
A statement from Aurora Borealis regarding the signing:
“We are proud to align ourselves with Non Serviam Records. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to Death Metal as an unfiltered and evocative art form. Through this union, we stand prepared to push our craft further than ever before, reaching new listeners without sacrificing the essence that defines us. Aurora Borealis has always been a vessel for the cold, the cosmic, and the uncompromising and with NSR, we have found the right stronghold to support the next phase of our vision.”
Non Serviam Records adds:
“We are truly honored to welcome Aurora Borealis into the Non Serviam Records family. Their commanding presence, relentless musicianship, and unwavering authenticity have long set them apart. Aurora Borealis embodies the spirit and strength we value within our roster, and we are excited to support the next chapter of their journey and creations.”
The band is currently forging new material, with the forthcoming album promising to deliver a monumental statement in their ever-evolving legacy.
Stay tuned for further revelations including album details, artwork, and the first previews in the months ahead.
Italian heavy metal quintet Thunder Rising has unveiled the lyric video for “The Prisoner,” a standout ballad from their upcoming album Horizon Line.
The song explores the paradox of love and protection turning into a form of confinement. Its lyrics reflect the weight of being caught in a self-made “cage,” where the very thing meant to offer safety becomes a source of suffocation. “The Prisoner” captures the desperate need for release, with the repeated line, “I’m a prisoner of your love,” serving as a timeless cry for freedom.
The release of “The Prisoner” lyric video is a fresh opportunity for listeners to engage with the thematic depth and sonic power of the band’s latest work.
Defining the “Real Vintage” Sound
Thunder Rising, featuring veterans of the late ’70s and ’80s Italian rock scene (Firehouse and Arachnes), has meticulously defined their signature “Real Vintage” sound. This unique approach is a masterful blend of modern recording clarity and classic rock heritage, built upon decades of experience.
The album Horizon Line channels the deep, riff-driven energy reminiscent of heavy-hitters like Deep Purple and Rainbow, while embracing the soaring melodic sensibilities of AOR giants such as Journey and Boston.
The band’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in their choice of equipment: classic Hammond organs, Fender guitars, and Marshall amps are utilized alongside modern instruments and sharp recording techniques. The result is an audio experience that is both powerfully vintage and crystal clear. Horizon Line is defined by solid song structures, impressive guitar virtuosity, and standout vocals, taking listeners on an emotional journey—a metaphorical road trip through music and memory.
Swedish hard rock sensation THE GEMS announce their highly anticipated second album, Year Of The Snake, out March 13, 2026 via Napalm Records! To mark the occasion, the trio has revealed a new single, “Hot Bait”: a hard-driving old-school blues rock banger. Risen from the ashes of Thundermother, the trio has had an exceptional ride since their formation in 2023. THE GEMS keep gaining momentum, already performing on Europe’s biggest festival stages and rising to the top of the rock airplay charts.
THE GEMS on “Hot Bait”: “’Hot Bait’ is a playful shuffle track in a ZZ Top-oozing vibe about our days as single ladies. It’s the excitement of when you finally get what you want, told from a foodie’s perspective. Cause food is always better than sex :P”
THE GEMS on Year Of The Snake: “Year Of The Snake is about facing previous hardships in your life, letting go and moving forward to a brighter chapter. It’s packed with strong and empowering themes, just like a snake shedding its skin and now standing strong in its own power! Year Of The Snake is a homage to our fans at our live shows. We wrote the songs envisioning an excited festival crowd; from our loyal diamonds in the front row, knowing all lyrics by heart – to the crazy headbangers in the back. The album is packed with Van Halen and Europe-inspired hard-hitting grooves and riffs that will take you back to the 80s. Yet, the production is modern and fresh. In an increasingly artificial world, we want to stay true to our roots – solid musicianship and songwriting from the heart. Our aim is to always create a great sounding album with the live show in mind.The future is live and heavy glam rock is here to stay!”
Year Of The Snake Tracklist: 1 Walls 2 Year Of The Snake 3 Gravity 4 Diamond In The Rough 5 Live And Let Go 6 Clout Chaser 7 Hot Bait 8 Forgive And Forget 9 Go Along To Get Along 10 Math Ain’t Mathing 11 Firebird 12 Stars 13 Buckle Up 14 Happy Water
Shaping the genre with 14 new tracks, THE GEMS are all about the energy. “The time to change is now!,” proclaims opener “Walls”, before the hard hitting and empowering title track offers the showstopping trifecta of frontwoman Guernica Mancini’s powerful vocals, guitarist Mona Lindgren’s heavy riffs and the heartbeat of the band; Emlee Johansson’s steady drumming. Demonstrating just how much the future is really theirs to take, “Gravity” adds Tommy Johansson’s (Majestica, Ex-Sabaton) powerful voice to an 80’s inspired sound, taking Year Of The Snake up another level. “Diamond In The Rough” is an understatement compared to the blues-y strength this song possesses, while previously released “Live And Let Go” with its catchy rhythm is undeniable radio hit material – a style this band wields extraordinarily well. “Clout Chaser” and “Hot Bait” come in uplifting, before THE GEMS delve into “Forgive And Forget”, a ballad in which Guernica’s voice comes across especially strong. “Go Along To Get Along” again illustrates the Swedish fireballs breaking the chains of their past and emerging stronger from it – as proven by speedy “Math Ain’t Mathing”, mighty “Firebird”, and “Stars” with its virtuoso guitar solo. Year Of The Snake is wrapped up by the catchy “Buckle Up” and “Happy Water” – with energetic grooves that end this album on a high note! In less than three years of existence as a band, THE GEMS have managed to shape modern rock like few other bands. Year Of The Snake is an impressive follow-up to their debut, filled to the brim with catchy anthems and groovy hits. This Swedish trio is on its way to the well-deserved top. Female, fiery, unforgettable: The future of rock is now!
THE GEMS Live 2026 Following their formation in 2023, THE GEMS quickly showed the exceptional live energy of the new band, with highlight performances including Sweden Rock Festival 2024. After the release of the upcoming full-length, THE GEMS will hit the road on their ‘Slithering Through Europe’ tour.
‘Slithering Through Europe’ Spring Tour w/ Special Guests: King Zebra 21.03.26 DE – Lingen / Alter Schlachthof 22.03.26 DE – Cologne / Helios 37 24.03.26 DE – Hanover / Lux 25.03.26 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal 27.03.26 CH – Oberentfelden / Böröm Pöm Pöm 29.03.26 DE – Munich / Backstage 30.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 31.03.26 DE – Dresden / HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar 01.04.26 DE – Berlin / Frannz Club 02.04.26 DE – Hamburg / Knust
THE GEMS are: Guernica Mancini – Vocals Emlee Johansson – Drums Mona “Demona” Lindgren – Guitar, Bass
John Macko, renowned bassist of Fifth Angel, proudly presents his long-anticipated project album Zero-Point Machine – a bold and masterful exploration beyond the power metal boundaries he is known for. Years in the making, the record showcases musical ideas and compositions that diverged from Fifth Angel’s trademark sound, allowing Macko to fully embrace the diverse influences of his youth and transform them into a unique artistic statement.
Blending progressive rock, jazz fusion, and modern metal, Zero-Point Machine delivers a rich, cinematic listening experience that guides the audience through an epic musical journey. To bring this vision to life, Macko enlisted an exceptional team of musicians: guitarist and sound designer Adrian Thessenvitz (Ad Infinitum), vocalist and lyricist Georgie Chapple, and long-time bandmate Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, House Of Lords, Fifth Angel, Flotsam & Jetsam) on drums, forming a lineup capable of translating the album’s ambitious musical scope into reality.
Speaking about the creation of the album, Macko reflects: “This project allowed me to explore musical expressions that didn’t fit within the framework of Fifth Angel. These songs represent parts of my musical identity that I’ve carried with me for years, and finally bringing them to life with such incredible musicians has been an amazing and emotional experience.”
The production process itself became an essential part of the artistic vision. Macko teamed up with Thessenvitz to shape the album’s sonic identity, before handing the mixes to renowned producer Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Denmark, whose work elevated the final result with clarity, power, and modern depth.
Adding further character to the record are several notable guest performances: guitarist Brent Barker contributes searing lead work on “Utopia,”“Violence,” and “Anastasia,” while Steve Conley and Jim Dofka both appear on the dynamic and technically driven track “Singularity,” expanding the album’s musical palette and intensifying its expressive range.
Two official videos have already been released, offering a powerful introduction to the project’s sonic and emotional depth:
Both tracks highlight the album’s stylistic range – from intense modern metal riffing to progressive atmospheres and melodic sophistication – showcasing the creative chemistry of the musicians involved.
Featuring striking cover artwork by Henry Moreno (HHGRAPHX LLC), Zero-Point Machine stands as a testament to artistic freedom, virtuosity, and creative evolution. The album invites listeners to experience a sophisticated blend of styles executed with passion and technical excellence.
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 ) 