AGONIA RECORDS is thrilled to announce its partnership with DOUCEUR NOIRE FESTIVAL and reveal the first wave of artists descending upon its 2027 edition. The initial roster of confirmed artists includes nine predominantly black metal and post-black acts, headlined by TSJUDER, returning to France for the first time in 10 years.
A sanctuary where black metal and dark art converge, DOUCEUR NOIRE offers an immersive experience dedicated to the aesthetics and intensity of the underground scene. Taking place on February 5-6, 2027, at Espace René Fallet in Crosne, near Paris, France, the event gathers an international collective of extreme metal bands, visual artists, and creators. The partnership with AGONIA RECORDS further strengthens the festival’s commitment to bridging live performance with a curated artistic program. Attendees can expect a weekend of relentless live sets and striking installations, creating a singular meeting point for sound, vision, and underground culture.
DOUCEUR NOIRE is not just another black metal festival – it is a unique gathering where music and visual arts stand on equal ground, celebrating the darker side of creativity through live performances, exhibitions, sculpture, and multidisciplinary expression. Here, art is not merely a backdrop to the music, but an essential pillar of the experience.
More details on the special events, exhibitions, and activities awaiting visitors will be announced over the coming weeks via the official social media channels.
First revealed artists (+ 8 more TBA): TSJUDER PENSEES NOCTURNES MALHKEBRE GRIFFON DEHA & MADICKEN DECLINE OF THE I JOURS PALES PLEVRE LANNOG
Douceur Noire Festival February 5-6, 2027 – Espace René Fallet, Crosne FR
Japanese metalcore powerhouse SABLE HILLS tomorrow (Friday 13th November) officially release their highly anticipated new album, Homura, via Arising Empire. Blending their signature mix of crushing metalcore and melodic death metal with traditional Japanese instrumentation, melodies and Buddhist chants, the album marks a bold new chapter in the band’s evolution, pushing their sound into exciting and previously unexplored territory.
Taking its name from an ancient Japanese word meaning “flame”, Homura embodies the intensity, passion and aggression that have always defined SABLE HILLS. Across the record, relentless riffs, intricate guitar harmonies and explosive breakdowns collide with the atmosphere and beauty of traditional Japanese music, resulting in a powerful and distinctive sound that bridges the band’s cultural roots with their modern metal influences.
The album showcases this unique approach through tracks such as ‘Namu’ and ‘Higanbana’, which incorporate sacred Buddhist chants performed by monks, adding an entirely new dimension to the band’s already dynamic sound. Meanwhile, ‘Reignite’ and the title track ‘Homura’ further explore traditional Japanese instrumentation, seamlessly weaving captivating melodies into the band’s uncompromising heaviness.
Adding to the album’s impressive range are two special guest appearances: John Henry of American metalcore veterans Darkest Hour delivers a powerful contribution to ‘Godforsaken’, while Fuki of Japanese metal powerhouse Unlucky Morpheus lends her distinctive vocals to the title track ‘Homura’, highlighting the band’s ability to connect different musical worlds.
SABLE HILLS have been steadily establishing themselves as one of Japan’s most exciting heavy music exports. In 2022, they made history as the first Japanese band to win the prestigious Metal Battle at Wacken Open Air, a milestone that paved the way for their signing with Arising Empire and the international release of their third album, Odyssey, in 2024. Their momentum continued in 2025 with the viral success of ‘Namu’, which has surpassed 3 million Spotify streams and 5.4 million YouTube views, while live performances shared across Instagram and TikTok have collectively generated over 30 million views.
With ‘Homura’, SABLE HILLS take everything that has fueled their international rise and elevate it to the next level. Fierce, melodic and deeply connected to their Japanese heritage, the album is both a celebration of the band’s identity and a fearless step forward, cementing their position as a truly distinctive force in modern metal.
Homura is out now via Arising Empire, available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats.
Catch the band live: 28.12.2026 I Toyota Arena Tokyo I Koto-ku, Japan 10.10.2027 I Underworld I London, United Kingdom
A powerful blend of crushing heaviness, soaring melodies and heartfelt emotion, ‘Here With You’ delivers an anthem of hope, loyalty and unwavering determination. Rising metalcore outfit Ice Sealed Eyes return with their brand-new single ‘Here With You’, featuring guest vocals from Eiga. Combining atmospheric soundscapes, crushing guitar riffs and an emotionally charged chorus, the track showcases a more uplifting side of the band’s signature sound without sacrificing the intensity and heaviness that define their music.
At its core, ‘Here With You’ is a deeply personal statement about the people who give us strength when everything else seems to fall apart. Exploring themes of friendship, loyalty and the determination to hold on to those who matter most, the song rejects fear and hopelessness in favor of resilience and unconditional support. Its central message is simple yet powerful: no matter the obstacles or the sacrifices required, some people are worth fighting for.
Musically, Ice Sealed Eyes strike a compelling balance between aggression and vulnerability. Expansive atmospheric textures build into explosive passages driven by relentless drums, powerful vocals and crushing instrumentation, while soaring melodies provide moments of genuine emotional release. Eiga‘s guest appearance adds another layer of depth to the track, bringing a complementary vocal presence that elevates its heartfelt message and makes the anthemic chorus hit even harder.
With its infectious hooks, dynamic songwriting and emotionally resonant lyrics, ‘Here With You’ stands among Ice Sealed Eyes‘ most powerful and accessible releases to date. Rather than allowing darkness to take control, the band channel their intensity into a message of hope, connection and the refusal to give up.
Hailing from Brussels, Belgium, Ice Sealed Eyes have rapidly established themselves as one of the country’s most promising emerging heavy acts. Following the release of their ambitious 2024 debut album ALTAR, which brought together their conceptual EP trilogy Torments, Fragments and Laments, the band have accumulated millions of streams worldwide and steadily expanded their international presence. Their impressive live journey has seen them tour extensively across Europe and the UK, perform at Euroblast Festival and share stages with renowned acts including Falling In Reverse, Resolve, Unprocessed, Amenra and Brutus. Continuing to develop their distinctive approach to modern metalcore, Ice Sealed Eyes demonstrate their ability to combine uncompromising heaviness with genuine emotional depth. ‘Here With You’ is more than just another heavy track: it’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the people standing beside us can be the greatest reason to keep fighting.
Catch the band live: 14.11.2026 I ICE SEALED EYES // RELEASE I Bruxelles, Belgium 15.11.2026 I ICE SEALED EYES + Special Guest @La Boule Noire I Paris, France 20.11.2026 I ICE SEALED EYES + Special Guest @MTC Koln I Köln, Germany 21.11.2026 I ICE SEALED EYES + Special Guest @Insel Berlin I Berlin, Germany 04.02.2027 I Transbordeur I Lyon 01, France 06.02.2027 I Revnoir et Ice Sealed Eyes @The Black Lab I Wasquehal, France 11.02.2027 I Le Ferrailleur I Nantes, France 12.02.2027 I Revnoir et Ice Sealed Eyes @Rock School Barbey I Bordeaux, France 13.02.2027 I Revnoir et Ice Sealed Eyes @ Le Rex I Toulouse, France 18.02.2027 I Revnoir et Ice Sealed Eyes @La Cartonnerie I Reims, France 19.02.2027 I Revnoir et Ice Sealed Eyes @Le 106 I Rouen, France 19.03.2027 I ICE SEALED EYES + EIGA + SPLEEN in Barcelona I Barcelona, Spain 20.03.2027 I ICE SEALED EYES + EIGA + SPLEEN in Madrid I Madrid, Spain
German modern metalcore outfit ACCVSED return with their devastating new single ‘1981’, delivering a relentless assault of crushing riffs, punishing breakdowns and raw emotion. Combining the sheer brutality of modern progressive metalcore with haunting melodies and an unmistakably dark atmosphere, the band continue to push their sound into heavier and more uncompromising territory. Fierce, intense and packed with explosive energy, ‘1981’ captures ACCVSED at their most ruthless yet.
Driven by razor-sharp screams, soaring clean vocals and crushing instrumentation, ‘1981’ explores the destructive nature of betrayal, resentment and the consuming desire for revenge. The track paints a bleak picture of broken trust and a mind slowly surrendering to hatred, where patience becomes a weapon and redemption is no longer an option. As anger gradually takes control, the lyrics descend into a spiral of obsession and retaliation, capturing the moment when the desire for justice gives way to something far more sinister. It is a chilling exploration of how deeply betrayal can scar and how easily pain can transform into an all-consuming force.
Musically, ACCVSED strike a powerful balance between technical precision and overwhelming heaviness. Relentless rhythms, intricate guitar work and earth-shattering breakdowns collide with atmospheric passages and emotionally charged vocal hooks, creating a suffocating intensity that refuses to let up. The contrast between vicious, guttural screams and soaring melodic sections adds another layer of tension, while the track’s dynamic shifts keep listeners on edge throughout. Every moment feels calculated to hit harder than the last, making ‘1981’ one of the band’s most ferocious statements to date.
Formed in Wiesbaden in 2021, ACCVSED have rapidly established themselves as one of Germany’s most promising modern metalcore acts. Following the success of their debut EP House of Doubt and breakthrough single ‘Currents’, the band reached new heights with their 2025 debut album Dealers of Doom, released via Arising Empire. Even before the album’s release, its preceding singles had amassed over 2.3 million streams, while the band surpassed 160,000 monthly Spotify listeners. With extensive touring, including shows alongside Our Promise and KING 810, as well as appearances at renowned festivals such as Summer Breeze, ACCVSED have continued to build their reputation as a formidable force both on record and on stage. Their ability to combine modern production, progressive influences and emotionally charged songwriting has helped them carve out a distinct identity in an increasingly competitive scene. With ‘1981’, ACCVSED further cement their identity within the modern metalcore landscape, showcasing a sound that is equally aggressive, atmospheric and emotionally gripping. Building on the momentum of their previous releases while embracing an even darker and more confrontational approach, the band demonstrate a clear determination to evolve without sacrificing the raw intensity at the heart of their music. Uncompromising in both its message and execution, ‘1981’ stands as a brutal reminder that ACCVSED are far from slowing down.
Catch the band live: 04.03.2027 I Artheater I Köln, Germany 05.03.2027 I Moritzbastei I Leipzig, Germany 06.03.2027 I Lux Club Linden I Hannover, Germany 07.03.2027 I Rockpalast Bochum I Bochum, Germany 10.03.2027 I Im Wizemann (Studio) I Stuttgart, Germany 11.03.2027 I X-TRA Musikcafe I Zürich, Switzerland 12.03.2027 I Rote Sonne I Munich, Germany 13.03.2027 I Chelsea I Vienna, Austria 19.03.2027 I Cassiopeia I Berlin, Germany 20.03.2027 I Monkeys Music Club I Hamburg, Germany 21.03.2027 I Das Bett I Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
Photo credits: Marita photo by PHOKUS — Morten photo by Cécile Delpoio
Morten Veland (SIRENIA, MORTEMIA and founder of TRISTANIA) released the fourteenth Mortemia song from ‘The Cover CollabSessions’. A collection of cover songs featuring different guest singers for each song. This single is a rendition of Shout originally by Tears for Fears, featuring Marita Hellem on guest vocals. The song is available on all digital platforms as of yesterday the 13th ofNovember2026.
Morten Veland:
“I’m proud and honoured to welcome my fellow Norwegian Marita Hellem as my special guest for ‘The Cover Collab Sessions’. I first discovered Marita on instagram a while back, and instantly took notice of her voice. Sometimes the algorithms can bring you nice unexpected surprises. I’ve had Marita’s voice in mind since then and I finally found a song that I thought would be an awesome fit with Marita’s voice. The song of choice is ‘Shout’ by Tears for Fears. Another great 80’s classic, dating back to 1984. I’m really happy with how our rendition has turned out, and we can’t wait to share the song with you all. The song will be available on all digital platforms on Friday the 13th of November 2026”.
Marita Hellem:
“When Morten approached me about being part of this collaboration, I felt incredibly honoured and grateful for the opportunity. I’ve spent years exploring different genres and working within the underground music scene, so it was exciting to take on something a little different. I’ve always loved 80s music, and I had a great time working on this version of Shout. I’m looking forward to you all hearing it!”
During the early stages of the Covid 19 pandemic Norwegian multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist Morten Veland decided to reactivate his solo project Mortemia , this time with a brand new concept consisting of collaborations with multiple guest singers. ‘The Pandemic Pandemonium Sessions’ was a series of singles released on a monthly basis, each song featuring a well known and highly profiled guest singer from the metal scene. Following next was ‘The Covid Aftermath Sessions’, yet another album featuring songs, all with different guest singers. Now Mortemia is ready to endeavor on his third album in the collaboration format entitled ‘The Cover CollabSessions’, once more the project will feature multiple amazing guest singers. This will be, as the title suggests, an album consisting of cover songs solely. All re-arranged and performed in Mortemia’s signature style.
So far the following singers has contributed for his collaborations:
Madeleine Liljestam (Eleine) Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion, Ayreon, MaYaN) Alessia Scolletti (Temperance, ERA) Liv Kristine (Liv Kristine, ex-Theatre of Tragedy, ex-Leaves Eyes) Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum, The Dark Side of the Moon) Brittney Slayes (Unleash the Archers) Maja Shining (Forever Still) Erica Ohlsson (Metalite) Heidi Parviainen (Dark Sarah, ex Amberian Dawn) Zora Cock (Blackbriar) Linda Toni Grahn (Anima Veil, ex Follow the Cipher) Caterina Nix (Chaos Magic) Federica Lanna (Volturian) Ulli Perhonen (ex-Snow White Blood) Ambre Vourvahis (Xandria) Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade) Lindy-Fay Hella (Wardruna) Margarita Monet (Edge of Paradise) Marina La Torraca (Battle Beast, Exit Eden, Phantom Elite) Nicoletta Rosellini (Alterium, Walk in Darkness) Maxi Nil (Jaded Star, ex Visions of Atlantis) Capri (Amberian Dawn) Emma Zoldan (Sirenia) Dianne van Giersbergen (DIANNE, Ex Libris) Chiara Tricarico (Moonlight Haze) Leah (Leah) Kristin Starkey (Temperance, Twilight Force) Kristyn Hope (Daedric) Diva Satanica (Bloodhunter) Grace Darkling (Nocturna) Rehn Stillnight (Nocturna) Jessica Thierjung (Lyriel) Minniva (Minniva) Helle Bohdanova (Ignea) Karmen Klinc (Venus 5) Jane Odintsova (Imperial Age) Marita Hellem (Invaded)
Zan/Cody – the project of Shotgun Messiah’s original singer Zinny Zan (vocals) and Harry Cody (guitars) – are pleased to share their new single, “Fuckin Malibu”, along with an official visualizer, available now via Frontiers Music Srl.
Zinny Zan said: “Fuckin Malibu” is about our late ’80s in Hollywood: loud guitars rowdy bars, Malibu chicks n rock ’n’ roll tricks, a few broken rules and some broken hearts… We had the time of our lives.”
“Fuckin Malibu” is a snapshot in time of us bastards getting wasted with rich kids in mansions overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with all the sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll… And we’d wake up hung over, longing to get back to Hollywood”, added Harry Cody.
Following their acclaimed album “Beautiful ‘N Damned”, the duo keep the spirit of classic Swedish sleaze hard rock alive, combining the raw energy, infectious hooks and rebellious swagger that made them pioneers of the genre with a fresh, contemporary edge.
As two of the founding figures behind the legendary Shotgun Messiah, Zan and Cody played a defining role in shaping the Scandinavian glam and sleaze metal scene. The band’s self-titled 1989 debut remains a cult classic, influencing generations of musicians and securing their place in hard rock history.
At the heart of Zan/Cody’s sound is Harry Cody’s unmistakable guitar work, blending gritty riffs, sharp melodies and fiery solos with Zinny Zan’s charismatic vocals and unmistakable rock ’n’ roll attitude. Their renewed collaboration captures the chemistry that made Shotgun Messiah such an influential name, while bringing that signature sound into the present day.
Their album “Beautiful ‘N Damned”, mixed by Chris Laney (Pretty Maids, Crazy Lixx), marked a powerful return for the duo, reconnecting with their sleaze rock roots while embracing a modern production approach.
With “Fuckin Malibu”, Zan/Cody continue to celebrate the spirit of uncompromising sleaze hard rock, proving that their rebellious energy, undeniable chemistry and passion for loud, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll remain as strong as ever.
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
