Canadian thrash metal powerhouse WRECK-DEFY celebrate the official release of their new studio album “Dissecting The Leech”, out now via Massacre Records as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and digital formats.
“Dissecting The Leech” marks a new high point in the band’s evolution – tighter, heavier and more uncompromising than ever.
To mark the occasion, WRECK-DEFY unleash the official video for the album’s crushing title track “Dissecting The Leech”, a fierce and unapologetic statement that embodies the raw spirit of the record. The song stands as one of the album’s most hard-hitting moments, delivering relentless riffing, pounding rhythms and a lyrical theme that pulls no punches.
Produced by Matt Hanchuck and Juan Urteaga at Trident Studios, and mixed and mastered by Urteaga himself, the album delivers a tight, punishing sonic assault performed by an elite lineup: Greg Wags Wagner (vocals), Matt Hanchuck (guitars), Greg Christian (bass) and David Allan (drums).
“Dissecting The Leech” also features an outstanding roster of guest musicians, including Stu Block, Amanda Kiernan, Chris Poland, Mike Gilbert, Steve Smyth and many more, further elevating the album’s dynamic range and technical firepower
Lyrically, the album dives into war, trauma, corruption, personal struggle and the darker sides of human nature. From the haunting reflections of “Under The Sun” to the rebellious charge of “Revolt” and the defiant closing statement “Apocalypse Of Hope”, WRECK-DEFY craft a relentless thrash manifesto for modern times.
With “Dissecting The Leech” officially unleashed, WRECK-DEFY reaffirm their place among the most authentic and ferocious forces in contemporary thrash metal – blending old-school pedigree with modern precision and firepower.
While symphonic Viking metal pioneers LEAVES’ EYES just kicked off their European and UK tour, today the band are celebrating the release of their brand new EP Song Of Darkness, that is out now on Reigning Phoenix Music!
Serving as a powerful foretaste of the band’s upcoming studio album, the critically-acclaimed four-track release once again showcases the signature sound that has defined LEAVES’ EYES for more than two decades: sweeping orchestral arrangements, Nordic mythological storytelling and the striking vocal interplay between the soaring soprano of Elina Siirala and the unmistakable growls of band founder Alexander Krull. Combining cinematic symphonic metal grandeur with Viking metal intensity, Song Of Darknessexpands the band’s epic sonic universe while continuing their tradition of blending melody, heaviness and atmosphere.
Recorded at Mastersound Studio under the production of Alexander Krull, the EP captures LEAVES’ EYES at a moment of artistic strength, balancing sweeping symphonic arrangements with an earthy, human pulse. Lyrically, Song Of Darkness travels along the shifting borders between myth, magic, and history. The title track itself draws inspiration from the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli the Outlaw, leading listeners into a world of murder, intrigue, guilt-ridden dreams, and the hope for redemption.
Each track on the Song Of Darkness EP unfolds like a chapter in a saga, cinematic in scale yet personal in emotion. Elina Siirala’s commanding performance brings the stories to life, illuminating the storm of sound around her, while Krull’s growls ground the music with raw force. Towering choirs and strings rise beside crushing riffs, with folk-inspired melodies weaving through the dark. From the orchestral grandeur of its opening moments to the final echo of its closing refrain, the EP builds an atmosphere defined by tension, release, and the timeless pull of legend.
With its mix of mythic storytelling, emotional depth, and powerful symphonic metal, Song Of Darkness showcases LEAVES’ EYES at full strength. The EP is now available via Reigning Phoenix Music, and in support, the band has just embarked on a series of European and UK dates with special guests Catalyst Crime, and many more shows in 2026 to follow. Find all current and upcoming dates listed below!
For more than two decades, LEAVES’ EYES have forged their own path through the realms of symphonic and Viking metal, uniting mythic storytelling with boundless musical imagination. Founded in 2003 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull, the band stands as a meeting point between power and poetry. With Finnish soprano Elina Siirala fronting the band since 2016, their sound has evolved into a breathtaking blend of classical precision and visceral energy. Joined by Florian Ewert and Luc Gebhardt on guitars, bassist Dominik Prykiel and drummer Simon Skrlec, LEAVES’ EYES create immersive worlds that bridge ancient history and modern emotion.
Beyond the studio, LEAVES’ EYES remain a band of storytellers who understand that myth lives not only in words, but also in image and experience. Their acclaimed music videos and live productions transport audiences into the heart of their narratives, complete with authentic Viking-era props, handcrafted costumes, and cinematic backdrops. Through their close collaboration with re-enactment groups, the band bridges artistic creation and cultural heritage, keeping history alive in sound and spectacle.
As they step into their third decade, LEAVES’ EYES stand as one of symphonic metal’s most visionary forces. The release of “Song Of Darkness” sets the tone for the next full-length chapter to follow, reaffirming their dedication to musical storytelling that transcends time and trend. It is both a reflection of their journey so far and a signal of what lies ahead: music that burns with purpose, steeped in legend yet alive with modern fire!
LEAVES’ EYES are: Elina Siirala – Vocals Alexander Krull – Vocals Florian Ewert – Guitar Luc Gebhardt – Guitar Dominik Prykiel – Bass Simon Skrlec – Drums
The time has finally come: at the beginning of December last year, after a long hiatus, they announced their return, which was celebrated with the release of their first single, “Chasing Utopia”.
Now, FROM ASHES REBORN are entering the race with their second LP, “Chasing Utopia”, released independently on March 6th !
Between hope and doom, between salvation and deception – “Chasing Utopia” tells of a world that has lost itself. A world in which meaning has become a commodity – and truth a tool of those who know how to sell it …
FFO: Ceremonial Oath, Gates Of Ishtar, Sacramentum
TRACKS 01. Colossal March 01:10 02. Soulless Legions 03:35 📺 03. In Truth Divided 04:11 04. Summoning The Shadows 05:38 📺 05. Chasing Utopia 05:41 06. Through Darkest Fires 05:18 📺 07. Wraiths Of Memories 06:36 08. One With My Demons 04:59 09. Interlude 00:49 10. Venomous Crown 05:24 11. Too Blind To Speak 06:59 12. Beyond Infinity 05:30 13. Echo Chambers 06:29
total: 01:02:19 min.
Artwork: From Ashes Reborn
FROM ASHES REBORN themselves say about their new work:
“With this album, we challenged ourselves further than ever before—not only in terms of songwriting, but also in terms of production. For the first time, we recorded, produced, and mixed the entire album ourselves, giving us complete creative control over every detail. The result is a more mature, atmospheric, and cohesive sound that reflects our evolution as a studio-oriented project. Musically, the album remains rooted in the Melodic Death Metal tradition we grew up with, but expands its emotional depth and dynamic range. Thematically, ‘Chasing Utopia’ deals with shared truths, the search for meaning, and the tension between idealism and reality.
This album represents who we are in 2026: focused, independent, and determined to create honest, melody-oriented extreme metal without compromise.”
LINE-UP Ronny • Vocals Dirk • Lead & solo guitar Sebastian • Rhythm guitar & backing vocals Thomas • Drums
With their brilliant debut album, FROM ASHES REBORN confidently counted themselves among the most promising new MELODIC DEATH METAL bands from Germany. Founded in 2017, the talented musicians from Wittlich presented a stunning first work … [ … learn more here » ]
Sweden’s relentless death metal unit RIKET has released a gripping new music video for “1948: Att döda ett barn”, taken from their forthcoming debut full-length album “2026”, set for release on April 10 via Black Lion Records.
Continuing their uncompromising exploration of Sweden’s darker historical chapters, RIKET once again transform collective memory into crushing death metal. With “1948: Att döda ett barn”, the band dives into a haunting cultural moment that left a deep scar on Swedish society.
The band shares insight into the meaning behind the track: “In 1948, Sweden faced a quiet crisis. Cars were getting faster. Speed limits didn’t exist. And traffic deaths were rising. So the National Society for Road Safety (NTF) made a radical choice: instead of advocating more rules, they turned to fear. They hired one of the darkest writers of the time, Stig Dagerman, and asked him to write a story that would make people slow down. What he delivered was ‘Att döda ett barn (To Kill a Child)’.
A short, devastating tale where a speeding car ends a child’s life. Cold. Inevitable. Unforgettable. The story was printed in a newpaper and later also broadcast as a short story on on national radio. The day after broadcast, many Swedes left their cars at home. Its impact was so strong it bordered on collective trauma. With ‘1948 – Att döda ett barn’, we revisit the story first published in 1948 and the short film that was made in 1953. This is our tribute to the power of storytelling and the effects it can have on the collective memory.“
Tracklist: 01. 1868: Sommar vid Vinterviken 02. 1867: Storsvagåret 03. 1965: Höghus och kultur 04. 1948: Att döda ett barn 05. 1885: Dödsdansen (i månskensnatten) 06. 1897: Mot polen 07. 1991: 2000 år (Saliga äro de tålmodiga) 08. 1937: Lågor vid portarna 09. 2009: Alla ska i jorden (Stefan Sundström cover)
With “2026”, RIKET present nine relentless tracks, each one rooted in catastrophe, blunder and human downfall. The album stands as a fierce exploration of historical undercurrents, delivered with unfiltered aggression and unwavering conviction.
“2026” was recorded and produced by Sverker Widgren at Wing Studios. Haunting artwork crafted by Axel Torvenius. The album drops on April 10 via Black Lion Records and is available for pre-order here: Physical | Digital
RIKET are: Johan “Flid” Fridell – vocals Tobias Jakobsson – guitars Jussi Niiranen – guitars Micke André – bass and backing vocals Felix Wahlund – drums
UKĆ is the original project of Łukasz “Icanraz” Sarnacki, known for his work with Corruption, Devilish Impressions, Virgin Snatch, Hermh, and Christ Agony. Due to his one-man nature, Łukasz and his music were never meant to leave the confines of a recording studio. Immediately after the album’s release, the first proposals to bring the music to the stage arose, resulting in the completion of a live lineup. The band has performed both in Poland and abroad, and these performances are imbued with a powerful emotional charge woven from the most genuine feelings. UKĆ is metal that isn’t shy about its vulnerability.
After almost three years since the debut album, the time has come for a new release.
All the instruments and vocals for the new album, titled “Anomalie (Upadek Konającego Ćwierćwiecza)“, were recorded by Łukasz “Icanraz” Sarnacki at Hertz Studio in collaboration with Karol Andres (Quo Vadis, Supreme Void). The duo of Łukasz Sarnacki and Wojtek Wiesławski handled the mixes, while Wojtek Wiesławski, who has previously worked with bands such as Behemoth, Decapitated, and Vader, provided the final mastering. The cover art was created by Rafal Kubisiak. The album is released today on March 6, 2026, in digital format and on CD by Via Nocturna (order). The photoshoot was conducted by Magdalena Zagóra.
British blues-rock artist Joanne Shaw Taylor returns today with a stirring new single, “What Good Is My Love?,” featuring acclaimed Australian guitarist and singer-songwriter Orianthi. Out now via Journeyman Records, the emotionally charged track pairs two of modern blues rock’s most formidable guitarists for a dynamic and deeply personal collaboration.
Driven by a slow-burning groove and soaring guitar interplay, “What Good Is My Love?” explores the painful uncertainty that comes when love is no longer reciprocated. Joanne’s soulful vocals, while Orianthi’s stunning guitar solo, carries the weight of the song’s central question, capturing the vulnerability of realizing that even the deepest devotion may not always be enough.
“We’ve probably all been in the position at some point in life when the love we had and give isn’t returned,” Joanne shares. “Whether it’s unrequited or simply fades. I wanted to write a song for those of us who have had to question, “What good is my love if it’s not enough?”
The track unfolds with a simmering intensity before erupting into electrifying guitar exchanges between Joanne and Orianthi, whose fiery playing adds another dimension to the song’s emotional arc. The pairing of their distinct styles creates a striking musical dialogue, blending raw blues grit with soaring melodic leads. Together, they deliver a performance that balances heartbreak with defiant strength, turning personal reflection into an anthemic moment of catharsis.
“What Good Is My Love?” arrives as the latest preview of Joanne’s forthcoming studio album, due out later this year. The single follows the recent release of “Hell Or High Water,” a blues gospel anthem about perseverance and inner struggle, gaining momentum across streaming platforms and radio.
The upcoming album builds on the momentum of Joanne’s critically acclaimed Black & Gold, which drew widespread praise upon its release. Classic Rock Magazine awarded the album a 9/10 rating, while Powerplay Magazine highlighted its “pop appeal and smoothness.” Guitarist Magazine noted that it “reinforces Joanne’s place in the firmament of today’s brightest stars,” and American Blues Scene called it “a deeply personal experience, showcasing the depth of Joanne’s artistry.” Together with the Black & Gold (Deluxe Edition) and a run of acoustic reinterpretations, the album marked a major creative milestone in Joanne’s career.
The new single arrives as Joanne prepares to launch her Spring 2026 U.S. headline tour, bringing her electrifying live show to audiences across the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Florida. The run begins March 18th in Skokie, IL and includes stops in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Florida, culminating with a sold-out appearance at Sound Wave Beach Weekend in Miramar Beach. Known for her commanding stage presence, fiery guitar work, and emotionally immersive performances, Joanne continues to captivate audiences with a set that blends new material with fan favourites from across her catalogue. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.joanneshawtaylor.com/tour.
2026 Spring U.S. Tour
March 18 – Skokie, IL – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts March 20 – Kent, OH – The Kent Stage March 21 – Pittsford, NY – Beston Hall March 22 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer March 24 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel March 25 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater March 27 – State College, PA – The State Theatre March 28 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage March 29 – Oakmont, PA – The Oaks Theater March 31 – Hobart, IN – The Hobart Art Theater April 2 – Franklin, TN – The Franklin Theatre April 3 – Greenville, SC – Peace Center April 4 – Cornelius, NC – Cain Center for the Arts April 7 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live April 9 – West Palm Beach, FL – Kravis Center for the Performing Arts April 10 – Ponte Vedra, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall April 10-12 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sound Wave Beach Weekend + +Sold Out
Europe Summer Dates
May 23 Peer, BE Deusterstraat 78 May 24 Schoppingen, DE Schoppingen Blues Festival May 25 Raalte, NL Ribs & Blues Festival May 27 Hanover, DE Pavillon May 28 Nuremberg, DE Lowensaal May 29 Eindhoven, NL Muziekgebouw Eindhoven
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 ) 