“It’s My Time” is the new single from THE MUGSHOTS‘ new album “Gloomy, Eerie And Weird” and it’s a pure adrenaline rush between Post Punk and Hard Rock featuring the iconic ENRICO RUGGERI and DECIBEL as special guests. YouTube video below.
“Gloomy, Eerie And Weird” is an incredible work more than anything else for its sound, son of the guitarist Priest’s production and Dan Swanö’s mind-blowing mastering at Unisound Studio, then for the guests from all over the world who indelibly enrich the album (just a few names here: Mario “The Black” Di Donato with his last recordings, Gaye Advert, Enrico Ruggeri, Andy La Rocque, Sakis Tolis, Jim Mutilator, Trevor Sadist, Fredrik Norrman, Tommy Talamanca), and above all for the characteristics of the journey they do in this output which, between darkness, irony and vision, confirms a band with its own identity so unique in the international Rock scene to be incomparable.
The journey through darkness, irony, and vision is enriched with a new gem; prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience.
“The grasp of her talons brings gloam to the light”
A second piece of STORMKEEP‘s upcoming album The Nocturnes of Iswylm has been revealed. Check out the new song “Imperious Sanguine Eroticism” on all streaming platforms, YouTube and Bandcamp available now!
Founded in Denver, Colorado in 2017, STORMKEEP have become one of the spearheads of contemporary symphonic black metal. From the beginning, the band’s work has been defined by a clear sense of identity: melodic, atmospheric, and rooted in the genre’s classic tradition, while shaped by their own fantasy-driven world and narrative approach.
Their first official release, the “Galdrum” EP, arrived in 2020 and quickly established STORMKEEP as a band with a distinctive vision. One year later, their debut album “Tales Of Othertime” expanded that world further, earning the band strong recognition within the international black metal underground and placing them among the most notable new names in the field.
Now signed to Vesperian, STORMKEEP return with their second full-length album, “The Nocturnes Of Iswylm“. Continuing the story first opened on “Tales Of Othertime“, the record further develops the band’s self-described black metal symphonia: a blend of grandeur, medieval atmosphere, and fantastical storytelling, carried by precise songwriting and a strong sense of place.
Produced by the band together with Michael Zech, known for his work with SECRETS OF THE MOON, DARK FORTRESS, and THE RUINS OF BEVERAST, and mastered by Arthur Rizk, whose credits include BLOOD INCANTATION, POWER TRIP, and WORM, “The Nocturnes Of Iswylm” presents STORMKEEP‘s vision with clarity and depth. The cover artwork was created by Simon Bisley, whose unmistakable visual language adds another striking layer to the world of the album. Additional extensive artwork was created by Valnoir, known for his work with ULVER, PARADISE LOST, AMORPHIS, and more.
Following the late March release of the first single, “Carnal Tapestries Of Nailtorn Flesh“, STORMKEEP have now also released the second single, “Imperious Sanguine Eroticism“. It offers another view into “The Nocturnes Of Iswylm” and underlines the band’s position at the forefront of modern symphonic black metal: traditional in spirit, carefully crafted, and fully committed to the world they have built.
Watch/Hear the new single “Imperious Sanguine Eroticism” and previously released single “Carnal Tapestries Of Nailtorn Flesh” HERE.
The Nocturnes Of Iswylm Track Listing: 01. The Taste of Immortal Blood 02. The Black Dragons of Iswylm 03. Saccharine Subjugation 04. Imperious Sanguine Eroticism 05. Echoes in the Vasts of Sequestration 06. Carnal Tapestries of Nailtorn Flesh 07. Ballad of a Fallen Star
Stormkeep is: Otheyn Vermithrax: Vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums Apokteino: Guitar Nebula Husk: Bass Lord Dahthar: Keyboards
The wait is over! “Wild ‘N’ Loud” is DEMONESSA at full power ready to take on the world, out today! All the songs on this album are an embodiment of the ‘80s heavy metal we all know and love. While every song on the album is brand new, they also have a familiar feel that fits right into any playlist, like they’ve always been there.
There are 12 songs, racking up to almost one hour of straight hard-rocking future classics, which really makes it like an all-you-can-eat buffet for heavy metal fans, there’s something for pretty much everyone in there. From arena filling anthems to speeding tickets guaranteeing high-speed hits and emotional ballads, the album covers the full spectrum of classic heavy metal.
Just recently the band released a lyric video for ‘High Voltage Renegade’, in case you missed, check it out here:
Furthermore DEMONESSA have shared the album’s track-by-track:
Till Death Do Us Part A powerful opening track that sets the tone for the entire album. Opening with a gentle, harmonized nylon-string guitar overture to ease things in before slamming the pedal to the metal, reaching 88 miles per hour and launching the listener straight back to the spirit of the wonderful ’80s. The song explores themes of destructive attachment and toxic love, whether directed at another person or something more self-destructive.
High Voltage Renegade Following the explosive opener, this track keeps the momentum going, telling the story of an outlaw drifting from town to town, leaving behind a trail of chaos and destruction purely for the sheer thrill of it. The guitar riffs are mainly inspired by the style of the great Ritchie Blackmore, blended with a more ’80s attitude that pushes the track from start to finish with relentless speed. Speeding ticket guaranteed.
M.A.D. M.A.D. is a slower, more grooving track designed around strong riffs and loud choruses, where you’d be absolutely M.A.D. to not sing along. The verses are mainly driven forward by a hard-hitting drum beat where the other instruments only join in to emphasize key moments. Lyrically, the song draws from a Mad Max-inspired post-apocalyptic wasteland, where everyone is out for themselves and only the strongest behind the wheel of a high-powered V8 muscle car survives.
Wild ‘N’ Loud The band’s first music video, and also the album’s title track, so the song has a lot to deliver. It’s a high-energy anthem built to shake arenas and maybe even make the audiences want to wag their finger to the beat. At its core, the song is about nothing more complicated than a good time at a heavy metal party, brought to you by the one and only Demonessa. It’s a track built purely for live energy, crowd interaction and kick-ass guitar riffs.
Queen of Pain The second Demonessa song ever written, Queen of Pain is a darker, more atmospheric track that builds gradually from the ground up. It begins with clean guitars, with bass, vocals, and drums entering one by one, each layer increasing the intensity until the song reaches full throttle in the choruses. Verses are filled with beautiful melodic vocal lines, while the heavier sections are driven by roaring screams and a strong set of guitar solos carry the track forward to its final climax. The song is told from the perspective of the daughter of the Devil, who tortures men for her own pleasure while seeking a victim that can withstand the pain. Someone who endures would then be granted the eternal “gift” of becoming the king by her side.
Livin’ Out of Spite The next track kicks in even before the previous song has fully ended, creating a seamless transition into another dark-themed but hard-rocking track. The story follows a narrator who begins to see things, though it is unclear whether they are hallucinations or reality. Zombie-like creatures start closing in, forcing a desperate fight for survival. Musically, the track maintains a steady core riff and rhythmic foundation throughout, while introducing subtle variations to keep it evolving and sounding fresh.
Slowly Losing My Mind Opening the second half of the album, Slowly Losing My Mind continues the narrative themes of the previous track, this time focusing more on the descent into madness. The lyrics focus on a gradual mental breakdown, as the narrator begins to lose grip on reality. There is a growing sense that something dark and sinister is taking control. It culminates in the realization: “My body is free, but my mind is gone”, which is delivered with a devastating, but stunning vocal performance. The song carries a melancholic tone with the instruments as well, drawing inspiration from early, slower KISS songs, pushed into a heavier direction.
In Decay Another high-speed track gleaming with ’80s-inspired savagery and high-octane energy. The song is brought to life by fast compelling riffs and a wild shredding guitar solo, which are supported by inventive drum work and rhythmic variation that keep the intensity high till the final notes. The lyrics of In Decay revolve around the consequences of wrong choices in life, metaphorically brought to life through imagery of mold, rot, and physical decay. At its core, however, the song is about moving forward despite a questionable past. It reflects the idea that even if previous choices have led down difficult paths, there is still the possibility to turn things around and choose differently, instead of continuing further into “decay.”
In the Depths of Hell You’ll Burn This is a slightly slower, heavier track built around a dense and dark atmosphere. Beginning with a clean, simple guitar work that steadily builds into a full fledged distorted heavy riff with the full band joining in. Once the song properly kicks in, it shines through tight riffs and thunderous rhythmic foundation, building towards an extended drum solo filled with rapid fills before the explosive final chorus. The song follows the journey of a recently deceased individual who finds themselves cast into hell, implied to be someone who committed severe acts in life. It portrays a descent through a world of chaos, flames, and demonic forces, where souls are torn apart in an eternal cycle of punishment.
We Rule the Night Some could say this track dances on the edge of power metal, built around a constant barrage of double-kick drumming, rapid-fire guitar licks, and an anthemic chorus designed to declare what it says: When the band hits the stage, they rule the night. The ending is inspired by arguably one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, UFO’s “Rock Bottom”, beginning with a slow bridge supported by melodic guitar work before becoming increasingly intense with each repetition, eventually exploding back into full double-kick chaos at the finale.
I Stand Alone I Stand Alone is the token ballad of the album, and is destined to be a chart-topper. The song tells a story about losing people in life, while still having to move forward despite the pain and emptiness that follows. It features two ripping guitar solos, one from each guitarist, each adding their own emotional voice to the track. The choruses gradually gain power with each repetition, building intensity and weight until, at the very end, all gates are opened in a final emotional release.
A Knife to a Gunfight A Knife to a Gunfight opens with a classic heavy metal riff in the spirit of Judas Priest, immediately setting a traditional yet high-energy tone. It then moves into a grooving bass-led verse, with the guitars joining in halfway through to add weight and intensity. The first two choruses act as a build-up, functioning as “fake choruses” before the real chorus bursts in after the second one, delivering an even higher level of energy. The song gives a lot of room for both guitarists to show off their chops with the back and forth licks in the bridge and the two massive outros styled like a rock show finale.
Coverart by Toni Nurmi
About the album coverart, the band had this to say: “The idea for the album cover was to have something with cool visuals, that is easily recognizable, similar to Iron Maiden for example and reflects the raw power and energy of the music. There were a lot of different concepts for the cover art but ultimately the design with the giant metallic skeleton looming over the camera in a city it has just destroyed proved to be the most visually interesting choice. Originally the entire cover art was done with 3D models to get realistic lighting and to capture how the fire below shines correctly on the metal surface of the monster’s body. The final artwork was then digitally painted using the 3D image as a reference. Later, it was decided to include the band more directly on the album cover, which led to the idea of continuing the picture to the left for the back cover, with the band memebers sitting on a rocky landscape watching the monster.”
To celebrate the release of the album there are several gigs coming up in Finland that are part of a so-called “Worldwide ‘N’ Loud Tour”, which kicks off on 8th of May in Boothill bar in Helsinki. Following that, there will be some shows in Tampere and Hämeenlinna as well and obviously many more to come, all the necessary information can be found on the band’s social media.
More on Demonessa: Demonessa is a heavy metal band from Tampere, Finland, carving its path with pure power and attitude. Formed in 2019, the band combines the explosive force of 80’s heavy metal with the spectacle of glam metal creating an experience that must be witnessed live.
Line-up: Senja – Vocals John Creweholm – Guitars Hugo M. Raze – Guitars Peet von Rowanskerry – Bass Jones “Pugnax Vehemens” Tervas – Drums
German heavy metal legend U.D.O. are set to hit the road in early 2027 with their massive “Triple Anniversary Tour 2027”, celebrating three major milestones at once: Udo Dirkschneider’s 75th birthday, 40 years of U.D.O., and the band’s upcoming 20th studio album, due for release in early 2027 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
Following the success of their 2023 album Touchdown, U.D.O. continue their relentless path with a brand-new record currently in the works. While the album title remains under wraps for now, fans can expect more details and new music to be revealed in the months ahead.
Few artists in heavy metal history have left a mark as enduring as Udo Dirkschneider. From his early days shaping the genre to leading U.D.O. for four decades, his unmistakable voice and uncompromising style have defined generations of metal. With 19 studio albums released to date and the 20th on the horizon, U.D.O. remain a driving force in the global metal scene.
The “Triple Anniversary Tour 2027”, presented by CONTRA, will see the band perform across Europe, delivering a career-spanning set packed with classics, fan favorites, and brand-new material. Tickets are available now exclusively via Eventim, and from April 30th at all major ticket outlets.
TOUR DATES – U.D.O. “TRIPLE ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2027”:
09.01.2027 DE-Leipzig, Haus Auensee 10.01.2027 DE-Hamburg, Große Freiheit 36 11.01.2027 DE-Berlin, Huxleys Neue Welt 12.01.2027 DE-Frankfurt, Batschkapp 13.01.2027 DE-Braunschweig, westand 15.01.2027 DE-Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle 16.01.2027 DE-Markneukirchen, Musikhalle 17.01.2027 DE-Munich, Backstage Werk 18.01.2027 DE-Stuttgart, LKA-Longhorn 19.01.2027 FR-Paris, Bataclan 21.01.2027 CH-Pratteln, Konzertfabrik Z7 23.01.2027 ES-Barcelona, Sala Apolo 24.01.2027 ES-Madrid, Revi Live 25.01.2027 ES-Villava, Sala TOTEM Aretoa 27.01.2027 ES-Seville, Sala Custom 28.01.2027 PT-Lisbon, LAV – Lisboa ao Vivo 29.01.2027 PT-Porto, Hard Club 01.02.2027 IT-Milano, Magazzini Generali 02.02.2027 SI-Ljubljana, Club Cvetličarna 04.02.2027 BG-Sofia, Hristo Botev Hall 05.02.2027 RO-Bucharest, Quantic 07.02.2027 HU-Budapest, Barba Negra 08.02.2027 CZ-Ostrava, Club Garage 09.02.2027 CZ-Brno, Sono Centrum 11.02.2027 PL-Wroclaw, Concert Center A2 12.02.2027 PL-Poznan, B17 13.02.2027 PL-Krakow, Studio Kraków 14.02.2027 PL-Warsaw, Progresja 15.02.2027 PL-Gdańsk, Stary Manez 17.02.2027 SE-Gothenburg, Pustervik 18.02.2027 NO-Oslo, Vulkan Arena 20.02.2027 FI-Tampere, Tavara-asema
Cleveland’s unholy denizens of the underground, NUNSLAUGHTER, proudly release their new single, “Rotten Messiah,” off of their upcoming BLKIIBLK debut album, ‘Satanic Chaos Legions,’ set for release on June 26, 2026. “Rotten Messiah” arrives alongside an official video, available to view below.
On “Rotten Messiah,” vocalist Don of the Dead comments:
“I am astounded by these insipid Christians who follow, with blind faith, a Rotten Messiah. This song highlights some of their stupidity.“
A constant in extreme metal and an unyielding inspiration for generations of black metal and thrash provocateurs, NUNSLAUGHTER’s latest hymnal of brutality kicks off with a call to irreligious arms and doesn’t let go until the bloody end. Tracks like the grinding “Peukharist” or the uncompromising “Unsacrament” batter the senses like the bastard offspring of Slayer and ‘Earth A.D.’-era Misfits, inverting crucifixes while worshipping at the hoof of the ibex.
Having already set fire to the international metal scene with festival appearances across the globe and a European tour on the way, make no mistake: NUNSLAUGHTER’s campaign of world-defilement is just beginning.
On the upcoming album, Don of the Dead shares:
“With BLKIIBLK on our side, NUNSLAUGHTER can ram the black horn of Satan down the throats of every metalhead on the planet, spitting fresh venom and blistering hatred directly into the rotting face of Christianity with ‘Satanic Chaos Legions.’“
NUNSLAUGHTER will hit the road this summer for a European tour. A full list of dates is below.
NUNSLAUGHTER Live:
June 5th – Milwaukee Metal Fest June 6th – Lansing, MI @ The Green Door June 26th – PL Szczecin @ Hells Bells Festival June 27th – PL Krakow @ Club Zascianek June 28th – SK Kosice @ Riders Pub June 30th – RO Bucharest @ Quantic Club July 1st – HU Budapest @ Supersonic / Blue Hell July 2nd – CZ Trutnov @ Obscene Extreme Festival July 3rd – DE Friesack @ Under the Black Sun Festival July 4th – DE Kassel @ Goldgrube July 5th – NL Tilburg @ Little Devil July 6th – BE Oostende @ Twilight July 7th – BE Antwerp @ Antwerp Music City July 8th – DE Rostock @ Peter-Weiss-Haus July 9th – DK Fredericia @ Metal Magic Festival July 10th – DE Hamburg @ Bambi Galore July 11th – DE Torgau @ In Flammen Open Air
NUNSLAUGHTER are: Don of the Dead – Vocals Wrath – Drums Malum – Bass Tormentor – Guitar
After twelve years of seeking, German death metal hellraisers ENDSEEKER have finally found the end. The fiery Coffin Born EP, set for release on June 19th via Metal Blade Records, will mark the final chapter as a band.
“We’ve accomplished more than we have ever imagined in our wildest dreams,” reflects the band, in a celebratory mood. “We played with fantastic bands, played super-cool festivals, and released four albums and two EPs of which we are extremely proud. We were blessed with great and loyal fans and managed to stay a consistent lineup throughout our whole career. But after grinding for more than a decade and dedicating so much time and energy to this band, we feel like it’s time to move on to other projects. We wanted to end this band like we started – as very good friends. We started with an EP and we end it with an EP. It just feels right to do this now, while we still have the power to deliver a great farewell performance as well in the studio as on stage.”
Since their 2015 debut EP Corrosive Revelation, each release has hoisted the Hamburg quintet further up the death metal mountain, with Mount Carcass (2021) and Global Worming (2023) receiving widespread acclaim. Their soft spot for novelty cheese recurs on Coffin Born in a glorious David Hasselhoff cover, “True Survivor.”
In advance of the record’s release, today ENDSEEKER presents the EP’s opening track and first single, “Enemies Of Peace.” The band comments, “This is a straight banger with some hardcore and crust vibes. This song grooves like hell and has a very raw and kinda punk attitude. Not only the anti-fascist lyrics, but also musically. It’s very powerful by any means with a strong and bold message.“
Watch ENDSEEKER‘s “Enemies Of Peace” video:
Produced by the band with drums engineered by Eike Freese, Coffin Born stands as ENDSEEKER‘s swan song, shaped by the intense bond of a lineup that remained together throughout their whole career.
Coffin Born Track Listing: 01. Enemies of Peace 02. No After. No Before. 03. Coffin Born 04. Life Breeds Death 05. True Survivor (David Hasselhoff Cover)
ENDSEEKER Live: 07/10/2026 M.U.R. Open Air – Königsee, DE 07/11/2026 Pure Fucking Metal FestEvil – Laberweinting, DE 07/24/2026 Burning Q – Osterholz-Scharmbeck, DE 11/06/2026 Club From Hell – Erfurt, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine 11/07/2026 Live Music Hall – Weiher, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine 11/13/2026 Helvetic – Oberhausen, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine 11/14/2026 Urban Spree – Berlin, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine 11/27/2026 LA Cham – Cham, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine 11/28/2026 Backstage – München, DE w/ Milking The Goatmachine 12/12/2026 Knust – Hamburg, DE w/ Stillbirth, Slaughterday
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