Today, April 24th, The Punk Rock Museum will host an opening for Fast As Hell. Louder Than Both. This is a new exhibition by photographer Alison Braun. It is a visual record of a cultural turning point when underground music scenes overlapped and redefined one another.
Braun‘s early body of work includes striking images of Black Flag and Bad Brains, captured at a time when the hardcore movement was volatile, physical, and defiantly DIY. As hardcore accelerated and metal grew more technical and aggressive, Braun‘s lens tracked the shift.
Bands such as D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, and Corrosion of Conformity represent the cultural transformation Braun documented in real time. These artists rejected genre purity, fusing skate culture, hardcore urgency, and metal musicianship into something raw, confrontational, and entirely new.
Many of the photographs featured also appear in Braun‘s book, Shot in the Dark: Metal Volume, available for purchase in the museum’s gift store.
This photo exhibition will open alongside the museum’s debut of Crossover Corner, offering visitors a deeper look into the powerful intersection between punk and metal music.
Crossover Corner highlights influential metal bands that emerged from punk roots and punk bands that evolved toward metal. The exhibition captures the raw energy, style, and cultural impact that shaped the crossover movement between the two genres.
By pairing photography with historical artifacts, the museum offers a vivid look at the artists and communities that helped forge the crossover sound, celebrating a moment in music history when punk and metal collided to create something entirely new.
Morten – Photo credits: Richelle ter Heege – Ijland
Morten Veland (SIRENIA, MORTEMIA and founder of TRISTANIA) released the eighth Mortemia song from ‘The Cover Collab Sessions’ today. A collection of 12 cover songs featuring different guest singers for each song. This track is a cover version of ‘Send me an Angel’ originally recorded by Real Life, featuring Jessica Thierjung on guest vocals. The song is available on all digital platforms as of today the 24th of April 2026.
Morten Veland:
“I’m proud and honoured to welcome Jessica Thierjung as my special guest for ‘The Cover Collab Sessions’. The song of choice this time is the timeless classic ‘Send me an angel’ by the Australian band Real Life. This is definitely one of those classic hits from the eighties that has stayed with me since the first time I heard it. I had this song in mind for a rendition since I started out on ‘the cover collab sessions’, and I am super thrilled to have teamed up with Jessica for this song. I discovered Jessica’s band LYRIEL a few years ago, and instantly took notice of Jessica’s beautiful voice. So I’ve had her in mind for a possible collab for some time now, and I am very glad that we could finally make it happen. Jessica did an awesome job on this song and she was able to convey those eighties vibes that I love so much, also adding her own personal touch”.
Jessica Thierjung:
“I’ve been following Morten’s work with Sirenia and Mortemia for a long time, so being invited to be part of this collaboration was a real honor for me. Recording ‘Send Me An Angel’ was such a special experience, because it’s quite different from the kind of songs I usually sing, and that made it even more exciting. I really enjoyed bringing a new touch to this 80s classic together with Morten, and I’m very proud to be part of this release”.
After 11 years of silence Norwegian multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist Morten Veland activated his solo project Mortemia during the early stages of the Covid 19 pandemic, 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 12 songs with 12 different guest singers. Now Mortemia is ready to endeavor on his third album in the collaboration format entitled ‘The Cover Collab Sessions’, 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 (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)
MAUSER is a relatively new act for extreme music maniacs. The band was formed in Kraków, the capital of the Małopolska region, by Krzysztof Leja; however, for the recording of the debut material he invited guest and session musicians.
MAUSER is an uncompromising fusion of extreme metal – aggression, speed, and technical precision with maturity of sound and composition. Music that captures the rawness, anger, and smell of gunpowder, but without artificial glamour. A solid sound, authenticity, and the genocidal atmosphere of war make Mauser stand out where others only pretend to be true power. No posturing – just honest, hard work.
All songs were written by the band’s leader, Krzysztof Leja, who also recorded the bass and guitar parts, including the solos. The vocal parts were performed by Tymon Wiekiera, who is also responsible for the lyrical concept of the release. The drum tracks were recorded by Krzysztof Klingbein (Totenmesse, Belphegor–live, ex-Vader). Piano parts on the track “Prelude of Fear” were performed by Tomasz Kowalczyk. The EP was mixed and mastered by Witold Nowak at Bourbon Ranch Studio, who has previously worked with bands such as Hellhaim, Kira, and Subterfuge. The artwork was created by DK13 Design, known for its cooperation with the Finnish band Horna. The band photo session was carried out by Mariusz Kucik.
Debut EP “Casualties of War” was released on January 31st, 2026 in digital format (link here) & on CD by Hagalaz Label (buy here).
Currently, MAUSER is looking for a musician to complete the band’s line-up and perform live shows (send email to: official.mauser.band@gmail.com).
Below you can stream EP at Youtube. All thanks to Polish Media Promotion.
TRACKLIST:
1. Prelude Of Fear (intro) 2. Tiger I 3. You Can’t Save Me 4. Obscene As A Cancer 5. Ripping Guts 6. Kill or Help Us!
LINEUP: Krzysztof Leja – guitars, solos, backing vocals Guests: Krzysztof Klingbein – drums Dawid Bąk – bass Tymon Wiekiera – lyrics, vocals Tomasz Kowalczyk – piano on “Prelude of Fear”
American heavy metal icons, ARMORED SAINT, are pleased to present their new single, “Hit A Moonshot.” The track comes off the band’s upcoming new full-length, Emotion Factory Reset, set for release on May 22nd through Metal Blade Records.
“Hit A Moonshot” is a band favorite. A “moonshot” is a baseball term referencing a homerun that’s hit at a high angle and distance. An avid sports fan, vocalist John Bush was considering the parallels between sports and entertainment.
“It’s like you knocked something out of the park,” elaborates Bush, “I use a lot of sports analogies because I love sports. Sports IS entertainment…’Hit A Moonshot’ is inspired by the people who keep landing on their feet. Like, no matter what the fuck this person does… Some people just get lucky. This applies to anyone. And landing on your feet is commendable. So, I’m busting balls, but I’m also giving accolades. Sometimes people can do that all the way to their grave. Then there are other people who are so good or talented or creative, and they struggle forever. I don’t think life is balanced all the time, and I don’t think it’s fair.
“It has a ferocious riff, cool tempo changes, scorching leads, huge chorus with lots of backing vocals,” he continues. “We love Queen and The Sweet! It’s a cool breakdown with an epic ending. Once again, it sounds just like ARMORED SAINT.”
Says bassist Joey Vera, “The intro riff is an echo of a memory from age 17 when I was in a garage band in Los Angeles. After I came up with this new version, the familiarity of it revealed itself once I stood back and listened. The riff is very different from the original one but there’s no doubt the feel and vibe has stuck with me ever since then. I added a half-time feel to the chorus to steer the arrangement away from predictability. It feels like Classic SAINT to me.”
“I think the song defines what ARMORED SAINT sounds like now,” adds guitarist Jeff Duncan. “I used my Les Paul and an EVH amp for the rhythm guitars on everything. My solos were done with a couple different guitars; it’s simple, just good guitars plugged into a good amp and let it rip.”
Watch ARMORED SAINT‘s “Hit A Moonshot” video, directed by My Good Eye: Music Visuals:
Watch the band’s previously released video for “Close To The Bone,” directed by My Good Eye: Music Visuals, HERE.
Emotion Factory Reset, ARMORED SAINT‘s ninth studio album since 1984’s March Of The Saint, is a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs of diverse musicality and lyrical themes. Produced, as were the previous four albums, by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour) the record finds the quintet challenging themselves. Songs like “Close To The Bone,” today’s single, “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man” have ARMORED SAINT honoring their past as one of the most respected and recognizable bands in heavy music while making forward-thinking music rooted in the present.
“When we start coming up with songs, I always say we can do whatever we want,” vocalist John Bush says. “Use all our influences through the years, diverse music that we listen to and love, and let that seep in and bring something new out of us. It leads to something more adventurous.”
“Each ARMORED SAINT record, to me, is like a new skin for the band, a different chapter. I don’t think we’ve ever repeated ourselves,” says Vera. “Every album has been pretty different from the previous one, a snapshot in time. In 2026, Emotion Factory Reset is where our heads are at.”
Bush, one of music’s most respected vocalists, operates from a place of passion and presence in the studio and on stage. In fact, about 85% of his vocals from the last three ARMORED SAINT records are taken from the demo sessions, capturing the raw power. While Vera is a granular and detailed writer, like Bush, the bassist says, “I try not to overthink and be right where I’m at that time. I really don’t look over my shoulder much, like, ‘what did I do in the past? What’s going on in the next lane?’ Once the ball starts rolling, I just sit back and let it happen.”
The collaborative nature of Emotion Factory Reset led to the album title, a phrase from Phil Sandoval. “To me, ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ means to reset yourself back to clarity. Take a pause and breathe before you respond or react. You can’t control outside events, but you can control your mind,” the guitarist says. “How you interpret things is what hurts you, not the event itself.“
His brother, drummer Gonzo notes, “the world is going through a technological upswing/awakening. I look at our planet as the factory and in the most positive way we need to realign, reimagine, reset for our better selves.”
ARMORED SAINT‘s Emotion Factory Reset was recorded across several studios including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording, engineered by Oliver Roman, Bill Metoyer, Joey Vera, and Jason Constantine, and features cover art by DDKing.
ARMORED SAINT has confirmed performances spread throughout the Spring and Summer months, as well as a special free listening party on May 21st at Cafe Nord in Essen, Germany where fans can meet the band, hear the new album, and get the CD or vinyl signed (with purchase). The event will be followed by an Emotion Factory Reset record release show at Rock Hard Festival on May 22nd! More dates will be announced in the weeks to come. Stay alert.
ARMORED SAINT Live: 5/17/2026 San Luis Metal Fest – San Luis Potosí, MX 5/21/2026 Cafe Nord — Essen, DE * Free Listening Party * 5/22/2026 Rock Hard Festival – Gelsenkirchen, DE * Record Release Show * 6/06/2026 Milwaukee Metalfest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI 7/30/2026 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK w/ Metal Church 7/31/2026 Skogsrojet Festival – Rejmyre, SE 8/01/2026 Pustervik – Gothenburg, SE w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/02/2026 Mejeriet – Lund, SE * w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/05/2026 Brutal Assault – Jaroměř, CZ 8/07/2026 Alcatraz Festival – Dessel, BE 8/08/2026 Poppodium Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL *ARMORED SAINT headlining show 8/09/2026 Keep It True Legions – Geiselwind, DE 8/11/2026 Progresja – Warsaw, PL w/ Savatage, Nevermore 8/12/2026 Collosseum – Kosice, SK w/ Vio-Lence 8/13/2026 Klub Studio – Krakow, PL w/ Testament, Metal Church 8/29/2026 Stonedead Festival – Newark, UK
ARMORED SAINT: John Bush – Vocals Joey Vera – Bass Jeff Duncan – Guitars Gonzo Sandoval – Drums Phil Sandoval – Guitars
“Smoking Wheels”, the debut album by ROCKLUST, is now available on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.
After months of steady growth and increasing attention from industry insiders, the Italian band presents a record that perfectly captures their artistic identity, projecting it with confidence onto the international hard rock scene. “Smoking Wheels” is deeply rooted in classic hard rock, reinterpreted through a modern attitude and a clear vision. With sharp riffs, driving rhythms, and powerful, personality-driven vocals, the album builds a coherent and recognizable sonic journey, evoking the legacy of bands such as Whitesnake, Airbourne, and Scorpions without ever sounding derivative.
The Rocklust project quickly gained attention within the European underground scene thanks to a series of singles that, step by step, showcased the band’s different facets: “Smoking Wheels”, “Wild Crowd”, the power ballad “Child Spirit”, leading up to “Rocklust”, released just a few days ago — a true manifesto track that solidified the band’s position as one of the most exciting emerging acts in the European hard rock landscape. This sequence of releases, supported by tangible media attention and strong traction across platforms, has placed Rocklust increasingly on the radar of industry professionals, building anticipation around a debut that now finally reaches its full expression.
Within “Smoking Wheels”, energy, attitude, and vision coexist: direct and powerful tracks alternate with more expansive and reflective moments, shaping a record that goes beyond a simple collection of songs and becomes a true artistic statement. An album that stands as a solid and self-aware starting point, capable of anticipating even more ambitious developments in the future.
Stream “Smoking Wheels” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms, and watch the lyric video for the latest single “Rocklust” here:
Norwegian extreme metal titans DIMMU BORGIR have officially announced their long-awaited new studio album, Grand Serpent Rising, set for release on May 22 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Returning to the studio in Gothenburg, the band once again joined forces with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström, the mastermind behind some of DIMMU BORGIR’s most revered works, including Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon. The result is a record that captures the band’s signature blend of symphonic grandeur and unrelenting aggression, while pushing their sound into darker, more commanding territory.
Today, DIMMU BORGIR unveil the second single from the album: ‘Ascent’. Striking like lightning across a frozen northern sky, the song is a ferocious statement of intent—aggressive, vicious, and twistedly beautiful. ‘Ascent’ delivers a chilling reminder that DIMMU BORGIR remain at the height of their powers, embodying the intensity, menace, and authenticity that have defined their legacy.
The track arrives alongside a visually arresting, “in your face” music video that amplifies the song’s raw energy and atmospheric darkness.
Shagrath comments on the track: ” Musically, ‘Ascent’ is more ferocious and direct than the first single, ‘Ulvgjeld & Blodsødel.’ Together, the two tracks showcase the musical scope of the album in a great way. From the outset, we’ve said that Grand Serpent Rising stands as one of our most diverse records to date, and these songs underline exactly that.”
Silenoz adds: “ ‘Ascent’ is about the grand serpent rising through your spinal cord. It is not a pretty experience but it is a necessary one – in order to reach higher consciousness and levels of understanding. It’s a voyage of transformation and surrender.
‘Only he who knows fear but overcomes it can be fearless; he who sees the abyss with pride. He who sees the abyss with eagle eyes; he who grasps the abyss with eagle claws; he is courageous.’ – Nietzsche “
The album comes in following formats: CD Jewelcase 2LP + 1CD, 24-Page Mediabook, Transparent Green with Black + White Marble Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Black Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Dark Green Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Gold Vinyl (Norway Exclusive) 2LP Gatefold Crystal Clear Vinyl (Sweden Rock Exclusive) 2LP Gatefold Pearl Flip Waterfall Vinyl 2LP Gatefold Gold with Black Marble Vinyl (Revolver Exclusive)
The Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026 tour marks the legendary return of DIMMU BORGIR to North American soil for their first headlining trek since 2018, featuring special guests Hypocrisy, Suffocation, and Hulder.
Grand Serpent Rising North America 2026:
07 Aug 2026 New York, NY – The Palladium 08 Aug 2026 Worcester, MA – The Palladium 10 Aug 2026 Toronto, ON – HISTORY 11 Aug 2026 Montreal, QC – M Telus 13 Aug 2026 Cleveland, OH – The Agora Theatre 14 Aug 2026 Chicago, IL – The Vic 15 Aug 2026 Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore 18 Aug 2026 Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom 21 Aug 2026 San Francisco, CA – The Warfield 23 Aug 2026 Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
In October 2026, two of the most influential forces in extreme metal join together for a monumental live assault: DIMMU BORGIR and BEHEMOTH will embark on the ‘In League With Satan’ Co-Headline Tour, storming across Europe and the UK. As special guests, the Swedish black metal icons Dark Funeral will add even more ferocity to an already devastating lineup.
TOUR DATES IN LEAGUE WITH SATAN TOUR 2026
09 Oct 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Halle 622 10 Oct 2026 – Zwickau, Germany – Sparkassen-Arena Zwickau 11 Oct 2026 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal 13 Oct 2026 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz 14 Oct 2026 – Munich, Germany – Zenith 16 Oct 2026 – Paris, France – Zenith 17 Oct 2026 London, UK – Brixton Academy 18 Oct 2026 – Den Bosch, Netherlands – Mainstage 20 Oct 2026 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium 22 Oct 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Inselpark Arena 23 Oct 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle 24 Oct 2026 – Brno, Czech Republic – Hala Vodova 27 Oct 2026 – Helsinki, Finland – Ice Hall 29 Oct 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – B-K 30 Oct 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – K.B. Hallen
Prepare for a historic night of Norwegian black metal as DIMMU BORGIR returns to Oslo Spektrum on October 31 for a monumental “Unholy Halloween” event featuring special guests ENSLAVED and SATYRICON.
UNHOLY HALLOWEEN 31 Oct 2026 Oslo, Norway – Oslo Spektrum
LINE UP: Shagrath – vocals Silenoz – guitars Damage – guitars Victor – bass Gerlioz – keyboards Daray – 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 )