In celebration of 50 epic years, Iron Maiden are excited to announce that an official feature documentary about the band will be released later this year!
Created in partnership with Universal Pictures Content Group the long-awaited documentary is an emotive journey through Iron Maiden’s 50 Year history told from the perspective of both the band and some of their most devoted followers – from longstanding superfans to film and music icons such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Gene Simmons. The documentary will also feature exclusive interviews with pivotal band members including the final interview with original vocalist, Paul Di’Anno who sadly passed away last year.
Featuring rare archival footage, including spectacular animation of our iconic mascot, Eddie, the film explores how Iron Maiden has helped shape a cultural movement, challenging conventional views of rock music and heavy metal’s broader impact on society and culture.
Hammerheart Records have announced the reissue of the second Tristania album Beyond the Veil. The re-issue is set for worldwide release on 30th May and will be available in various limited edition vinyl.
The band’s classic album Beyond the Veil is the pinnacle of gothic metal; a grand, haunting masterpiece of orchestral darkness and unrelenting melancholy. Towering choirs, razor-sharp riffs, and chilling dual vocals collide in an atmosphere of pure sorrow and cinematic intensity. This is gothic metal at its most ambitious and emotionally devastating.
Track-list: 1. Beyond the Veil 2. Aphelion 3. A Sequel of Decay 4. Opus Relinque 5. Lethean River 6. …of Ruins and a Red Nightfall 7. Simbelmynë 8. Angina 9. Heretique 10. Dementia
Vallorch returned on March 14, 2025, with their highly anticipated album, “The Circle,” which is the band’s most ambitious and immersive work to date. Building upon their folk and symphonic metal roots, the band refines its signature sound into a dynamic fusion of powerful riffs, enchanted melodies, and cinematic orchestration.
Following the release of the anthemic “Circle Of The Moon” and the raucous folk metal celebration “Drink Some More!”, “The Circle” delivers an even broader spectrum of emotions and soundscapes. The album revolves around the theme of the night, capturing its dual nature—a time for reflection and solitude but also revelry and connection. From grandiose symphonic arrangements to festive folk elements, each track immerses the listener in a journey through legends, emotions, and the band’s signature sonic landscapes.
Compared to their previous works, “Neverfade” (2013) and “Until Our Tale Is Told” (2017), Vallorch has evolved their songwriting, crafting an album that is tightly composed and emotionally resonant. The folk influences remain, but with an even more polished and cinematic touch, elevating their sound to new heights.
Fans of Nightwish, Eluveitie, Alestorm, Epica, and Wind Rose will find themselves drawn into Vallorch’s world, where folk traditions and symphonic metal collide in an unforgettable experience. With myth-inspired lyrics, powerful storytelling, and an undeniable passion for their craft, Vallorch cements their place as one of the most exciting acts in modern folk metal.
March 14 marks a new era for Vallorch. “The Circle” isn’t just an album—it’s an invitation to journey through the night, to embrace the contrasts of light and dark, and to lose yourself in the magic of Vallorch’s sound.
Directed, shot, and edited by Simone D’Addazio Shooting assistance by Sara Vescia MUA by Erica Pillon Band attire designed and crafted by Verdiana Biffis
Danish guitar virtuoso SOREN ANDERSEN – renowned for his work with Glenn Hughes, Electric Guitars, and Pretty Maids – delivers his electrifying first live album, “Live In The Homeland”, out today. This marks the follow-up to his critically acclaimed instrumental record Guilty Pleasures (2019) and captures the raw energy of a high-octane performance in Fredericia, Denmark.
Recorded on May 28, 2021, at Eksercerhuset, this show was the pinnacle of a 100+ date tour, where Soren, alongside Michael Gersdorff (Grammy-winning bassist) and Allan Tschicaja (Pretty Maids, drums), unleashed an explosive set of soaring guitar melodies, intricate bass grooves, and thunderous drum solos. The result? A night so powerful it demanded to be immortalized.
“I’ve rarely been prouder of an album”, says Søren. “Live music is where I feel most at home, and this show was pure magic. The energy, the chemistry – it was all there. Michael and Allan played like it was their last night on earth, and I couldn’t ask for a better rhythm section”.
Fans of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Soren Andersen himself will revel in this electrifying display of instrumental rock at its finest – unfiltered, dynamic, and packed with virtuosic performances.
“Live In The Homeland” is available now on gatefold double LP (black vinyl limited to 200 copies, transparent white vinyl limited to 300), CD and digital. Orders are available here. It will be followed by a tour in the Spring – dates below.
“Live In The Homeland” tracklist:
01. Intro 02. City Of Angels 03. Agent Wells 04. Guitar solo 05. Satori 06. The Kid 07. Skybar 08. Bad Weather 09. Beirut 10. Drums solo 11. Birdfeeder 12. Bass solo 13. 1983 14. Bipolar 15. The Man In Black 16. Outro
Finnish thrash veterans BLOODRIDE are back in the studio, forging their fifth album into a relentless sonic onslaught. Fueled by raw energy and precision, the band promises a thrash metal assault that will push boundaries and leave no neck unthrashed.
Now, BLOODRIDE unveils the album title: ”Deafening”—a name as intense as the music itself!
In their latest Studio Confessions from the Heart of the Metal Storm, guitarist Teemu Vähäkangas and bassist Esa Pennala share insights into the process:
Teemu: “The votes for the album title were bloody, but here we go—it’s Deafening! Everyone can interpret that as they wish. And as you can see from the tracklist, our songs still aren’t about kittens or sunny spring days…”
Esa: “Yeah, we’re sooo brutal! We’re also starting work on videos now. The hardest part was choosing which songs to feature. Since we try to be a democratic band, there was some voting involved.”
Teemu: “Not an easy task, because on this album, there are no fillers—only killers! Haha!”
Tracklist for Deafening:
1 Sardonic Grin (Intro) 2 Kill without Hate 3 Come in Peace 4 Hindsight Einstein 5 Ashes Remain 6 Holy Simplicity 7 King of Pain 8 The Dark Triad 9 Simply Complicated 10 Death Sentinel 11 Erase and Replace 12 Fear Cage
More details, including release dates and video premieres, will be revealed soon. Stay tuned for the next wave of BLOODRIDE’s thrash fury!
As previously announced, BLOODRIDE are set to ignite stages in 2025 with unmissable shows, announcing today first 2 performances! The band will join Traitor and Antipeewee for a crushing club gig in Germany, followed by a high-voltage performance at Nuclear Intervention Festival in the Czech Republic, sharing the bill with Exumer, Grindpad, Traitor, and more.
Get ready for relentless thrash mayhem—BLOODRIDE is coming for you!
Show details:
5.9.2025 – Germany, Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Salute Musikclub (w/ Traitor, Antipeewee)
Guitarist Teemu Vähäkangas shares: ”Bloodride´s first gigs around upcoming album begin to materialize…..and more to come!!! It is wonderful to see gigs come true after short break. And of course when you go to open air festival like Nuclear Intervention Fest, it is even more special. Music is best live, thrash is best live! Personally I´m old gig rat so this is what comes naturally and I guess it goes with whole bunch of Bloodride. Get ready, this is just a start!”
About BLOODRIDE: Formed in 2000, BLOODRIDE has been a relentless force in the Finnish thrash metal scene. Their journey began with the EP Bloodridden Disease (2004), paving the way for their full-length debut, ”Crowned in Hell” (2011). Their latest album, ”Idiocracy” (2021, Great Dane Records), showcased their signature blend of old-school thrash, dark death metal elements, and hardcore grit—delivering a relentless, neck-breaking assault. Over the years, BLOODRIDE has shared the stage with legends like Exhumed, Exodus, Nunslaughter, Toxic Holocaust, and Whiplash, earning a reputation for high-energy, electrifying live performances that hit like a perfect storm.
BLOODRIDE Lineup:
Jykä Leskinen: Vocals
Esa Pennala: Bass
Simo Partanen: Guitar
Teemu Vähäkangas: Guitar
Petteri Lammassaari: Drums
Discography:
“Idiocracy” – Album, Release Date: 2021-09-17, Label: Great Dane Records
“Planet Alcatraz” – Album, Release Date: 2016-11-25, Label: Inverse Records
“Bloodmachine” – Album, Release Date: 2014-03-14, Label: Violent Journey Records
“Crowned in Hell” – Album, Release Date: 2011-04-16, Label: Violent Journey Records
“Supreme Predator” – Single, Release Date: 2010-04
The Metal Voice sat down with Celloist Paavo Lötjönen from the band Apocalyptica who were on tour in Arizona on March 1, 2025.
Apocalyptica’s Paavo Lötjönen was asked about the connection with Metallica over the years, “First time we played as a support for Metallica was in 1996 for two nights in Helsinki, we were supporting them. They were watching the show and since then we have been in contact with them. We played a couple of times as a support (band) and met them. We were getting closer and closer (as friends). Somehow they were persuaded in what we were doing. They have even said that we have given them some courage for their projects like S&M (Symphonic Metallica) and some inspiration. Of course it’s a big honor for us that they have been so supportive. (Also) I never even dreamed that it would be possible to get them (Metallica) joining our album like Rob (Trujillo ) playing the bass tracks or Cliff Burton on our album ( Plays Metallica, Vol. 2) or James (Hetfield) talking. We never dared to think about it but it just happened. Once when having lunch with James he just asked “What would you think if we would do this kind of thing?” I said “Why not?”
Plays Metallica, Vol. 2 is the tenth studio album by Finnish Cello metal band Apocalyptica, released on 7 June 2024.
It is their second full cover album and a sequel to Plays Metallica by Four Cellos (1996). The album features new Metallica covers such as “The Four Horsemen” and “The Unforgiven II”, as well as a new recording of “One” with Metallica vocalist James Hetfield reciting the lyrics and bassist Robert Trujillo.[6] It also includes a cover of “The Call of Ktulu” featuring the original bass master track recorded by Cliff Burton in 1984.
Apocalyptica celebrated the release of Plays Metallica, Vol. 2 with a special concert at Helsinki Ice Hall on 8 June 2024.[8] The band will embark on a North American tour in support of the album with Nita Strauss in February and March 2025.
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 )