Early 2026, symphonic metal pioneers EPICA and metal powerhouse AMARANTHE will unite on their European “Arcane Dimensions Tour”. With rotating co-headline slots, the trek will take them to 26 cities across 13 countries.
As this will be the first tour in Europe in support of their new album “Aspiral” (out April 11th), which has been labelled as “a masterclass in storytelling, grandeur, and timeless melodies”, you can expect EPICA to bring yet another mesmerizing new live show. Inspired by their multiple sold-out “TheSymphonic Synergy” experiences and supporting METALLICA in 2023, Simone Simons & Co are eager to bring you the majestic trademarks that propelled them to the top of the metal world. Buckle up, cause this band’s on fire!
Formed in 2008, AMARANTHE have always walked their own path from the start. With absurdly catchy and crushing pop-metal anthems and euphoric live performances all over the globe, their impact on the scene has been immediate. Their latest album “The Catalyst” once again delivered the sharpest, cutting edges of melodic metal and electronic rock and with no less than 3 vocalists on stage and over 1 billion accumulated streams and 500.000 sold units worldwide, AMARANTHE have long proven that they’re masters of their genre.
The combo will be joined by very special guest CHARLOTTE WESSELS’ THE OBSESSION. The Dutch singer-songwriter and former DELAIN vocalist just recently unleashed her first solo album “The Obsession” through Napalm Records, so whether you’re a longtime follower or new to the music of all three acts, this tour is set to be a must-see event in the metal scene.
SEBASTIAN BACH is releasing yet another video from his “Child Within The Man”album (Reigning Phoenix Music). The new video for ‘To Live Again’ marks the seventh from the album and is another collaboration between BACH and Jim Louvau and Tony Aguilera.
“‘To Live Again’ is the closest song to a ballad on the record. It was co-written with the super talented Myles Kennedy, who also co-wrote the song ‘What Do I Got to Lose?,’ the first single off this record,”SEBASTIAN says. “I could not be more proud of this song and this video. This song is the sound of my voice being pushed as far and as hard as it will go, in every way – power, range and emotion. If you have enjoyed the ballads that I have been releasing since the year 1989, I really do think you will enjoy this song and video.”
“We have been working on this video for months and months and it was finally completed in January 2025. Without a doubt, this is the most time, effort and pathos that I have ever put into creating a rock video. This video is like a fantasy dream that has been going through my head for the last year. The directors Jim Louvau and Tony Aguilera have made recurring dreams that I have had at night come to life in this beautifully shot video.”
This year will see SEBASTIAN expand his horizons with his first-ever art show. In collaboration with Wentworth Gallery, BACH will be making a special in-person appearance on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise (March 10-15) showcasing stunning works inspired by his late father, the renowned artist David Bierk. On the live front, look for a May headlining performance at M3 Rock Festival followed by a slot at Summerfest.
2024 was a remarkable year for the singer, songwriter, author, Broadway star, and actor. BACH’s “Child Within The Man” album – his first in more than 10 years – was well-received, with Associated Press saying “…it shows a fierce performer in prime fighting form…his vocals remain sharp and his songwriting talents as cunning as ever,” while Ultimate Classic Rock noted: “BACH’s voice has lost none of its rage or range, even in the highest registers…” In addition, the album’s ‘(Hold On) To The Dream’ track was included in Consequence’s “30 Best Metal & Hard Rock Songs Of 2024” which described the song as “…a late-career masterpiece from the former SKID ROW singer. Baz hits some of the highest notes of his career on the sweeping ballad, an inspiring anthem about perseverance.”
“I would like to thank all of the rockers who put “Child Within The Man” at the top of so many fans top album lists of 2024,”BACH continues. “This will be the last full video that we will shoot for a while. There is one more video surprise coming later this year from the record, but this will be the last full concept video from the album…for now anyways. I cannot thank you all enough for the support on this project which has consumed my life for over a decade now. For those devastated by the California wildfires and the courageous first responders, the song ‘To Live Again’ carries the sentiment that even if you lose everything you have, if you still have your family, that is the most important thing. Make art at all costs. That’s what we do. The show must go on. There is no other option.”
On the touring front, SEBASTIAN performed a record 91 shows in 2024. The dates included two successful North American tours – one around the release of the album, followed by another leg of autumn shows – and a series of overseas appearances just before the album’s release.
Last month, SEBASTIAN was back on TV when he appeared on Food Network’s “Worst Cooks In America – Celebrity Edition: Heroes vs. Villains.” In addition, last June SEBASTIAN was the subject of an A&E“Biography: Rock Legends” special. This follows his 2023 appearance as ‘Tiki’ on Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”
‘To Live Again,’ is the latest release from his “Child Within The Man” album which has yielded the following singles/videos, all of which have impacted the rock charts: ‘Freedom,’‘What Do I Got To Lose?,’‘Everybody Bleeds,’and ‘(Hold On) To The Dream’ (along with the ‘(Hold On) To The Dream’ alternate video) and ‘Future Of Youth.’
Album artwork: David Bierk – Execution: Scott M Fischer
“Child Within The Man” was recorded in Orlando, Florida; produced and mixed by Elvis Baskette; engineered by Jef Moll, assistant engineered by Josh Saldate; and mastered by Robert Ludwig/Gateway Mastering. BACH wrote or co-wrote all the album’s 11 tracks and sang all lead and backing vocals. “Child Within The Man”features guest appearances from John 5, Steve Stevens, and Orianthi – who all co-wrote their respective tracks with BACH – and two tracks co-written with Myles Kennedy (‘What Do I Got To Lose?’ and ‘To Live Again’); Devin Bronson on guitars, Todd Kerns (bass) and Jeremy Colson (drums) round out the players on the album.
With an inimitable presence as loud as his instantly identifiable voice, SEBASTIAN BACH has left a San Andreas Fault-size imprint on music, theater, film, television, and culture. Moreover, his influence only continues to magnify. He has penned and voiced some of the most iconic anthems in rock history, crafting a catalogue highlighted by generational hits such as ‘18 And Life,’‘I Remember You,’‘Youth Gone Wild,’‘Slave To The Grind,’‘Wasted Time,’ and ‘Monkey Business,’ to name a few. He has made history as “the first heavy metal singer on Broadway” with a now legendary turn in “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical” in addition to leading roles in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He has appeared in dozens of television series and films, ranging from “Trailer Park Boys” and “Robot Chicken” to “Spongebob Squarepants,”“The Masked Singer,” and “Hell’s Kitchen.” Speaking to his versatility, he’s the rare force of nature who can duet with Axl Rose and reprise a seven-season recurring role on “Gilmore Girls.”
Since forming over a chance encounter in 2008, This Gift Is A Curse have been relentless in their pursuit of extremes. On their upcoming fourth album, the unruly band of Swedes have sharpened their cutting-edge take on sludge-encrusted black metal. With Heir, they claim metal’s crown of thorns with a cold, hard fist.
Every song on Heir stands tall as an ode to the darkness within us all. But on the album’s latest single, This Gift Is A Curse go where light dares not tread.
On their latest single, This Gift Is A Curse raise a monument to human suffering. “Void Bringer” is an epitaph to the shadows that consumes us, full of slow burning anguish and soul-crushing orchestration that burrows deep into your psyche. The atmosphere is thick with malice, while the riffs cut like a scalpel. Prepare for a descent into the abyss, where light is devoured and only the resonance of the damned remains.
Tracklist: 1. Kingdom (5:43) [WATCH] 2. No Sun, nor Moon (8:17) 3. Void Bringer (9:17) 4. Death Maker (4:26) 5. Passing (2:17) 6. Seers of No Light (5:52) 7. Cosmic Voice (6:51) 8. Vow Sayer (6:00) 9. Old Space (8:42) 10. Ascension (9:17) [LISTEN] Total runtime: 1:06:44
There’s an abyssal depth reaching far below – where light is devoured by shadow, and silence is torn asunder by cacophony. Down below, there thrives a beast most foul and majestic. This beast, known among the living as THIS GIFT IS A CURSE, has clawed its way through the bedrock – leaving a trail of desolation and awe in its wake. As 2025 dawns bleak and uncertain, the beast prepares to unleash its latest apocalypse, Heir.
Since its infernal birth, This Gift Is A Curse has been a harbinger of the end times for the conventional and the mundane. A cataclysmic fusion of black metal ferocity, sludge-laden doom, and a haunting ambience straight from the depths of the nether, has torn apart stages and souls alike. Now, with Heir, they stand poised to cast the world into a new age of darkness.
This Gift Is A Curse were founded in Stockholm by a fateful chance meeting of vocalist Jonas A. Holmberg and drummer Johan Nordlund in late summer 2008. The duo soon recruited guitarist Patrik Andersson and Lars Gunnarsson on bass. In March 2010 the Swedish four-piece entered the legendary Sunlight Studios (ENTOMBED, KATATONIA, TIAMAT, DISMEMBER and many more) and recorded their self-titled debut EP with the aid of producer Tomas Skogsberg. ‘This Gift Is A Curse’ (2010) was well received in the underground and led to the band being invited to perform many shows in their homeland and Europe. During the second half of 2011, This Gift Is A Curse recorded their first full-length ‘I, Gvilt Bearer’ at a secret location north of Stockholm. Their producer Magbjork (MELEEH, CHILDREN OF FALL) moved his studio to this specific location to allow the band to unlimited record possibilities. Released in 2012, the album caused a buzz that reached beyond the underground and quickly sold out its first pressings. More touring followed during the next two years. In 2014, This Gift Is A Curse teamed up with Magbjork once again to record ‘All Hail The Swinelord’ in an abandoned house close to Stockholm.
After the release in 2015, a few Scandinavian and European tours followed before the band decided it was time to go back into the void to write new music. This process started with the recruitment of a second guitarist in order to push the sonic experience even further. David Deravian, hailing from steel town Eskilstuna, joined the cursed ranks of This Gift Is A Curse in 2016, adding fresh creative blood and new musical input to the sonic pot. As the new material took form, the band not only booked studio time with the great W. Blackmon of the Overlook Studios in Gävle (SE), but also kept their roots by recoding parts of the album at Norra Begravningsplatsen in Stockholm. Including producer MAGBJORK to the whole process once again to get the right ‘grit and grievance’ into the sound. Afterwards, mastering was done by none other than Magnus Lindberg (CULT OF LUNA, TRIBULATION, ALCEST etc).
This Gift Is A Curse defies the transient trends of music, instead choosing to carve its path with the bones of the fallen. Their forthcoming album, ‘HEIR,’ is a relentless pursuit of the extreme, a mosaic of human suffering and the dark beauty that lies within. As the album prepares to sear its mark upon the world, one thing is clear: There will be no heirs to the throne of darkness that This Gift Is A Curse occupies. The crown is theirs alone, forged in the fires of creation and destruction, a beacon for those who dare to walk the shadows.
Line-up Jonas A. Holmberg – Vocals Patrik Andersson – Guitars, Vocals David Deravian – Guitars Lars Gunnarsson – Bass Christian Augustin – Drums
Recording Studio The Overlook Studio, Gävle, Sweden
Production Credits Produced, Engineered & Mixed by William Blackmon at The Overlook Studio. Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios, Stockholm, Sweden. Guitars recorded at Laard studios and House of Inge Studio. Engineered by Daniel Noring and TGIAC. Bass recorded at Cold Barn with the help of Daniel Noring. Vocals recorded at Cold Barn by TGIAC.
Guest Musicians Laura Morgan (of Livmødr) – Vocals on Kingdom (Track 1), Old Space (Track 9) & Ascension (Track 10).
Cover Art Jonas A. Holmberg / House of No Light .317 (Instagram)
Swedish melodic hard rockers Art Nation are pleased to announce the release of their highly anticipated new studio album, “The Ascendance”, set for release on April 25th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Following the release of “Thunderball” and “Set Me Free”, the band share the new single and official video “Julia”, available now.
Following the highly acclaimed “Inception”, the new record “The Ascendance” delivers a huge, anthemic, more modern melodic oriented album, powerful and energic.
The new album pushes more the pedal towards a modern heavy sound, without losing the typical Art Nation trademark with memorable melodies. Songs like “Halo”, “Thunderball” or “Unstoppable” are perfect examples of what you can expect from the new album: an undeniably enjoyable sonic delight.
Alexander Strandell expressed his excitement for the release: “It feels amazing to finally share the new album – a true reflection of our journey as a band. Over the years, we’ve explored different sounds, challenged ourselves creatively, and pushed boundaries to find the essence of who we are. Through experimentation and growth, we’ve shaped our identity, and The Ascendance represents the culmination of that process.”
“The album consists of eleven signature Art Nation songs, filled with powerful melodies, unforgettable choruses, intricate musical elements, and, most importantly, pure passion. This record is a testament to everything we’ve worked for, and we can’t wait for you to experience it with us”, he added.
Describing the new single “Julia”, Strandell stated: “This song holds a very special place in my heart. It’s dedicated to my partner – the person who changed everything from the moment we met. The song captures the emotions, the magic! It’s filled with passion, epic melodies, and a soaring chorus. Writing this song was an incredibly personal experience, and I hope listeners can feel the sincerity and emotion in every part of the track.”
“The Ascendance” Tracklist:
1. Set Me Free 2. Thunderball 3. Halo 4. Runaways 5. Julia 6. The Last Of Us 7. Lightbringer 8. A New Beginning 9. Unstoppable 10. Rise 11. Fallout
Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, Art Nation is the rising force in modern melodic Metal. Founded by Alexander Strandell and Christoffer Borg, the band is gaining acclaim for their astonishing hit-writing potential, their truly captivating sound and dynamic live performances.
With his powerful and emotive vocals, Alexander Strandell has captivated audiences on Sweden’s National TV and radio. A nominee for “Rock Voice of the Year”, his commanding stage presence and vocal mastery set him apart as one of the most dynamic performers in rock today.
A producer and guitarist celebrated for his precision and creativity, Christoffer Borg has worked with iconic names like Amaranthe, Anthrax, and Evergrey. His exceptional skills bring a polished and melodic edge to Art Nation’s signature sound.
Known for his incredible technical prowess and musicality, Richard Svärd has played with a lot of musicians and also toured with thrash legends Death Riders. His deep grooves and intricate bass lines lay the foundation for Art Nation’s unstoppable momentum.
Their debut album “Revolution” in 2015 received great reviews, earning them nominations at the esteemed “Gaffa Awards” in Sweden. In 2016, they penned the official anthem for the “Gothia Cup” soccer tournament, performed live on national TV, and in sold-out stadiums.
After touring excessively in and around their home country, sharing stages with iconic bands like Nightwish, Twisted Sister and Hammerfall, as well as playing all the relevant festivals such as Sweden Rock, Art Nation now seem destined for the break out all over Europe!
Alone by focusing on the Nordic countries, combined with the band’s growing presence on platforms like Spotify, the band is reaching over 1.2 million streams in the past 28 days, bringing the band’s total to over 15 million streams across all tracks.
Art Nation are now gearing up for an exciting new album release in 2025 and, on top of that, for the first time the band is seriously expanding their conquest outside the Nordic borders by teaming up with Decibel Touring for more concert performances throughout the entire European continent and the UK.
Experience the undeniable power of melodic metal with Art Nation – a band destined for nothing less than the top of Modern Metal! Let’s join the Nation!
Line Up: Alexander Strandell – Vocals Christoffer Borg – Guitar Richard Svärd – Bass
Cape Fear dwellers BRONCO drop the heavy rocking new track ‘Light of God‘ as the final advance single taken from the Americans’ forthcoming Magnetic Eye Recordsalbum debut “Bronco”, which is chalked up for release on February 28, 2025.
“The track ‘Light of God’ is a quick no frills rock n’ roller to break up the low and slow of the album while maintaining a revolving groove that’s rolling steady til the end“, drummerJP writes. “The rebirth of old ways awakened by outside forces, only to rot in their own legend.”
South of Wilmington, North Carolina at the estuary of the Cape Fear River, the prominent headland of Cape Fear stubbornly pushes back into the ever attacking waves of the ocean. Its treacherous waters, rugged rocks, massive undercurrents, and pirate coves are a part of the so-called Graveyard of the Atlantic and feared by sailors throughout the ages for the many ships and lives lost.
This is a fitting home for BRONCO. The sound of their self-titled debut full-length “Bronco” is deeply steeped in doom metal and Southern sludge. It is also as obstinate, rough and unpolished, yet also genuine, honest, forward-pushing and unfiltered as the rocky ground it grew from.
The musical confidence and audible experience in both execution and songwriting has not just fallen from the sky. BRONCO rose from the ashes of TOKE after guitarist Tim Bryan suffered a tragic motorcycle accident in 2021. Out of respect for his incapacitated band mate, vocalist and bass player Bronco along with drummer JP decided to continue with a newly formed trio. Joined by guitarist Vic, they picked Bronco’s artist’s alias for their name.
Crawling, heavy aggression, molasses riffs, and barbed wire vocals seem to come with the terroir of North Carolina. WEEDEATER, SOUR VEIN and others have been brewing the heaviest sludge there. Sharing stages with standard bearers such as BONGZILLA, ASG, and BLACK TUSK quickly fermented BRONCO‘s sound into a sonic projection of ash and bone.
“Bronco” bleeds out a mix of grinding horror and beat-down resignation. It’s a soundtrack to grim self-reflection and forced acceptance of life’s letdowns. BRONCO pick up where TOKE left off, and carry forward through successfully experimenting with new elements and approaches. “Bronco” is massive and brutal, and stands out in its defiant, unrelenting individuality.
Deathless Legacy has released “Spiritus Sanctus Diabolicus”, second single taken from the new concept album “Damnatio Aeterna” to be released on March 7 by Scarlet Records.
“Sanctus Spiritus Diabolicus” is about demonic possession: a young, beautiful nun is possessed by the demon Malchrum, who uses her to lure the cardinal into carnal temptation. Drawing a parallel with the Holy Spirit, the demonic possession grants her the ability to speak in ancient and unknown tongues. The entire song embodies the malevolent whispers of the demon in the mind of the young nun, who ultimately succumbs to his advances and provocations.
the seventh seal for the Italian masters of theatrical horror-dark metal;
concept-album featuring a satirical story with strong anticlerical and satanic connotations;
recorded at Eden Studios; mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio;
artwork and videoclips by visual artist and band’s leader & drummer Andrea Falaschi (Delain, Elvenking, Temperance);
first edition will be released in a 4-panel digipack;
over 3 million views on YouTube for the videos taken from the previous studio album “Mater Larvarum”;
over 500.000 streams on Spotify for the previous studio album “Mater Larvarum”;
FFO: Ghost, King Diamond, Death SS;
“Damnatio Aeterna” will be released in the following formats: digipack CD, digital
(the album will also be accompanied by a book, available in both Italian and English. For the most devoted fans, a collector’s edition will be unveiled in the coming weeks through the band’s channels)
“Damnatio Aeterna” tracklist: 1 Damnatio Aeterna 2 Miserere 3 Get On Your Knees 4 Communion 5 Indulgentia Plenaria 6 Oblivion 7 Spiritus Sanctus Diabolicus 8 Sanctified 9 Mother Of God 10 Nightshade 11 Gehenna
Total running time – 57:38
artwork by Andrea Falaschi
Driven by Steva’s unholy, malevolent and sexy voice, the ominous tones of a church organ, and the fierce occult metal riffs, Deathless Legacy deliver a sound that hits hard and stands apart. This is horror metal at its most unapologetic.
“Damnatio Aeterna” tells the thrilling story of the lesser demon Malchrum, who is challenged by Lucifer to ensnare a priest in an unspeakable sin, thereby ensuring his eternal damnation.
A dark and provocative journey faithful to the band’s signature style and filled with an atmosphere of mystery that grows progressively tense as the story unfolds, the seventh Deathless Legacy studio album will finally delve into sophisticated themes and explore the true nature of evil.
Deathless Legacy: Steva – vocals Sgt. Bones – guitar Alex van Eden – keyboards Deadwood Nick – bass Frater Orion – drums The Red Witch – performances
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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
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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
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