Finnish Headphone Jacks is set to release their debut album ‘Discipline’ album on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records. The second single ‘Black Flies’ from the album is released today and it’s available here: https://push.fm/fl/headphone-jacks-black
Music and lyrics written by Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen
ISRC-code: FI3FC2449704
Single cover by Aleksi Lappalainen
The band comments: “Black Flies is about themes of darkness, fear, and existential exploration. It speaks of being born into overwhelming fear and the inevitability of existence. There is a search for meaning and purpose outside conventional norms. The imagery of a single tear in darkness and the fate of disappearing highlights a sense of sorrow and inevitability. The lyrics also touch on themes of sacrifice and rituals. Mention of black flies and the struggle to escape them adds a sense of entrapment and despair. The lyrics repeatedly call to run away and not look back emphasizing a desire for escape and liberation. Overall, the lyrics explore deep and complex emotions, painting a vivid picture of a journey through darkness and the search for meaning and freedom.”
Sonically, Headphone Jacks draws inspiration from 90’s grunge and 00’s desert rock, prog, post-punk and today’s alternative bands. Band is not simply satisfied with writing just genre-faithful pieces – they mix it up with layered backing vocals to create lush choruses setting us apart from the typical meat-and-potatoes hard rock band. Each band member contributes to arranging and bringing in riffs, melodies and ideas.
GRAMMY Award-nominated extreme metal institution CRADLE OF FILTH is thrilled to unveil their upcoming 14th studio album, The Screaming Of The Valkyries, out March 21, 2025 via Napalm Records. Available for pre-order now, the album excels as a succinct summation of the ghosts of Cradle’s past, while taking bold new steps into the future.
CRADLE OF FILTH reigns supreme as one of the most revered, formative and notorious names in music – from the depths of the extreme metal underground to the peaks of mainstream pop culture itself, and are responsible for breaking ground for many of today’s top metal artists with their trademark mixture of blackened heaviness, macabre theatricality and scintillating gothic style. Now, following the release of 2021’s Existence Is Futile (#20 Billboard 200 with Hard Rock Genre), iconic frontman Dani Filth & Co. emerge again with a legacy-cementing opus.
Entrance yourself with a brand new CRADLE OF FILTH anthem for a new era – “To Live Deliciously” – out today. The track hits with rhythmic, menacing urgency built around a Libertine lyrical hook that twists and writhes with aggression, atmosphere and melody.
CRADLE OF FILTH master of ceremonies Dani Filthsays about the new track: “The song is about the celebration of life. Of indulging in everything unfettered from the conformities of religion, fashion or state. Free from guilt or constraint. As nature intended.
It could be read as a hedonistic life code. And a positive one if not done at the expense or the suffering of others. To delight in simply’ being’. Being alive and free in the here and now.”
On The Screaming Of The Valkyries, frontman Dani Filth’s recognizable scream and equally identifiable growl stand mightily alongside twin guitar attacks, symphonic flourishes and explosive rhythm section, implemented by drummer Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka, bassist Daniel Firth, guitarists Marek “Ashok” Smerda and Donny Burbage, and keyboardist/vocalist Zoe Federoff.
After album opener “To Live Deliciously” hits immediately, second track “Demagoguery” blends dark beauty, blast beats and slaytanic groove as only Cradle can combine. Across the album’s blunt and unforgiving yet inviting expanse, Cradle summons the succulent flavors of classic albums like Dusk And Her Embrace and Cruelty And The Beast with the galloping (but no less fierce) thunder of recent entries Hammer Of The Witches and Existence Is Futile. Flashes of early metal influences coalesce with carnivorous glee into unapologetic death ‘n’ roll. “White Hellebore” is CRADLE OF FILTH at its most devilishly straightforward, juxtaposing traditional heavy metal with blasts of thrashing fury, spinning back to operatic goth without sounding disjointed. Anchored by arguably the most mournful melody in their catalog, “Non Omnis Moriar” (“I shall not wholly die”) could be a cousin to Paradise Lost or Anathema, inverted through Cradle’s thorny prism. “You Are My Nautilus” is the darkest song Iron Maiden never wrote, spinning an epic tale with dueling guitars, while “Ex Sanguine Draculae” conjures Dusk-era atmosphere with imaginative new colors.
Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studios in Suffolk, England, The Screaming of the Valkyries beckons the brave into a new era of CRADLE OF FILTH misadventure, celebrating massive melancholic melody, blackened thrash, and apocalyptic existential dread with a grinning smattering of unbridled revelry. The Screaming of the Valkyries is a bloody dark love letter to the longtime legion of CRADLE OF FILTH faithful and a stunning entryway for fresh lambs to the sonic slaughter.
The Screaming Of The Valkyries track listing: 1. To Live Deliciously 2. Demagoguery 3. The Trinity Of Shadows 4. Non Omnis Moriar 5. White Hellebore 6. You Are My Nautilus 7. Malignant Perfection 8. Ex Sanguine Draculae 9. When Misery Was A Stranger
CRADLE OF FILTH will co-headline the 2025 edition of the North American Chaos & Carnage tour, featuring fellow co-headliners Dying Fetus, as well as Fleshgod Apocalypse, Ne Obliviscaris, Undeath, Vomit Forth and Corpse Pile. See below for all confirmed performance dates.
CHAOS & CARNAGE TOUR DATES: 17.04.25 US – Berkeley, CA / UC Theatre 19.04.25 US – Los Angeles, CA / The Wiltern 20.04.25 US – Phoenix, AZ / The Van Buren 22.04.25 US – Albuquerque, NM / El Rey Theater 24.04.25 US – Dallas, TX / Granada Theater 26.04.25 US – San Antonio, TX / Vibes Event Center 27.04.25 US – Houston, TX / House of Blues 29.04.25 US – Nashville, TN / Brooklyn Bowl 01.05.25 US – New York, NY / Palladium Times Square 02.05.25 US – Richmond, VA / The National 03.05.25 US – Reading, PA / Reverb 04.05.25 US – Worcester, MA / The Palladium 06.05.25 CAN – Montreal, QC / L’Olympia 07.05.25 CAN – Toronto, ON / Rebel 08.05.25 US – Pontiac, MI / The Crofoot 09.05.25 US – Chicago, IL / Radius 10.05.25 US – Des Moines, IA / Val Air Ballroom 12.05.25 US – Wichita, KS / TempleLive 14.05.25 US – Denver, CO / Fillmore Auditorium
FESTIVAL DATES 2025: 04.-07.06.25 PL – Gdańsk / Mystic Festival 13.-15.06.25 UK – Derby / Download Festival 2025 10.-12.07.25 NL – Emmen / Pitfest 23.-27.07.25 SI – Tolmin / Tolminator Metal Fest
CRADLE OF FILTH is: Dani Filth – Vocals Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda – Guitars Martin ‘Marthus’ Skaroupka – Drums Daniel Firth – Bass Donny Burbage – Guitars Zoe Federoff – Vocals, Keys
ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ, the acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter (previously with Down Boys Records) is set to captivate audiences with his new single “When Hearts Collide” from his upcoming album, “Living Room Rockstar, Part 1”, under his project CITOVITZ AND THE FIREFLIES OF FEBRUARY.
This release showcases Citowicz’s evolution, merging contemporary rock with the soulful essence of classic rock. “With ‘When Hearts Collide’ I wanted to capture the essence of a pop rock ballad that resonates with the heart”, says Citowicz. “It’s about those moments when love and life intersect in the most unexpected ways, and I believe this song really encapsulates that emotion.”
The album “Living Room Rockstar” is a musical journey through time, featuring a mix of modern rock energy with the timeless charm of classic rock. “This album is a blend of everything I’ve learned and loved about rock music”, Citowicz notes. “From the aggressive guitar riffs reminiscent of my influences to the nuanced storytelling in each track.”
Citowicz’s long-standing collaboration with bassist Patryk Szymanski continues to be a cornerstone of his music. “Patryk’s bass lines are like the heartbeat of these songs. We’ve developed a language of our own through music”, he adds, emphasizing their symbiotic creative process. As an autistic musician, Citowicz brings a distinctive perspective to his art, translating personal experiences into music that speaks universally. “Music has always been my way to communicate what words sometimes can’t”, he reflects. “Each note tells a part of my story, and I hope it connects with listeners who might feel the same.”
Citowicz’s artistry is not only in his playing but in his production techniques, blending traditional rock with innovative technology. “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can enhance the human element in music”, he states. “This album, particularly with the AI vocal techniques, is a testament to that fusion.”
“When Hearts Collide” sets the tone for “Living Room Rockstar”, an album that promises to be a testament to Citowicz’s growth as an artist and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of rock music. “I believe in evolution, not just in sound but in how we experience music”, Citowicz concludes. “This single is just the beginning of what I hope will be a transformative journey for my listeners.”
The single “When Hearts Collide” will be available on all major streaming platforms, with the full album “Living Room Rockstar” slated for release later in this year. Fans can look forward to a musical experience that honors rock’s legacy while daring to innovate for the future.
The lyric video for “When Hearts Collide” can be found on Citowicz’s YouTube channel, offering viewers a visual journey through the song’s emotional landscape.
“When Hearts Collide” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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As an autistic guitarist, Citowicz has leveraged his unique perspective to craft a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. His music serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing him to convey complex emotions and thoughts in a way that transcends verbal communication. By sharing his experiences and creative process, Citowicz aims to inspire and empower others on the autism spectrum, while also promoting greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in the music industry.
Andrzej Citowicz’s music career has been marked by a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and cinematic elements, which has garnered him a loyal following across the globe. His critically acclaimed trilogy of instrumental albums has been praised for its emotional depth, technical virtuosity, and innovative storytelling. Citowicz’s music has been described as “a cinematic soundscape that transports listeners to a world of raw emotion”.
Onslaught founding member and guitarist Nige Rockett makes his return to the live stage with the band after a 3 year absence following a long battle with illness;
His first appearance back will be on the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise late this month as Onslaught kick off a year of 40th Anniversary shows celebrating the release of their debut album ‘Power From Hell’.
Rockett has endured a number of cancer removal operations, Chemotherapy as well as two spinal operations (upper and lower spine) during his forced hiatus, with both conditions now thankfully in full remission / recovery and continuing to heal.
Rockett comments:
It’s been a kinda brutal time over the past few years but it’s great to finally be back, I’m not 100% by any means and its gonna take a fair while to get the fitness back but this will help massively for sure.
Sadly no more head banging for me, the surgeons have told me that it was the likely cause of one of the original injuries and that i must behave in the future or risk a recurrence!
See you in the Pit!
The band are also understanding a European tour in May/June of this year performing their classic “Power From Hell” album in it’s entirety.
All the best tunes belong to the Devil, and Portland’s bastard sons BEWITCHER have returned to take back rock n’ roll in Baphomet’s name. The band is now joining forces with DEATHCHANT to co-headline a U.S. tour in celebration of their latest offering, ‘Spell Shock,’ along with support from PERSEKUTOR. In conjunction with BEWITCHER’s appearance at Hell’s Heroes Festival on March 30, the speed metal demons will wreak havoc across the country from March 14 in San Francisco, CA until the final stop back in their hometown of Portland on April 5! The full itinerary can be found below while tickets can be found HERE.
Bassist A. Magus comments, “Few bands are as aligned with us in their love of all things Motörhead and Sabbath than DEATHCHANT. When the opportunity came to join forces for a spring run to Hells Heroes and back, we couldn’t say no. To make this tour even more killer, Romania’s snow obsessed riff-lords PERSEKUTOR will be tagging along. Expect nothing short of ice-cold beer soaked heavy tunes and hellish good times. PARTY ON!”
Joining Von Bewitcher, bassist A. Magus, and drummer A. Hunter in the studio this time was none other longtime BEWITCHER fan Lars Frederiksen. Most of the world knows Frederiksen as a force in his own right, playing in the likes of Bay Area punk heroes Rancid, as well as his own Old Firm Casuals. While to some, it may have been an unlikely pairing with Frederiksen taking the producer’s seat, for everyone in the studio the connection was immediate.
As Frederiksen previously commented on ‘Spell Shock’: “It’s the best record I’ve ever produced for one of the best bands in the world.”
Magus explains about their experience with Frederiksen: “[Lars’] knowledge of heavy metal, black metal and thrash – as well as punk, is vast and extreme. It was definitely a match made in hell.’
‘Spell Shock’ is out now Century Media Records and can be found HERE.
BEWITCHER U.S. Tour Dates (w/ PERSEKUTOR + DEATHCHANT):
03/14: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill 03/15: Sacramento, CA @ Cafe Colonial 03/16: San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick 03/17: Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room 03/18: Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Underground 03/20: Houston, TX @ Hell’s Heroes^* 03/21: Dallas, TX @ TX Tea Room 03/22: Austin, TX @ The Ballroom 03/23: Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th Street 03/25: Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar 03/26: Chicago, IL @ Reggie’s 03/27: Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Arcade 03/28: St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club 03/29: Fargo, ND @ Aquarium 03/31: Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive 03/02: Richland, WA @ Ray’s Golden Lion* 03/03: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon* 03/05: Portland, OR @ Twilight Cafe & Bar* 05/17: Vancouver, BC @ Modified Ghost Fest^*
^No Deathchant *No Persekutor
EU + UK Dates:
05/24: London (UK) @ Black Heart 05/25: Birmingham (UK) @ The Flapper 05/26: Newcastle (UK) @ The Cluny 05/27: Nottingham (UK) @ Billy Bootleggers 05/28: Glasgow (UK) @ Slay Studio 05/29: Manchester (UK) @ Star & Garter 05/30: Bournemouth (UK) @ Bear Cave 06/04: Gdańsk (PL) @ Mystic Festival 06/06: Mühlteich (DE) @ Chronical Moshers Open Air 2025 06/13: Schönenberg-kübelberg (DE) @ Iron Fest Open Air 2025 06:15: Leeuwarden (NL) @ Into the Grave
Artwork: Solo Macello
‘Spell Shock’ Tracklisting:
01 – Starfire Maelstrom [WATCH] 02 – Lavish Desecration 03 – Spell Shock [WATCH] 04 – Out Against The Law [WATCH] 05 – Dystopic Demonolatry [WATCH] 06 – Seasons Of Foul Harvest 07 – We Die In Dust 08 – The Harem Conspiracy 09 – Pagan Shadows 10 – Ride Of The Iron Fox
Producer: Lars Frederiksen
Since their formation in 2013, Bewitcher has seen their signature “Black Magick Metal” sound go from humble beginnings to new heights of creativity and wild anthemic fervor. A small collection of long out-of-print demo tapes kicked off what has proven to be an enduring line of ripping studio albums, singles and EPs. They have earned a reputation as one of the hardest working touring acts around, bringing their volcanic, high energy live shows to every corner of North America and parts abroad.
From its eye-grabbing-and-gouging artwork by Italian horror maestro Solo Macello, to songs like the haunting “We Die in Dust,” to the epic closing track “Ride of the Iron Fox” (“That’s BEWITCHER’s Dokken song!” laughs A. Hunter.) Spell Shock is BEWITCHER at their most evolved and most devastatingly primal. “We wanted it to be an album experience,” says drummer A. Hunter. “Imagine King Diamond’s Abigail in terms of atmosphere merged with the energy of AC/DC’s High Voltage.”
Line-Up:
Mateo von Bewitcher – vox + guitars A. Hunter – drums + percussion A. Magus – bass guitar + backing vox
CONFESS, the Iranian Norwegian metallers have announced the release of their new single. ‘After Goliath’, which released on January 10th, and includes is taken from the band’s new album “Destination Addiction”, which will release on January 31st, 2025 and is the follow-up to their widely praised 2022 album “Revenge At All Costs”! Fans can pre-order the record now at the band’s Bandcamp page and official website.
Speaking about the track, frontman Nikan Khosravi has said: “‘After Goliath’ is a call to stand up and fight! In a world filled with repressive political systems that kill and exploit people, I tried to write something uplifting and positive. It’s a very groovy song that we will definitely play at the festivals. For the first time in almost ten years, I have a little bit of clean singing on this track, which we feel turned out really well and catchy! In this song, inspired by the concept of the story of David and Goliath, you can hear the war cry of someone determined to go to war with a giant and defeat it. That’s how I feel about governments! As long as you fight, you shall prevail!”
Produced by Khosravi, and mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated Alberto De Icaza (Amon Amarth, Clutch, Miss May I, Dead Cross, Upon A Burning Body) “Destination Addiction” is set to land at a critical point in human history. Given the escalating conflicts across the middle east and between Ukraine and Russia, Confess’ intention with “Destination Addiction” is to ask the question “What happens when you’ve survived things that no-one should have to?” Too often this question ends in dismal fashion, be it suicide, substance abuse, declining mental health, or worse.
Speaking about the album, Nikan has said: “With “Destination Addiction”, we aimed to channel our personal experiences and the turbulent times we live in into something musically innovative and brutally honest. This album is a testament to our resilience and passion for metal. “Destination Addiction” delves deep into themes of isolation, depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, reflecting our harrowing experiences following their arrest in 2015 and life in exile and I can say that this album is way darker than “Revenge At All Costs”!
The lyrical content offers a raw and critical perspective on the political and social turmoil in Iran as well as the broader global climate, addressing the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, the war in the Middle East and Europe, and the dangers of terrorism in today’s world. This album is the aftermath of “Revenge At All Costs”!”
Nikan further commented on getting to work with extreme metal luminaries George Kollias (Nile) and Marzi Montazeri (ex-Phil Anselmo and Illegals, ex-Superjoint Ritual, ex-Exhorder, Heavy As Texas) on this record: “Working with George Kollias has elevated our sound and added a lot of depth and texture to the record. Marzi Montazeri’s contribution to ‘After Goliath’ has provided a dynamic edge.”
The tracklisting for the album is: 1. Built On A Grave 2. Slaughterhouse 3. Expedition 4. Dark On Both Sides 5. Suicide Song 6. Final Lap 7. After Goliath 8. Origami God 9. Only Shackles To Lose 10. Breathe In. Breathe Out.
Formed in 2010 in Tehran, Iran, the band’s ideology reflects the experiences of living under a theoretical political system, combining critiques of organized religion with commentary on sociopolitical issues and personal struggles. Their debut album, “Beginning of Dominion”, was released on January 1st, 2012. By 2014, Confess had released four singles and an EP titled “Back to My Future [2/4]”. The single ‘Encase Your Gun’ emerged after the Iranian regime suppressed the Green Movement in 2009.
On October 28, 2015, just two weeks after releasing their second album, “In Pursuit of Dreams”, frontman Nikan Khosravi and DJ Arash Ilkhani were arrested by the Revolutionary Guards. They faced charges of blasphemy and propaganda against the state due to their music and interviews. After spending three months in solitary confinement and 15 months in public prison, they were released temporarily on bail pending trial. Initially sentenced to six years each, they appealed the verdict.
Due to ongoing threats, Nikan fled to Turkey in 2017. In December 2018 he was granted political asylum in Norway. Arash joined him in May 2019 after also seeking asylum in Turkey. In July 2019, in their absence, an appeal court sentenced Nikan to 12 and a half years in prison plus 74 lashes and Arash to two years in prison.
Upon settling in Norway, Confess experimented with seven-string guitars and modern death metal sounds while retaining their signature groove. In 2022, they welcomed three new members and began touring without fear. They released their third album, “Revenge at All Costs”, on January 21, 2022, inspired by their struggles and experiences. The album received critical acclaim, earning high ratings from several metal publications and saw the band featured in prominent media outlets like Sky News, The Guardian and BBC.
In September 2022, Confess signed a worldwide management deal with Extreme Management Group in New York. They continued to face challenges from the Iranian regime, including social media attacks, but remained inspired and productive. They supported Nile on their European tour, performing across 11 countries and 16 cities, solidifying their presence in the global metal scene. In September 2024 Confess supported Belphegor and Malevolent Creation on their European run before appearing at the Vagos Metal Fest in Portugal and Viborg Metal Fest in Denmark. “Destination Addiction” is set for release on January 31st, 2025.
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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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