Vintersorg return with their brand new studio album Vattenkrafternas Spel, which will be released on 26th September via Hammerheart Records. The first offering ‘Malströmsbrus’ is now streaming via the label.
Vintersorg comment on the track: “We feel the first single ‘Malströmsbrus’ is a great symbol for the entire album and a framing of what Vintersorg is about, the melodies, the epic vibe, the harsh black metal element still present and a symphonic approach to the songwriting“
FFO: Falkenbach, Moonsorrow, Borknagar, Finntroll, Kampfar, Einherjer Genre: folk metal/prog metal
Vintersorg is the enduring vision of Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Andreas Hedlund, who’s been blending harsh black metal, nordic folk and progressive soundscapes since 1994. What began in the frost-covered north of Skellefteå under the name Vargatron has grown into one of Scandinavia’s most unique and consistently evolving metal projects.
Early albums like Till Fjälls and Ödemarkens Son made a name for Vintersorg with their raw yet melodic take on pagan black metal steeped in nature, folklore, and sweeping clean vocals. Later records like Cosmic Genesis and The Focusing Blur took a sharp turn toward the philosophical and the cosmic, diving into metaphysics, astronomy and avant-garde experimentation.
Known for a signature mix of soaring baritone vocals, icy black metal shrieks, layered harmonies, and a refusal to play it safe, Vintersorg continue to carve their own path, untamed, cerebral, and deeply connected to the forces that shape both nature and sound.
Track-list: 1. Efter Dis Kommer Dimma 2. Störtsjö 3. Malströmsbrus 4. Från Djupet Dunstar Tiden 5. Ur Älv Och Å 6. Kraftkällan 7. Regnskuggans Rike 8. Skyrök 9. Ödsliga Salar
Line-up: Vintersorg – Guitars, Keyboards, FX and Drum Programming Matte Marklund – Lead Guitars Simon Lundstöm – Bass
Acclaimed guitarist and songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ has released his most ambitious single to date, “You Are The Magic”, an epic rock ballad that channels the golden era of 80s arena rock through a contemporary lens. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms, accompanied by an official lyric video on YouTube.
Drawing inspiration from rock legends including Meat Loaf, Desmond Child, and Bon Jovi, “You Are The Magic” represents a bold artistic statement that combines cinematic scope with emotional authenticity. The song features multiple key changes, soaring melodies, and even cinematic choir arrangements that elevate the listening experience to theatrical heights.
“This song is really about believing in something bigger than ourselves,” Citowicz reflects. “In our fast-paced digital world, sometimes we need music that reminds us there’s still magic to be found. I wanted to create something that would make people smile when those key changes hit – that moment when the music just lifts you up.”
The single showcases the continued creative partnership between Citowicz and longtime collaborator Patryk Szymanski, who provides bass and production duties. Their decade-plus musical relationship reaches new heights on this release, with Szymanski’s bass work being particularly noteworthy throughout the verses.
“Working with Patryk on this track has been incredible,” Citowicz explains. “His bass work is pure magic – I encourage everyone to listen carefully to what he’s doing in the verses. He doesn’t just play the bass; he understands the emotional arc of the song and supports it perfectly. Having someone who gets your musical vision after all these years is invaluable.”
Szymanski’s production brings out the epic qualities of the composition while maintaining the intimate emotional core that defines Citowicz’s songwriting approach. The result is a track that feels both massive and personal, combining the anthemic qualities of classic rock with modern production sensibilities.
“I’ve always been inspired by songwriters like Desmond Child who could craft these universal themes wrapped in unforgettable melodies,” Citowicz notes. “There’s something about that era of rock music – Meat Loaf’s theatrical drama, Bon Jovi’s anthemic energy – that spoke to the heart while reaching for the stars. That’s what I wanted to capture with this song.”
The official lyric video, available on YouTube, complements the song’s cinematic nature with visual elements that enhance the epic storytelling. The production represents months of careful crafting, with attention paid to every detail from the choir arrangements to the strategic placement of key changes designed to maximize emotional impact.
“You Are The Magic” follows Citowicz’s recent heartfelt single “The World I’ll Hold For You,” showcasing the artist’s range and continued evolution as a songwriter. While maintaining his signature emotional depth, this new release demonstrates his ability to craft music that works on both intimate and arena-sized scales.
The Cairo-based musician continues to build his international following, with his YouTube channel recently surpassing 70,000 views. His unique position as a Polish artist creating English-language rock music from Egypt adds a distinctive international perspective to his work.
“Music has this incredible power to connect people across cultures and continents,” Citowicz concludes. “Whether you’re in Cairo, New York, or anywhere in between, when that chorus hits and those key changes soar, we’re all experiencing that magic together. That’s what rock and roll is supposed to do.”
“You Are The Magic” is available now on all major streaming platforms and as an official lyric video on YouTube.
About Andrzej Citowicz: Andrzej Citowicz is an acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter currently based in Cairo, Egypt. As a former recording artist for DownBoys Records, he has built a reputation for emotionally resonant songwriting and distinctive guitar work. His music combines classic rock influences with contemporary production, creating a sound that bridges generational gaps while maintaining artistic authenticity.
For the past 15 years, Faber Horbach has traced our connection with the sun through the music of Sowulo, but his upcoming concept album, NIHT, journeys into darkness. Written while grieving the loss of both his father and stepfather, lead single “Āsteorfan” (“To Die”) is a meditation that, while filled with sorrow, finds that death is not a final resting place, but a portal into spiritual awakening.
“Āsteorfan” marks a threshold in NIHT‘s conceptual journey through the subconscious, cycles of decay and spiritual teachings of the Moon. The song is grounded in ancient instrumentation and ritualistic textures. Nyckelharpa and carnyx merge with deep percussion and throat singing, creating a sonic terrain that feels both ancestral and sacred. The minimal yet immersive arrangement evokes the inner descent into silence and stillness, offering a moment of surrender that echoes far beyond the self.
The music video for “Āsteorfan” was filmed and directed by Jasper van Gheluwe. Color grading was done by Micky Huijsmans.
Sowulo is the evocative musical work of Faber Horbach, blending the spiritual philosophy of ancient Northern Europe with the continuous cycles of the universe.
Through the use of a wide array of historical instruments, melancholic melodies, and philosophical lyrics in Anglo-Saxon, Sowulo crafts an immersive sonic landscape that invites listeners to embark on an inner journey.
Weaving together the sounds of instruments like the Carnyx, Nyckelharpa, Celtic Harp, Shaman drums, Blow horns, Irish Bouzouki, Taglharpa, Lyre, Viola and various traditional vocal techniques, Sowulo shapes its distinctive sound.
The name “Sowulo,” meaning “Sun” in Proto-Germanic, reflects the essence of the music. As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.
᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫
Line-up: Faber Horbach | Vocals, Throat singing, Nyckelharpa, Carnyx, Irish bouzouki, Percussion, Synths & VST Micky Huijsmans | Vocals Chloe Bakker | Celtic triplett harp Maria Angeles Chaparro Fuentes | Viola Rikke Linssen | Violin Heleen de Jonge | Cello Tessa van Genderen | Carnyx, Bukkehorn, Blowhorns Bart van den Brink | Taglharpa Tim Elfring | Small percussion
Production Credits: Recorded at Lil’ Heaven Studios, Arnhem, The Netherlands Produced by Faber Horbach Recorded by Faver Horbach & Alain Kalender Mixed by Fieke van den Hurk & Marie de Koning at DearWorld Studio and Studio MDK Mastered by Erwin Maas at eMastering
Cover Art: Album & artwork concept | Faber Horbach Line artwork and graphic design development | Micky Huijsmans Graphic design | Travis Smith
Progressive symphonic metal band Scardust are pleased to share their new single “Touch Of Life I – In Your Eyes (Feat. Ross Jennings)”, from their highly anticipated new studio album “Souls”, out July 18th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The single is accompanied by a special live performance video of the full three-part saga “Touch Of Life”, offering fans an exclusive first look at the entire epic suite.
The band commented: “Touch Of Life” is a three-part musical trilogy that retells the story of Pygmalion – with a twist. It serves as an allegory for the life of an artist, or really anyone striving to become a better version of themselves. The song follows the greatest sculptor on Earth, who cannot find a woman he deems beautiful enough to be worthy of his craft – or his love. Eventually, he chooses to sculpt the most beautiful woman his imagination can conjure. He falls in love with his own creation and begs the gods to bring her to life. This is where the original myth ends – but for us, it’s just the beginning”.
“We took the narrative in a new direction. As musical performers, we see ourselves as both the sculptor and the sculpture – constantly shaping ourselves, day by day, in pursuit of unreachable standards”, they continued. “It’s a process full of beauty, but also emotional weight. The full trilogy will be released as a live performance video on YouTube. In addition, the first part will be released as a single from the album”.
“We’re especially excited to share this work with the incredible Ross Jennings (Haken), who performed in the original studio version and also joined us live – the very performance from which this video was recorded and filmed”, Scardust added.
The band commented on the new album by saying: “Souls is a deep personal journey for us, combining everything from intricate progressive elements to sweeping symphonic passages, anthemic choruses and epic choirs. This album is a milestone for the band. It contains the Scardust DNA while experimenting with different writing and composing methods, involving every single musician in the band, resulting in the creation of the next evolution of our sound and pushing the boundaries of what we can express through music.”
“Thematically we’ve explored ideas of memory, belonging, loss, and the desire for connection, weaving in influences from different musical worlds, including orchestral, Mediterranean, and even Celtic sounds”, they added. “Souls is our most ambitious album to date, incorporating Scardust’s signature technical musicianship, and featuring the Hellscore choir and a string quartet throughout the entire album plus guest appearances from some international top tier musicians like Ross Jennings (Haken), Ally Storch (Subway to Sally), a Turkish orchestra and the TLV orchestra. It’s bold, it’s emotional and we hope it resonates deeply wherever it is heard.”
With the release of the band’s first EP, “Shadow” (2015) and the release of their first full length LP. “Sands of Time” (2017) Scardust positioned them as a promising newcomer of the new progressive metal scene. They rapidly rose to the top of the local metal scene, selling out shows and opening for the likes of Symphony X, Therion and Epica and started touring overseas playing festivals and headline shows in Germany, China and the UK as well as continuing to headline shows and festivals at home.
From the beginning the band strove for exceptional artistic and instrumental achievement at the highest level and Noa Gruman’s voice captivates her listeners whether with its gentle purity, operatic power or guttural growls. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, 2020 saw the release of their sophomore album “Strangers” accompanied by seven self-produced music videos. Described by Dead Rhetoric as “captivating from start to finish”, “Strangers” introduced a unique concept album built on complementary song pairs, earning strong critical and fan acclaim.
2022 started on a high note with the visit of folk star Patty Gurdy, who joined Scardust for a live show in Israel and filmed the band’s most viewed video to date, “Concrete Cages”. That summer, the band headlined multiple shows across Europe, performing to packed arenas at Wacken Open Air & Dong Open Air where they earned the praise of Testament’s Steve Di Giorgio who, on hearing the band from backstage, ran out front and watched the entire set ‘mesmerised’.
The year concluded with the release of the dramatic one-shot video “Evolution Of The Disney – But She’s METAL” in which Noa weaves her way through a magical metal arrangement of all the best-known Disney Princess songs.
2023 saw Scardust release “Game Of Now”, a cinematic piece set in a futuristic dystopian live show, play festivals and concerts across Europe and join power metal legends Blind Guardian on tour. The year culminated in the signing of a major multi-album deal with Frontiers Records – heralding the release of the highly anticipated album “Souls”.
December 2024 saw the release of “My Haven” from “Souls”, followed by “RIP”, “Unreachable” and “Dazzling Darkness”. With 2024 being taken up with writing and recording “Souls”, it wasn’t until early 2025 that they were able to announce that Ross Jennings (Haken) was guesting on the album and was to join the band for a headline show resulting in the epic Touch of Life video.
Alongside Scardust’s rise, Noa Gruman’s metal choir, Hellscore, has been gaining significant recognition. Known for their unique a cappella renditions of metal classics, they have collaborated with renowned artists and bands such as Epica, Therion, Amorphis, and Alestorm. Hellscore is also an integral part of Scardust’s sound, performing on all their albums and live shows.
Noa Gruman is also much in demand as a vocalist and the already-impressive list of her recent guest vocal appearances includes albums by Amorphis, Ayreon, Therion, Gloryhammer, Nino Helfrich and Orphaned Land.
If you are looking for the most fresh and innovative progressive album, “Souls” is set to be a milestone for the genre.
“Souls” Tracklist:
1. Long Forgotten Song 2. My Haven 3. RIP 4. Dazzling Darkness 5. Unreachable (feat. TLV Orchestra) 6. End Of The World 7. Searing Echoes (feat. Ally Storch) 8. Touch Of Life I – In Your Eyes (feat. Ross Jennings) 9. Touch Of Life II – Dance Of Creation 10. Touch Of Life III – King Of Insanity (feat. Ross Jennings)
Line Up: Noa Gruman – Vocals Gal Gabriel Israel – Guitar Aaron Friedland – Keyboards Orr Didi – Bass Yoav Weinberg – Drums
American stoner metal stalwarts SOLACE drop the track ‘Man Dog (2025 Remaster)‘ in a radio edit version as the first single taken from the expanded new edition of their debut album “Further” (2000) in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
The enhanced version of the classic “Further” has been scheduled for release on August 22, 2025 via Magnetic Eye Records and is available for pre-order here: http://lnk.spkr.media/solace-further
“The fact that ‘Further’ has made so many fave album lists over the years blows my mind!“, guitarist Tommy Southard writes. “I’m glad some people out there still give a shit! 25 years is a long time. None of the other guys from this recording are in the band anymore, and our original singer has sadly passed, which is hard to accept. Rest in peace, Jay! You really outdid yourself on this thing. Rob is now in doom legends Trouble, and Bill Bixby is out there somewhere. Some of my favorite riffs that I’ve ever written are on this record, and the times with these guys were some of the best of my life. I’m proud and excited to finally re-release this, and I hope you all enjoy returning to this record 25 years later!“
Tracklist:
Man Dog (2025 Remaster)
Black Unholy Ground (2025 Remaster)
Followed (2025 Remaster)
Whistle Pig (2025 Remaster)
Hungry Mother (2025 Remaster)
Angels Dreaming (2025 Remaster)
Suspicious Tower (2025 Remaster)
Heavy Birth/2-Fisted (2025 Remaster)
Another Life
We Bite
On the Hunt
Heavy Birth/2-Fisted (Distanced from Reality version)
Dirt
Funk #49 (Live in Tokyo ’98)
25 years, a quarter of a century, is a very long time in the life of any human being. And maybe even more so, in the lifespan of a recording of music. Yet “Further” by American stoner metal band SOLACE, first released at the turn of the millennium, has stood the test of time. Its tracks feel just as contemporary and relevant as in the year 2000.
A 25th anniversary is a great occasion for an enhanced, extended, and re-mastered edition of a timeless classic, but this much-deserved reissue was already decided upon when original SOLACE singer Jason L. sadly passed away in January 2025. This turns the new edition of “Further” into an unplanned but due tribute to his legacy and everything that Jason brought to the band during his formative years as their tortured and brilliant frontman.
SOLACE are celebrated veterans of the American metal scene. Hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey at the windswept shore of the Western Atlantic, the band was founded in 1996. Built on a solid foundation of classic metal, early doom and punk ethic, the original four-piece infused a healthy dose of hardcore fury into grooving, grinding sludge.
Three years after the success of “Further” on both sides of the Atlantic, SOLACE returned with the sophomore album “13” (2003) that witnessed the Americans expanding and solidifying their style by highlighting the epic side of their songwriting. In the wake of this album, the band was invited twice to perform at the prestigious Roadburn Festival in 2006 and 2009, which further endeared them to an international audience.
Following a string of singles and EPs, the shoremen returned with the acclaimed third album “A.D.” in 2010. Although this release was again well received, a hiatus followed during which SOLACE implemented changes in their line-up. This manoeuvre got the heavy ship afloat again, and the remarkable full-length number four, “The Brink”, made landfall in 2019. This album has been described as a glorious trek through churning riffage, weighty doom power and drunken sea shanties, while the massive use of NWOBHM dual-guitar attack was also gladly noted.
SOLACE call their amalgamation of doom and heavy metal with hardcore elements dirt metal, while elsewhere it has been somewhat tongue-in-cheekily dubbed shorecore. Others file the New Jersey five-piece under stoner metal – and in truth, all these descriptions fit to an extent.
Raise a glass to Jason’s legacy and enjoy his outstanding performance on SOLACE‘s debut album “Further” that has been diligently and respectfully remastered to shine brighter than ever before!
Recording line-up: Jason – voice, lyrics Tommy Southard – guitars Bill “Bixby” Belford – drums Rob Hultz – bass
Current line-up: Justin Daniels – guitar Justin Goins – keyboard, vocals Tim Schoenleber – drums Mike Sica – bass Tommy Southard – guitar
Produced by Eric Rachel and Solace Recorded by Eric Rachel at Trax East, South River, NJ (US) Mixed by Eric Rachel at Trax East, South River NJ (US) Mastering by Alan Douches at West Westside Music, Hudson Valley, NY (US)
Cover painting: “Midnight Mass 2” by Wes Benscoter Original layout by Frank Bridges 2025 layout by Łukasz Jaszak
Centred on the downfall of Númenor in the Second Age of Tolkien’s legendarium, “Akallabêth“, the monumental new album from US duo ANFAUGLIR, is a cinematic Black Metal epic spanning over three millennia of prosperity, conquest and ruin. Over four vast and dynamic tracks, the band weaves a narrative-driven symphonic tapestry which encompasses immortality, spiritual greed and the slow ebb of hope.
Four days ahead of official release, ANFAUGLIR now unveil the full album stream on DMP‘s YouTube channel. Listen here:
ANFAUGLIR relay the inspirations behind “Akallabêth“:
“With “Akallabêth” we go beyond a simple historical recounting of Tolkien’s tales. We explore the characters, speak their language and muse on the existential questions faced. There’s a depth here that can be missed if you don’t peel back the layers. As for our decision to build the concept around Tolkien’s works, the passion was born upon discovering J.R.R. Tolkien at a young age. It was an instantaneous recognition of creativity and world building that initially drew us into Middle-earth and kept us there ever since. It’s such a diverse world to invest one’s time and thoughts, making it the perfect backdrop to create our epic music in.
Since the second wave, Black Metal has had a rich history of dwelling in the agony and ecstasy. The additional orchestral instrumentation allows us to push those boundaries to great distances. Given the source material we’re working with it feels like the right palette to use in our compositions.“
“Akallabêth” is set for release on June 27th on CD and vinyl – including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition – and will be accompanied by a new t-shirt design by Luciana Nedelea. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.
ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.
Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks.
Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
