Finnish female-fronted rock sensations Ginger Evil unveil their new single and accompanying video “Black Waves”, taken from their upcoming debut album, “The Way It Burns”, out on February 14th, 2025 via Frontiers Music Srl.
Guitarist Tomi says: “Black Waves has slowly but surely become one of the band and fan favorites. It resonates within a soul and has a message, especially now when the world is what it is today. The message is simple: never give up hope, and never let those black waves wash you away. You’re not alone, there is always someone who cares and loves. And we all should care.”
“Never let the storms and feelings of hopelessness in your head take over. The line between what’s real and what is not is really thin, and sometimes it’s really difficult to tell the difference. Is it real, or just my imagination? Just keep hanging in there, and never lose faith. The storm will be over eventually”, he adds.
Ginger Evil began as Moonshine Inc. in 2005, in a rehearsal room in Helsinki, Finland. After a couple of years of rehearsal and composing, a fruitless search for a singer meant the songs were put on ice.
Meanwhile, guitarist Tomi Julkunen and bassist Veli Palevaara continued gigging in Finland with The Milestones, including arena shows with Deep Purple and Whitesnake. In the aftermath of their fifth album, those Moonshine Inc. songs from a decade back emerged from hibernation, so the search began again for a vocalist.
The powerful voice of Ella Tepponen was known to Tomi and Veli from many theatre and music projects, and drummer Toni Mustonen was already familiar to everyone. Jamming together found a shared musical passion, and a group creative process soon flourished. Ginger Evil was born.
“From Foo Fighters to Fleetwood Mac” is how the band hears their music, with singer Ella bringing a whole new kind of twist to their rock expression. Everything was coming together. Music producer and film director Richard Stanley, known for his work with The Who heard demos of Ginger Evil and was inspired to write lyrics.
In early 2022 Ginger Evil signed a deal with Deadfall Artist/Band management and a half year later with Frontiers Music Srl. (Def Leppard, TOTO, Whitesnake, Journey). For the recording of their debut album, “The Way It Burns”, Ella brought in Teemu Aalto (Insomnium) as a producer, who also handled the final mixes with final mastering by Grammy-nominated Svante Forsbäck of Chartmakers (Rammstein, Volbeat, Sunrise Avenue, Apocalyptica).
“The Way It Burns” Tracklist:
1. Rainmaker 2. Dead On Arrival 3. Shame Old 4. Flames 5. Hands Move To Midnight 6. Arrowhead 7. Better Get In Line 8. Black Waves 9. Whispers 10. Not Your Fool 11. Last Frontier 12. Wake Me
Line Up: Ella Tepponen – vocals Tomi Julkunen – guitars Veli Palevaara – bass Toni Mustonen – drums
HELVITNIR, the Norwegian black metal act forged in the icy depths of 2023, is set to release their highly anticipated debut album, “Wolves of the Underworld”, on March 14, 2025, through the esteemed Italian label Dusktone.
The first single “Throes Of Transformation” is now streaming HERE.
The band was born when Hellcommander V, Bjarkan, and Ihizahg parted ways with Ragnarok, carrying with them years of shared creative synergy. Determined to continue their collaboration, the trio brought along a treasure trove of raw material, which they meticulously refined in the months that followed.
HELVITNIR officially announced their arrival in November 2023 with the release of the single and video “Helvitnir”, which immediately set the tone for their uncompromising style. Shortly after, they recorded a 7-track demo, which quickly caught the attention of Dusktone. The momentum continued with the December release of a second video single, “Void of Emptiness”.
The band solidified its lineup at the end of 2023 by enlisting the legendary drummerJan Axel “Hellhammer” Blomberg, whose technical prowess and iconic style brought an additional layer of ferocity to HELVITNIR’s sound. With the lineup complete, the band set its sights on the future.
In June 2024, HELVITNIR released an EP featuring four tracks from their demo. The EP was met with acclaim, showcasing the band’s versatility — a masterful blend of raw, chilling aggression and majestic, grandiose compositions.
HELVITNIR’s music stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Norwegian black metal while forging a distinct identity that bridges the past and the future. Drawing from the raw intensity and bleak atmospheres that defined the genre’s origins, the band weaves in a modern sensibility that expands its sonic scope. Their sound pays homage to the cold, primal energy of their predecessors while pushing boundaries, introducing dynamic shifts, melodic textures, and a powerful sense of narrative. This careful balance between reverence for tradition and a forward-thinking approach positions HELVITNIR as torchbearers of the genre’s next chapter.
By September 2024, HELVITNIR entered the studio to craft their first full-length album. The result is “Wolves of the Underworld”, a brutal and evocative work that promises to leave an indelible mark on the black metal landscape. The album is a sonic journey through icy wastelands and infernal depths, where every track resonates with a visceral, unrelenting energy.
Prepare to be engulfed by the icy fury of HELVITNIR as “Wolves of the Underworld” storms into the metal scene this March.
Tracklist:
1. Throes Of Transformation 2. Black Flame Triad 3. Helvitnir 4. Void Of Emptiness 5. Imagery Of Deceit 6. Odinsbane 7. Dread Biter 8. Helheim’s Throne 9. Draugr
Rising Italian Death Metal act DARK REFLECTION just released their debut EP “Under the Sign of Vlad Țepeș” through Pest Records! The EP delves deep into the historical legacy of Vlad the Impaler, focusing on his military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and his fight for the independence of Wallachia.
“Under the Sign of Vlad Țepeș” is available for streaming and order here.
What to expect from the EP:
Conceptual Themes: Each track narrates key moments in Vlad the Impaler’s struggles against Ottoman forces, blending historical depth with a hauntingly aggressive musical approach.
Atmospheric Composition: The EP fuses relentless old-school Death Metal riffs, haunting melodies, piercing solos, and martial elements to evoke the horrors and triumphs of medieval warfare.
Dynamic Performance: From ferocious blast beats to somber interludes, “Under the Sign of Vlad Țepeș” showcases Dark Reflection’s versatility and dedication to storytelling through metal.
Finnish alternative hard rock trio Luponero is delivering an unrelenting burst of raw energy with their latest single, Everything / Nothing. This electrifying track marks the first step in the countdown to their highly anticipated debut album and comes with a visually captivating accompanying music video. Fans can preorder the single and debut album now: https://luponeromusic.bandcamp.com
With its visceral intensity, Everything / Nothing dives headfirst into the heart of the modern existential crisis. A sonic journey that oscillates between calm introspection and chaotic catharsis, the track encapsulates the frustration, nihilism, and search for meaning that define our turbulent times. As Marco Luponero, the band’s driving force, bassist, and vocalist, explains:
“We wanted to start off with something that hits hard. Our whole album will tackle themes of generational nihilism, frustration, and a search for meaning in increasingly uncertain times. I think ‘Everything / Nothing’ is the perfect representation of that. The song balances between calm and chaos, carried forward by a repetitive mantric bass riff. It’s angry, it’s cathartic, and it’s honest – the perfect soundtrack for when you’re staring into the void and confronting the absurdity of existence.”
This release builds on the momentum of their breakout single, DAD BOD ROK GOD, a humorous yet anthemic track that put Luponero on the map earlier this year. Garnering attention for its infectious energy and universal appeal, the track secured the band a deal with Icons Creating Evil Art, marking a new chapter for the trio.
Under their new moniker, Luponero continues to push boundaries with their unapologetic, rebellious sound. Their music seamlessly blends classic rock influences with modern punk sensibilities, creating a unique soundscape that resonates deeply with fans across generations.
TRACKLIST: Everything/Nothing, Bipolaroids, Killing Time, Running On Empty, Helsinki Intersection, Mindfuck, Sapiens, Angelo, Pickup Artist, The Burden, The End
Hailing from Finland, Luponero is an alternative hard rock powerhouse fronted by veteran musician Marco Luponero, formerly of Terrorwheel, Altaria, and Marco Luponero & The Loud Ones. The trio’s explosive energy and infectious melodies have earned them a loyal following, and their raw, honest lyrics reflect the chaos and beauty of modern life.
PEACEMAKER is the band was founded in 1996 in Rawicz (a small town in south-western Poland) by two “fanatics” of heavy music – Kucol and Devil (who are still in the band). As Peacemaker they have been playing since the beginning of 1998. Band played many concerts and festivals all over the country and abroad, where had the opportunity to perform with many bands from the hardcore, metal, grind, punk etc. scene. Over all these years, the line-up of Peacemaker had changed, which unfortunately resulted in periods of suspension. The band members have played / play in bands such as ASS TO MOUTH, ICON OF EVIL, BROTHERHOOD, MORTEMORIUM and 71TONMAN. Their music is heavy, aggressive, non-commercial, not following current fashion and trends.
Band comments their latest release: “Internal Revolution is a kind of summary of the band’s activity from 2017 to 2024. These are nine very diverse songs with different tempos and atmospheres. We wondered for a long time if and how we would record these songs and how we would release them: singles, EP or maybe a full album…? Finally we made the decision to record and release a full album after establishing cooperation with Dawid (Spook Records).“
Music for “Internal Revolution” album was recorded in 2024. All track was mixed and mastered by Jarek Wysocki at Soundscope Recording Studio (Guantanamo Party Program, 71TonMan, Crimson Valley) in Wrocław (Poland). Cover artwork was done by Mieszko Jankowski (Night Lord, Morrath, Leprozorium). Album was released on October 31, 2024 by Spookrecords on digital format and jewelcase CD.
Watch the video “Infected Mind” at Slam Worldwide Youtube:
“Internal Revolution” Tracklist:
1. (We come) from nowhere 03:06 2. Stay human (feat. Brasi from Bloodstained) 03:59 3. Infected Mind 02:47 4. Today is the day 03:48 5. Internal revolution 02:00 6. Hate crosses borders 04:56 7. The rat race has started 01:59 8. 99 thousand of lies 02:57 9. Words of my life 02:43
She’s serenaded crowds from the UEFA Champions League to The Game Awards, but on her latest album, Eivør reached several new milestones. The Faroe Islands superstar performed songs off ENN to sold-out crowds from Red Rocks to Hellfest.
Now, to kick off 2025 ahead of her upcoming North American tour, Eivør is proud to announce that she has been named a winner of the 29th USA Songwriting Competition. Her gently pulsating first single from ENN, “Jarðartrá / Dust to Dust”, won the award for Best World music.
“I am thrilled and honored for our song ‘Jarðartrá (Dust To Dust)’ to have won the USA Songwriting Competition in the ‘World Music’ category”, Eivør says.
“The track is a joint effort between myself and the Faroes poet Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs – my long-time lyrical collaborator and dear friend.
I’m grateful to my dear Tróndur Bogason for co-production and arrangements on this track and to my band mates Mikael, Per, Mattias and Theodor for generously pouring your beautiful creativity into each note and each beat”.
We are grateful and truly honoured to receive this prestigious award. Thank you.”
“Jarðartrá” was an especially fitting first single for ENN. Just like the extreme contrasts that define life at her home in the Faroe Islands, the song is dark yet glistening, swirling but propulsive. Eivør inhabits the perspective of a wounded mother earth, who calls to us with a steadily thumping bassline that’s as dark and warm as our planet’s molten core. “Come lie down in my blue embrace”, she sings, reaching into her operatic register, as if beckoning us toward the light.
“When I wrote this song, I envisioned the earth in its rawest elements: oceans, volcanoes, storms, soil”, Eivør remembers. “We all have echoes of these elements within us, but maybe we tend to forget that we are part of nature and its endless circle of decay and growth”.
Hear Eivør perform the award-winning “Jarðartrá” and other songs from her world-renowned, 25-year discography next month when she tours North America with Sylvaine. Their shows in Toronto and San Francisco are already sold out. Tickets for Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Montreal and Silver Springs are all moving fast.
Eivør USA & Canada Tour 2025 w/ special guest Sylvaine
February 2 – Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl [TICKETS] February 4 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre [TICKETS][LOW TICKETS] February 5 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom [TICKETS] February 7 – San Francisco, CA @ Cafe du Nord [SOLD OUT] February 8 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco [TICKETS][LOW TICKETS] February 11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall [TICKETS] February 12 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater [TICKETS] February 14 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center [TICKETS][SOLD OUT] February 15 – Madison, WI @ Majestic [TICKETS] February 16 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall [TICKETS] February 18 – Toronto, ON @ Great Hall [SOLD OUT] February 19 – Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount [TICKETS][LOW TICKETS] February 21 – Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theatre [TICKETS] February 22 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg [TICKETS] February 23 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore [TICKETS][LOW TICKETS]
Eivør and Sylvaine put together a playlist of their favorite songs to set the scene for their North American tour. Listen to their choice cuts off ENN and Eg Er Framand, as well as the soundtracks to The Last Kingdom and God of War Ragnarök.
Of course, fans can support Eivør by buying merchandise at any stop along her tour. But you don’t have to wait! Her new line of ENN-themed apparel is now available to order online, here.
Artwork by Leif Podhajsky
Tracklist 1. Ein Klóta (5:44) 2. Jarðartrá (4:47) [WATCH] 3. Hugsi Bert Um Teg (3:25) [WATCH] 4. Purpurhjarta (4:27) 5. ENN (7:11) 6. Lívsandin (4:35) 7. Upp Úr Øskuni (5:01) [WATCH] 8. Gaia (5:10) Total runtime: 40:25
Eivør calls her Nordic home in the remote Faroe Islands a landscape of extremes. Sitting in the North Atlantic Ocean just above Scotland and southeast of Iceland, with a total population of about 50,000, the climate is “full of contrasts—very dark, heavy winters and bright summers.” Growing up in a small village there, of about 400 people, it’s those contrasts that have inspired Eivør’s music throughout her career.
Often considered to be one of the most prolific and unique Nordic artists of her generation, Eivør has released 11 studio albums to date, crossing musical genres and always pushing the envelope of the expected. Awarded with the Nordic Council Music Price in 2021, Eivør’s musical journey continues to fascinate and has seen her perform across the globe; from Europe’s biggest festival stages to providing the soundtrack to Netflix’s hit series The Last Kingdom and the video game God of War: Ragnarök.
Her new album ENN ties back to Eivør’s Nordic roots. Most of the lyrics, sung entirely in Faroese, were penned in collaboration with the Faroese poet Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs. Eivør calls the lyrics to the title track especially “hardcore.” The song is about war—“the wars that are going on in the world especially lately, but that have always been going on,” Eivør says, “and how to find a glimpse of light in this overwhelming darkness.” The guttural penultimate track, “UPP ÚR ØSKUNI / RISE FROM THE ASHES,” is a thrilling outlier mixing growling beatboxing with visceral throat singing (it’s certainly Eivør’s most metal moment).
ENN stands out among Eivør’s discography as a bold new venture. Her debut for Season of Mist, the album leans heavier into dark electronics. Her new Prophet-5 synthesizer hardly made it out of the box before she keyed up “HUGSI BERT UM TEG/STILL JUST YOU”, a swooning bit of dream-pop that dances like the colors of the milky way.
On a grand scale, ENN follows a cosmic arc. The title track is a symphonic, war-torn space odyssey. But the album also dwells on more earthly concerns. Lead single “JARÐARTRÁ/DUST TO DUST” is told from the perspective of a wounded mother earth, who calls to us with a steadily thumping bassline that’s as dark and warm as our planet’s molten core. “Come lie down in my blue embrace”, Eivør sings, reaching into her operatic register, as if beckoning us toward the light.
On ENN, Eivør moves heaven and earth.
Recording line-up: Eivør: Vocals, Guitars Mattias Kapnas: Piano, Rhodes and Synths Mikael Blak: Bass & Synths. Guitars on ‘Upp úr øskuni’ Per I Højgaard Petersen: Drums & Soundscaping Strings performed by Lýra: 1st violin: Sigrún Harðardóttir 2nd violin: Sigrún Kristbjörg Jónsdóttir Viola: Karl James Pestka Cello: Unnur Jónsdóttir Choir on ‘Ein klóta’: Eivør, Tróndur, Hans Mols Mortensen, Greta Svabo Beck and Fred Ruddick
Recording studio Studio Bloch (Faroe Islands), Hljóðritið (Iceland), Jardin Acoustique (France) and in Eivør’s portable studio in various corners of the world.
Production, engineering and recording Produced & arranged by Eivør and Tróndur
Beat production by Eivør and Per I. Højgaard Petersen
Recorded and engineered by Theodor Kapnas at Studio Bloch (Faroe Islands)
Additional recordings and engineering by Fred Ruddick at Jardin Acoustique (France)
Strings recorded by Guðmundur Kristinn Jónsson and Gestur Sveinsson at Hljóðriti (Iceland)
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 )