Legendary Swedish cult act MEZZROW returns to the thrash metal scene with their new single, “As Fear Unfolds”! A music video for the first harbinger of a new album to follow in 2025, is now premiering below.
The band comments: “Recorded during the Summon Thy Demons-sessions and one of the first songs we wrote back in early 2021 (The lyrics were actually written for another song way back in 1992). It kind of stands out from the other songs on the album with its proggy approach! Within the band we call it our ”Mercyful Fate-song”, with all its different tempo changes and technical vibes going on. This is also the first studio recording featuring Alvaro ”Alvis” Svanerö on drums.”
MEZZROW built themselves a name in the thrash metal scene during the late eighties with their critically acclaimed demo tapes, “Frozen Soul” and “Cross of Tormention”. In 1990 they released their classic debut album “Then Came the Killing” through Active Records (Candlemass a.o.), a subsidiary of Music for Nations. The album is still today considered as one of the best, if not the best, thrash metal releases from Sweden and Scandinavia.
During 2021 MEZZROW rose from the ashes, when bass player Conny Welén (ex-Hexenhaus) and singer Uffe Pettersson (ex-Rosicrucian) decided to make a new mark in the thrash metal world of today, together with new guitarists Magnus Söderman (Nightrage) and Ronnie Björnström (ex-Defiatory, ex-Aeon), as well as drummer Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö (Imperial Domain). Following their comeback album “Summon Thy Demons” (2023, Fireflash Records) and the much-acclaimed ”Keep It True – Live” record, MEZZROW are currently busy writing new material for a next album to be released in the hopefully not so distant future through ROAR. Twelve new songs are now ready for recording and this process has slightly begun. As the first single “As Fear Unfolds” proves, fans can expect a killer album with high intense Bay Area thrash with a Swedish melodic touch. 2025 – get ready for some new MEZZROW Thrash Metal!
MEZZROW is: Ulf “Uffe” Pettersson – Vocals Conny Welén – Bass Magnus Söderman – Lead Guitar Ronnie Björnström – Guitar Alvaro “Alvis” Svanerö – Drums
Finnish HEADPHONE JACKS released their first single ‘Space Ghost’ from the forthcoming ‘Discipline’ album which is set to be released on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records.
Music and lyrics written by Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen
ISRC-code: FI3FC2449701
Single cover by Aleksi Lappalainen
The band comments: “Space Ghost is about a wild, psychedelic journey through space and time. The imagery of a “space machine” that “screams like a wolverine” and “rocks your rib cage like a raw beast” sets the tone for an intense, high-energy experience. The song emphasizes a sense of liberation and escape from reality. The mention of passing Mercury and floating in the fifth dimension adds a cosmic, otherworldly element to the journey. The lyrics also touch on themes of time travel, exploration, and the desire for freedom. Overall, the song celebrates the thrill of adventure and the pursuit of an unreal, transcendent reality.”
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.
Discipline Track list:
Space Ghost
All Them Zombies
Lunatic
Black Flies
Pharaoh’s Cane
Saviour
Pawns
Discipline
All music and lyrics written by: Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen
“Album ONE Alive!” marks the 40th anniversary of the release of W.A.S.P.’s first album. To celebrate this classic metal album, W.A.S.P. will, for the first time in 40 years, play the entire album from top to bottom, start to finish at headline shows across Europe. In addition, W.A.S.P. will be appearing at a number of European festivals, performing their greatest hits.
TICKETS: General on-sale: Friday, Dec 13th at 10am local time at WASPnation.com.
Watch the Promo Video here:
Reviews for the 2024 Album ONE Alive Tour have been nothing but amazing:
The audience was so loud that I could hear all the lyrics to those two songs from the stage but also from the crowd who was yelling / singing the lyrics behind me. It felt like a surreal experience. – Sleaze Roxx
The crowd went absolutely crazy, jumping and shouting the words to each song. – The Concerts Chronicles
As expected the sold-out show was a trip back down metal memory lane. – Texas Rock Report
There’s no denying that Lawless and company completely dominated that stage. – Rewindit Magazine
It has been said that heavy Metal is dead, all I can tell you is to get your tickets and see for yourself. It is very much alive and well and this show will have you ‘On your Knees’ begging to go back to those ‘School Daze’! – Metal Shock Finland
Catching W.A.S.P. on this ONE Alive tour is highly recommended! – Metal Express Radio
If one has the chance to catch this tour – go. This is an absolute spectacle from start to finish that is not to be missed. – Death Moth Press
The audience was left breathless, having been swept up in the sheer visceral power of their performance. – Sonic Perspectives
The tour is worth the trip. – Metal Universe
Blackie Lawless is still kicking ass, delivering a performance that fans will not forget. – Metal Talk
What a show… it did not disappoint! – WRIF
The bottom line is this: if you have the chance to see WASP, go. – The Rock Pit
Don’t miss your chance to witness rock history! – KNAC
Formed in 1982, W.A.S.P. is set to bring this universally acclaimed “classic” album to life. Lead vocalist Blackie Lawless says, “It was an angry record made by an angry band. It was a record that not only reflected the attitude of the band members who made it, but also a record that reflected its time.” This record became a central piece of the 80s metal scene and remains one of the best metal debut albums of all time.
Along with bassist Mike Duda and lead guitarist Doug Blair, whose tenures in the band are 29 and 26 years respectively, W.A.S.P. is joined by long-time drummer extraordinaire Aquiles Priester.
Lawless and company will deliver the ultimate incredible spectacle, bringing W.A.S.P.’s most colorful history to life by performing this revered album in its entirety… ONE more time… ONE last time… Album ONE Alive!
W.A.S.P. will be again offering fans VIP tickets at select shows that give fans a chance to meet Blackie Lawless, get a personal photo with Blackie, autographs and take part in a very personal Q&A with Blackie. VIP tickets can be purchased at https://waspnation.myshopify.com
06/06 Mystic Festival – POLAND 06/08 Rock Hard Festival – GERMANY 06/14 Into The Grave – NETHERLANDS 07/10 Area 53 Festival – AUSTRIA 07/12 Midalidare Open Air – BULGARIA 07/14 Rockwave Festival – GREECE 07/18 Sun And Thunder Festival – SPAIN 07/26 Steelhouse Festival – WALES 08/01 Skogsröjet Festival – SWEDEN 08/06 Leyendas del Rock Festival- SPAIN 08/08 Alcatraz Festival – BELGIUM
About W.A.S.P.
Few Bands in the history of Rock N’ Roll have ever incited the love, the hate, the raw emotional effect this Band has had on the world. From the very beginning, in the small venues of Los Angeles California, and later to the numerous countries worldwide that banned these Winged Assassins from performing live, the Band’s unique style of Shock and Rock caused Religious organizations, Local City Councils, Parliaments, and the Washington D.C. Senate to hold hearings in an effort to bar this group from selling records and trashing stages everywhere they played.
The band’s founding member, frontman Blackie Lawless, has led the group as its lead vocalist and primary songwriter since its beginning. His unique brand of visual, social and political comment took the group to worldwide heights and sold millions of records alongside a legacy of sold out shows across the globe for 4 decades.
GYPSY PISTOLEROS release new video for single ‘Shadow Walker‘, out 13th December, taken from their new album ‘Welcome To The Church Of The Pistoleros’, set to be released spring 2025.
“Shadow Walker“ tells the story of a figure who exists between worlds, drifting through the boundaries of light and shadow, self and other, human and nature. The Shadow Walker is an elusive, shifting being, embodying the spirit of the changelings in the forest. The lyrics describe a journey through internal and external darkness, where the protagonist must confront hidden parts of themselves, symbolized by shadows. This journey is not just about uncovering secrets but about transformation, allowing the protagonist to merge with the mystic forces of the forest, shedding their old self in the process. A better World!
“Shadow Walker“ explores how facing and embracing our inner shadows allows for a profound transformation. The Shadow Walker’s journey is ultimately one of acceptance—of their connection to the unseen, primal forces of nature and the acceptance of their true self. By navigating the labyrinth of their fears, they achieve unity with both the self and the natural world, embodying a timeless, mystical force. Impervious to the Dark World that we live in!
About Gypsy Pistoleros Known as renegade glam-punk rockers, Gypsy Pistoleros are celebrated for their eclectic, unorthodox style. Critics praise their music as “unique,” “sheer escapism,” The band invites fans to join the “Church of the Pistoleros,” a movement for the bold, unconventional, and outcast. Their music defies labels and embraces individuality, making them a true standout in the present rock world.
The album will be distributed through Earache Records. Cargo Records will distribute the physical album on CD & Vinyl via HMV & all good Indie Record Stores.
The album, recorded at the renowned Old Cider Press Studios in Pershore, is produced and co-written by the legendary Dave Draper, whose credits include work with Ginger Wildheart, Nickelback, The Professionals and Terrorvision etc. Draper has described Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros as “a total monster” and one of the best projects he’s ever worked on.
This album is a rallying cry to the outcasts, the misunderstood, the shy, the quiet and disenfranchised of Society! A place where they are welcome! Gypsy Pistoleros is a band that refuses to conform. Proudly walking their own path, their music is a rallying cry for misfits everywhere. With a sound that defies traditional genres, Gypsy Pistoleros stand as one of the most unique and innovative acts in the world of rock music today.
Gypsy Pistoleros’ sound spans a vast musical landscape—from 1950s Phil Spector-esque ballads to high-energy glam punk and Latin-infused rock, creating a sonic experience that is truly unmatched. Fusing anthemic rock, Latin swagger, glam punk, and even elements of goth and emo, their music is a celebration of the unconventional.
The Album will be available Instore at HMV & Indie Record stores viahttps://cargorecords.co.uk/ in a different Limited black, red and white splatter Vinyl version. A Special CD & Vinyl release for Australia & New Zealand will be released by Golden Robot records.
“Virtually every song is right up there in your face with that punky glam magic….love it! and ‘Hide Behind a Smile’ is already one of my all-time favourite Gypsy Pistolero songs!” – Bruce Mee, Fireworks Magazine “Simply unique!” Steve Beebee Planet rock “Gypsy Pistoleros are unique—completely unique.” — Karen Clayton, Get Ready to Rock “The Pistoleros are sheer musical escapism.” — The late Great Malcolm Dome, Classic Rock Magazine “Gypsy Pistoleros may just be the saviours of rock music, offering something more for those craving a distinctive sound.” — WeBleedMusic
Gypsy Pistoleros are no strangers to the rock scene. Since their formation, they have shared stages with icons such as The Ramones, Motörhead, L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Poison, Ratt, ZZ Top, Papa roach and Twisted Sister, amongst many others, building a devoted following in the U.S. and U.K. alike. The band, led by Gypsy Lee Pistolero, is known for their fiery live performances and eclectic mix of sounds, which combine the raw edge of punk rock with Latin rhythms and glam rock theatrics.
In 2020, Gypsy Lee Pistolero returned to the music world after a hiatus, bringing a matured yet electrifying energy to the stage. With two successful albums under their belt since their comeback, the band is now poised to make their biggest impact yet with Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros.
Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros – U.K. Tour 2025 To coincide with the album release, Gypsy Pistoleros will embark on their highly anticipated “Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros” U.K. tour in 2025, joined by special guests The Outlaw Orchestra. Fans can expect electrifying live shows packed with the band’s unique blend of Glam Punk rock anthems, heartfelt punked up ballads, and theatrical flair.
11th April – Decadent Destruction, Sheffield 18th April – The Old Cold Store, Nottingham 19th April – The Bunkhouse, Swansea 24th April – Trillians, Newcastle 25th April – Bannermans, Edinburgh 26th April – The Dreadnought, Bathgate 1st May – The Waterloo, Blackpool 2nd May – The Marrs Bar, Worcester (Hometown Album Release Party) 3rd May – The Junction, Plymouth 6th May Special Facebook Live Stream (Acoustic plus Q & A) from Powerstation Studios Tewkesbury 9th May – Melbourn Rock Club, Cambridge 10th May – The Black Heart, London 16th May – The Castle and Falcon, Birmingham 17th May – The Underground, Bradford 7th – 10th August 2025 – Rebellion Festival, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
HMV & Indie Record in-store shows will be announced soon, along with some big festival appearances.
Gypsy Lee Pistolero – Vocals Kerry Pistolero White – Bass & B.Vox Shane Pistoler Sparkz – Guitar & B.Vox Chris Pistolero Hopton – Drums
Japanese power and speed metal sensations BRIDEAR have released a brand-new music video for Braver Words, the second single from their epic new album Born Again, out now on Psychomanteum Records. The video accompanies the announcement of a headline tour of the all-female quintet through Europe in March and April 2025. Their “Into the World Forever” tour will power through France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands before continuing through the UK.
Formed in Fukuoka, Japan, in 2012, BRIDEAR is one of Japan’s premier heavy metal bands and quickly started commanding the global stage. With diverse influences from German metal legends Helloween to British prog-pop pioneers Muse, the band combines elements of power and melodic speed metal with strong hooks to create a sound unlike any other Japanese artist. Their three full-length albums so far – BARYTE (2016), Bloody Bride (2021), and Aegis of Athena (2022) – received great attention and praise from media all over the world, creating a massive buzz among a passionate international audience.
The new single Braver Words, with its intense riffs, powerful vocal hooks, and dazzling twin-guitar solo, is the perfect song for announcing the band’s return to Europe. Lead singer KIMI states: “This song is a celebration of strength and perseverance. The video captures the energy and vibe of not just the song but also our live shows!” Bassist HARU adds: “This video is a celebration of our live performances, and it’s an invitation for everyone to come see us when we head back overseas in 2025. We can’t wait to see all of our fans in Europe and the UK!”
The video for Braver Words was filmed in June during the Born Again album release show in front of a packed house in Tokyo, Japan. The new album, produced and mixed by legendary metal producer Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, At the Gates, HammerFall, Dimmu Borgir), was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden, in March of 2024 and has been heralded as a landmark album for Japanese metal and an instant classic (Burrn! Magazine, June 2024). Metal Hammer UK called it “another triumph (they) have nailed down a sound that is at once quintessentially Japanese and uniquely theirs … marrying NWOBHM and European power-metal with infectious J-Pop choruses”. And producer Fredrik Nordström underlines: “Born Again is for sure in my Top 5 albums of my career! BRIDEAR are an amazing band and this is a world-class album.”
Born Again has also just been released on limited edition red and black splatter vinyl that can be purchased exclusively at PsychoShop.net.
The “Into the World Forever” tour originally kicked off in Australia in October 2024, when BRIDEAR supported metal icons DREAM EVIL before returning to Japan for a run of successful headline shows. Special guest for the EU shows 2025 will be the American immortal power metal warriors LORDS OF THE TRIDENT.
BRIDEAR: “Into the World Forever” Tour – Europe 2025 SPECIAL GUEST: LORDS OF THE TRIDENT
19 March – Paris, France – Backstage 20 March – Strasbourg, France – Maison Blue 21 March – Milan, Italy – Legend Club 23 March – Vienna, Austria – Chelsea 25 March – Munich, Germany – Rote Sonne 28 March – Berlin, Germany – Roadrunner Paradise 29 March – Warsaw, Poland – Club Potok 30 March – Prague, Czech Republic – Chapeau Rouge 01 April – Bochum, Germany – Trompete 02 April – The Hague, Netherlands – Musicon
French death metallers LIQUID FLESH will release a new EP, “Vestiges Abrutissants” (mind-numbing vestiges), in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of their formation. The EP is due out tomorrow, on December 13th 2024.
On the EP, the band delivers an inimitable hybrid of gritty basement-bred death metal boosted by sleazy grease and explosive unpredictability.
Today, Mystification Zine is hosting an exclusive premiere of the EP. Stream “Vestiges Abrutissants” in its entirety at THIS LOCATION.
Tracklist:
I. Tenafly Viper II. Police Python 666 III. Torture IV. Soupe Humaine V. L’Oeil du Maître (Entombed Cover)
“Unchallenging music for drunk musicians”
This was the driving force behind the creation of LIQUID FLESH 10 years ago, In 2024. The band was tired of the long rehearsals and tedious composition sessions with their other bands, which made progress feel slow and monotonous. They wanted something raw, direct—a sound that embraced simplicity without pretension, perfect for the energy they were craving. This was the background to the band’s debut album “Spontaneous Liquefaction”, released in 2016.
The band formula has been tightened up with the arrival of Putrid Bruce on bass and vocals, who has given the band a new lease of life: while retaining its original impact, the band offers more convoluted structures on “Chair Liquide” (2020, Metal is the Law Records) before moving on to a concept album with “Dolores” (2023, Time to Kill Records). Nonetheless, some tracks from the first album, like “Tenafly Viper” and “Human Soup”, have never left the band’s setlist. For the band’s 10th anniversary, LIQUID FLESH have chosen to re-record these tracks.
This anniversary is the occasion for an update. French lyrics having taken their place with the arrival of Putrid Bruce, the songs have been completely translated and reworked. The music has also been rearranged, but the biggest improvement lies in the mixing work of Gastric Luke, the band’s jack-of-all-trades (that takes care of the composition, mixing, artwork…), who has gained 10 years of experience: the sound is more powerful, incisive and perfectly honoring the old-school death metal sound.
A celebration is never without its share of surprises: this is the opportunity to introduce the band’s new drummer, Acid Bapt, with his precise and dynamic playing, who joined the band barely a year ago. It is also the occasion to pay tribute, with a cover of the classic Entombed track “Eyemaster”—also translated in French—and a new version of “Police Python 666”, originally recorded during the COVID period and released on the “We Are French Fuck You n°3” compilation.
With its EP “Vestiges Abrutissants” (mind-numbing vestiges), LIQUID FLESH offers us a link between its past and present history like vivid and meaningful memories observed in the rear view mirror. Take a seat, It’s time to open one again!
Line-up :
Gastric Luke – Guitars, Backing vocals Putrid Bruce – Bass, Vocals Acid Bapt – Drums
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 )