It’s twelve years since Danish industrial legend Claus Larsen, aka Leæther Strip, introduced his AEppreciation series of albums, each one a wild cornucopia of dynamic covers, reimagined and, in the process, wholly reinvigorated in a style that only Claus has truly mastered.
Soft Cell,Daniel Miller, Dead or Alive and David Bowie were among the artists whose music informed that first volume; since then, Claus has revisited favorite songs by Marianne FaithfullKim Wilde, Adam and the Ants, Nena and Kraftwerk (the latter pair across a volume dedicated to German rock), Billy Idol, Propaganda, Duran Duran and so many more, alongside stand-alone tributes to The Cure and Halloween.
Now comes Appreciation IX, releasing on July 24 but previewed today with “Sin,” Leæther Strip’s interpretation of a cut from ex-Throbbing Gristle mainstays Chris & Cosey, originally heard on their 1991 album Pagan Tango. It’s a dark, sensual piece of music, certainly one of their strongest later recordings, and Claus treats it with all the respect it deservers, at the same time as unmistakably placing his own imprimatur on the performance.
Appreciation IX itself is another themed edition, with Claus explaining, “With this edition of my Æppreciation series, I wanted to pay tribute to some of my favorite LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ friendly artists and songs. They have all been a huge inspiration for me and shown me that there was a place for me to express myself with my own songs.”
Tracks originally recorded by Man 2 Man (“Male Stripper”), Peaches (“I U She”), Throbbing Gristle(“Discipline”), Coil (“Heaven’s Blade”) and Boytronic (“Trigger Track”) illustrate the sheer depth of this collection, as Claus is swift to point out.
“The whole industrial/electronic genre has from the very beginning been represented by the Queer community in a big way, so I feel it time to wave the flag for these amazing artists.”
That his selection here delves deeper into period club culture than any of the preceding volumes only adds weight to its assertion – particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the era most heavily represented on the album, the burgeoning industrial scene was one of the truly “safe spaces” around.
Clubs like The Church in Dallas, TX (subject of the Cleopatra DVD/bluray Dark Sanctuary: The Story Of The Church), the Vogue in Seattle, WA and so many more – remain legends for precisely that reason and, placing Appreciation IX on either the turntable or the CD deck is like walking into any of those clubs, and knowing there was nothing to fear.
Swedish power metal torchbearers TUNGSTEN continue building anticipation for their upcoming fifth studio album Ashes, set for release on October 9 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, with the launch of their brand-new single “Sunshine Of Fall.”
Following the recent releases of “Joker” and “The North Will Rise” (feat. Tony Kakko of SONATA ARCTICA), the track offers another glimpse into the band’s next chapter, blending their trademark power metal energy with infectious melodies and modern production. The band is also preparing to hit the road later this year on a co-headline tour with INDUCTION, joined by newly announced special guests KILMARA. Following the tour, TUNGSTEN will embark on a string of headlining dates across Sweden and Norway. Find all upcoming shows listed below!
Driven by soaring hooks, dynamic instrumentation and the unmistakable chemistry that has become a hallmark of TUNGSTEN‘s sound, “Sunshine Of Fall” further showcases the band’s ability to balance heaviness with melody. The result is a dynamic and uplifting anthem that showcases another facet of their ever-evolving songwriting.
Karl Johansson says, “The lyrics are inspired by autumn. I think it’s often overlooked. There’s something special about the colors, the falling leaves, and that feeling of an ending before something new begins.”
Mike Andersson adds, “It’s one of my favorite songs on the album. The melodies came together quickly and naturally. It’s a bit lighter than some of the other tracks, but it builds into a strong chorus.”
Following a strong entry into the metal scene with their 2019 debut “We Will Rise” and a steady rise through albums like“Tundra,” and “Bliss,” the band now return with a powerful new chapter. Between touring and live performances throughout 2025, TUNGSTEN focused on writing material for their upcoming album, aiming to create a worthy follow-up to 2024’s “The Grand Inferno.”
Ashes sees TUNGSTEN continue their crusade, delivering irresistible metal with anthemic choruses and a fresh surge of energy that pushes their signature sound even further. The album captures everything the band stands for: powerful songwriting, massive hooks, and a dynamic mix of melody and heaviness that makes it one of their strongest and most focused releases to date!
1. Joker 2. Bite My Tongue 3. Fuego Del Sol 4. Supernova 5. Happy 6. Ted The Exorcist 7. Sunshine Of Fall 8. The North Will Rise (feat. Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica) 9. For Thee 10. Ruin 11. The Forge
About TUNGSTEN
Originally formed in 2016 by drummer Anders Johansson together with his sons Nick and Karl Johansson, TUNGSTEN soon completed their lineup with vocalist Mike Andersson and quickly established themselves as a force in the European metal scene. With a sound rooted in classic heavy metal but sharpened by a contemporary edge, the band has built a reputation for powerful songwriting, a clear identity and relentless forward momentum, earning growing attention well beyond their Scandinavian home base.
The band has toured extensively alongside acts such as Bloodbound, Firewind, Sonata Arctica and All For Metal, and appeared at major festivals including Sweden Rock Festival, Leyendas Del Rock, Midalidare Metal Fest and Riverside Rock Fest, continuously building a strong live reputation. In July 2026, TUNGSTEN is confirmed to perform at Germany’s RockHarz Festival, among many more live appearances in support of their much-awaited new albumAshes. For all dates, info and tickets, visit: https://tungstenofficial.net/Tour/
INDUCTION & TUNGSTEN LIVE – ANTHEMS OF STEEL TOUR 2026 With Special Guests KILMARA:
07.10.26 – DE – Herford @ Kulturwerk 08.10.26 – DE – München @ Backstage 09.10.26 – DE – Leipzig @ Hellraiser 10.10.26 – DE – Passau @ Zauberberg 11.10.26 – DE – Karlsruhe @ Die Stadtmitte 12.10.26 – CH – Aarburg @ Musigburg 13.10.26 – AT – Salzburg @ Rockhouse 14.10.26 – DE – Mörlenbach @ Live Music Hall 15.10.26 – DE – Hamburg @ Bahnhof Pauli 16.10.26 – DE – Lingen @ Alter Schlachthof 17.10.26 – DE – Solingen @ Laut und Hart Festival 18.10.26 – DE – Selb @ Rockclub Bayern
ASHES TOUR 2026: 22.10.26 – SE – Lund @Mejeriet 23.10.26 – SE – Gothenburg @Valand 24.10.26 – SE – Örebro @Rockbar 25.10.26 – NO – Oslo @Salt 26.10.26 – SE – Stockholm @Kollektivet Livet
TUNGSTEN are: Mike Andersson – Lead Vocals Karl Johansson – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals Nick Johansson – Guitar Anders Johansson – Drums
Ahead of the release of his highly anticipated third solo album Empyrean on 11th September, acclaimed Canadian cellist and composer Raphael Weinroth-Browne has unveiled a breathtaking reimagining of Sleep Token‘s hauntingly beautiful track, ‘Fall For Me’. Transforming the song through the expressive voice of the cello, Weinroth-Browne captures the fragile balance of sorrow and beauty at the heart of the original, offering a deeply moving interpretation that stands as both tribute and reinvention.
Comments Raphael: “‘Fall For Me’ is a hidden gem in Sleep Token’s catalogue – its gorgeous melodies and rich choral harmonies lend themselves perfectly to the cello. In reimagining this song, I tried to convey the same juxtaposition of sadness and beauty that makes the original so poignant.
“UK-based artist Alex Tillbrook, whose designs for Sleep Token‘s last two albums have become an integral part of the band’s visual branding, created the stunning artwork which beautifully weaves together themes from the original lyrics to ‘Fall For Me’.
“The music video was shot at the epic Eagles’ Nest Lookout in rural Ontario by Ben Kissner of Monscene Studios. My face was completely devoured by mosquitos and black flies by the end of the shoot, but I believe it was worth it for the final result!”
The origins of forthcoming new album Empyrean itself are as cinematic as the music it contains. In 2024, Weinroth-Browne was commissioned by James Wilton Dance to compose an 80-minute score inspired by the music and legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. What emerged became BACH Reimagined: a touring multidisciplinary work exploring immortality, artistic transcendence and the pursuit of the sublime through creation.
Rather than simply reinterpret Bach, Weinroth-Browne entered into dialogue with him across centuries. The resulting compositions fuse the purity and mathematical elegance of Baroque counterpoint with distorted textures, electronic ambience and towering rhythmic weight. Tracks such as ‘Speed of Light’ and ‘Dissolution‘ plunge Bach-inspired motifs into vast storms of noise and metallic tension, while the meditative ‘Sanctum‘ evokes Sufi mysticism and devotional stillness.
“At its core,” Weinroth-Browne explains, “Empyrean is about the search for the sublime. As artists, we spend our lives trying to create something that transcends the everyday, if only for a split second, as if to glimpse eternity through a keyhole.”
Captured at Union Sound Company in Toronto immediately following the sessions for 2025’s critically acclaimed Lifeblood, Empyrean finds Weinroth-Browne operating at the peak of his creative powers. The album was recorded and engineered by Darren McGill (Rush, The Dirty Nil), mixed by Adam Noble (Leprous, Katatonia) and mastered by Robin Schmidt (Leprous), resulting in a sound both immense and intimate, every bow stroke preserved with almost tactile immediacy. Artwork comes from London-based printmaker and collage artist Cally Conway, discovered by Weinroth-Browne in Brighton during the BACH tour.
The release follows a period of significant acclaim. His 2020 debut Worlds Within was hailed as “masterful” and “a stunning example of less being more,” while 2025’s Lifeblood expanded his sound into something even more cinematic and visceral, described as “a triumph of vision and virtuosity” and “the most ambitious album of Weinroth-Browne’s career.”
That same fearless boundary-pushing has made Weinroth-Browne an essential figure within modern progressive music. His cello work can be heard on hundreds of studio albums, including Woods of Ypres’ Juno Award-winning W5: Grey Skies & Electric Light and across many major film and TV soundtracks. Viral interpretations of Opeth, Katatonia and Steven Wilson have drawn direct praise from the artists themselves, further cementing his reputation as a boundaryless interpreter and composer.
Since joining Norwegian prog visionaries Leprous in 2016, he has performed over 200 shows worldwide and contributed to three of their studio albums, helping redefine the role of cello in progressive heavy music. Beyond Leprous, he has shared stages with Evanescence, Apocalyptica and Devin Townsend.
As a solo artist, Weinroth-Browne has become an ambassador for what the cello can be in the 21st century. He has made waves at prestigious festivals such as the Cello Biennale Amsterdam and the International Cello Festival of Canada and has opened for artists ranging from Polish neoclassical pianist Hania Rani to Nordic folk ensemble SKÁLD and Danish prog metal masters VOLA.With a packed performance schedule this year, including European tours alongside Earthside and Einar Solberg on the horizon and Empyrean set for release later this year, Raphael Weinroth-Browne continues to push the cello far beyond expectation, toward something infinite, luminous and profoundly otherworldly.
Catch Raphael Weinroth-Browne live on the following dates:
August 23 – Ottawa Tennis Club, Ottawa, Canada (solo) September 18 – The Garage, London, UK (solo and with Einar Solberg) September 19 – Café de la Danse, Paris, France (solo and with Einar Solberg) September 20 – Le Rex, Toulouse, France (solo and with Einar Solberg) September 21 – La Rhapsodie, Biarritz, France (solo and with Einar Solberg) September 22 – Mouco, Porto, Portugal (solo and with EinarSolberg) September 23 – República da Música, Lisbon, Portugal (solo and with Einar Solberg) September 25 – Be Prog! My Friend, Barcelona, Spain (with Einar Solberg) September 26 – L’Ampérage, Grenoble, France (solo and with Einar Solberg) September 27 – Euroblast Festival, Cologne, Germany (with Einar Solberg) September 29 – Hype Park, Kraków, Poland (solo and with Einar Solberg) September 30 – Lido, Berlin, Germany (solo and with Einar Solberg) October 1 – Gebläsehalle, Neunkirchen, Germany (solo and with Einar Solberg) October 2 – Werkk Kulturlokal, Baden, Switzerland (solo and with Einar Solberg) October 4 – ProgPower Europe, Baarlo, Netherlands (with Einar Solberg)
AVALAND’s third studio album “Chemical Poetry” is coming on October 30 via Storytium SAS. “This album is like a movie, a musical, or a play. Each song is unique, bringing the listener in a specific mood, atmosphere, and questioning”, the French band proudly describes. Indeed, the fantasy adventure metal opera “Chemical Poetry” takes listeners on a musical and emotional roller coaster ride, as the tracks showcase the band’s musical range: with a base in heavy metal, power metal, and symphonic metal, incorporating elements of Broadway-style musicals, alongside parts that could just as easily fit into soundtracks somewhere between oldschool Disney-esque opulence and the melancholic notes of Danny Elfman/Tim Burton collabs, also including parts of jazz and swing, and sprinkled with a bit of electronic music – AVALAND’s style brings it all together and lies somewhere in between. Yet the band possesses its very own metal sound.
After the releases of the first chapter (“Theater Of Sorcery”, 2021) and the prequel (“The Legend Of The Storyteller”, 2023), AVALAND now turns the page to Chapter 4 of their ongoing opus with their new album “Chemical Poetry”. Recorded and produced by Joost van den Broek (Epica, Powerwolf, Sabaton, Ayreon, Blind Guardian), the band delivers another record designed to be experienced as a part of their immersive epic adventure. As with all AVALAND albums, the story takes place in the enchanted world of Atlandia, a magical realm where legends, heroes, and ancient powers intertwine. At the heart of these tales lies Avaland, the capital city of the kingdom, situated in the western reaches of northern Atlandia. “We sincerely hope ‘Chemical Poetry’ will plunge you into our magical and dreamy realm. In this new album we’ll follow a new Wilstorm (family Wilstorm is the main link between every album) and we’ll be spectators of his destiny. We’ll finally dive into the first part of Avaland’s mythology, but also into more intimate subjects. This chapter embraces both grandeur and very personal treasures”, the band shares about the upcoming album.
“Chemical Poetry” Tracklist 1. When The Night Comes Alive 2. Destiny Calls 3. Alchemy 4. Beauties & Beasts 5. To Fool A Witch 6. Fate 7. Ascension 8. Sail On 9. Face The Eternal 10. Trinity 11. Fallen Leaves 12. Faded Away
The new single “Faded Away” (out: June 26) serves as a dramatic and emotional album closer, bringing this new chapter of AVALAND’s saga to a breathtaking conclusion, accompanied by the release of a spectacular, high-quality music video. Beginning with a fairytale-like atmosphere, the song quickly transforms into soaring Power Metal before unfolding into a grand metal opera finale. Driven by the characters Aylan Wilstorm and the personification of time, the track blends cinematic storytelling with AVALAND’s trademark choir arrangements, weaving together powerful melodies and strong voices in a dramatic confrontation.
“This is the first song we wrote in real collaboration with Lucas and Jeff. Even if I had the ideas for the first themes, it’s a sincere teamwork. I find this closes the album perfectly, leaving a bitter-sweet feeling and making you want to know what’s gonna happen next. I’m happiest about the central part, where I could express all my love for Alan Parsons works. You can’t imagine how happy I was putting in castanets while we were working with Joost on the orchestrations! Another song I can’t wait to bring alive on stage,” says vocalist Adrien.
Born in 2020 from the ambition to be more than a band, AVALAND was conceived as a fully immersive, theatrical live experience. Drawing inspiration from acts such as The Alan Parsons Project, Avantasia, Winger, and Savatage – and fueled by a deep love for 80s hard rock – AVALAND blend orchestral arrangements and metal opera storytelling with dynamic rock and power metal. Adrien G. Gzagg and Jeff Kanji lead the charge with twin male lead vocals forged from steel and fire, while Lucas Martinez shoots his barrage of blazing guitar riffs into the foundation of Camille Souffron’s ferocious bass lines and Léo Mouchonay’s war drums that command the thunder and drive the rhythm. On stage, the band features between two and five voices from within as well as by varying guests, transforming each performance into a truly magical journey.
Inspired by tabletop RPGs and brought to life through monthly lore chapters published on World Anvil, the band invites listeners to follow the ongoing saga of AVALAND that unfolds across albums, songs, and story fragments – where the music is only the beginning. The lore of AVALAND is available on World Anvil, with a new fragment being revealed every month. As RPG storymasters or players, fans can draw from the AVALAND lore and have the fitting soundtrack at the same time.
Caroline Breitler & Band have released the cover art and track list for their upcoming album “ROOTS,” along with the album’s release date: September 25, 2026. The release will be celebrated at a release party on September 26, 2026, in Boswil, Switzerland.
With this, the band continues the tradition of great Swiss hard rock. Produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio, the album “ROOTS” is far more than just another rock album, as the title suggests:
ROOTS is a story about identity. About what keeps us grounded. About the lessons life teaches us— and how we grow by shedding old patterns the way trees shed their leaves in the fall.
With their new album, the Swiss hard rock and melodic metal band—featuring the well-known singer Caroline Breitler—delivers a musical earthquake that’s making waves in the scene. A frontwoman with a voice like a force of nature, three musicians with unmistakable personalities—plus two international heavyweights who join them on the song “If Nobody Loves You”: Mark Fox (SHAKRA) and Ivan Keller (Jelusick). The result? An album that not only rocks but also gets right under your skin, is addictive, and gives you goosebumps left and right.
The band has already given us a first taste with the pre-release single “Sentinel,” and more are on the way! Digital: save-it.cc/epr/sentinel or directly on Spotify. Watch the official video here.
Tracklist:
01 Sentinel 02 Genghis Khan 03 A Million Miles 04 If Nobody Loves You feat. Mark Fox & Ivan Keller 05 In Her Shadow 06 Calling 07 Stuck In The Cold 08 Dad 09 Light To Dark
Live Dates CD Release Party “Swiss Rock Night”, Chillout Boswil, September 26, 2026
Line-up: Caroline Breitler, Vocals Alain Schneble, Guitars Andreas Caplazi, Keyboards
On July 5, 2025, the massive and memorable “Back To The Beginning” concert took place in Birmingham as a farewell show forOzzy Osbourne andBlack Sabbath. Now, the one-year anniversary of the legendary performance is just around the corner, and Ozzy’s family, as well as his hometown, are commemorating it with a dignified gesture.
Due to health reasons, Ozzy Osbourne performed from a throne in the summer of 2025 to celebrate his final major performance in style. However, it was originally built for his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. This throne is now set to be entrusted to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery—where the Ozzy exhibition “Working Class Hero” has been open to visitors since last summer, just before the farewell concert—starting July 1, 2026. This new piece of Ozzy history will become part of that very exhibition.
Sharon Osbourne commented as follows:
“As we approach the one-year anniversary of Back to the Beginning, it feels fitting that Ozzy’s throne, which has now become synonymous with his final performance, would be placed in the museum, where it can be seen by the fans who loved him”
Deborah Harries from the Birmingham City Council added:
“Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham’s most foremost cultural figures, and it is only right that we continue to honour his extraordinary legacy here in the city where his journey began.
“The return of his iconic throne to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery gives fans and visitors a powerful new way to connect with his story at what is an emotional moment, marking a year since his passing.
“This exhibition has already welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and demonstrates the global pull of Birmingham’s musical heritage. We’re proud to support this collaboration with Birmingham Museums Trust and partners, which not only celebrates Ozzy’s life but also brings people into the heart of our city.”
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
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 