Echoes of the Extinct from Jyväskylä, Finland kicks off with an aggressive death metal track that also has groovy riffs and a powerful chorus. Progressive elements shape the song further, leading into an extended mid section with dark, spoken parts that grow into an instrumental passage. A varied outro underlines the ultimate message: humanity’s selfish and ignorant choices have sown the seeds of ecological catastrophe and total annihilation. The extinction is of our own making.
“Last Page” is the first single from the Echoes of the Extinct’s debut album to be released later this year.
After the release of their fourth full-length record Nuklearth in 2020, the nuclear quintet Cytotoxin strikes back with their second standalone single ‘Condemnesia’. The band continue their blast of a musical and lyrical concept, tackling the catastrophic incident at the Chernobyl power plant in 1986.
With this second standalone single, Cytotoxin underline their instrumental skills, as well as vocal variety, and demonstrates that technical death metal can indeed be melodic and catchy. ‘Condemnesia’ sheds light on the victims of the Chernobyl incident, who suffered from acute radiation sickness and describes the desperate and hopeless situation for affected individuals and physicians in the Soviet hospitals.
Cytotoxin have recently announced brand new EU/UK tour dates for April and May this year. A full list of confirmed shows can be found below.
Cytotoxin EU/UK dates: 10/04/25 Berlin, DE 11/04/25 Magdeburg, DE 12/04/25 Chemnitz, DE 13/04/25 Hamburg, DE 14/04/25 Hannover, DE 15/04/25 Essen, DE 16/04/25 Chaleroi, BE 17/04/25 Paris, FR 18/04/25 Strasbourg, FR 19/04/25 Aalen, DE 20/04/25 Lindau, DE 21/04/25 Weinheim, DE 24/05/25 Manchester, UK
On the night of 26th April, 1986 an explosion at the Chernobyl power plant changed the course of the world.
Inspired by this catastrophe, the German death metal band Cytotoxin emerged in 2010, bringing a new level of intensity to the genre. By fusing technical and brutal riffs while thematizing the devastating effects of the reactor disaster, they quickly drew attention in the scene. Their debut album, Plutonium Heaven (2011), was a self-produced powerhouse, followed by their second record, Radiophobia (2012), which secured them a three-album deal with American label Unique Leader Records.
Cytotoxin quickly gained a reputation for their explosive live performances and razor-sharp precision on their instruments. Their third album, Gammageddon (2017), solidified their place in the tech death community, while their fourth album, Nuklearth (2020), showcased their versatility and songwriting capabilities. Following numerous European tours and major festival shows, Cytotoxin just made their U.S. and Canadian debut in November 2024. Now, they are ready to conquer new territories with their two new singles ‘Hope Terminator’ and ‘Condemnesia’ in hand.
Keep your gas mask ready, as the radiation spreads across the globe!
Cytotoxin are: Vocals – Sebastian „Grimo“ Grihm Guitar – Fabrice „Fonzo“ Töpfer Guitar – Jason „Mathias“ Melidonie Bass – Vitalis „V.T.“ Kast Drums – Maximilian Panzer
ROBIN MCAULEY proudly shares the title track from his upcoming solo album, ‘Soulbound,’ due February 28th via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-Order HERE
About the single, MCAULEY shared this:
“Very excited about the release of another single ‘Soulbound’ the title track from my new and third solo record on Frontiers Music Srl. I can’t wait for you to hear this and I know you are going to love it.
“Give it a like 👍🏻 and share it on your social media platforms and I look forward to reading your comments.
“You guys Rock!!! PLAY IT LOUD!!!”
His new solo album sees MCAULEY’s voice continuing to defy time, sounding as inspired and powerful as ever. Definitively more guitar-driven straight hard rock compared to his previous albums, ‘Soulbound’ is still wonderfully melodic, infectious, and fist-in-the-air uplifting.
MCAULEY comments on the album:
“I can’t wait to share Record #3 with you all from Frontiers Music SRL. ‘Soulbound’ is a much edgier, harder guitar-driven record than my previous two for the label. In addition, I’m working with a new producer from the Frontiers label, Aldo Lonobile, who brought these songs to life with his Kick-Ass production.”
‘Soulbound’ showcases the respected Irish rock singer’s desire to make a strong musical statement in what is proving to be his most creative period.
After reemerging on the recording side of the music industry with guest spots on Michael Schenker Fest albums and tours in addition to fronting the hard rock supergroup Black Swan, MCAULEY was (and still is) feeling invigorated and ready to explore even more creative output to let the world see that his voice is still as powerful as ever.
Work for ‘Soulbound’ began in early 2024, following an intense musical period in between tour dates and studio work. With a slightly different production approach compared to the previous album, ROBIN’s vocal performance here is simply outstanding. Truly an iconic voice of the genre, ‘Soulbound’ solidly delivers the more hard and heavy aspects of this respected artist.
ROBIN’s backing band includes some of the previous artists who appeared with him on previous efforts, including guitarist Andrea Seveso, as well as some new talent such as guitarist Alessandro Mammola and drummer Alfonso Mocerino.
‘Soulbound’ is produced by Aldo Lonobile.
‘Soulbound’ Track List: 1. ‘Til I Die 2. Soulbound 3. The Best of Me 4. Crazy 5. Let It Go 6. Wonders of the World 7. One Good Reason 8. Bloody Bruised and Beautiful 9. Paradise 10. Born To Die 11. There Was A Man
Credits: Produced By: Aldo Lonobile Studio: TMH Studio, Institute Of Noise LA Recorded By: Aldo Lonobile, except vocals recorded by Andy Zuckerman Mixed By: Aldo Lonobile Mastered By: Aldo Lonobile
Robin McAuley is widely recognized as one of the great singers of a golden period in hard rock music. His voice can be heard on albums from Grand Prix and Far Corporation, and of course, on the chart-topping MSG records ‘Perfect Timing,’ ‘Save Yourself,’ and ‘MSG.’ Through these releases, he was introduced to hard rock fans around the globe, who no doubt recognized the inherent talent and skill in his vocal abilities.
Once he departed MSG, McAuley released one solo record in 1999, then joined AOR legends Survivor. He then re-grouped with Schenker in Michael Schenker Fest on their recent records ‘Resurrection’ and ‘Revelation,’ And of course, in what was an absolute revelation to hard rock fans around the world, in 2020, he came out swingin’ as the frontman of the supergroup Black Swan, where he joined forces with Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, ex-Dokken), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr Big).
Band Members: Robin McAuley – Vocals Andrea Seveso, Alessandro Mammola – Guitars Aldo Lonobile – Bass/additional guitars Alfonso Mocerino – Drums
In support of their new studio offering “Oase”, released on November 22, 2024 through Stickman Records, Weite — the prog-psych/krautrock band featuring Nicholas DiSalvo (Elder, Delving), Michael Risberg (Elder, delving), Ingwer Boysen (delving), Ben Lubin (Lawns) and Fabien deMenou (Perilymph) — have geared up for their much-awaited album release tour, kicked off yesterday, Friday in Halle, Germany! Make sure to catch Weite live at the following dates:
Weite Live, upcoming shows: 11.01. Berlin (DE), Neue Zukunft 12.01. Dresden (DE), Ostpol 13.01. Jena (DE), KuBa 14.01. Potsdam (DE), Archiv 15.01. Kiel (DE), Hansa48 16.01. Hamburg (DE), Hafenklang 17.01. Bochum (DE), Die Trompete 18.01. Leuven (BE), Sojo 19.01. Nijmegen (NL), De Onderbroek 21.01. Darmstadt (DE), Bessunger Knabenschule 22.01. Munich (DE), Import Export 23.01. Würzburg (DE), Immerhin 24.01. Prague (CZ), Klub 007 25.01. Nürnberg (DE), Z-Bau
Weite was formed in Berlin in winter 2022 by bassist Ingwer Boysen recruiting drummer Nick DiSalvo and guitarists Michael Risberg and Ben Lubin. Initially intended as a one-off recording session, the four recognized an obvious musical chemistry and common ground and decided to turn the project into a proper band. Keyboardist Fabien deMenou joined in 2024.
“Oase” is their sophomore album, and the follow-up to the band’s 2023 debut LP “Assemblage”. Clocking in at almost an hour, “Oase” — German for “Oasis” — takes listeners on an intricate and textured journey that draws inspiration from the pioneering spirit of 70s psychedelic rock, blending influences from “Canterbury scene” prog, Krautrock, early electronica, post rock, and Americana. The new album showcases Weite‘s ability to merge the old with the new, creating an immersive, exploratory sound that moves from contemplative and pastoral to riffy and doomy without ever sacrificing melody. “Oase” is characterized by longer expansive, atmospheric compositions yet is undoubtedly more composed than the band’s debut, with more of a focus on songs, albeit in the broader sense of the word. With the focus on melody, texture and mood— although not necessarily always in that order — Weite create a sound that’s intricate and meditative, inviting the listener to embark on a journey through shifting soundscapes and evolving musical narratives.
“We’re really proud of this album and worked super hard to channel all our influences into it: everything from the 70s prog we all love, to krautrock, americana and ambient, among other stuff,”Ben Lubin recently said.“It’s definitely much stronger compositionally-speaking because of it, and we’re a much better band after gigging over the past year since the first LP came out.”
“Weite has come to embody a sort of collective spirit both within the band and within our little Berlin scene – musicians and friends, all in a seemingly rotating cast with each others’ bands, as guest musicians, tour help, etc.”, Nick DiSalvo adds. “Each member takes the strengths and experiences from their other projects and pours it into our music, which results in a pretty interesting mashup, especially the longer we play together. “Oase” is for me personally an homage to the little oases in life: the couch, the rehearsal space, and yes, even the Späti – a Berlin biotope, a small convenience store where you can sit and take a break from the daily stress and enjoy a drink, a smoke or a conversation.”
Kicking off 2025 with a bang, high-energy rock’n’roll royalty, THE HELLACOPTERS, have released another smashing single from their upcoming new studio album Overdriver, which is due out on January 31st.
‘Do You Feel Normal‘ is one of the most captivating and uplifting songs on the album despite its lyrical themes, which are dealing with alienation and solitude. THE HELLACOPTERS have written many hits in their career, and this one easily belongs in the top row. Its enticing lead melody and chorus could become your first addiction in 2025.
The sharp looking music video for ‘Do You Feel Normal‘ was shot at the beautiful historic amusement park Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Sweden, which first opened its gates in 1883. It was directed by Johan Bååth & you can watch the clip below.
Please scroll to the bottom for all confirmed live dates for THE HELLACOPTERS. Get your tickets now as they’re moving fast!
THE HELLACOPTERS LIVE 2025 31.01. SE Stockholm – Vasateatern – SOLD OUT 01.02. SE Stockholm – Vasateatern – SOLD OUT 02.02. SE Stockholm – Vasateatern 06.02. FI Tampere – Tavara-asema 07.02. FI Helsinki – House of Culture – SOLD OUT 12.02. NO Oslo – Rockefeller – SOLD OUT 13.02. SE Gothenburg – Pustervik 14.02. SE Gothenburg – Pustervik – SOLD OUT 15.02. SE Lund – Mejeriet 14.04. DE Cologne, Carlswerk 15.04. DE Munich – Muffathalle 16.04. DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 17.04. DE Hamburg – Docks 18.04. DK Copenhagen – Pumpehuset 19.04. SE Helsingborg – The Tivoli 24.04.-27.04. SE Sälen – Ski & Rock 09.05.-13.05. US Miami,FL – Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise 23.05.-25.05. DE Berlin – Desertfest 19.06.-21.06. ES Vitoria-Gasteiz – Azkena Rock Festival 19.06.-22.06. FR Clisson – Hellfest 30.07.-02-08. DE Wacken – Wacken Festival 08.08.-10.08. BE Kortrijk – Alcatraz
The pioneers of melodic death metal are back, and they’re ready to redefine the genre they helped create. THE HALO EFFECT, a band formed by some of the most iconic names in the Gothenburg metal scene, today proudly announces the release of their highly anticipated new album, March Of The Unheard.
More than just a nod to their iconic roots, March Of The Unheardboldly announces that melodic death metal is still evolving. Thirty years after their members first propelled the Gothenburg sound to global prominence, THE HALO EFFECT proves there’s no shortage of fresh ideas and electrifying energy in the genre.
As a testemony of the album’s ferocity, THE HALO EFFECT has released a stunning video for the lead single ‘What We Become’. A quintessential display of the Gothenburg sound, the track is a masterclass in melodic aggression, featuring razor-sharp guitar leads, driving percussion, and shout-along hooks that have kept metalheads enthralled for generations.
The video perfectly captures the song’s intensity and the band’s vision.
Frontman Mikael Stanne comments:”The wait is over! Our second album drops today and we could not be more proud of this one. The level of confidence, experience and love of the craft is beyond evident in these songs and to finally be able to share it with all you feels amazing. First up though, just to make sure that you get the album on day one, is our brand new video for the song ‘What We Become’! This song is all about how our emotions can break us down and transform our very being through depression, self doubt and insecurity. The video which we shot in an ice cold barn in the middle of nowhere with director Johan Carlén gives the song the right kind of mystique and sense of being forgotten or silenced. Enjoy!”
Shortly after the album´s release, the band will embark on their first ever headline tour across Europe. Industrial outfit and label mates PAIN will be special guest on this tour and to round up this great package, melo-death shooting stars from Finland, BLOODRED HOURGLASS, will join as support.
HALOS OVER EUROPE 2025 SPECIAL GUEST: PAIN SUPPORT: BLOODRED HOURGLAS 15.01. NO Oslo – Vulkan Arena (without PAIN) 16.01. DK Copenhagen – Amager Bio 17.01. DE Hamburg – Markthalle SOLD OUT 18.01. DE Cologne – Essigfabrik SOLD OUT 19.01. NL Haarlem – Patronaat 21.01. UK Bristol – The Fleece LOW TICKETS 22.01. UK Glasgow – Slay 23.01. UK Wolverhampton – KK´s Steel Mill 24.01. UK Manchester – Manchester Club Academy 25.01. UK London – Electric Ballroom 26.01. BE Antwerp – Trix 28.01. FR Paris – Bataclan 29.01. DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp 31.01. DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn LOW TICKETS 01.02. DE Munich – Backstage LOW TICKETS 02.02. CH Solothurn – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl 04.02. DE Berlin – Kulturbrauerei Kesselhaus 05.02. DE Leipzig – Hellraiser LOW TICKETS 06.02. AT Vienna – Arena Wien LOW TICKETS 07.02. HU Budapest – Barba Negra Blue Stage 08.02. CZ Brno – Sono Centrum 09.02. PL Warsaw – Progresja
without PAIN 11.02. FI Helsinki – Tavastia SOLD OUT 12.02. FI Tampere – Tavara Asema LOW TICKETS 14.02. SE Stockholm – Fallan 15.02. SE Gothenburg – Gothenburg Studios
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
