Finnish metal band Black .44 is set to release the second studio album Bloodlines on February 7th 2025 via Inverse Records. Their debut album “No Blanks” hit the Official Finnish Album Charts on position #19 in 2015.
“There are many people that lie and get away with it…”. Politics and decision-making at the highest levels throughout history. Rotten apples in baskets. Each of us sees and hears this every day. Many of these decisions send young men to their deaths. Even now. We see it every day. Sometimes it is necessary, sometimes it is based only on corruption and self-interest. Make your own decisions and be awake! Black .44 hits your consciousness hard with their song “The Kingdom” digging deep into these important subjects. WAKE UP!”
THE DEFECT has announced their debut album DEATH X DESTINY is now available for pre-order from FiXT.
DEATH X DESTINY is a visceral journey through themes of pain, loss, and self-destruction, expertly woven into a soundscape of gritty guitars, haunting melodies, and electrifying synths. With DEATH X DESTINY, THE DEFECT brings their bold and emotive vision to the stage exploring a range of influences while pushing sonic boundaries. With an appearance from The Browning on the single “Immortal,” fans of hard rock, alternative metal, and industrial music will find themselves drawn to the unique dual-vocal dynamics between Jonny McBee and Moon, who seamlessly merge sultry melodies with brutal power.
With tracks like “Broken Minds,” a haunting reflection of emotional fragmentation, “Lost In The Shadows,” a darky and sultry duet balancing darkness and light, “Dreamwalker,” an electrifying anthem blending ethereal melodies and brutal breakdowns, and “Eternal (What Do You See?)”, shifting between serene to savage DEATH X DESTINY is a testament to THE DEFECT’s innovative approach, combining gritty guitars, dynamic vocals, and atmospheric synths to create a uniquely powerful and emotionally resonant sound. With their irresistible energy and raw intensity THE DEFECT continues to redefine the landscape of electronic-rock. And they are just getting started.
Releasing with the pre-order “Into The Void” delivers a visceral exploration of pain, loss, and self-destruction, set against a backdrop of haunting melodies and unrelenting intensity. This song captures the raw emotional journey of falling into darkness and the struggle to reclaim oneself. “Into The Void” showcases THE DEFECT’s reputation for blending gripping lyricism with evocative soundscapes, making it a must-feature release for fans of dark and emotional alternative music.
THE DEFECT is an electronic-rock duo founded by The Browning frontman Jonny McBee and debut singer, Moon, in 2023.
With acclaimed albums like Universe (2019), The Unknown (2021) and Hologram (2023), as well as blockbuster tours with the likes of Lacuna Coil, DragonForce and Amaranthe, Los Angeles based cinematic hard rockers EDGE OF PARADISE have strongly established themselves on the heavy music scene. Today they are pleased to unveil their epic sixth studio album and Napalm Records debut, Prophecy, arriving March 7, 2025.
On Prophecy, EDGE OF PARADISE rage against the existential crisis of what is commonly known as “The Singularity,” the prophesized moment in time in which humanity loses control of artificial intelligence, leading to potentially cataclysmic shifts to life as we know it. Band mastermind and enigmatic frontwoman Margarita Monet combats this grim prediction with her vulnerable, self-effacing lyricism, and striking artwork featured on the cover and accompanying earbook. Co-produced with Mike Plotnikoff (Nita Strauss, Apocalyptica, Daughtry, Three Days Grace), mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Arch Enemy, Katatonia, Delain, Evergrey), and incorporated for the first time, 8-string guitars, Prophecy packs extreme firepower for EDGE OF PARADISE’s most intense voyage yet.
Alongside the album announcement, the band unleashes the melodically soaring “Death Note”, a thunderous anthem built on big riffs and harmonious hooks, urging listeners to escape their technological confines and reconnect with humanity. The official music video, directed by Monet, features high quality special effects and deeply immersive sets and costumes, transporting viewers into the band’s rich narrative universe at the EDGE OF PARADISE.
Monet says about the single: “Death Note’ is an intense battle for identity and connection, powered by soaring melodies and an aggressive sound. In a world where digital forces aim to seize control, and greed and conquest have dehumanized existence and stripped away individuality, two souls stand in defiance. Together, they fight to preserve the essence of being alive. Bound by loyalty, determination and human spirit, they risk everything to stand united against the rising tide of control to reclaim what it means to be truly human.”
Prophecy kicks off in explosive fashion with opening track “Death Note”, a bombastic crash through apathetic walls encouraging listeners to break free from their technological isolation, and embrace connection with others over numb comfort alone. “Give It To Me (Mind Assassin)”, cranks up the intensity with an irresistible driving pulse propelled even further by an infectiously dancy chorus. A raucous fight for authenticity and self-realization, “Prophecy Unbound” careens through claustrophobically tight riffage, blossoming into a lush and cathartic belt-along chorus. The winding serpentine melodies of “Falling Light” explode with Monet’s venomous soaring vocals, dancing around ethereal synth textures, enveloping listeners in a sonic gothic cathedral. Released earlier this year, lead single “Rogue (Aim For The Kill)”, is a full throttle industrial rock track about perseverance in the face of seeming unbeatable adversity. “The Other Side of Fear” is an energized rager built on pulsating dance beats and features a standout guitar solo from composer and commander in shred Dave Bates. Prophecy takes a stand against indifference, encouraging listeners to go outside, cry, and embrace all the uncomfortable parts of life that make us human, before comfort driven apathy driven by addictive algorithms bring about our demise.
Prophecy tracklisting: 1 Death Note 2 Give it to Me (Mind Assassin) ( feat. Ben V. from Ludovico) 3 Prophecy Unbound 4 Sad Life of a Rose 5 Rogue (Aim for the Kill) 6 Hear Me 7 The Other Side of Fear 8 Martyr (Monster) 9 Relive Again 10 Falling Light
Always looking for new and innovative ways to engage with fans, Prophecy will release alongside the highly anticipated follow up to the band’s graphic novel Hologram and Slaves to Forever.
Shortly after the release, EDGE OF PARADISE will hit the road supporting Delain on their highly anticipated North American headline tour alongside fellow labelmates Xandria. EDGE OF PARADISE is one of the most exciting bands out there, continuously pushing the envelope musically while welcoming and connecting with fans all over the world.
EDGE OF PARADISE Live 2025:
Supporting Delain’s North American Tour 2025 w/ Xandria 07.03.25 US – Phoenix, AZ / The Nile 08.03.25 US – Los Angeles, CA / Whisky a Go Go 09.03.25 US – Sacramento, CA / Goldfield Trading Post 10.03.25 US – Portland, OR / The Bossanova Ballroom 11.03.25 US – Seattle, WA / El Corazon 13.03.25 US – Salt Lake City, UT / Metro Music Hall 14.03.25 US – Denver, CO / The Oriental Theater 15.03.25 US – Lawrence, KS / Bottleneck 16.03.25 US – Joliet, IL / The Forge 17.03.25 US – Detroit, MI / The Token Lounge 19.03.25 US – Columbus, OH / The King of Clubs 20.03.25 CA – Toronto, ON / Axis 21.03.25 CA – Montreal, QC / Fairmount Theatre 22.03.25 US – Cambridge, MA / Middle East 23.03.25 US – New York, NY / The Gramercy Theatre 24.03.25 US – Baltimore, MD / Soundstage 26.03.25 US – Atlanta, GA / Masquerade (Hell) 28.03.25 US – Dallas, TX / Granada Theater 29.03.25 US – Austin, TX / Come and Take It Live
EDGE OF PARADISE is: Margarita Monet – Vocals, Keys Dave Bates – Guitars Kenny Lockwood – Bass Jamie Moreno – Drums Doug Weiand – Guitars
Reidar Olsen, the man behind DANHEIM, has been producing music all the way back to his teenage years. Focusing mostly on electronic music, it wasn’t until 2016 that he fused his love for music production with his Danish roots. Loosely meaning ‘Danish home’, Danheim is the perfect pairing of old Norse mythology and ambient electronic music that recalls Brian Eno.
Last year, Danheim signed with Season of Mist. Today, he and his new label are returning to the first two albums that sparked his journey. Since they were first released in 2017, Munarvágr and Mannavegr have helped Danheim reach the digital milestone of a billion streams. Now, both albums are being reissued on CD and vinyl for the very first time.
Munarvágr showcases thundering drums, subtle percussion and deep layers of chanting. The album immediately set the tone for Danheim, honoring old Nordic tradition in a majestic and fierce way.
Mannavegr is the album that first displayed Olsen’s brilliance in the studio. The album transports you back to the time of Vikings, while staying rooted in the modern age. Crystal clear production heighten clicks, warhorns, droning synths and clever samples from nature.
Munarvágr Tracklist: 1. Intro (0:44) 2. Vindöld (3:29) 3. Tyrfing (3:27) 4. Tyr (3:41) 5. Temple of Odin (3:23) 6. Myrkviðr (4:33) 7. Munarvagr (3:18) 8. Jörmungandr (3:05) 9. Ivar’s Revenge (3:45) 10. Gjallarhorn (3:07) 11. Floki’s Last Journey (4:11) 12. Call to the Gods (Outro) (1:09) Full runtime: 37:56
Danheim is a Nordic folk/Viking inspired project from the Copenhagen-based Danish producer Reidar Schæfer Olsen, a man with 10 years of experience in electronic and ambient music – focusing on Nordic Folk and Viking age inspired music with a certain Nordic authenticity or mood. Danheim’s music is often composed of ideas and stories based on the darker side of the Viking period, inspired or consisting of Nordic Mythology, old Danish folklore, and a vivid imagination.
Danheim hit 1 billion streams across streaming platforms in 2022, has 585.000 subscribers on YouTube, with music featured in multiple seasons of the popular TV show Vikings.
Early information: Singer-songwriter Reidar Schæfer Olsen, (born in 1985, Brøndby, Denmark), transitioned to focus on music in the early 2000s and has been composing music almost continuously ever since, alongside doing radio shows and starting the indie label Fimbul Records.
With a passion for songwriting running through his veins from an early age, Reidar Olsen’s Viking-inspired music and dark melodies have broadened the Nordic folk genre and inspired millions of listeners around the world, bringing them back in time with a blend of his imagination and creativity.
“A deep connection to his Danish roots and heritage fueled his interest in the Nordic Folk/Viking genre, prompting the creation of Danheim and his indie label Fimbul Records.”
Ǽttartrú, a self-made Scandinavian belief system that reconnects oneself with their ancestors.
Finnish progressive metal band Rioghan is set to release the second studio album ‘Kept’ on February 14th 2025 via Inverse Records. The fourth single ‘Skin’ is released today and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/rioghan-skin
Composed by Jenni Perämäki & Teemu Liekkala
Lyrics by Jenni Perämäki
Arranged by Tero Luukkonen, Antti Varjanne, Valtteri Revonkorpi
ISRC: FI3FC2550103
Cover photo: Aarni Visuals
Cover layout: Sakari Tuokkola
Rioghan comments:
About the single: ‘Skin’ is a story of a very still and short moment in time, which yet holds a life altering experience. It tells about the art of keeping up a mask and a façade, while feeling incredibly shattered and tumultuous inside. Our goal was to also capture this story to the music, keeping it very bare and fragile until the veil lifts for a moment, and gets tied back in the very end.
About the upcoming album release & tour This last single before the album release brings up all kinds of excitement, getting the finishing touches to all materials and trying to figure out what I might’ve forgot.. And also a very strict training season for the live shows to come! It’s been a handful to get all the new songs in order for the live set, but of course so much fun!”
Cover photo: Mikko Parkkonen / Aarni Visuals Cover layout: Sakari Tuokkola
Produced & mixed by Teemu Liekkala Mastered by Miro Kiiski / Miro Mastering
BIOGRAPHY The rising star of modern Finnish metal Rioghan has made an unforgettable expression to the metal scene with their multi-layered musical expression full of surprises. Strikingly beautiful yet violent imagery hand in hand with the music creates an otherworldly experience, easy to fall in love with.
Rioghan’s music is modern metal with progressive twist – ranging from melodic death metal moments to floating dark pop elements, while ethereal gothic darkness walks right beside you all the way.
Based in 2019 around singer-poetess Rioghan Darcy, the band has gained international attention from their very first EP Blackened Sky. Positive remarks grew even heavier with their debut album Different Kinds Of Losses, made in collaboration with Jonas Renkse (Katatonia) and Einar Solberg (Leprous).
The band consists of singer Rioghan Darcy, guitarist Teemu Liekkala (Red Eleven), guitarist Tero Luukkonen (Red Eleven), bassist Antti Varjanne (Joviac, Time Primer), and drummer Valtteri Revonkorpi (Leverage).
Rioghan’s live production consists of hardcore professionals, and every moment is thought through from lights to stage presence. Dedicatedly practiced show was presented to fans in autumn 2024, when Rioghan toured Finland with Wheel in Olympia, Tampere; Sawohouse UG, Kuopio; On The Rocks, Helsinki; Lutakko, Jyväskylä; Finlandia-klubi, Lahti and 45Special, Oulu.
The crowd’s warm welcome with the successful tour ensured Rioghan their place among the future exports to be reckoned with.
Rioghan’s second full length album Kept will be released February 14th 2025.
Modern thrash titans WARBRINGER are thrilled to announce their highly anticipated new album, Wrath And Ruin, out March 14, 2025 via Napalm Records. With 20 years of history and millions of cross platform streams in their wake, ‘best of the year’ nods from the likes of Loudwire and Consequence on 2020’s Weapons Of Tomorrow, and now gearing up for a massive European tour with Decapitated and Cryptopsy this spring, WARBRINGER is poised for their next global assault with their seventh full-length studio release.
On Wrath And Ruin, WARBRINGER continues their furious assault against the powers that be with eight new explosive rippers lyrically focused on inspiring listeners to recognize strength in numbers and actualize their class power. The bonus CD, included with the 2CD and digital versions of the album, boasts 15 incendiary live versions of fan favorites recorded along their “Ravaging Europe 2023” tour. The album features pristine production by Mark Lewis, famous for his work with Cannibal Corpse, Trivium, and The Black Dahlia Murder, mastering by Justin Shturtz (Testament, Sepultura, MachineHead), and album art by the legendary Andreas Marschall, famous for his work with Kreator, Obituary, and In Flames amongst others.
Alongside the album announcement, WARBRINGER have unleashed the breakneck speed metal ripper “A Better World”, lambasting ignorant optimism with forked tongue. The track arrives with a high octane official music video.
About the single and video, frontman John Kevill says:
“When I was younger, I used to think the world would only get better during my life. I know now that isn’t the case. We aren’t going to fix the environment even though we know the consequences, because profits would decrease, so it’s not considered possible. On top of that, our societies keep getting more unequal, with a few people owning most everything, and most people just trying to keep their heads above water. We still won’t feed everyone, but we will fund development of weaponized autonomous drones. Etc etc.
I was reading some social theory stuff (Mark Fisher) some years ago and feeling depressed about my own future in these conditions. I went to a therapist and they basically told me it was all real and legitimate, and that all they could do was give me drugs so I could pretend that I didn’t know all this. I don’t really have time to worry too much, because a bunch of bills are always due. I also stopped dreaming for a year or two, which I found scary. I tried to bottle this feeling into ‘A Better World’ – I don’t think I’m the only one.
The video was made by Juan Rodriguez, who we worked with on ‘Crushed Beneath the Tracks’, and shows WARBRINGER going hard – what we do best. The song has a melodic death-tinged riff penned by Adam Carroll, with arrangements by thrash maestro Carlos Cruz. To me, it gives the feeling of being stuck on some accelerated loop that won’t slow down. Hope you guys enjoy the first taste of Wrath And Ruin, there’s a lot more to come!”
Wrath And Ruin’s destructive opening duo of “The Sword And The Cross” and “A Better World” quickly kick the gates of cataclysm open with broodingly dark guitar work and virtuosic precision. Frontman John Kevill’s passionate proclamations are as potent as ever, mocking those who scoffed at clear harbingers of societal collapse with their misguided optimism. “Neuromancer” rides low and steady with blast master Carlos Cruz putting some serious stank on an irresistible battle vest fist pumper. “The Jackhammer” sees the band explode into a frenzy with chaotic riffage and ear splitting pinch dives. “Through A Glass, Darkly” indulges in deliciously gothic chord work and melodic leads embellishing Kevill’s already hellish vocal fry. “Strike From The Sky” is trademark thrash excellence quickly followed by the atmospheric, true cult epic “Cage Of Air,” with its tensely ornate dueling guitars on full display. Album closer “The Last Of My Kind” continues this dark gothic path with syncopated octave runs dancing around tightly dueling melodeath riffage.Wrath And Ruin sees WARBRINGER indulging in the darker elements of their sound, for an uncompromising and unflinching exploration of life’s most bitter pills.
Wrath And Ruin tracklisting:
CD1 1 The Sword And The Cross 2 A Better World 3 Neuromancer 4 The Jackhammer 5 Through A Glass, Darkly 6 Strike From The Sky 7 Cage Of Air 8 The Last of My Kind
CD 2 1 Firepower Kills (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 2 The Black Hand Reaches Out (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 3 Crushed Beneath the Tracks (Live in Nantes, France – April 20th, 2023) 4 Living Weapon (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 5 Woe to the Vanquished (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 6 Living in a Whirlwind (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 7 Guitar Solo/ Outer Reaches (Live in Nantes, France – April 20th, 2023) 8 Shellfire (Live in Munich, Germany – April 5th, 2023 9 Descending Blade (Live in Krakow, Poland – April 4th, 2023) 10 Hunter-Seeker (Live in Krakow, Poland – April 4th, 2023) 11 Defiance of Fate (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 12 Silhouettes (Live in Nantes, France – April 20th, 2023) 13 Remain Violent (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 14 Combat Shock (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023) 15 Total War (Live in Budapest, Hungary – April 7th, 2023)
WARBRINGER are currently gearing up to embark on the massive “Infernal Bleeding Over Europe 2025” tour in support of death metal legends Decapitated alongside Cryptopsy, and Carnation kicking off May 3, 2025 at London’s Incineration fest.
See the complete list of dates below.
Infernal Bleeding Over Europe 2025 WARBRINGER Supporting Decapitated w/Cryptopsy & Carnation
03.05.25 UK – London / Incineration Fest 04.05.25 UK – Exeter / Phoenix 05.05.25 UK – Cardiff / The Globe 06.05.25 UK – Newcastle / Anarchy Brewery 07.05.25 UK – Glasgow / Slay 08.05.25 UK – Manchester / Academy 2 09.05.25 UK – Birmingham / XOYO 10.05.25 UK – Nottingham / Rescue Rooms 11.05.25 UK – Norwich / The Waterfront 13.05.25 FR – Lille / The Black Lab 14.05.25 NL – Enschede / Metropool 15.05.25 DE – Munich / Backstage 16.05.25 CH – Aarau / KiFF 17.05.25 DE – Lindau / Vaudeville 18.05.25 AT – Vienna / Szene 19.05.25 HU – Budapest / Dürer Kert 20.05.25 CZ – Prague / Fuchs2 21.05.25 DE – Schweinfurt / Stattbahnhof 22.05.25 DE – Dresden / Blauer Salon 23.05.25 PL – Kraków / Hype Park 24.05.25 PL – Warsaw / Proxima 26.05.25 DE – Berlin / Hole44 27.05.25 DK – Aarhus / Voxhall 28.05.25 DE – Hamburg / Logo 29.05.25 DE – Vechta / Gulfhaus 30.05.25 DE – Dortmund / Junkyard 31.05.25 BE – Sint-Niklaas / Casino 01.06.25 FR – Paris / La Machine 03.06.25 DE – Frankfurt / Das Bett 04.06.25 DE – Karlsruhe / Substage 05.06.25 IT – Milan / Legend Club 06.06.25 IT – Bologna / Locomotiv 07.06.25 FR – Lyon / Lions Metal Fest
WARBRINGER is: John Kevill – Vocals Adam Carroll – Guitar Carlos Cruz – Drums Chase Becker – Guitar Chase Bryant – Bass
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
