Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of EYE OF MELIAN – the Tolkien-inspired symphonic project founded by Martijn Westerholt (Delain) and Finnish vocalist Johanna Kurkela (Auri). Alongside this exciting partnership, the band unveils their new album, Forest of Forgetting, set for release on February 20, 2026.
Named after a powerful primordial singing spirit from the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, EYE OF MELIAN draws deeply from his mythic lore and incorporates it into their breathtaking musical universe. Forest of Forgetting presents a spellbinding masterclass in symphonic storytelling, so immersive and dreamlike that reality gently drifts away. As a first glimpse into this enchanted world, the band releases the single “Blackthorn Winter”. Ethereal and cinematic, the track captures EYE OF MELIAN’s signature movie score-like sound: lush orchestration, elegant melodies, and an otherworldly atmosphere that invites listeners to step beyond the veil and into realms of pure imagination.
Johanna Kurkela about “Blackthorn Winter”: “‘Blackthorn Winter’ ended up becoming a very personal song to me after writing the lyrics about living here in Finland, where winter feels like it never ends and summer is the best day of the year.”
With this opulent album, EYE OF MELIAN extends an invitation to faraway lands full of wonder. Forest of Forgetting unfolds as quite the opposite of its title: utterly unforgettable.
Martijn Westerholt about Forest of Forgetting: “This album has been a really inspiring process – both for me as a songwriter and in what each of us brought to it. It has a lot of what EYE OF MELIAN is known for: cinematic, score-like arrangements, minor chords, and those epic, mysterious atmospheres. The lyrics tie everything together; they bring out the worlds and stories that the music hints at and make the whole thing feel complete. The collaboration between us on this record felt very natural. We’ve really found our way of working as a team, and I’m proud of what we created together.”
Completing the all-star lineup on their debut with Napalm Records are orchestral arranger Mikko P. Mustonen and backing vocalist and lyricist Robin La Joy, blessing twelve lush compositions with immortal life. Mesmerizing from the first gentle notes of opening track “Of Willows And Shadows”, Forest of Forgetting weaves otherworldly piano melodies and epic strings around angelic vocals worthy of the powerful Valar themselves. “Child Of Twilight” deepens EYE OF MELIAN’s dreamy and bombastic Hollywood movie score approach, carefully building up an exceptionally enchanting atmosphere that carries on into the equally cinematic “Blackthorn Winter”, ever so elegantly broadening the view into the alluring realms the band is melodizing. “Dawn Of Avatars” features Nightwish multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley on flute and uilleann pipes, as well as hurdy-gurdy fairy Patty Gurdy, before EYE OF MELIAN turns in the direction of heavy metal with a charming rendition of Bruce Dickinson’s anthem “Tears Of The Dragon” (originally released on Balls To Picasso in 1994 after the singer had left Iron Maiden). Forest of Forgetting also comes with all its tracks as instrumental versions to dwell in the impressive orchestrals alone.
Forest of Forgetting tracklisting:
Of Willows and Shadows
Symphonia Arcana
Child of Twilight
Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Blackthorn Winter
Lady of Light
Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Forest of Forgetting
The Buried Well
The Mirror
Nepenthe
Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover)
EYE OF MELIAN Live 2026
20.02.26 NL – Zwolle / Hedon – album release show
Forest of Forgetting Over Finland 10.03.26 FI – Kitee / Kiteesali 12.03.26 FI – Espoo / Sellosali 13.03.26 FI – Kouvola / Pato-klubi 18.03.26 FI – Rovaniemi / Korundi 19.03.26 FI – Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo 20.03.26 FI – Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri 21.03.26 FI – Raahe / Raahesali 24.03.26 FI – Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri 26.03.26 FI – Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali 27.03.26 FI – Kuopio / Maxim 28.03.26 FI – Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi
EYE OF MELIAN are: Martijn Westerholt – Keys and Orchestral arrangements Johanna Kurkela – Vocals and Violin Robin La Joy – Backing Vocals Mikko P Mustonen – Keys and Orchestral arrangements
THERION announce their live album Con Orquesta, physically out January 30, 2026 via Napalm Records. The Swedish symphonic metal pioneers made history once again in 2024 by performing live with a full orchestra, 17 years after their last monumental shows of this kind. Following their unforgettable appearances in Romania (2006) and Hungary (2007), the legendary outfit returned to the orchestral stage in spectacular fashion for their very first arena show, captivating a sold-out crowd of 11,000 at Mexico City Arena. This monumental performance will be forever etched into the band’s legacy – brought to life for fans as a limited physical release, and available in stunning detail on DVD and BluRay.
A first glimpse into the record is “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah”. Arguably THERION’s biggest song – it has amassed almost eight million streams on Spotify – this stand-out track originally released on Vovin in 1998 impressively shows the band’s artistry. Blending metal with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, this rendition of the beloved song is truly one of a kind.
THERION about “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah”: “‘The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah’ is our most popular song and it was an obvious choice for this event. But it is also one of the most suitable songs to perform live with orchestra.”
Con Orquesta marks a celebration of the THERION universe proving once more why they remain the undisputed pioneers of symphonic metal. A must-have for every fan and collector!
Christofer Johnsson about Con Orquesta: “In the past, our concept was more like THERION going classical, with the band and the symphonic orchestra meeting on an equal basis. Thus, we did a fully orchestral version of one song and it was divided almost 50/50 between playing THERION songs and classical excerpts being rearranged for band and orchestra. This time, however, I wanted to take a different approach. I invited a renowned conductor and composer from Mexico to reinterpret our songs by adding new arrangements and expanding the originals with the orchestra. They also wrote some new intros and small interludes, making this a truly authentic Mexican interpretation of THERION live with orchestra.”
After the two European experiences, THERION mastermind Christofer Johnsson was uncertain whether he would ever bring another orchestra live project back to life. In the end, his decision proved more than worthwhile. Together with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, the band delivered an incomparable symphonic metal spectacle, enriching classics with new arrangements and expanding their sonic universe in grand, orchestral style.
The Con Orquesta setlist spans THERION’s illustrious career with 20 tracks in total, blending fan favorites, symphonic epics, and rare gems. As a bonus, it also features exclusive rehearsal material. From powerful classics like “The Blood of Kingu”, “To Mega Therion” and “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah” to emotional highlights such as “The Birth of Venus Illegitima”, “Siren of the Woods”, and “Lemuria”, the performance bridges eras of the band’s history. Unique inclusions like the Marie Laforêt cover “Mon Amour mon Ami” and Sylvie Vartan cover “La Maritza” showcase THERION’s genre-defying artistry, while the massive “Draconian Trilogy” and “Via Nocturna” unfold with new orchestral grandeur.
Con Orquesta tracklisting: CD 1
The Blood of Kingu
The Ruler of Tamag
The Birth of Venus Illegitima
Tuonela
Twilight of the Gods
Mon Amour mon Ami
La Maritza
Via Nocturna
Asgård
Draconian Trilogy
CD 2
Ginnungagap
Ten Courts of Diyu
Litany of the Fallen
Siren of the Woods
Son of the Staves of Time
Lemuria
Sitra Ahra
Quetzalcoatl
The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah
To Mega Therion
BluRay/DVD
The Blood of Kingu
The Ruler of Tamag
The Birth of Venus Illegitima
Tuonela
Twilight of the Gods
Mon Amour mon Ami
La Maritza
Via Nocturna
Asgård
Draconian Trilogy
Ginnungagap
Ten Courts of Diyu
Litany of the Fallen
Siren of the Woods
Son of the Staves of Time
Lemuria
Sitra Ahra
Quetzalcoatl
The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah
To Mega Therion
Bonus Material: Rehearsal
THERION are: Christofer Johnsson – Guitar Christian Vidal – Guitar Christopher Davidsson – Bass Sami Karppinen – Drums Thomas Vikström – Vocals Rosalia Sairem – Vocals Lori Lewis – Vocals
Beginning Saturday, June 13, Wardruna in collaboration with Over Oslo, are curating a concert evening where musical traditions from the north are woven together with a modern soundscape. The evening will be hosted at Grefsenkollen, at the spectacular amfi that is known for its stunning views overlooking the Oslo fjord. Joining the lineup are the acclaimed Mari Boine and Gåte performing an acoustic set. More artists will be announced in the following weeks.
Einar Selvik comments the curated show: “Nordic Night has been held in various forms on different continents. We have always focused on presenting our art – and that of others – in surroundings that are adapted to and complement our music. This is also the first time we are curating Nordic Night in Norway, and we are very excited to invite some fantastic artists to an equally fantastic venue in Oslo – Grefsenkollen!”
The following day, Sunday, June 14, Wardruna and By Norse Music will host a special event at Riksscenen, Oslo. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Wardruna’s musical world through workshops led by band members, focusing on voice and traditional instruments.
A single ticket grants access to all workshops, and fans can also browse merchandise from Wardruna and selected By Norse artists. In the afternoon, a free and open meet & greet with the band will take place.
Workshop details and times will be announced soon.
Belgium’s most unpredictable electro-fun-metal act BOUM PATAT are back with “Putain De Moustique”, a track taken from the debut album Ma Belgitude, out now via Wormholedeath.
We’ve all been there—trying to sleep, only to be tortured by the high-pitched buzz of a mosquito that refuses to quit. BOUM PATAT turns that universal frustration into a full-blown metal showdown in “Putain De Moustique.” With pounding riffs, infectious beats, and lyrics as hilarious as they are relatable, the track takes life’s tiniest enemy and makes it worthy of a mosh pit. Equal parts heavy, absurd, and fun, it’s the kind of song that makes you laugh, rage, and double-check your bedroom window screens.
Previous videos: Boum Patat: Watch Je Suis Zat (Music Video): Watch Mort Subite: Watch
About:
BOUM PATAT is the new electro fun metal project by Belgian musician Olivier Wittenberg, former drummer-composer of Manic Movement. In the 2000s, he toured Europe with bands like Kreator, Moonspell, and Psychotic Waltz, and played major festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting.
After a long break, he returns with Ma Belgitude, a self-produced solo debut that blends heavy metal, Belgian humor, and old-school electronic sounds. BOUM PATAT breaks metal’s usual codes—serious and absurd at once, mixing groove, industrial, and electronic punch with offbeat themes and playful visuals.
Live, the project becomes a trio with Laurent Soulasse (bass) and Maxime Demulder (drums).
Line up: Olivier Wittenberg – vocals, songwriter, composer, producer, instruments Jérémie Vasile – guitar
In honor of Veterans Day, legendary Southern Rock band LYNYRD SKYNYRD are proud to share their new live video, “Red White and Blue (Feat. Donnie Van Zant),” taken from their recently released album, ‘Celebrating 50 Years – Live At The Ryman,’out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
This powerful live recording stands as both a salute to the band’s enduring legacy and a tribute to the men and women who have served. With its raw emotion, timeless message, and the unmistakable spirit of LYNYRD SKYNYRD, “Red White and Blue (Feat. Donnie Van Zant)” embodies everything that has made the band a cornerstone of American music for five decades.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD’s new live album and DVD celebrates their groundbreaking southern sound that changed rock forever. Spectacularly capturing the band’s historic 50th-anniversary concert at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the project features the final performance of founding member Gary Rossington who passed away less than five months later.
The new album showcases the band’s unparalleled energy and their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger, putting a spotlight on LYNYRD SKYNYRD’s lasting legacy in music history, filled with iconic hits such as “Freebird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and so many more. ‘Celebrating 50 Years – Live at the Ryman’ also features guest appearances by Jelly Roll, Marcus King, John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Brent Smith (Shinedown), and Donnie Van Zant (Van Zant & .38 Special).
Order ‘Celebrating 50 Years – Live At The Ryman’ HERE
With over 28 million records sold in the U.S. and a sound as iconic as the American culture it celebrates, LYNYRD SKYNYRD continues to inspire fans of all ages while embodying the very soul of Southern rock. From their humble Jacksonville beginnings, through tragedy, reunion, and redemption, the band has earned its place on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” – as well as a prominent spot in the hearts of generations.
Since assembling in 2013, Alkaloid have known no bounds. Fresh from the minds who brought metalheads Obscura, Triptykon and Dark Fortress, the supergroup has rearranged the very composition of progressive death metal. Their three studio albums are widely acclaimed for synthesizing seemingly opposing forces. Worldly polyrhythms are bent to shape sci-fi storylines, only to morph into brutally catchy choruses. However, last summer, the quintet conducted a truly one-of-a-kind experiment, the kind that only a maestro an perform.
Today, Alkaloid are announcing their very first live album. Recorded live in the Netherlands during three special performances, Bach Out of Bounds brings the classical world in conversation with the heaviest of underground arts. Joined by an award-winning ensemble of vocalists, accordion and string players, the band present wildly re-imagined arrangements of three compositions from Johann Sebastian Bach, while also infusing the heart and soul of the classic composer into their own songs.
Along with fresh takes on fan favorites from Numen and The Malkuth Grimoire, Bach Out of Bounds introduces two new songs to Alkaloid’s cannon. “Haunter of the Void” looks deep into an unknown future, but its far-out tale is guided by the progressive metal maestro’s cosmically crushing virtuoso.
“We’re always open for an artistic challenge”, says Morean, Alkaloid’s vocalist and guitarist. “When Bach Out of Bounds, came our way, we fully embraced the adventure to show yet another side of Alkaloid. We were lucky to be supported by guest artists who share our vision and passion for defying boundaries”.
“‘Haunter of the Void’ was especially commissioned for this show”, Morean continues. “The song translates Bach and 18th century polyphony into Alkaloid’s sonic universe by applying Baroque counterpoint composition techniques to our own scales and harmonies. This 10-minute epic links Bach and Alkaloid without diluting our identity one iota”.
Watch Alkaloid perform “Haunter of the Void” live at Bachfestival 2024:
Bach Out of Bounds – Live in the Netherlands comes out January 23, 2026 on Season of Mist.
Even though it was commissioned specially for this performance by the Dutch Performing Arts Fund (FPK), “Haunter of the Void” couldn’t have come from any other mind but Alkaloid’s. After all, the band has already charted a multi-part saga about a galactic civilization that reaches god-like levels. Their latest space odyssey follows a digitized brain into the void, where it must defy the impossible in order to protect what little hope remains for a long-dead Earth.
“Thrown to the darkness / To survive“, Morean and soprano Chrysa Tsaltampasi call out to each other as if drifting into a black hole.
“Haunter of the Void” truly expands Alkaloid’s universe. Applying Bach’s polyphonic composition techniques has deepened the band’s gravitational pull. Accordion, violin and cello streak like shooting stars beneath the meteoric riffs and laser-like solos of new guitarists Max Blok and Justin Hombach. With drums rumbling ahead at warped-speed, the song climbs to a head-banging crescendo that sent the crowd at Bachfestival home happy with their minds fully blown.
“The audience who came and saw these performances went crazy for it”, Morean remembers. “I’m so happy that we can now share them with people everywhere. People aren’t going to know what hit them. Bach Out of Bounds is very different from what other metal bands – or even Alkaloid – normally do”.
The video for “Haunter of the Void” was filmed live at the 2024 Bachfestival in Dordrecht, Netherlands. It was created by Thomas Niehof / Creative Headroom & Lindy Balduk Photography.
Tracklist 1. Allegro (BWV 1052-I) (8:28) 2. Adagio – All Is Vanity (BWV 1052-II) (6:56) 3. Beneath the Sea (7:25) 4. Cthulhu (5:59) 5. Haunter of the Void (10:11) [WATCH] 6. A Fool’s Desire (8:54) 7. Agnus Dei (BWV 232) (6:24) 8. The Fungi from Yuggoth (7:47)
Alkaloid know no bounds. Morean, Hannes Grossmann, Linus Klausenitzer and Christian Münzner had already defied the laws of the metalverse as members of Obscura, Triptykon and Dark Fortress, but since banding together as a supergroup in 2013, they have rearranged the very composition of progressive death metal. Their three studio albums fuse everything from worldly polyrhythms and sci-fi concepts to monstrous growls, brutally technical riffs and infectious choruses.
“German collective Alkaloid bucks the trend often associated with bands fitted with the ‘supergroup’ tag”, Angry Metal Guy wrote in praise of their last LP Numen. “Alkaloid established a unique sound from the onset, their cosmic, science fiction-infused technical and progressive death metal formula featuring a futuristic, otherworldly vibe and melodic, experimental flair”.
Despite their already impressive discography, during the summer of 2024, Alkaloid conducted a boundary-pushing performance that, once and for all, proved their alchemical mastery. With their new live album Bach Out of Bounds, the band build fascinating parallels between their unmatched compositions and revered composer Johann Sebastien Bach. Joined by an award-winning ensemble of vocalists, accordion and string players, the metal maestros prove that Bach’s music is as relevant today as it’s always been by projecting his Baroque style through a lens that’s radically different – and way heavier.
Bach Out of Bounds brings three of the composer’s classics in conversation with the underground arts. “I didn’t change any notes of Bach’s scores”, Morean says, “but I took maximum liberty in how I arranged them”. Sacred aria “Agnus Dei” is performed faithfully, graced by sopranos Rianne Wilbers and Chrysa Tsaltampasi. Of course, as metal’s mad scientists, Alkaloid inject plenty of their own virtuoso. The band’s new guitarists Max Blok and Justin Hombach shred harmoniously with violinists Julija Hartig and Oene van Geel through the monumental “Allegro”. Marieke Hopman’s mourning accordion lights the way during the slow and sorrowful procession of “Adagio – All Is Vanity”.
“The original ‘Adagio’ is super quiet and very slow. It’s a piece with just a few notes. What I did is the opposite of that”, Morean says with a pleased grin. “Our version turns it into a heavy doom metal song”.
In a feat of reverse engineering, Bach Out of Bounds also transfuses the soul of Bach into Alkaloid’s own creations. “The idea behind this performance wasn’t necessarily for us to try and write a Bach song”, Morean explains. “We wanted to use Bach’s techniques to write an Alkaloid song”. The album includes extended renditions of recent fan favorites in “A Fool’s Desire” and “The Fungi from Yuggoth”, not to mention two brand new songs. As if summoned by a siren’s call, “Beneath the Sea” reveals itself as a speaker-shaking precursor to the band’s monster hit “Cthulhu”. Whereas “Haunter of the Void” goes where no metalhead has gone before. Commissioned by the Dutch Performing Arts Fund (FPK) and written especially for this performance, the 10-minute epic follows a severed, digitized brain that’s been shot into space from a long-dead Earth. Amidst a crushing cosmic void, this spec of hope clings to life, creating a new habitat one riff at a time.
“Cell by cell starts to unfurl / And I come into my own”, Morean growls as their fresh tale swirls into a headbanging symphony.
Alkaloid performed Bach Out of Bounds during three separate shows in the Netherlands – at the Bachfestival in Dordrecht, Paard van Troject in The Hague and on November Music in Den Bosch. The performances drew people from around the world along with interest from Dutch national radio and TV. Now, fans everywhere can experience this truly one-of-a-kind performance on limited-edition CD and vinyl.
“The audience who came and saw these performances went crazy for it”, Morean remembers. “I’m so happy that we can now share them with people everywhere. People aren’t going to know what hit them. Bach Out of Bounds is very different from what other metal bands – or even Alkaloid – normally do”.
With Bach Out of Bounds, Alkaloid deliver a classically innovative performance as only a true maestro can.
Alkaloid is Morean – Vocals, guitar Hannes Grossmann – Drums Linus Klausenitzer – Bass Justin Hombach – Guitar Max Blok – Guitar
Recording credits Recorded live in the Netherlands at Bibelot / Dordrecht and Paard van Troje / The Hague Front of house engineer: Laurens Voois
Production credits Produced by Alkaloid Mixed by Hannes Grossman at Mordor Sounds, Germany Mastered by Victor Bullok at Woodshed Studio, Germany
Songwriting credits Music for “Allegro”, “Adagio – All Is Vanity” and “Agnus Dei” written by Johann Sebastian Bach Music for “Cthulhu” written by Morean and Hannes Grossman Music for “Beneath the Sea” and “Haunter of the Void” written by Morean Music for “A Fool’s Desire” written by Hannes Grossman Music for “The Fungi from Yuggoth” written by Christian Münzner Lyrics to “Adagio – All Is Vanity” based on “Es ist alles eitel” by Andreas Gryphius and adapted by Morean Lyrics to “Agnus Dei” taken from John 1:29 Lyrics to “Beneath the Sea”, “Cthulhu”, “Haunter of the Void”, “A Fool’s Desire” and “The Fungi from Yuggoth” written by Morean
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 ) 