On Piper’s second album, we are taken to the edge of time, where big questions are presented across blurred boundaries. The album’s powerful tracks move through questions of finitude and infinity of time. With Piper’s signature musical style, we gaze to the horizon and float among the moon and stars. The themes deal with surrender and loss, the unspoken universal connection, and the slipping into the farthest edges of great sorrows and emotions.
Piper’s signature multifaceted style and recognizable melancholic depth are also present in this album. The collaboration, familiar from the debut album What is the heart for, continues here, with Päivi Sihvonen composing and writing the lyrics, while Saku Anttila arranges and plays all other instruments.
On A Bridge Across Time, Piper interprets the concept of time both lyrically and musically. In the artist’s characteristic interpretation, expressions are symbolized, their meanings intertwined and left open to the listener’s interpretation. Mysticism, typical of Piper’s style, is woven throughout. The album tackles grand themes, questions, and star-dusted magic, dazzled by the faint rays of moonlight. The whole experience carries a touch of sanctity, radiating the magic of surrendering to nature.
Tracklist / ISRC-codes:
A Bridge Across Time – FI3FC2585201
Tell Me – FI3FC2585204
A Merry Go Round – FI3FC2585203
Raindrops – FI3FC2585202
Dimming Landscape – FI3FC2585205
Frustrated – FI3FC2585206
Orion – FI3FC2585207
Lost – FI3FC2585208
Horizon – FI3FC2585209
Musical symphonism blends dew drops with dark rock beats
On this album, the journey is no longer confined to narrow paths; it takes a larger turn toward the horizon and the orbits of the stars. This shift is clearly audible in the music, where melancholic rock piano interpretations are complemented by a touch of symphonism. In moments of elevation, the listener is swept into a marionette dance, as if drifting into a black-and-white film.
The stylistic sensitivity familiar from the debut album continues here, though reaching for new dimensions, as the old carousel spins in endless waiting. On this album, the music lets the tears pour for those whose eyes witness the dark veil swaying before them as a curtain of sorrow. From behind this gauzy curtain emerge the album’s deepest themes: surrender, loss, and death.
Nature’s influence is even more pronounced on this second album, heard in deeper interpretations compared to the debut. The music paints a mist-covered rugged landscape, where delicate pine branches are draped with tangled lichen. As the cool northern wind blows, the album’s songs intertwine into a unified whole, and even the dew drops on frozen grasses sound their own little notes, tangled with the chilly rock rhythms. In the music, nature’s delicate dance resonates, as the forest with its mossy carpets whispers lyrics from the past.
DAEVAR have doomed the NINE INCH NAILS classic ‘Closer‘ with its iconic chorus line to eternal heaviness with an extra dose of fuzz and a cunning speed limit. This exiting take by the trio from Cologne, Germany, paired with a stylish visualiser, is part of the forthcoming MER Redux Series release “The Downward Spiral Redux“.
The highly anticipated new Redux Series installment is slated for release on November 28, 2025, via Magnetic Eye Records and is available for pre-order HERE
Parallelto “The Downward Spiral Redux“, Magnetic Eye Records will release their customary companion album entitled “Best of Nine Inch Nails Redux” that contains 13 cover renditions of deep cuts and all-time classics from across NINE INCH NAILS‘ catalogue recorded by some of the heavy underground’s most exciting artists.
The visualiser for DAEVAR’s crunchy interpretation of the NINE INCH NAILS essential ‘Closer’ is now available to watch here:
DAEVAR comment: “We had booked a studio session just to record our version of ‘Closer’ and maybe flesh out one or two other ideas“, guitarist Caspar Orfgen discloses. “While we were waiting for our turn, we actually finished writing our entire third album. When it was time for our session, we tracked everything in one go; including the ‘Closer’ cover. The song became the perfect spark that kicked off a much bigger creative burst. ‘Closer’ has that raw, hypnotic energy that begged to be slowed down and drowned in fuzz. The song’s grinding rhythm and obsessional mood felt like it was already halfway to doom.“
Although DAEVAR have only just crossed into the fourth year of their existence, the extremely hard working trio from Cologne, Germany has already delivered three full-length albums and left an audible mark on the wider doom scene. These millennials have pushed hard to transform the largely static stoner doom formula over its perceived limitations. On their latest album “Sub Rosa” (2025), the trio expanded their cloudy lo-fi doom grunge soundscapes, firmly established with “Delirious Rites” (2023) and “Amber Eyes” (2024), even further with fresh invigorating uptempo bursts and bountiful, melodic songwriting. With their singer, Pardis Latifi, DAEVAR have another ace up their sleeve. Her blunt, unapologetic lyrics address the crushing inequities, grotesque inhumanity, and the growing calls for independence of this time, particularly inspired by J.D. Salinger’s timeless novel ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, and put the intellectual icing on this delicious musical cake. DAEVAR have toured across Europe and performed at prestigious festivals such as Freak Valley Festival, Desertfest Berlin & Antwerp, Up in Smoke, Keep It Low, Stoned From the Underground, and more.
Tracklist “The Downward Spiral Redux”
BLACK TUSK ‘Mr. Self Destruct’
THIEF ‘Piggy’
GRIN ‘Heresy’
SANDRIDER ‘March of the Pigs’
DAEVAR ‘Closer’
HIGH TONE SON OF A BITCH ‘Ruiner’
DREADNOUGHT ‘The Becoming’
JOHN FRYER WITH STELLA SOLEIL ‘I Do Not Want This’
JOHN CXNNOR FEAT. HEXA ‘Big Man with a Gun’
IAH ‘A Warm Place’
ABRAMS ‘Eraser’
AUTHOR & PUNISHER ‘Reptile’
PALEHORSE PALERIDER ‘The Downward Spiral’
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME ‘Hurt’
At this moment, the world’s reliance on machines, algorithms, and artificial intelligence has never been greater. This makes now the perfect time to reflect on the emergence of a musical force whose blend of mechanized instrumentation and raw emotion was singular and revolutionary.
NINE INCH NAILS were formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. They arrived around the same time as grunge when Generation X was developing an awareness of itself, but while there was cross-appeal, the sound they created was clearly and intentionally something very different.
The skepticism of that era came through in the music, with artists from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE to NIRVANA pushing back against what were acceptable words and actions in our society, and everything from the ideals of what major musicians should do with their fame to what people and corporations stood for were fair targets.
NINE INCH NAILS were at least twice as cynical as everyone else and reflected the singular, driven musical expression of mastermind Trent Reznor. The music he made as NIN has always ranged from infectious, furious, delicate, and sexual to transgressive, uplifting, cautionary, and hopeless. While Reznor did not always make broad, blunt statements about politics, materialism or repression (though he definitely did at times), there was a consistently restless quality to his music. His frustration at the veneer of normalcy and acceptability that characterized modern popular music was palpable, and he seemed to search endlessly for seams to peel back and rip loose to expose what was underneath.
Of NINE INCH NAILS‘ seminal breakthrough album, Spin magazine respectfully had this to say in 2024: “As The Downward Spiral turns 30 this year, it still stands as an act of artistic transgression against the limits of popular music. Pushing the boundaries of creative censorship, it is still considered Nine Inch Nails’ most daring and uncompromising album.”
Join us in paying homage to one of rock’s most ambitious innovators and angriest Gen X voices railing against the status quo, as we present our latest Redux Series installment “The Downward Spiral Redux”, along with the traditional companion album “Best of Nine Inch Nails Redux”. The two double album collections together comprise 27 re-imagined renditions by some of today’s coolest and heaviest artists taking on NINE INCH NAILS classics and deep cuts.
The Magnetic Eye Redux Series features hand-picked classic albums from across the history of rock and metal re-imagined in their entirety from start to finish. Artists we love from within and outside the heavy rock landscape choose tracks to make their own, bringing these milestone records into the new millennium with crushing heaviness and searing energy. To date, we’ve produced Redux editions of PINK FLOYD’s “The Wall”, HELMET’s “Meantime”, BLACK SABBATH’s “Vol. 4”, JIMI HENDRIX’s “Electric Ladyland”, ALICE IN CHAINS’ “Dirt”, AC/DC’s “Back in Black”, SOUNDGARDEN’s “Superunknown”, JETHRO TULL’s “Aqualung”, and RAMONES’ self-titled debut, which have included artists like RED FANG, THE SWORD, MATT PIKE, PALLBEARER, THE MELVINS, ALL THEM WITCHES, KHEMMIS, ASG, SUPERSUCKERS, ZAKK WYLDE, MARK LANEGAN, VOIVOD, and many more amazing artists.
Join us for our tenth foray into Redux territory as we pay proper respect to the US industrial rock legends NINE INCH NAILS!
Artist: Various Artists Album: The Downward Spiral Redux Release date: November 28, 2025 Label: Magnetic Eye Records Style: Doom, Stoner Rock & Metal, Psych Rock et al.
With the album „Babylon“ now out for just over a month, DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG can celebrate not only impressive chart positions in several countries, but also a wave of acclaim from both fans and the international music press.
Among the album’s many praised moments, ‘Beyond The End Of Time’ has emerged as a clear favourite, a near-eight-minute epic that closes the album on a deeply emotional and timeless note.
Experience the newly released video for this track today, a powerful visual companion to one of the album’s most captivating songs:
‘Beyond The End Of Time’ would also still fit into an era in which people once sang about princesses. The monotonous yet harmonious band accompaniment creates space for the emotional vocals of Udo, Peter and Manuela. Although almost eight minutes long, the piece remains captivating, constantly sets new accents and can even put the listener into a trance-like state.
As the closing statement of Babylon, ‘Beyond The End Of Time’ feels like both a reflection and a promise, a song that bridges the past and present of heavy metal with heart and conviction. It’s no surprise that fans have taken to it as one of the standout moments of the band’s new chapter.
DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG (DATOG) was originally launched in 2020 as a one-off charity project, but quickly developed a momentum of its own and formed into a band consisting of Udo Dirkschneider (vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Peter Baltes (bass, vocals; ACCEPT/U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER), Stefan Kaufmann (guitar; ACCEPT/U.D.O.), Mathias “Don” Dieth (guitar; SINNER/U.D.O.), Sven Dirkschneider (drums; U.D.O./DIRKSCHNEIDER) and Manuela “Ella” Bibert (vocals). Between 2020 and 2021 their first three singles attracted a lot of attention, whereupon the band wrote more songs and recorded their debut album. With a unique vocal concept of three voices, powerful riffs and stylistic complexity, DATOG combine classic heavy metal with a modern, powerful production.
DATOG are: Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys Stefan Kaufmann | guitars, backing vocals Mathias “Don” Dieth | guitars, backing vocals Sven Dirkschneider | drums, backing vocals
North Carolina based groove metallers WoR are proud to announce they have officially signed to BLKIIBLK. To celebrate the announcement, the band shares their punishing new single, “The Revenant,” alongside an official music video, available to view below.
On signing to BLKIIBLK, WoR shares:
“We’re excited for this collaboration with BLKIIBLK records and looking forward to sharing our new record with fans around the world. We feel very strong about all the new music and it’s exciting to work with the highly motivated folks at BLKIIBLK who share the same passion for heavy music and this project.”
On “The Revenant,” they add:
“‘The Revenant’ is a unique track that showcases the bands growth and development over the last five years. The lyrics, which are rather cryptic, were inspired by some of the darkest hours of this band, moments that only strengthened us and helped us in our relentless pursuit. The monster is finally here! Here to stay!”
WoR is a groove metal quintet from Raleigh, North Carolina, consisting of guitarists Ben Kaiser and David Nisoff, bassist Phillip Funderburk, vocalist Bobby Demoss, and drummer Raine Rumple. WoR was founded in 2018 by guitarist Ben Kaiser who at the time was concluding a collegiate football career playing offensive line at NC State University. WoR’s groove focused music takes influences from various subgenres of metal including groove metal, death metal, thrash metal, and metalcore.
By the spring of 2019, WoR had begun to debut their aggressive, chaotic, and extremely high energy live performances around the Southeast region of the United States, which was followed by the August 2020 release of their debut record ‘Prisoners.’ In 2021, after being delayed by the unfortunate events of a global pandemic, WoR finally hit the touring circuit in support of ‘Prisoners.’ The band toured relentlessly, building a strong following in the metal underground from coast to coast.
Tour markets included cities in California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, New Mexico, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Utah and Washington. WoR also reached Canada, with concerts in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
During the touring cycle supporting ‘Prisoners,’ WoR came to the attention of A&R representatives from Frontiers Label Group, a renowned global rock and metal label based in Italy. In 2024, after witnessing an especially intense live show in the band’s home base of Raleigh, the decision was made. When the label formed their new metal imprint BLKIIBLK, WoR was one of the first artists to be signed.
WoR stepped into the studio with renowned producer Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me) in 2024 to record a new full-length album which is slated for worldwide release on BLKIIBLK in 2026.
WoR are: Ben Kaiser – Guitar David Nisoff – Guitar Phillip Funderburk – Bass Bobby Demoss – Vocals Raine Rumple – Drums
Volcano Records & Promotion is proud to present ‘Shades Of Past’, the new single by Italian progressive metal band FOR MY DEMONS, now available on all digital platforms.
Anticipating the upcoming album “Tristesse”, ‘Shades Of Past’ reveals the strength and character of a seasoned band that has been active on the Italian scene for several years and recently joined the Volcano roster.
Today, For My Demons return with renewed maturity and a distinctive sonic approach that blends progressive impulses with dark and introspective tones. The single is part of a broader concept dedicated to the life of Vincent Van Gogh, which the band is preparing to unveil. It tells the story of a fragile and troubled love, dominated by misunderstanding and guilt. Charity mistaken for sin, compassion turned into condemnation, betrayal, wounds, and miscommunication paint an oppressive scenario — like a nightmare that digs into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Shades Of Past is a deep and emotional track, and also a clear musical statement, combining solid instrumental foundations with haunting melodic vocal lines that leave a lasting mark.
Progressive alternative rock band Trope announce the release of their deeply personal and emotionally charged new single, “Sigil.” Written and recorded in part in London, Ontario, Sigil was tracked in a small, cold 400 sq. ft. cabin during the winter, a process that shaped its intimacy and emotional depth.
‘Sigil‘ grew from Diana Studenberg’s own journey of self-doubt and perseverance. “Growing up with voices that said I couldn’t be a singer, I struggled with internal resistance and fear of failure which became a source of inspiration – a reminder that it’s okay to fail, to stumble, and to keep trying,” Studenberg explains.
The song tells not only that story, but also a universal one: of anyone whose dreams are belittled or who has struggled to believe in themselves, and of the quiet courage it takes to trust that persistence and faith can carry you through even the darkest moments. ‘Sigil‘ is about giving ourselves permission to suck – to fall flat and step back up to the plate. Sigil touts – fail, mess up, but please keep doing anyway. In essence, it’s a song about Faith and belief even when you have none.
In an age of AI and creative shortcuts, Trope took their time, sweating over every instrumental note, vocal line, lyric, and mix over the course of 3 years to create Sigil. Moonhead, Trope’s producer and guitarist says, “’Sigil‘, and the whole of DYAD album for that matter, is truly an indie handmade thing. No fancy studios, no big team. Just two people and a few favours from people we respect to guest on the album (Drummers Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer)). We made this thing in living rooms, makeshift spaces, through thrift store speakers and old friends’ couches. And we love the results and hope you do too.”
True to the mantra of ‘Sigil‘, Trope rise from the ashes of personal pain and angst. Musically, ‘Sigil’ is as progressive as it is emotive – traversing soaring melodic passages, heavy and intricate instrumental sections in odd-time signatures, acoustic breakdowns, massive riffs, melodic bass lines and even a rhythmically charged mantra finale that captures the band’s evolution from their 2021 debut ‘Eleutheromania’.
SONG CREDITS
Guitars & Bass: Written and performed by Moonhead
Vocals: Performed by Diana Studenberg
Drums: Performed by Max Botko and written by Moonhead
BG Vocals: Performed by Diana Studenberg and Moonhead
Vocal Melody: Written by Moonhead and Diana Studenberg
Lyrics: Written by Diana Studenberg
Production, Mixing and Mastering:Moonhead
Engineering: Guitars & Bass by Moonhead, Drums by Max Botko, Vocals by Diana Studenberg
Additional Vocal Editing:Liam Moes
Trope‘s upcoming double album DYAD will be out in the Spring 2026. Pre-Order here: https://tropemerch.com/
ABOUT TROPE Trope is a modern progressive rock band hailing from Canada known for their dynamic sound, evocative lyricism, and powerful performances. Blending technical precision with emotional depth, Trope have established themselves as one of the most compelling voices in modern progressive music.
Their debut album ‘Eleutheromania’ was engineered by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica), mixed by David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Smashing Pumpkins) and mastered by Ted Jensen (The Eagles, Norah Roberts).
Trope have toured across North America and Europe multiple times supporting bands including Haken, The Pineapple Thief feat. Gavin Harrison, Symphony X, Soen and Kings X and have headlined festivals in Europe and performed at Summerfest on their main stages.
Their single ‘Pareidolia’ charted at #1 on rock radio in Bulgaria where they were invited to perform live on their Breakfast Television network, broadcast nationally.
Trope will be releasing a double album in the Spring of 2026 with guest musicians including Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer) and to be mastered again by Ted Jensen.
Their sound fuses cinematic atmosphere with technical precision — drawing comparisons to Porcupine Tree, Karnivool, and A Perfect Circle, yet remaining distinctly their own.
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 ) 