Italian psychedelic rock project Atom Lux continues the journey toward the release of the upcoming EP Kamikaze Butterfly with the release of a brand new single and video, “Weirdos From Teegarden B”, out now via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records.
Driven by a restless psych prog energy that never slows down, “Weirdos From Teegarden B” tells the bizarre story of a gang of alien outcasts arriving from the distant planet Teegarden B. Highly advanced and masters of interstellar travel, these cosmic troublemakers roam the galaxy purely for amusement during their spare time.
Across chaotic space road trips, the extraterrestrial misfits jump from planet to planet looting worlds and abducting unsuspecting victims, including the song’s narrator, who ends up becoming one of their captured “pets.”
Blending surreal storytelling with explosive psychedelic textures, heavy grooves and progressive twists, Atom Lux once again transforms imaginative sci fi themes into an unpredictable sonic experience.
Atom Lux is the solo project of Italian multi instrumentalist Lucio Filizola, whose sound merges psychedelic, garage, stoner and alternative rock influences into a dynamic and constantly evolving musical vision. Originally conceived as a one man studio project, Atom Lux has since expanded into a full live band experience.
With “Weirdos From Teegarden B”, Atom Lux reveals yet another facet of the forthcoming Kamikaze Butterfly EP, whose full details will be announced very soon.
After their succesful Spring tour, Swedish rock quintet Hällas are pleased to announce another European tour in support of their recently released fourth full-length album, Panorama. Earth Tongue will join as support on most dates.
In addition, Hällas have confirmed foursummer shows supporting prog legends Opeth. A full list of dates is available below.
Hällas Summer Festivals 2026 06-06 Sweden Rock Festival, Norje (SE) 19-06 Azkena Rock Festival, Vitoria-Gasteiz (ES) 03-07 Golden R Festial, Nea Anchialos (GR) 01-08 Rock Im Wald, Lichtenfels (DE) 30-08 Cosmic Vibration, Sheffield (UK)
For fans of: Rush, Genesis, The Devil’s Blood, Opeth, Ghost, Graveyard Genre: Adventure Rock
Forget about everyday life and step into an adventurous fantasy world – that’s what Hällas want for their audience to experience. The Swedish quintet craft epic fantasy-themed concept albums filled with adventurous twin guitars, vintage synths, and mystical storytelling, carving out their own genre of adventure rock.
Their album Panorama is Hällas‘ fourth full length release. While staying true to their signature sound and lyricism, it may very well be the most varied and complex so far.
In one way, Panorama sounds familiar: an imaginative hybrid of progressive 70s rock and heavy metal with echoes of both folk and psychedelia, along with conceptual content. In another sense, you have not quite heard a record like this from Hällas before. The self-confidence has never been as evident. Influences from different directions collide, and sometimes clash, contributing to the feeling that the expected instead culminates in wonder at what it is you’re hearing.
Hällas were founded in 2011 and saw their initial breakthrough with their first full length album, Excerpts From A Future Past (2017), and its hit single ‘Star Rider’. Building on their initial success, Hällas released their sophomore album Conundrum in 2020, garnering them a Swedish Grammy nomination. The album trifecta was complete with the release of Isle of Wisdom in 2022, widening their repertoire even further.
With each release, the band have cultivated a cult following in the modern prog and hard rock scenes around the world. With their cinematic storytelling and timeless sound, Hällas has been touring far and wide-playing sold out shows all over Europe, as well as North and Latin America. Regardless of where, Hällas capture their audience with their own adventure rock universe coming to life on stage.
With their new album Panorama, Hällas both consolidate and expand the image of what the band is – but also what rock can be. This time, different perspectives in a scenario are explored regarding whether humanity is capable of understanding a viewpoint other than their own. It reflects our time but is, in typical Hällas fashion, staged in a fictional, distant world.
Karisma Records is proud to announce a new album from Finnish collective ONSÉGEN ENSEMBLE. The band’s fifth album, A Tale, will be released June 26th on vinyl, CD and digital formats, and will be available on all major streaming platforms.
With A Tale, the band’s expression becomes more ethereal and profound than before. While Onségen Ensemble operates within a progressive mindset, they deliberately avoid traditional genre boundaries, creating music that moves forward by absorbing influences intuitively, free from stylistic dogma.
The band has this to say about A Tale: On the album A Tale, we felt a strong need to explore something new. As with our previous records, we’ve always introduced new elements along the way — instruments as well as musicians — and this album is no exception. Vilma’s contribution as a vocalist has influenced our sound far beyond that of a single instrument. In many ways, her presence is defining. We believe this significant shift expands our expression into something broader, richer, and even more nuanced. The central theme of the album is peace. In many ways, it feels like the only value that still truly holds meaning in today’s world. Peace is diverse, what we dare not be.
The second taste from A Tale is the track The Word, which is released both as a digital single and video on the 28th of May. The song can be heard and seen here: https://orcd.co/the-word
The band has this to say about The Word: The Word is perhaps more traditional take on OE’s Eastern-Western style. It features strong, expansive melodic lines and a tight, driving rhythm.
We’re eagerly looking forward to unleashing this growing psych-disco energy live.
Based in the north and shaped by its environment, Onségen Ensemble has built a distinctive identity through constant transformation. Rather than a fixed lineup, the band functions as a living ensemble: a stable core surrounded by ever-changing contributors. Each album introduces new voices, instruments and perspectives, allowing the music to evolve freely and remain open to the unexpected.
The album was produced by Niko Lehdontie, known for his work with Oranssi Pazuzu, Kairon; IRSE!, Grave Pleasures and Kaleidobolt. His involvement brings a subtle psychedelic undercurrent to the album, balanced by a strong sense of beauty and restraint.
With artwork by Merja Järvelin, the tracklist for A Tale is: 1. Garden of Celestials 2. To be Led by the Lost 3. A Thought 4. The Word 5. Oldest Father 6. The First Casualty 7. Crystal Water of Spring
Onségen Ensemble has previously performed across the Nordic countries, including Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Their northern origin is an essential part of their sound: spacious, patient and shaped by distance, silence and landscape. With the new partnership with Karisma Records, the band hopes to bring their music to a wider audience and to expand their live activity in the coming years.
Personnel on A Tale: Heikki Hallanoro – percussions Tuuli Jartti – violin Merja Järvelin – backing vocals, art work Esa Juujärvi – bass, vocals, recording and co-production Samuli Lindberg – drums Joni Mäkelä – guitar Vilma Pesola – vocals Mikko Vuorela – flute, harmonica, soundscapes Jarmo Väärä – trumpet
For over two decades, PSYCROPTIC has operated at the vanguard of technical death metal, defined by instrumental precision, structural intelligence and an uncompromising creative ethic. From their Tasmanian origins to commanding stages worldwide, the band have built a reputation on rhythmic complexity, exacting musicianship, and a refusal to plateau.
On July 17th, PSYCROPTIC enters a decisive new chapter with The Pulse Of Annihilation, their first full-length release for Metal Blade Records. The partnership marks a strategic alignment between one of extreme metal’s most technically formidable acts and a label whose history is intertwined with the genre’s evolution.
At the core of this next phase is guitarist and principal songwriter Joe Haley. Over time, Haley’s compositional voice has evolved from pure technical density into something more architecturally deliberate. On The Pulse Of Annihilation, riff construction feels sharper, transitions more fluid, and thematic motifs more intentional. Haley’s writing demonstrates a seasoned understanding of pacing-knowing when to constrict, when to expand, and how to weaponize silence and space within otherwise relentless arrangements. Experience has not diminished intensity; it has refined its delivery.
“The Pulse Of Annihilation is the culmination of everything that has come before,” remarks Haley. “We never force anything stylistically and just let the songs manifest of their own accord – maintaining progression while remaining very much PSYCROPTIC. I feel this is our most epic, thrashing, technical while grooviest release yet.”
The record features the dual-vocal assault of Jason Peppiatt and Jason Keyser (Origin), a partnership that debuted on PSYCROPTIC‘s previous full-length, Divine Council. Peppiatt’s commanding growl intertwines with Keyser’s razor-edged articulation, creating a dynamic vocal interplay that adds dimension and contrast to the band’s dense instrumentation. This twofold approach heightens the record’s impact, featuring layered, confrontational elements that remain tightly synced with the band’s intricate foundation.
The album’s first single, “Gathering A Venomous Herd” serves as an immediate declaration of intent.
“This one’s a tricky one and total wrist splitter,” Haley notes, “It’s a mega non-stop riff fest.”
“It’s a knuckle-dragger,” agrees bassist Todd Stern, “I love when we can just cool out at this tempo. All my favorite PSYCROPTIC songs have this kind of ‘bounce’ to them that allows for just endless head-banging and leaves room for massive vocal passages, plus there’s that noodley section in the middle with the guitar ring out… Meathead Monday.”
Produced once again by Haley at his Crawlspace Productions studio, The Pulse Of Annihilation reinforces PSYCROPTIC‘s commitment to sonic autonomy. The production balances clarity and weight. Haley’s brother and co-founder, Dave Haley pounds the drums with surgical precision, bass frequencies anchor the harmonic movement, and guitars cut through with controlled aggression. The mix allows complexity to breathe while preserving crushing force.
The Pulse Of Annihilation features cover art by Belial Necroarts (Gaerea, In Aeternum).
The Pulse Of Annihilation Track Listing: 01. Ashes of a New Dawn 02. Gathering a Venomous Herd 03. A Sword of Me 04. No Time for the Weak 05. Our Pillars Fall 06. Annihilation Pulse 07. No Blade of Grass 08. To Embrace This Curse 09. Forging the Crown
PSYCROPTIC will join labelmates Rivers Of Nihil for a short run of Australian dates with support provided by Growth and Slaughtercult. From there, PSYCROPTIC and Rivers Of Nihil will unite with The Zenith Passage (also on Metal Blade) for four shows in Japan. See all confirmed dates below and stay tuned for additional live dates to be announced in the weeks to come.
PSYCROPTIC w/ Rivers Of Nihil, Growth, Slaughtercult: 8/13/2026 Magnet House – Perth, AU 8/14/2026 Lion Arts – Adelaide, AU 8/15/2026 Max Watts – Melbourne, AU 8/21/2026 Manning Bar – Sydney, AU 8/22/2026 Necrosonic Festival – Brisbane, AU w/ Rivers Of Nihil, The Zenith Passage: 8/24/2026 Socore Factory – Osaka, JP 8/25/2026 3Star Imaike – Nagoya, JP 8/26/2026 Space Odd – Tokyo, JP 8/27/2026 Space Odd – Tokyo, JP
PSYCROPTIC: David Haley – drums Joe Haley – guitars Todd Stern – bass Jason Peppiatt – vocals Jason Keyser – vocals
Finnish metal band Malummeh, founded in 2004, have released their new long-awaited EP, simply named ‘Malummeh’ on 28 May 2026 via Inverse Records. It’s been 19 years since the release of their debut album Revival via Spikefarm Records.
The Malummeh EP carries the band’s own name and includes four hidden gems that were left in the drawer more than a decade ago. After a long hiatus, the band members reconnected and came to the conclusion that those old, promising demos simply couldn’t be left unfinished. After extracting their full potential — and in some cases doing major song overhauls — they have now taken shape as the EP you see before you.
This release delivers serious sonic weight, but it has been built as a cohesive front-to-back listening experience, balancing pressure and breathing room in the right proportions. There is no shortage of intensity.
Recording and production were handled by our drummer and studio wizard Valtteri Kallio at Soundwell Studio, where the EP was also recorded and mixed.
The EP explores big themes, and its lyrics feel more relevant with each passing day. The subject matter strongly reflects the major changes of our time, while still leaving space for the listener’s own interpretation.
With this EP, the band closes one circle and opens a new door. While waiting for what comes next — turn this one up loud.
The band comments the tracks:
Dethroned “The opening track of the EP was written for an authoritarian leader. The listener can decide who. This two-part composition leads the listener straight into the core of the band’s soundscape — from tense anticipation to relentless crushing force. Even though the song is old, the lyrics are more relevant than ever, and the track stays very close to its original version. It represents the band’s modern take on the best elements of early-2000s metal. Any djent that may appear here is purely coincidental.”
Gone Too Far “If you follow the news, Gone Too Far might help you put your feelings into words. The song deals with betrayal, oppression, and naivety. The original idea for the track is over 15 years old and was once left unreleased by the band. Now it has gone through a complete overhaul and emerged stronger than ever. Musically, it also breaks new ground for the band, featuring symphonic instruments for the first time. The result is a raw and dramatic outpouring that balances between danger and escalation, forcing deep feelings of melancholy and finality to the surface.”
Misery “Misery takes the listener on a long journey in a short time. This harmonic, dragging, and structurally unconventional piece wakes the listener from slumber to the middle of devastation. Originally intended as an instrumental intro for the EP, the band later chose a different track order, which opened the door to adding vocals. As a composition, this piece is also very old and it was never part of the band’s live set until now.”
October
“October is a piece larger than its size. The song is a gaslighting war speech delivered by the commander of an invading army to his soldiers just before sending them toward certain doom. Fueled by lies and incitement of hatred, the troops are driven into bloodthirsty frenzy. All of this is backed by merciless riff barrages whose twisted nature perfectly reflects the theme of the song.”
Malummeh Track list:
Dethroned
Gone Too Far
Misery
October
–Recorded & mixed by Valtteri Kallio –Mastered by Janne Hakanen –EP cover by Mikael Kiikka
Malummeh is a metal band founded in 2004 and originating from the Helsinki metropolitan area. The band blends various metal subgenres into an aggressive, melodic, and explosive whole that stands firmly on its own with no apologies. The group was founded by guitarists Mikael Kiikka and Jaakko Eskelinen, with drummer Valtteri Kallio joining at a very early stage. Alongside the original trio, lineup changes eventually led to Jukka Vehkamaa becoming the band’s bassist and Marko Niemistö taking the role of vocalist. During the early 2000s, the band showed promising momentum, culminating in the release of their debut album Revival through Spinefarm (Spikefarm) in November 2007. However, internal dynamics within the band gradually began to fracture, and in 2011 the band disbanded.
The silence lasted until 2022, when old conflicts were laid to rest and the band rediscovered its drive. The idea for restarting initially came from the possibility of releasing older, unfinished songs, but working on those tracks quickly led to writing new material as well. In practice, the band continues from where it left off, but with a more focused approach and without the rigid absolutism that often comes with youth.
In its new era, Malummeh focuses on bringing the strongest elements of early 2000s metal into the present day while leaving behind the most worn-out clichés of that period. This is made possible through complete artistic independence: the band composes, records, and produces its music entirely on its own terms, maintaining a strong emphasis on musicianship and a direct yet emotionally varied style of expression.
The comeback is not built solely on nostalgia. The goal is also to push the band’s sound forward into a more versatile direction while preserving its recognizable core. With new material, Malummeh continues its story after a long hiatus, now with a clearer understanding among its members of what kind of music they want to create and why.
Line-up: Marko Niemistö – Vocals Mikael Kiikka – Guitars Jaakko Eskelinen – Guitars Valtteri Kallio – Drums Jukka Vehkamaa – Bass
Jussi Saari – Trumpet on “October” Aapo Salo – Orchestra on “Gone Too Far”
Finland, Tampere-based post-metal group SEES has inked a record deal with Agonia Records; the aftermath has been captured on film, available below.
The band comments: “We’re excited to announce that we have signed a deal with Agonia Records, and we are looking forward to see what this opportunity will present us in the future!”
SEES (Finnish for “serene” or “calm”) was founded in 2024 by seasoned musicians (Surut, Junktone, Skein, Vala, Pofony). “Years of combined experience with released music and touring has clarified for us what we want to pursue with Sees,” reflects the band. “We want to leave our mark with distinctive and ambitious music, which can also be seen as a counterforce to today’s throwaway culture.”
SEES has finished recording its debut album “Suoja” (Finnish for “shelter”). Its release date, cover artwork & details will be announced soon. The album was recorded and produced by Tuomas Kokko (Sara, Swallow the Sun, Luna Kills, Ghost Brigade, Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus). “The core of our Finnish-language, scream-led music is built around the dynamics of aggressive heaviness and atmospheric soundscaping,” SEES posits.
SEES comprises Kari Ruissalo (drums), Juha Höyssä (bass), Jarno Ojala (guitar), J-P Heimolinna (guitar), and Ville Ylinen (vocals). The band is recommended for fans of Cult of Luna, Amenra, Converge, Isis, Russian Circles, Nine Inch Nails etc.
Line-up: Kari Ruissalo (drums) Juha Höyssä (bass) Jarno Ojala (guitar) J-P Heimolinna (guitar) Ville Ylinen (vocals)
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 ) 