With mere weeks to go before the August 8 release of the much-anticipated The Black Album, Toronto’s Vampire Beach Babes’ singular contribution to the collection, a dramatic reworking of David Bowie’s “Blackstar,” is released today as both a startling single and a captivating video.
The Grammy Award winning title track of Bowie’s final album, 2016’s Blackstar, “Blackstar” also made history as the longest song (at that time) to enter the Billboard Top 100 – just three seconds short of 10 minutes, it would retain that title for the next three years before being edged out by Tool’s “Fear Inoculum” (10.21).
Vampire Beach Babes all but halve the length of Bowie’s original, but lose nothing of its dark mystery and haunted vision, propelling the song’s innate surreality across effervescent electronic rhythms, and lashings of gothic atmospherics. – a magical mood that percolates through to the accompanying video, itself dramatically built around scenes from Cleopatra Entertainment’s forthcoming horror movie Fear Cabin – “to give us some teen-summertime-horror-thriller-chills,” as Vampire Beach Babes frontman Baron Marcus puts it. “A true diabolus-ex-machina for summer vacation indeed!”
Many of the original Bowie album’s reviews pinpointed “Blackstar” as the best track on the record… Pitchfork even described it as “”closer to the cocaine-fueled fantasias of 1976’s Station to Station than almost anything [Bowie’s] done since”. And Baron Marcus agrees.“So here I was with an epic quest – record a Vampire Beach Babes cover of David Bowie’s song ‘Blackstar’ for Cleopatra Records… THAT epic song for THAT epic record label – and here I am just a humble Vampire Beach Babe.
“Mind you, I’ve always seen the Vampire Beach Babes as a true vampire of pop music; 30 years on and ‘Gothic Surf-a-rama’ can still be heard haunting the finest of playlists. So, who else could risk facing the ‘thin white Duke’ other than myself, Baron Marcus.
“And this, his dying song.
“I needed to treat this song with the sacred respect it deserved (an almost overwhelming consideration), and at the same time make this into a gothic-surf dark-electronic club banger!
“Would this be sacrilege or homage?
“I knew the magic would lie in both taking this dead-seriously, and also having fun with it. And so I did.
“So what you are hearing is exactly that – Bowie’s concerned arched eyebrow, breaking to a gentle mirthful nod. I specifically produced the track to be open enough for remixes – a foundation of reflections to come. Enjoy.”
Vampire Beach Babes’ “Blackstar” could easily grasp the same “best in show” mantel on The Black Album, as Bowie’s did on his record. But the competition is certainly ferocious. From the haunted first wave goth of The Danse Society to the industrial punch of Aesthetic Perfection, PLUS new offerings from Rosetta Stone (“Devil Woman”) and Corpus Delicti (a mind-melting “Dancing In The Dark”), this compilation is cohesive yet varied, a love letter to darkness in its many forms!
All the classics are here: Los Bravos’ mid-1960s hit “Black Is Black,” as seen through the minimalistic eyes of The KVB; Black Sabbath’s “Black Sabbath” given a fresh lick of darkness by Belarusian post-punks Nürnberg; the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” redecorated by Darkways; Deep Purple’s “Black Night” taken home by Rotersand.
Other highlights include Priest’s thunderous take on Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” Then Comes Silence’s alchemical recasting of “I Put A Spell On You,” Buzz Kull’s shadow-shaping reimagining of the Human League’s “Darkness”; and there’s even room for some traditional Americana, as Kirlian Camera revisit “The House of the Rising Sun” and Bloody Dead and Sexy get to work on “Black Betty.”
Don’t you dare refer to it as an exercise in nostalgia, though, or even black-clad novelty. Drawing from more than a century’s worth of classic songwriting, The Black Album is a vital reawakening of the post-punk, deathrock sound that has lingered in the margins of the shadows for years, now rising to claim center stage!
MYSTHICON is a band founded in 2015 by former Lux Occulta guitarist G’Ames, who invited musicians from the bands Vader, Batushka, Hate, Kalt Vindur and other musicians such as Tomasz Gilewski and guest Jerzy “U.Reck” Głód (Lux Occuta) to collaborate on the recording of their first album.
In September 2020, the debut album “Silva – Oculis – Corvi” was released on cassette, CD and vinyl, and right now, after 5 years of silence band is back with new release!
In 2023, G’Ames, together with the guitarist from the old line-up Szymon Hadała, began working on material for the second album of the Dukla band. The new music combines many elements from different metal subgenres, and in terms of atmosphere, refers to the roots and origin of the musicians, taking into account the unique surroundings of the Dukla forest areas as well as the new band members coming from the Low Beskids and Bieszczady Mountains.
This is how a new album was created, entitled “Bieśń” (i.e. a collection of stories, songs and legends from the Dukla region and its surroundings).
G’Ames comments new album “Bieśń“: “The album contains 6 tracks. It is a fusion of classic black metal with elements of progressive music and doom metal. In terms of sound, it is a combination of a traditional approach to black metal while maintaining a classic style and a modern look at music production. The album ends with a cover of “Creation” from the first demo of the legendary Lux Occulta performed in a completely new arrangement. The album features several guests playing unusual instruments for black metal, namely the hurdy-gurdy and the double bass, which fuel the phenomenal atmosphere of the entire release.“
Music for album “Bieśń” was mixed and mastered by Adrian Mięsowicz at Tribe Five Studio (Karpathian Relict, KSU). Cover artwork was done by Michał “Xaay” Loranc (God Dethroned, Kamelot, Karl Sanders, Nile, Turbo). The photo session was done by Tomasz Gilewski and Łukasz Zajdel, while the logo was designed by Primeval Era Rising (Graveland, Vader). The album features several guests: Jacek Głód (acoustic guitar), Marcin Chatys (double bass) and Wojciech Miller (hurdy-gurdy). Release date is set up on September 23, 2025 and will be released on digital format (pre-save), CD (pre-order) and at a later date on vinyl.
TRACKLIST:
Shapes
Unbearable Silence
We Are The Worms
Na Naszej Krwi
The Storyteller
Creation (Lux Occulta cover)
Below you can watch video to the first single from upcoming album “Bieśń“. Video was done by duo: Tomasz Gilewski & Łukasz Zajdel.
LINE-UP: Grzegorz “G’Ames” Kapłon – guitar Szymon Hadała – guitar Mateusz “Bacchus” Zawada – bass Andrzej Czujko – drums Tharthaq – keyboard Adrian Mięsowicz – vocal
Whether climbing to doomy peaks or bouldering through a radio-friendly banger, over the course of the past decade and a half, Stoned Jesus have left a mark on the world of rock as true trailblazers. “Five albums in, the band have grown well beyond their monolithic roots”, wrote Doom Charts, who named their last album one of the 2023’s best.
This year, following a successful showing at Hellfest and ahead of their long-awaited return to Latin America, Stoned Jesus are embarking on their most expansive journey yet. Songs to Sun is the first in an upcoming trilogy of albums that promises to take these heavy progressive rockers to the dark side of the moon and back. While well-marked by their mind-melting heaviness, the album’s lead single is haunted by shadows of doubt. But on “Shadowland”, frontman Igor Sydorenko and his new mates outrun their demons with fresh twists and the catchiest hooks of their career.
“This song is about finding solid ground amidst the instability of the past few years”, Sydorenko says. “The opening hook screams Alice In Chains, while the pulsating verses evoke Mastodon at their poppiest. And the climax is something else entirely!”
The video for “Shadowland” was produced by Pirate Shot (@pirateshotcreation)
Additional video credits Directed and edited by Olivier Terrade Camera work by Olivier Terrade and Onur Cinar Special effects by Nicolas Stenger Actor – Philip P. Coffey
ans of Stoned Jesus will catch nods to Seven Thunders Roar and The Harvest along the heavy path paved by Songs to Sun. Though the video opens with the band only coming into frame, “Shadowland” is clearly their vision. A grungy riff slithers over a mountainous bass line scooped out by newest member Andrew Rodin. Fellow newcomer Yurii Ciel snaps into a hi-hat strut, greasing the way for Sydorenko to slide into the band’s catchiest guitar lick since “Here Come The Robots”.
“Each album in our upcoming trilogy highlights a different phase to Stoned Jesus”, Sydorenko says. “Songs to Sun shows off our heavier, more aggressive side”.
Stoned Jesus’ new single does ride to a mean, road-burning groove. But “Shadowland” has some new tricks tucked between its blinding hooks. “We love to take influences from other musical genres”, says Sydorenko. “I like prog rock, while Andrew and Yurii like everything from black metal to hip-hop and folk”. As the band wind their way back to the song’s shout-aloud chorus, first, they must sift through a glowing mist cast by a gothic spell of keys.
An existential shadow hangs over Songs to Sun. The album reflects on the unstable ground that Sydorenko navigated after the band’s previous lineup dissolved. Like the mysterious figures that creep and crawl around every corner of the video, insecurity looms over “Shadowland”. “Ground under my feet is / Turning to quicksand“, Sydorenko sings right before the compressed bridge cuts out. But even when shrouded by depression, Stoned Jesus are guided by the spirit of innovation. Right as their new lineup comes fully into focus at the end of the video, the song’s closing sprint breaks toward the light with a high-powered fusion of pop melodies and headbanging prog.
“There’s a constant sense of instability that seeps through the lyrics of Songs to Sun“, Sydorenko says, “but experimenting with the music is what helps give our lives a solid foundation”.
Tracklist 1. New Dawn (8:53) 2. Shadowland (4:38) [WATCH] 3. Lost in the Rain (7:49) 4. Low (4:09) 5. See You on the Road (5:45) 6. Quicksand (9:52)
Hear Stoned Jesus perform “Shadowland” and other new songs off Songs to Sun when they return to Latin America this fall following their European summer tour with Cult of Luna and Australian debut.
2025 European Festivals August 3 – Gyongyos, HU @ Fekete Zaj Festival September 13 – Crest, FR @ Bridge To Hell September 20 – Bilbao, ES @ Kristonfest November 8 – Bochum, DE @ Tombstoned Fest November 14 – Magny-Les-Hameaux, FR @ Foud Rock November 15 – Eindhoven, NL @ Helldorado
2025 European Dates with Cult of Luna August 11 – Osnabruck, DE @ Botschaft August 12 – Bremen, DE @ Modernes August 13 – Utrecht, NL @ Tivolivredenburg
2025 XV & Debut Australian Tour September 28 – Perth @ The Rosemount October 1 – Canberra @ The Baso October 2 – Sydney @ The Underground October 3 – Brisbane @ Soapbox Beer October 4 – Melbourne @ The Leadbeater October 5 – Adelaide @ The Crown & Anchor
2025 Latin American Tour October 21 – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil @ Rock Experience October 22 – Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Gravador October 23 – Florianopolis, Brazil @ Desgosto October 24 – Curitiba, Brazil @ Beveldere October 25 – Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Jai Club October 26 – Belo Horizonte, Brazil @ Caverna October 28 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Uniclub October 29 – Santiago, Chile @ Club Ambar October 31 – Mexico City @ Sangriento [FIRST-EVER SHOW IN MEXICO]
Since 2009, Stoned Jesus has served as one of Europe’s leading forces in heavy rock. Igor Sydorenko, a veteran of the Ukrainian underground music scene, started it as a solo project after stumbling upon some heavy and angry riffs that would become the song “Occult.” He fed off his Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin influences and was soon turned onto Electric Wizard and Sleep, two bands who mastered the art of bold, lurching heaviness, thus creating a sonic template to abide by.
The Kyiv-based project was initially dubbed “Stoned Jesus from the Outer Space” but shortened to the much crisper Stoned Jesus. The name was trimmed down out of necessity — Sydorenko wanted to legitimize the band immediately. “I realized that this may cause some problems,” he told Psychedelic Baby in 2010. “Some people wouldn’t take our music seriously, then. I don’t mind jokes and having fun, but music is always the most serious thing for me.”
Two demos ensued before Stoned Jesus’s debut LP, 2010’s First Communion. Recorded with the first line-up in two hours, First Communion was a promising offering that dove headlong into the world of heavy stoner rock, with three songs going over the 10-minute mark for hypnotic effect. The album eventually saw a proper reissue in 2020, introducing it to a new group of fans. The first change of rhythm section brought Seven Thunders Roar in 2012, which included “I’m the Mountain,” a 13-minute epic that has since become a live staple. The album also introduced a bevy of acoustic guitar and softer vocal approaches from Sydorenko.
The Harvest came next in 2015 with a new drummer, deftly transitioning Stoned Jesus into the new terrain, with more alternative and progressive rock leanings. This is a credit to Sydorenko’s evolving songwriting style and desire to never allow Stoned Jesus to repeat itself. “It works brilliantly for the likes of Motörhead or AC/DC, but we’re not that legendary yet,” he told Outlaws of the Sun in 2015. “So, let’s experiment, shall we? Let’s play with the genres, the sound, the song structures, the melodies, the time signatures — yes, my favorite trick!”
With another change of the drummer, the fourth LP, Pilgrims, arrived in 2018. A bold and experimental record, it showed the growing maturity of both musical and lyrical sides of Igor’s ever-progressing songwriting. After a year-long The Pilgrimage Tour and yet another year on the road celebrating the band’s 10th anniversary with the greatest hits setlist, Stoned Jesus’ original plans were to record its follow-up in 2020. That, of course, was sidelined by the pandemic. The band then entered Spivaki Records in Kharkiv in July 2021 to record nine songs at 75 minutes. Two-thirds of the material was mixed and mastered before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, leaving the final run-time of six songs at 43 minutes.
The result was Father Light, the band’s first for Season of Mist, which caught Stoned Jesus in full bloom. The foundational elements of Stoned Jesus’s sound remained (fuzzed-out rock, driving bass lines and maximum groove), once again augmented by the combination of Sydorenko’s gentle clean vocals and hook-laden chorus choices, along with an array of ornamental guitar melodies. And, in true Stoned Jesus fashion, the journey is often the reward. The cuts on Father Light expand and shift — all the while, the band’s trademark heaviness serves as the guide.
Mother Dark, the gloomier introspective twin of Father Light, while partially recorded was shelved due to Igor’s dissatisfaction with the working dynamics of the latest Stoned Jesus line-up. Dissolving said line-up was a difficult decision to make, but Igor’s relocation to Europe brought a surprising reunion with his old friend Yurii, a talented drummer Igor had known even before writing the first Stoned Jesus song. Adding bassist-vocalist Andrew Rodin to this new line-up solidified its reliability, and now, after the whole year of relentless 25th Anniversary Tour schedule, the reinvigorated Stoned Jesus is more than ready for their next chapter.
Songs to Sun is the first album in a forthcoming trilogy that once complete, will stand as the pinnacle of what’s been a decades-long trip for Stoned Jesus. While picking up where Father Light left off, Sydorenko and his new mates still nod to Seven Thunders Roar and The Harvest along the way. But by merging metal’s fiery intensity with mind-melting grooves, vintage prog and their catchiest choruses yet, they bring the many distinct phases of Stoned Jesus to a bright, burning head.
Lineup Igor Sydorenko – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards Andrew Rodin – Bass, Backing Vocals Yurii Ciel – Drums, Backing Vocals
Production Credits Produced by Igor Sydorenko Recorded by Ignancy Gruzecki Mixed and Mastered by Karl Daniel Lidén at Studio Tri-Lamb, Sweden
Following previously-released tracks “Fed Up” and “The Darkness I Own”, up-and-coming modern metalcore act, HumanKind, have shared a brand new single, aptly-titled “Humans”. The song is now available to stream and download on all digital providers below. In 2023, the band released their much-acclaimed debut album “An End, Once and for All”, and are currently hard at work on their sophomore full-length offering, to be released via ROAR in the hopefully not so distant future.
About their new single, the band reveals: “Humans critically reflects on our role as humanity on planet earth and how we constantly manage to detrimentally treat each other and our surroundings, until one day there will be nothing left. It asks two main questions: Where will it lead us? Who’s gonna save us?”
Founded in 2022, HumanKind aims to express themselves through their music, reaching others to inspire them and give them the strength to overcome their own limits in unity with others. The five-member band, dressed in the style of modern metalcore, radiates a unique energy with many melodic influences and intense breakdowns, rooted in and shaped by the life experiences of its members.
HumanKind’s debut album, “An End, Once and for All”, addresses the challenging and deeply human theme of dealing with one’s own mental struggles and conditions. The songs, same like the new single “Humans”, were produced by Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay, Sawdust Recordings) to provide them with the sonic impact they need to convey their message. The purpose of the album is to offer listeners a silver lining on the horizon and to assure them that they are not alone. “An End, Once and for All” is a gripping and emotional journey that conveys the message of unity, trust, and creativity through the universal language of music.
In January 2023, HumanKind signed a record deal with Rock of Angels Records, now operating as ROAR, a sub-label of Reigning Phoenix Music, giving the band new perspectives, greater opportunities, and broader reach for their second album. Watch out and stay tuned for many more news and album details to follow soon!
HumanKind is: Samuel Scholz (Vocals) Maria Kimberly Huehn (Guitar) Simon Keil (Guitar) Dominik “Doemsen” Stotzem (Bass) Silas Schué (Drums)
Photo Credit: Frank Beck – Photo by P2 Foto Studio
Powerhouse metal vocalist Frank Beck is thrilled to announce the debut album of his new project Risen Atlantis, titled “Power To The Past”, and set for release on September 26, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. The first single and visualizer video, “Glory For The Brave”, are out today, giving a taste of what to expect from this new project.
Talking about the project, Beck commented: “Alessandro Del Vecchio invited me to record an album for Frontiers after being blown away by my voice. We connected in early 2024 and I told him I wanted to sound different from my work with Gamma Ray – where I’ve been Kai Hansen’s touring sidekick for ten years. I wanted a grittier, more powerful style in the vein of Ronnie Atkins, Jorn, Jeff Scott Soto, and Dio – and he ran with it. The result is “Power To The Past”, a modern metal album with an ’80s spirit”.
“The first single, “Glory For The Brave”, is packed with great melodies and hooks. Our project is called Risen Atlantis – like a phoenix from the ashes, only this one rises from the sea! I’m proud of every track and thrilled to be part of the Frontiers family”, he added.
Frank Beck is a powerhouse vocalist from Germany, best known for his live performances with German power metal legends Gamma Ray, where he has supported Kai Hansen on stage since 2014.
With a voice that channels the soul and fire of Ronnie James Dio and David Coverdale, Frank Beck brings his commanding vocal presence to the new project Risen Atlantis – and the result is an explosive collection of melodic power metal.
“Power To The Past”, the debut album from Risen Atlantis feat. Frank Beck is a well-crafted tribute to the traditions of classic European power metal. Co-written and produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio and Brett Jones, the album features soaring vocals, epic melodies, powerful riffing, and a sense of grandeur that will please fans of genre legends like Helloween, Gamma Ray, Stratovarius, and Edguy.
From high-octane anthems like “Glory For The Brave” and “Legacy Divine” to the cinematic atmosphere of “Sea Of Tranquillity” and the thunderous title track “Power To The Past”, the album flows with energy and emotion. Frank Beck’s voice soars across every track, breathing life into each lyric and giving the songs a timeless resonance.
“Power To The Past” is more than a debut – it’s a declaration. A revitalized sound rooted in tradition, but delivered with precision, passion, and power.
“Power To The Past” Tracklist:
1. Forever Spoken 2. Glory For The Brave 3. Legacy Divine 4. Sea Of Tranquillity 5. Mystic Maze 6. No Hell For The Good 7. Trapped In Heaven 8. Lost In Time 9. A Million Miles Away 10. Power To The Past 11. Wrong Destiny Line Up: Frank Beck – vocals Brett Jones – guitars, keyboards Alessandro Del Vecchio – guitars, keyboards, bass Mirko De Maio – drums
Following the success of their debut album, Metamorphosis, enchanting quartet THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON embark on a new journey. Their new single, “Can’t Catch Me Now”, leads them into the sinister Panem. A rendition of pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s original addition to the soundtrack of Hollywood blockbuster “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes”, THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON’s latest song fuses cinematic orchestration, haunting melody, and thunderous heaviness into a breathtaking sonic voyage. Fronted by vocalist Melissa Bonny (AD INFINITUM) and powered by the guitar work of Hans Platz (FEUERSCHWANZ), this metal interpretation of “Can’t Catch Me Now” is melodic, hypnotic, and fiercely untamed – a hymn for all who dare to run free in the shadows.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON about “Can’t Catch Me Now”: “‘Can’t Catch Me Now’ – our first release since our debut album Metamorphosis! A new chapter begins, and we can’t wait to take you with us to new shores.”
Fantastical metal quartet THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON features members of FEUERSCHWANZ, Amaranthe and AD INFINITUM. Together, they dive into the adventures of heroic characters, adding nonpareil soundscapes to their beloved stories. Guitar virtuoso Hans Platz and drum master Morten Løwe Sørensen shape their heavy sound throughout original songs and soundtrack reinterpretations alike, leaving room for harpist Jenny Diehl to add her delicate touch. Vocal queen Melissa Bonny guides through mystical worlds from “Harry Potter” to “Game Of Thrones” so enchantingly, that their debut album Metamorphosis obtained top 20 charting positions in their native Germany and Switzerland.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON are off to tell their mesmerizing tales on a German tour this fall, supporting heavyweights LORD OF THE LOST and FEUERSCHWANZ.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Supporting LORD OF THE LOST & FEUERSCHWANZ on their LORDS OF FYRE Co-Headline Tour 02.10.25 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle 03.10.25 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee 04.10.25 DE – Offenbach / Stadthalle 10.10.25 DE – Hanover / Swiss Life Hall 11.10.25 DE – Fürth / Stadthalle 17.10.25 DE – Munich / Zenith 18.10.25 DE – Düsseldorf / Mitsubishi Halle
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON started with a bet between AD INFINITUM singer Melissa Bonny and Hans Platz, the guitarist of FEUERSCHWANZ. Whoever lost owed the other a “dare”. Hans won and challenged Melissa to record a metal version of “Jenny Of Oldstones”, and the rest is history! Exploring the fantastical lives of famous pop culture heroes since their childhood, the multitalented musicians transform soundtracks of worldwide known movies, TV shows and video games into powerful metal tracks on the debut album, Metamorphosis. THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON don’t limit themselves to cover versions, but also include their own songs dedicated to their favorite warriors. Calling for solidarity, the harmonic “The Gates of Time” tells the story of the time traveling portals in the famous “The Legend of Zelda” series. Marching into the great worlds of “The Lord of the Rings”, the band paints the Grammy-nominated soundtrack “May It Be”, featuring Charlotte Wessels (ex-DELAIN), in a new light, while the mystic song “Misty Mountains” (feat. EVERGREY’s Tom S. Englund) of “The Hobbit” film trilogy underlines the tragic story through melodic folk vocal lines and rousing guitar riff choirs. Like the seven untamed seas, the melodies appear in energetic and rousing waves, while others head towards the shore in an exciting, elegant and soulful rhythm. Exploring the untouched sides of these multifaceted selected songs, the multinational band shifts the world-famous soundscapes into new adventures which will take listeners back to forgotten times. The multi-million streamed “League of Legends” soundtrack theme, “Legends Never Die”, comes back to life through a stunning makeover due to the incredible vocal lines of Melissa Bonny. Just like the moon, every song has an unexplored side, now discovered by THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.
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
Ads
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 ) 