Rising Nashville symphonic power metal group Valkyrie’s Fire has officially released their captivating new music video for “Cascade,” bringing the majestic transition of the night sky into vivid focus. Directed by the team at ProMotion LLC and shot at Precision Dynamics International in Franklin, Tennessee, the visual spectacle serves as a cinematic vessel for the band’s latest single.
The video highlights the ethereal beauty of the cosmos through a carefully calibrated visual production. This is the second single & music video taken from their upcoming full-length album Out of Darkness which will be released on September 18, 2026 via Eclipse Records.
Lyrically and visually, “Cascade” centers on the simple yet profound act of stargazing on a clear evening, tracking the moment dark skies reveal the timeless brilliance of outer space. Rather than building a complex narrative arc, ProMotion LLC and the band chose a clean, performance-driven concept that allows the cosmic imagery to reflect the mood of the music.
Frontwoman Bettie Floyd emphasizes “the all-black wardrobe serves as a deliberate visual anchor, letting the brilliant hues of the cosmos take center stage without cluttering the screen.” Co-vocalist Adam Sanders notes “the production deliberately offers viewers a serene visual escape from daily noise, encouraging fans to pause and immerse themselves in cosmic splendor alongside the band’s soaring melodies.”
Valkyrie’s Fire, a symphonic power metal sextet from Nashville, TN, is set to redefine the American landscape of the genre with their debut full-length album, Out of Darkness. Scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, through Eclipse Records, the album serves as a sophisticated evolution of the band’s melodic foundations. Produced and engineered by Joey Grimaldi, the record boasts a polished, sonic profile that equals the European giants of the genre. The visual identity of the project is equally prestigious, featuring cover art by the legendary Jan Yrlund, whose portfolio includes iconic designs for Battle Beast, Manowar and Delain. A central pillar of the album is the towering track “Burning Sky”, which features a guest appearance by Mikael Sehlin of Amaranthe. Sehlin, who also lent his expertise to the mastering of the album, provides a gritty vocal contrast to the soaring symphonic arrangements. The song explores the harrowing endurance of the human spirit through historical and biblical lenses. While Burning Sky offers aggressive intensity, “Cascade” invites the listener into a more atmospheric experience. The song depicts the transition from dusk to night, focusing on the clarity of the cosmos as constellations emerge from the gloom. Conversely, “Evermore” takes inspiration from the melancholic works of Edgar Allan Poe. Unlike the traditional gloom associated with The Raven, Valkyrie’s Fire reinterprets the narrative as a journey through grief toward a place of hope. Out of Darkness positions Valkyrie’s Fire as a formidable contemporary to bands like Epica, Within Temptation and Nightwish. By blending the grandiosity of European symphonic metal with the sharp production values of the modern Nashville metal scene, the band has created a debut that feels both timeless and urgent. Out of Darkness by Valkyrie’s Fire will be released on September 18, 2026 via Eclipse Records.
Coverart by Jan Yrlund
Pre-Save or Pre-Order Out of Darkness via Eclipse Records at this location.
Out of Darkness track listing 01. In Spirit, In Shadow 02. Evermore 03. Valkyrie’s Fire 04. Cascade 05. Burning Sky (featuring Mikael Sehlin of Amaranthe) 06. Shattered 07. I See the Angels Fly 08. Skylark 09. Labyrinth 10. Bone and Thorn 11. Dark Moon 12. Nocturne 13. I Will Rise Again
About Valkyrie’s Fire Nashville’s Valkyrie’s Fire bridges European grandiosity and American grit into a definitive symphonic power metal sound. Blending dual-vocal harmonies, heavy instrumentation, and orchestral depth, the award-winning band draws comparisons to Nightwish and Epica. Following their debut EP Ascension in 2024 (Eclipse Records), they now drop their 13-track full-length album Out of Darkness, a monumental journey through grief, history, and cosmic beauty. Valkyrie’s Fire is Bettie Floyd (vocals), Adam Sanders (vocals), Joey Grimaldi (guitar), Ryan Metroka (drums), Dave Hale (bass), Salem Belladonna (keys, cello).
Storm Force announce their second single Saviour from their upcoming new album Truth, releasing on September 25th. The entire album is now available for a digital pre-order on Bandcamp. Storm Force has planned a Listening Party on September 23rd on Bandcamp. Two days before the album release everyone around the world can join band members on Bandcamp to listen to the entire album.
Greg Fraser shared his insights into the new single, “Saviour has a bit of history behind it. It was originally recorded on the debut Fraze Gang album, and I sang the original version myself. When I first wrote the song, though, it was actually in a different key. Once I got into the studio, I realized it just wasn’t the right fit for my voice, so I ended up changing the key to make it work.
I’ve always been proud of that song and felt it never really got the exposure it deserved. When Storm Force started putting this album together, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to revisit it and finally record it the way I’d always heard it in my head. We returned it to its original key, and having Pat sing it made all the difference. He absolutely knocked it out of the park, and the whole band brought an incredible energy to the track. What you’re hearing now is the version I imagined from the very beginning, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. We hope everyone enjoys it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life.”
Eonian Records will be releasing the compact disc for Storm Force’s Truth. Pre-orders for the CD will begin August 25th.
Storm Force delivers powerful melodic hard rock fueled by soaring vocals, massive hooks, and the timeless energy of classic arena rock. Founded by guitarist and songwriter Greg Fraser, best known for his work with Canadian hard rock veterans Brighton Rock, the band blends classic influences with a modern edge, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly current.
The band first made its mark with the release of its debut album, Age Of Fear, in 2020 through Escape Music. The album earned praise from melodic rock fans and media alike, showcasing a powerful mix of driving guitars, memorable choruses, and emotionally charged songwriting.
Now Storm Force returns with its highly anticipated sophomore release, Truth, a ten-song collection that raises the bar in every direction.
Drawing inspiration from Whitesnake, Dokken, Scorpions, and Bon Jovi, Storm Force delivers music built for loud speakers, live stages, and fans who still believe in authentic, guitar-driven rock!
The debut Storm Force album, along with both Fraze Gang albums are now available for a budget friendly download of $5,99 each at bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com
Track Listing:
Truth
Silver Lining
Saviour
Between The Lines
Anti Social Media
Fire Starter
On With The Show
You’re Never Alone
I Wasn’t Finished Loving You
Karma’s A Bitch
Band Members:
Patrick Gagliardi – Lead Vocals
Greg Fraser – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Mike Berardelli – Bass Guitar
Roger Banks – Drums
Production:
Produced and Mixed by Darius Szczepaniak
Strada XR Atmos Studio, Mississauga, ON
Recorded at Storce Recording, Niagara Falls, ON
Additional Musicians:
All keyboards by Mike “Benny” Bedrosian, except on “Between The Lines,” performed by Ray Coburn.
Margaret Maria – Cello on “I Wasn’t Finished Loving You”
Songwriting:
All songs written by Patrick Gagliardi and Greg Fraser, except “Saviour,” written by Greg Fraser.
About STORM FORCE:
Storm Force is the explosive band that fans of classic hard melodic rock have all been waiting for.
Storm Force is led by Canadian rock legend and Brighton Rock founder, Greg Fraser. Greg has earned 4 Juno nominations with Brighton Rock, as well as a gold album in Canada. Greg is joined by Patrick Gagliardi (Vocals), Roger Banks (Drums), and Mike Berardelli (Bass), Storm Force’s debut album “Age of Fear” is the culmination of three years of passion for music and the hard rock genre.
After Brighton Rock, Greg released two great rock albums with the Fraze Gang to solid reviews. For this project however, he decided to step away from the front man role and search for the right members to create something special. Armed with the great rock riffs and melodies he had written, he decided to focus on finding members that were local to him so they could not just create an album that was recorded in different cities with no cohesiveness, but something that really felt like a band! Greg found one of today’s most powerful and versatile lead vocalists in Patrick Gagliardi (formerly of Surface Tension). Patrick adds his touch to the album as the main lyricist bringing different flavours to each song that range from straight ahead Rock anthems to introspective experiences of the current world we live in. Their debut record was recorded at Hamster Cage Studios and produced by Darius Szczepaniak (Black Crowes, Sum 41, Big Sugar). It combines colossal, crushing melodic rock with hook-laden ballads and massive choruses reminiscent of vintage Cinderella, balanced by classic rock sensibilities of acts like The Who and Van Halen.
The group hails from Niagara Falls, Canada and is rounded out by the blistering one-two punch rhythm section of legendary drummer Roger Banks and sought-after session musician and touring bassist Mike Berardelli.
After 15 years of trailblazing across doom metal, grunge, psychedelic and art rock, no height is too steep a climb for Stoned Jesus. The heavy progressive rockers are reaching a new creative peak with their forthcoming album trilogy. Its opening chapter, Songs to Sun, rose atop best of 2025 lists at Doom Charts, Rock Hard, The Obelisk and other critical institutions. Now, frontman Igor Sydorenko and his two bandmates are cycling into the darkest, most daring and deeply moving territory of their career with Songs to Moon.
“We started The Songstrilogy last year with Songs to Sun, which is a loud and heavy album that’s big on choruses and meaty riffs” Sydorenko says. “While still heavy and catchy, Songs to Moon follows a similar trajectory to Led Zeppelin III, Opeth’s Damnation or Jar of Flies by Alice In Chains. The songs are recognizably Stoned Jesus, but they are bolder, more haunting and introspective than anything we’ve done before”.
Today, Stoned Jesus are announcing Songs to Moon with a ‘90s-style music video for the album’s lead single. While floating endlessly amidst uncertainty, the doomgaze of “Velvet” hits hard with one of the band’s biggest hooks.
“This song answers the question: What if Nirvana was shoegaze?”, Sydorenko teases.
The video for “Velvet” was created by Mykyta Donets.
Songs to Moon comes out October 16, 2026 on Season of Mist.
The Songs trilogy spans all phases of Stoned Jesus. Like dusk, Songs to Moon opens in the shadow of Songs to Sun. Previously released single “Under the Skin” plunged the band into a dark night of the soul with loud and heavy slabs of post-metal.
Songs to Moon discovers a more introspective side to Stoned Jesus, “I’ve noticed that in a lot of our songs, the narrator is either falling or starting to lose the ground under their feet”, Sydorenko says. “When writing ‘Velvet’, I asked myself, what’s next? What do I want to find once I reach the bottom? Or do I just want the fall to go on forever”.
Even on their most melancholic album, Stoned Jesus can’t be confined to just one shade of blue. With its grungy riffs and grainy video treatment, “Velvet” would slide into heavy rotation on MTV’s 120 Minutes. “Where will I end up / I never know”, Sydorenko sings with cool remove. As steadily pounding drums, harsh backing vocals from bassist Andrew Rodin and Sydorenko’s howling guitar solo push the song to the brink, it’s loud and clear that the band are only going up from here.
Catch Stoned Jesus this summer on the European festival circuit.
August 8 – Rome, Italy @ Roma Stone Fest [TICKETS] August 20 – La Maroutière, France @ V and B Fest [TICKETS] August 29 – Teramo, Italy @ Suburbiae Festival [TICKETS] October 30 – Vallet, France @ WeStill Fest [TICKETS]
Since 2009, Stoned Jesus has served as one of Europe’s leading forces in heavy rock. Igor Sydorenko, a fixture 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 this was soon 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 after the whole year of relentless 15th Anniversary Tour schedule the reinvigorated Stoned Jesus was more than ready for their next chapter.
Songs to Sun arrived in 2025 as 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 nodded to Seven Thunders Roar and The Harvest along the way. But by merging metal’s fiery intensity with mind-melting grooves, nods to vintage prog and their catchiest choruses yet, they brought the many distinct phases of Stoned Jesus to a bright, burning head. The album was named one of the best the year by Doom Charts, Rock Hard, The Obelisk, Weedian, Metal Lair and other outlets.
Now, just one year later, following a European co-headline tour with Finnish proggers Wheel and a triumphant return to Hellfest, Stoned Jesus are taking a giant leap into the darkest, most daring and deeply moving territory of their career with Songs to Moon.
“Under The Skin” opens in the large shadows of its predecessor with a loud and heavy slab of post-metal that plunges into darkness like the setting sun. The existential shroud that hung over Songs to Sun continues to weigh on Sydorenko. “Still I’m falling down / From high above”, he sings with cool remove amidst the catchy doomgaze that’s expertly weaved into lead single “Velvet”. Mini-prog-opera “Jackal” features the band at their most theatrical. Smack in the middle of the tracklist (and falling precisely halfway through the entire trilogy), the melancholic “Syzgy” configures one melody from each Songs to…album into their first-ever instrumental track. But even on their darkest and moodiest record, Stoned Jesus can’t be confined to just one shade of blue.
Following in the steps of Led Zeppelin III, Opeth’s Damnation or Alice In Chain’s Jar of Flies, during its final lap, Songs to Moon strips down to acoustic guitar and Sydorenko’s hushed vocals. “And when the sun goes down / It brightens up my mood”. As the dreamy desperation of “Window In My Room” fades beneath the stark reminder of closer “One More Empty Day”, Stoned Jesus return to earth weary but wise beyond their years and ready to explore the next frontier.
Two titans of progressive music, Steve Hackett (Genesis) and Steve Rothery (Marillion), come together on ‘The Roaring Waves’ – a striking and deeply atmospheric instrumental album shaped by memory, imagination, and the elemental power of the sea. The record has been much talked about over the years, and it will now finally see the day on August 28th, 2026 via InsideOutMusic.
Now the duo are pleased to present the video for new single ‘Red Dragon’. Created by Simon Ward, you can watch it now here:
Steve Rothery comments: “Red Dragon shows off the rockier side of our collaboration, it starts with the sound of a hurdy gurdy (an instrument which originated in medieval Europe around the 10th century), followed by a heavy guitar riff by myself and great guitar melodies and sitar guitar by SH.”
Steve Hackett adds: “Red Dragon was the name of the ship that was used by the East India Trading Company in its early years. I used a sitar guitar amongst others to give that authentic Eastern feel…”
Years in the making, The Roaring Waves brings together seven instrumental compositions that move fluidly between the cinematic and the intimate, as Hackett explains, “It’s not the kind of album that guitarists normally make together.”
Written and recorded intermittently over nearly a decade – with sessions at Racket Club and the duo’s home studios – the album emerged from an organic, improvisational process. Jams and shared ideas form the backbone of the music, allowing both players to explore a collaborative dynamic defined by sensitivity and mutual respect.
Throughout ‘The Roaring Waves’, the duo embrace a painterly, almost filmic approach to composition – crafting music that invites listeners to drift, imagine, and immerse themselves. “You’re trying to create an atmosphere… like painting a picture,” says Rothery. “Taking people on a journey.”
The album is also available to pre-order on several formats, including a Ltd CD+Blu-ray mediabook edition including Dolby Atmos (by Andy Bradfield) & High Resolution Stereo mixes. The album will also be available as a Standard CD & a Gatefold 180g LP, cut at half-speed at Abbey Road Studios by Miles Showell. All feature artwork and layouts by Simon Ward. Pre-order now here: https://stevehackettsteverothery.lnk.to/TheRoaringWaves-Album
Girish And The Chronicles are excited to unleash their new single “Generation Coward”, along with an official visualizer, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The hard-hitting new single blends the band’s signature melodic hard rock and metal with modern alternative influences. Driven by crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and anthemic hooks, the track showcases a heavier, more contemporary edge while remaining unmistakably GATC.
The band commented: “Lyrically, “Generation Coward” is an unflinching reflection on fear, conformity, hypocrisy, and the silence that often surrounds human suffering in today’s world. In an age where tragedy unfolds in real time and outrage can be reduced to a passing moment on a screen, the song challenges listeners to question blind obedience, empty virtue, and our growing desensitization to injustice.”
Balancing melody with raw intensity, “Generation Coward” captures both the frustration and urgency of the times while pushing GATC’s sound into bold new territory. It is a powerful reminder that hard rock can still provoke thought as much as it delivers unforgettable hooks.
Over the last few years, Girish And The Chronicles have evolved from one of India’s best-kept hard rock secrets into a truly international force. Fueled by extensive European touring and a widely acclaimed appearance on the hit American television show America’s Got Talent, the band has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its audience far beyond its homeland and earning recognition among rock fans across the globe.
Staying true to the melodic hard rock and classic heavy metal foundations that have defined their sound from the very beginning, the band’s sound proudly embraces their roots while confidently pushing toward the future. A sound filled with big hooks, soaring choruses, electrifying guitar work, and a renewed sense of ambition.
At the heart of it all is frontman Girish Pradhan, whose unmistakable voice continues to set the band apart. Possessing a rare combination of power, range, grit, and emotion, Girish channels the spirit of the great rock singers of the past while maintaining a personality and charisma that are entirely his own. His commanding vocal performance elevates every track, bringing passion, intensity, and authenticity to the album’s diverse musical landscape.
This is a band at the peak of its creative powers: proud of its heritage, energized by its international success, and ready to claim its place on the global hard rock stage. Girish And The Chronicles are no longer just one of India’s premier rock exports – they are a band whose time has truly arrived.
Line Up: Girish Pradhan – Vocals, Rhythm Guitars Yogesh Pradhan – Bass, Keyboards, Production Suraz Sun – Lead Guitars Nagen Nags – Drums
Finnish melodic metal act After Infinity release their new single “Everlasting Mark”, featuring guest vocalist Sara Strömmer of Shereign.
The track offers a heavier, more intense perspective on the band’s upcoming sophomore album, “Beyond Eternity,” due for release on October 23rd, 2026, via Rockshots Records.
Following the bright, synth-driven energy of previous single “Infinite Feeling”, “Everlasting Mark” balances driving melodies with a heavier edge, further expanding the musical spectrum explored across “Beyond Eternity“.
Sara Strömmer‘s performance plays a central role in shaping the track’s character. Her vocals shift from soft and clean passages to aggressive and brutal delivery, emphasizing the contrasts within the composition and reinforcing its balance between melodic accessibility and heavier expression.
Guitarist and songwriter Zsolt Szilagyi comments:
“This song has a lot of cool musical elements: the interplay of synth & guitar in the main riff, some nice bass lines in the verses, and the extraordinary vocals of Sara Strömmer, who showcases her wide range of styles from soft and clean to aggressive and brutal.“
Founded in 2022 by Dreamtale and Frozen Factory guitarist Zsolt Szilagyi, After Infinity blend melodic power metal, heavy metal and progressive influences with layered orchestration, rich synthesizers and dynamic songwriting.
“Beyond Eternity” builds upon the foundations established by the band’s 2024 self-titled debut, moving between fast-paced power metal, heavier progressive compositions, atmospheric interludes and piano-led ballads with each song fulfilling a distinct role within the album.
The record brings together an extensive cast of guest vocalists, including Paolo Ribaldini, Aitor Arrastia, Nitte Valo, Mika Tauriainen, Leonard F. Guillan and Sara Strömmer, while maintaining a cohesive musical identity anchored by Szilagyi‘s songwriting.
Produced by Zsolt Szilagyi, “Beyond Eternity” features orchestrations and synthesizers by Gideon Ricardo and bass performances by Ville Koskinen. Most of the album, including “Everlasting Mark”, was mixed by Benjamin Connelly for Duskswitch Production, while mastering was handled by Jasse Kesti at Kesthouse.
“Beyond Eternity” will be released on October 23rd, 2026 via Rockshots Records.
Track Listing: 1. Crooked Carnival feat. Aitor Arrastia (6:52) 2. Infinite Feeling feat. Leonard F. Guillan & Nitte Valo (5:02) 3. King with no Crown feat. Paolo Ribaldini (6:21) 4. Maybe She’s Crying feat. Paolo Ribaldini (5:21) 5. Mortal Vessel (1:58) 6. Everlasting Mark feat. Sara Strömmer (4:58) 7. Eternal Resentment feat. Nitte Valo (3:43) 8. Whisper in the Air feat. Mika Tauriainen (4:03) 9. Hands of Time feat. Aitor Arrastia (11:53)
After Infinity Line-up: Zsolt Szilagyi: Guitars, Synths, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals Gideon Ricardo: Orchestrations, Synths Ville Koskinen: Bass Guest Vocalists: Paolo Ribaldini (Delain, Leverage, Seraphiel) Aitor Arrastia (Metal de Facto) Nitte Valo (Dreamtale, ex-Battle Beast) Mika Tauriainen (Entwine, Shamrain) Sara Strömmer (Shereign, ex-Fear of Domination) Leonard F. Guillan (ex-King Company)
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 ) 