5RAND have officially signed with Art Gates Records for the release of their upcoming third album. This new alliance marks a significant step forward in the band’s evolution, as they continue to refine their signature blend of modern heaviness and cinematic atmosphere.
To celebrate the signing, the band has unveiled a brand-new single, “The Nihilist”, featuring Milo from Fear Factory. The track delivers a fierce mix of punishing riffs, industrial undertones, and emotionally raw vocals, accompanied by a powerful music video that explores themes of identity loss and psychological inversion. “The Nihilist” offers a first glimpse into the darker, more introspective sound of their forthcoming record, due out in November 2025.
Hailing from Rome, Italy, 5RAND builds on a punishing modern metal foundation, layered with the cinematic depth of melodic death metal, creating an intense and emotionally immersive soundscape. Fronted by the dynamic dual vocals of Julia Elenoir – shifting seamlessly from visceral growls to haunting clean melodies – the band has carved out a distinctive place in the modern metal scene.
Founded by Pierluigi Carocci (guitar), Acey Guns (bass), Andrea De Carolis (drums), and Elenoir (vocals), 5RAND first made waves with their debut “Sacred/Scared”, followed by the critically acclaimed “Dark Mother”. The band has since toured extensively across Europe, sharing the stage with iconic acts such as Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Butcher Babies, Infected Rain, and many others.
In 2025, 5RAND will unveil their most ambitious work to date – a bold new album mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, featuring a powerful guest appearance by the new Fear Factory vocalist, Milo Silvestro. This upcoming release signals a sonic evolution: darker, more introspective, and conceptually daring.
The band’s name, drawn from a chance encounter with a shaman and a South African 5 Rand coin, symbolizes unexpected paths and transformative experiences. Their music explores themes of identity, emotional detachment, philosophy, and human resilience, all woven together through a multidisciplinary artistic vision that spans both sound and visuals.
Line-up:
Julia Elenoir – Voice Pierluigi Carocci – Guitar Acey Guns – Bass Andrea De Carolis – Drums
When Sexagisma broke up, unremarked and barely recorded, in the mid-1980s, even the band’s own members doubted we’d ever hear their name again.
Formed in 1981 as a glam rock party piece, but swiftly developing into one of the most entertaining, not to mention visual, bands on the UK club circuit, Sexagisma made their vinyl debut on that year’s Sing As We Go various artists collection.
A scrapbook’s worth of press mentions and gig flyers followed, as Sexagisma wowed audiences opening for everyone from torch song diva Mari Wilson to goth pioneers Specimen, from the then newly-emerged The Alarm to revitalized glam hit makers The Glitter Band. Twice in three months they stunned The Batcave’s traditionally dour and darkest denizens; they gave the London Marquee its most glittering evening in years… they were, insisted prestigious UK weekly Melody Maker, “ratty and tatty and oozing subterranean sleazeball brilliance.”
But it was also the mid-1980s, and potential pop stardom was built around some very narrowly defined musical templates. And a band that Melody Maker, again, described as “trash rockers… who make The Sweet look like vicars” was never going to break that glass ceiling.
So the band split, the members dispersed, and a fistful of cassettes, a smattering of demos and a few concert recordings were quietly archived. Life went on… a full 40 years worth.
But some fans never forgot. A dedicated Facebook page attracted almost 700 followers based upon fond memories alone; a retrospective article in Goldmine magazine teased American audiences with a resounding “what if?”; and now, with their long, long, loooong delayed debut album poised for release, frontman and songwriter Vaughan Funnell admits, “I’m shocked.” For so many years, “Sexagisma was a bit of a joke about something I did in my 20s. And now, immortalized in plastic. Pink plastic!!!!”
Available also on CD and digital, From The Batcave 1981-1985 comprises 13 Funnell originals, plus a slew of CD bonus tracks drawn from the band’s glam-spanning repertoire of covers – David Bowie, Alice Cooper and The Sweet among them. All have been remastered from the original recordings; all recapture the sheer mayhem and magnificence of Sexagisma in full flight.
First, however, the band’s traditional set opener “Monster Fun” va-va-vooms out of the vault, a high octane “Batcave Deadly Mix” vivaciously remodeled by Die Krupps frontman Jurgen Engler – no stranger himself, of course, to the scene and sounds that nurtured Sexagisma in the first place… and revisiting it, too, with Die Krupps currently on tour with Ministry.
Sexagisma’s accompanying video, too, pays wide-eyed tribute to a live show that featured everything from onstage disemboweling to (probably) simulated sex, with the occasional fire-eater thrown in for good measure. Or, as another period review put it, “a blur of lame and leopardskin, a stage full of smoke… and boy dancer Andy spurting fake blood through the top of his head.”
Track listing: Monster Fun (Bat Cave Deadly Mix) Betcha Can’t Dance To This One Baby Creeps Good Morning George Planetoid Twist Screamers Glitter Devils Zero Time Coming Right Up Dali Mixtures Freaks Graveyard Rocket City Gang Space Ranger [CD ONLY] Monster Fun (original version) [CD ONLY] Hang On To Yourself [CD ONLY] I Didn’t Know I Loved You (Till I Saw You Rock-N-Roll) [CD ONLY] Hellraiser [CD ONLY] Cracked Actor [CD ONLY] Glam Medley (Jean Genie – Blockbuster – School’s Out) [CD ONLY]
IMPUREZA are not stopping their Hispanic metal conquest anytime soon. Today, the band are releasing “La Orden del Yelmo Negro” as the second single off their upcoming Reconquista-themed third album Alcázares.
With “La Orden del Yelmo Negro”, Impureza pay homage to a sacred brotherhood of warrior monks with their signature offering of brutal flamenco death metal. Steeped in mysticism, sacrifice and unwavering devotion, the song crusades across the desert in search of the Holy Land during a time of war that spanned more than seven centuries of Iberian history.
Amidst the desert heat of “La Orden del Yelmo Negro”, Impureza ignite in a blaze of riffs, flamenco flourishes and blast-beat fury. Orchestral arrangements, fretless bass and guttural vocals bring to life a vision both ancient and transcendent. Like all of Alcázares, the song’s lyrics are entirely in Spanish, invoking a vivid world where myth and martyrdom intertwine.
Tracklist: 1. Verdiales (1:15) 2. Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo (6:25) 3. Covadonga (4:01) 4. Pestilencia (4:44) [WATCH] 5. Reconquistar Al-Ándalus (5:25) 6. Murallas (2:24) 7. La Orden del Yelmo Negro (4:57) [WATCH] 8. Castigos Eclesiásticos (6:06) 9. El Ejército de los Fallecidos de Alarcos (5:18) 10. Ruina del Alcázar (1:37) 11. Santa Inquisición (6:26) Full runtime: 49:02
IMPUREZA is a Spanish metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music is distinguished by a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, creating an atypical style known as Hispanic Metal. Impureza remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, making it a pioneer of the genre.
The entire concept of the band revolves around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain. The very essence of their music lies in the duality between two seemingly opposed musical genres, which, through clever composition, give birth to a new and avant-garde style. Their fiery music is literally the union of traditional Hispanic folklore and extreme metal. These metal warriors brandish their Iberian sounds as weapons with pride. This ingenious alliance is matched only by the singular and unprecedented creative originality of its founder Lionel Cano Muñoz and his compañero Esteban Martín, both of Spanish nationality. Impureza’s conquistadors draw inspiration from their strong identity, which defines the band’s very essence. Impureza’s members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others.
Let the conquistadors of Impureza lead you into their realm and immerse you in Spanish culture with a groundbreaking musical concept — the one and only fierce guardians of Hispanic Metal!
Production Credits: Recorded & mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic, Les Arc-sur-Argens, France. Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark.
Guest Musicians: Xavier Hamon – Percussion Louis Viallet – Orchestration
Swedish thrash pioneers and purveyors THE HAUNTED released their tenth studio album, ‘Songs of Last Resort,’ on May 30, 2025 via longtime partners Century Media Records. To celebrate, the band is now unleashing another scorching new music video for the song “Death to the Crown,” which can be found at THIS LOCATION.
THE HAUNTED guitarist Ola Englund comments about the new single “’Death to the Crown’ is one of those songs that just came out of pure frustration. It’s about that feeling when you’re watching politicians or leaders treat real people like pawns in some kind of game. It’s not about any one person or country – it’s about the bigger pattern. Power going to people’s heads, egos growing out of control, and the rest of us left dealing with the mess. It’s heavy. It’s aggressive. It’s THE HAUNTED.”.
With music recorded by Oscar Nilsson at Studio Bohus, main vocals recorded by Björn Strid at The Cellar Studio, ‘Songs of Last Resort’ was then mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (Kreator, Arch Enemy, Sepultura, etc). Artwork was once again provided by longtime visual collaborator Andreas “Diaz” Pettersson. Orders are live HERE.
The album artwork for ‘Songs of Last Resort’ was created by Andreas “Diaz” Pettersson.
Letters of Last Resort (04:06) Album running time: (00:40:33)
Music recorded by Oscar Nilsson at Studio Bohus Main vocals recorded by Björn Strid at The Cellar Studio Mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios
Lineup: Ola Englund – rhythm & lead guitar Jonas Björler – bass, backing vocals Marco Aro – lead vocals Adrian Erlandsson – drums Jensen – rhythm guitar
Dead End Irony is a Heavy Metal band founded in Imatra, Finland in 2010, which has been welded into a diamond-like entity through years of hard work. Like many bands, personnel changes have also had to be made over time, while the core group has remained together. DEI has grown into a mature group, whose brilliant debut album Battles & Brotherhood we now get to hear. The album is an eight-song strong Heavy Metal record that honors the roots of the genre with a modern touch and an uncompromising attitude.
“We’ve been preparing this album for a long time and it’s great to finally have it out for the crowd to listen to. These songs embody what Heavy Metal is in 2025; melody, aggression and with a touch of epicness,” says the band’s vocalist Vesa Winberg about the new “Battles and Brotherhood” album.”
Southern California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck unveil “Dark Angel,” the latest single from their highly anticipated studio album Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes, due out August 22nd via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. Produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Rival Sons), the track is available now on all major streaming platforms HERE.
“Dark Angel” tells the story of a mysterious woman in Savannah, Georgia—equal parts memory, mirage, and muse. With evocative storytelling, moody guitar licks, and a groove steeped in country-soul swagger, the track captures a shadowy slice of Southern mythos, blurring the line between love and longing.
“‘Dark Angel’ was another song that came out of our writing sessions at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A,” says guitarist Henry James. “We had the privilege of working with singer-songwriter Leslie Satcher (George Strait, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Patty Loveless, and Vince Gill), with lyrics inspired by one of her personal experiences as a touring musician. It tells the tale of an encounter with a mysterious woman in a bar in Savannah, GA—leaving plenty of room for poetic embellishment. Her knack for storytelling and wordplay was evident, and we had great chemistry as line after line poured out of her. The song was a natural fit for Cobb’s production, with punchy riffs and a classic southern/country rock groove. By coincidence, we recorded the song in the very city that inspired it—Savannah. We’re excited and proud to share ‘Dark Angel’ with the world.”
“Dark Angel” follows a string of singles that showcase the wide emotional and sonic spectrum of Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes, including the swaggering “Better Of Me,” the electrifying “Highway,” the reflective “Ashes in the Snow,” the smouldering “Long Gone” (co-written with John Oates), and the high-octane “Sittin’ Pretty.” Each track further solidifies the band’s identity as a modern rock powerhouse rooted in timeless American traditions.
Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes was recorded in Savannah with the band living communally throughout the process—eating, writing, and recording together under Cobb’s watchful eye. The album captures the raw chemistry that has made their live shows legendary, pairing hard-driving rockers with heartfelt ballads, all anchored by the band’s sharp musicianship and soul-baring lyrics.
“This record really represents who we are right now, both musically and personally,” says frontman Robert Jon Burrison. “We stepped away from our day-to-day and just focused on the songs, and you can feel that in every track.”
Mixed by Greg Gordon (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson), the album will be available on CD, digital platforms, and limited-edition coloured vinyl, with special merch bundles including an exclusive shirt and bandana.
Since forming in 2011, Robert Jon & The Wreck—featuring Robert Jon Burrison (vocals, guitar), Henry James (lead guitar, vocals), Andrew Espantman (drums, vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keys)—have built a devoted international following through relentless touring and their signature blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana. With songs steeped in heartache, resilience, and redemption, the band continues to carve out a distinct space in the modern roots-rock landscape.
Currently on tour, the band is wrapping up their European summer dates with stops in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, before heading back to the U.S. for a slate of shows including Fargo Blues Festival, Hookrock, Madison Ribberfest, and a featured performance at Telluride Blues and Brews Festival in September. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.robertjonandthewreck.com.
CD & Digital Track List
Sittin’ Pretty
Ashes In The Snow
Highway
Old Man
Dark Angel
Long Gone
Better Of Me
I Wanna Give It
Heartbreak & Last Goodbye
Keep Myself Clean
LP Track List Side A
Sittin’ Pretty
Ashes In The Snow
Highway
Old Man
Dark Angel
Side B
Long Gone
Better Of Me
I Wanna Give It
Heartbreak & Last Goodbyes
Keep Myself Clean
TOUR DATES:
Summer Europe and U.S. June 13 – Naches, WA – Chinook Fest 2025 June 20 – Vitoria, ES – Askena Rock Festival June 21 – Le Thor, FR – Le Sonograf June 25 – Aschaffenburg, DE – Colos-Saal June 26 – Herscchbach, DE – Haus Hergispach June 27 – Torgau, DE – Kulturbastion Torgau Open Air June 28 – Hanover, DE – Blues Garage June 30 – Koln, DE – Die Kantine July 1 – Wurzburg, DE – Posthalle July 2 – Marburg, DE – KFZ Marburg E.V. July 3 – Weert, NL – De Bosuil July 4 – Diepenbeek, BE – Hookrock Festival July 5 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg
Summer U.S. August 1 – Fargo, ND – Fargo Blues Festival August 2 – Lake View, IA – Stone Pier Summer Concert Series August 3 – Hobart, IN – The Hobart Art Theater August 5 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom August 6 – Homer, NY – Center For The Arts of Homer August 7 – Ridgefield, CT – Ballard Park August 8 – Athens, NY – Athens Riverside Park August 9 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall August 10 – St. Johnsbury, VT – Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series August 12 – Waldoboro, ME – Waldo Theatre August 13 – New York, NY – Sony Hall August 14 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall August 15 – South Park Township, PA – Summer Concert Series August 16 – Madison IN – Madison Ribberfest September 13 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
Spring 2026 February 23-27 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Rock Legends Blues Festival
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
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