French symphonic power metal band Fairyland are pleased to share their new single and official video “Karma”, taken from their new studio album “The Story Remains”, scheduled for June 13th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Bassist Willdric Lievin described the new single: “Karma is a song about the type of people who like using others. It’s a song about a selfish, egoistic, self-centered individual who only wants to please himself, without any consideration for other people. His hallmark: empty words, broken promises, words that are not followed by actions. He doesn’t know that by living like this, he hurts people around him. He doesn’t know that “what goes around comes around”. Musically it’s one of the most beautiful gems that Phil Giordana ever made. The majestic, epic, rich orchestrations make this song unique”.
Talking about the new record, Lievin stated: “After the passing of the Fairyland’s founder and mastermind Phil Giordana, we faced the challenge to finish the fifth album. Phil left plenty of material, but it required a lot of further work. It wasn’t easy but in the face of adversity we excelled and managed to complete the album. This, along with a new lineup, starts a new chapter in the history of Fairyland. It continues the symphonic, power metal quality that Fairyland is known for, but we decided to add some new elements to this musical landscape”.
“The Story Remains is richer and more versatile than previous albums, and we are exploring new musical and lyrical territory for the band. We are happy and proud of this new album, and we hope that listening to it will give you a lot of delight. Welcome back to Fairyland”, he continued.
French Symphonic Masters Fairyland are back with the long-awaited album “The Story Remains”. The band is a well-known name in the symphonic metal scene, appreciated and with a specific trademark made of majestic orchestration able to bring the listeners in their fantasy world.
Fairyland was formed in 1998 as Fantasia by Philippe Giordana and Willdric Lievin. Both musicians shared the same passion for epic and symphonic heavy metal. Fantasia recruited guitarist Anthony Parker and entered Wizard Studio in February 2002. During the recording, they found Elisa C. Martin, already known for her work with the power metal band Dark Moor.
At this time, the band’s name was changed to Fairyland. They signed a contract with NTS (now Replica Records). “Of Wars In Osyrhia” was released in April 2003. Shortly after, the band toured with Sonata Arctica and performed at the Swedish Rock Festival.
The second album “The Fall Of An Empire”, was recorded with: P. Giordana, A. Parker, Max Leclerqc , Pierre-Emmanuel “Piwee” Desfray and Thomas “Tom” Cesario, and was released in 2006. A European tour with Kamelot and Leaves’ Eyes followed.
After the tour, the band split up. While working on the new material, Philippe decided to use the services of guest musicians for his next album. “Score To A New Beginning” was released in 2009, also marking the return of Willdric Lievin.
The fourth album “Osyrhianta” was released in 2020 (line-up: Philippe Giordana, Willdric Lievin, Francesco Cavalieri, JB Pol, and Sylvain Cohen).
Philippe Giordana passed away on October 21, 2022. In March 2023 Archie Caine was announced as the band’s new lead singer. In 2024 the line up was completed with Gideon Ricardo, Brieuc De Groof and J.B Pol.
“The Story Remains” perfectly incarnates the band’s trademark sound, and songs like “A New Dawn” or “Karma” are a perfect example of the amazing album that will make every symphonic metal freak’s heart beat with excitement!
“The Story Remains” Tracklist:
1. Downfall 2. To Stars And Beyond 3. Karma 4. A New Dawn 5. We Shall Hunt The Sun 6. Hopeless Still 7. Samsara 8. Unity 9. Council Of The Gods 10. The Chosen Ones 11. Unbreakable 12. Postscript 13. Suffering Ages (Feat. Elisa C. Martin)
Line Up: Archie Caine – Vocals Willdric Lievin – Guitars, bass, backing vocals Gideon Ricardo – Keyboards Brieuc De Groof – Guitars JB Pol – Drums
The success behind the Buckle Up! album is Francis Buckley, Grammy award winning producer, as well as a stellar band of musicians. This team is now preparing for Wilson’s 2025 Summer album titled The Californian, scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, which will include nine new original songs written by Wilson.
The Charts on Radio and Roots Music Reports have spoken, and the #15 Album for Blues Rock radio for 2024, and the #51 Blues Album for 2024 is Brad “Guitar” Wilson’s Buckle Up! This album has lived on the charts for more than a year!
The Californian was recorded in Brussels, Belgium at the world class studio, ICP, with international musicians. This new record captures the feel of the Rolling Stones classic song “Dead Flowers” from their Sticky Fingers era.
The highly anticipated album features a re-release of Wilson’s celebrated hit song “Teaser” from John Carpenter’s film Vampires.
The Hollywood, California sessions for The Californian had the 2024 Blues Music award-winning drummer Tony Braunagel, and Santana band star keyboard player Chris Rhyne performing on “Summertime Blues”, Quincy Jones song “Love And Peace” along with the Blues Classic “Hurts Me Too.” New original songs on the album are the Wilson soon-to-be-on-radio songs: “Heartbreaker”, “Say You Wanna Dance”, “Back Roads”, “Lightning In A Bottle” and “Monterey.”
Brad’s songwriting is centerstage in all of his recent hit records: Lovers Before Sunrise, Brad “Guitar” Wilson and Buckle Up! With each album at the top of the charts and singles that present Wilson as a songwriter of timeless compositions, he is always writing music that appeals to an international guitar audience. His songs are like wonderfully crafted paintings to be enjoyed for years to come.
Standing room only USA shows as well as May and October European tours have included glowing press reviews in every major Blues Rock publication.
In between recording dates, Brad “Guitar” Wilson will be performing songs from the new album during the May tour of Holland, Belgium and France that include three nights in Paris, at the French resort La Rochelle, the European Union Capital Brussels and the Netherlands city of Breda. See dates below.
European Tour Dates:
Friday, May 16 – JJ Music House, Zoetermeer, NL Saturday, May 17 – Cafe Stroop, Bosschenhoofd, NL Sunday, May 18 – Warm Onthaal, Den Bosch, NL Thursday, May 22 – The Blues Cafe, Apeldoorn, NL Friday, May 23 – Cafe Gesellies, Zevenbergen, NL Saturday, May 24 – Het Rad, Elshout, NL Sunday, May 25 – Harley Dag Festival, Huizen, NL Tuesday, May 27 – City Bowling d’Ozoir, Paris, France Wednesday, May 28 – Le Stock, Paris, France Thursday, May 29 – Backstage Cafe, Paris, France Friday, May 30 – Crossroad, La Rochelle, France Sunday, June 1 – Music Village, Brussels, Belgium
GATES OF CHAOS are thrilled to introduce ‘Out Of Hell’ – the lead single from their forthcoming album ‘MY WAR’, dropping May 18th on Digipak CD and all digital streaming services.
Gates of Chaos is a symphonic metal quintet born from a group of musicians united by a shared vision: to transform their passion for music into an energy that shakes the listener and leaves a lasting mark.
Their sound blends powerful guitars, tight rhythms, and epic orchestrations, creating intense and theatrical tracks. Rooted in symphonic metal, their compositions also draw from thrash and progressive influences, forging a unique and captivating style.
“Each member brings different influences, but we all share the same goal: to tell our vision of the world through the universal language of music,” says the band.
In another news, GATES OF CHAOS have signed with Soundsrock Agency for future shows and tours.
Line Up: Marco “Brandy” De Angeli – Vocals Michael Siani – Keyboards Marco Politi – Guitar Alessio Fantoni – Drums Tiziano Chiappi – Bass
Prog Death Metal discovery Prophets Tomb have unleashed their blistering new single, “Last Man Standing.” The track is taken from their highly anticipated upcoming album Through Pain, which is set for release on June 13, 2025, via Wormholedeath.
“Last Man Standing” is a powerful death metal track that explores guilt, corruption, and the aftermath of abuse. With raw, intense imagery and a relentless message, it challenges the listener to confront moral decay and personal reckoning. A brutal and visceral journey through a broken world, this track demands accountability and reflection on the choices that destroy lives.
Following the critical underground success of The Third Wave and Magni Mori, Prophets Tomb take their sound to even darker, more expansive places with Through Pain — an album that promises to be a landmark in modern extreme metal.
BraveWords Records is excited to announce the signing of Alcatrazz, for a new studio album, their 7th, to be released in 2026. Alcatrazz is also working on another top secret studio project. The new album will build on the obvious strength of their recent three releases “Born Innocent” “V” and “Take No Prisoners”.
Jimmy Waldo of Alcatrazz proposes the band perform at reopening of Alcatraz Prison, “U.S. President Donald Trump has recently made a claim that he wishes to “re-open” the high security prison, the legendary Alcatraz Island. Regardless of anyones thoughts on this, and make of it what you will … we really are the only logical choice… should this re-opening actually happen, we expect the invite from the Donald!. Alcatrazz would be the perfect and only band that should launch the “New Alcatraz Prison” as we have actually all spent time in cells in the joint (check out our video for “Island In The Sun”) climbed the famous prison tower, spent the whole day in every place on the rock … even inside the walls of the cells, where the famous escapes were attempted — so to play at the new opening celebration would be like coming home.”
Alcatrazz “Island In The Sun” filmed on Alcatraz:
Members of Alcatrazz talk about signing with BraveWords Records:
Gary Shea: “Alcatrazz looks forward to merging forces with BraveWords Records, benefiting from the very impressive backgrounds of partners Tim Henderson, Michael Brandvold and Brian Adams. With their combined years of experience we will take on the Music Business and the Business of Music together. Let’s Rock!”
Jimmy Waldo: “It’s very exciting to be on BraveWords Records — great people that really get what Alcatrazz is all about, and are excited about taking the band to the next level. The combined background of the BraveWords brand already puts us at the forefront from Rock and Metal press, and the creative and innovative PR skills of Michael Brandvold gives this label an edge like no other… they are a one-stop shop for anything a band like us could ask for.”
Joe Stump: “For multiple decades now BraveWords has always been my source for all things metal, dating back to when I used to buy their print mag at specialty record shops and news stands … I’m thrilled to be working with their label and extremely excited for what’s to come. As for the album: pay attention, we are ready to do some damage”
Giles Lavery: “To be singing for one of my favorite bands, and to also be close friends with these guys is something that might come along once in a lifetime… I now have that three-fold! as a member of Warlord, my recent work with Jack Starr on his new album and now with Alcatrazz! …none of this I take for granted. My partners at BraveWords Records are also dear friends, so we have a great team all the way around. Lets just make a great record!”
About ALCATRAZZ: Alcatrazz, formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, has been as well known for the legendary players and singers who have passed throughout the bands ranks as much as they have for their music.
Formed originally by the trio of Jimmy Waldo, Gary Shea (both fresh from late 70’s hitmakers New England and the short lived band Warrior featuring a pre-Kiss Vinnie Vincent) along with vocalist Graham Bonnet (himself with impressive credentials having been a then recent member of Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group) the band set about completing the line up with drummer Jan Uvena (formerly of Alice Cooper) and a then very young Yngwie Malmsteen, a guitarist who had quickly made a name for himself upon arriving in the USA in the early 80s. The band issued their now classic debut “No Parole From Rock N Roll” album (1983) which was met with universal critical acclaim. Yngwie was soon to depart in favor of Steve Vai just in time for the bands second album “Disturbing The Peace” (1985).
The bands mission has always been a not necessarily stable line-up, but of an evolving union of established performers all forming a “supergroup” of sorts, one with perhaps more guitar fire-power than many, but definitely also with the songs to back it up.
Vocalist Doogie White (himself also formerly of Rainbow and Michael Schenker) served a successful two album stint with the band, while the “shred-lord” himself…the acclaimed Joe Stump (also a very established solo artist and a Berklee college professor) has now been the bands longest serving guitarist, with this year now making his 6th continuing year as a member of the band.
Longtime Graham Bonnet and Alcatrazz collaborator, producer, songwriter and vocalist Giles Lavery is now the man behind the microphone, having proved he was an inspired choice on two recent U.S. tours — having worked with the band in numerous other creative capacities since 2017 the band feel it was a logical move, but also one chosen on merit. Giles can be heard on the recent BraveWords Records release, Jack Starr’s “Out Of The Darkness Part II” as well as his studio and live work with U.S. metal legends Warlord, a band who feature non-other than Mark Zonder on drums…himself a former member of the Graham Bonnet Band, Fates Warning, and worth noting here… as he is also currently leading the band A-Z who feature none other than Alcatrazz main man keyboardist Jimmy Waldo! confused yet? don’t be, as all of this proves that there is a firm but perhaps overlooked consistency and lineage to what on the surface may seem like an ever evolving band personnel.
Indeed Jimmy Waldo continues to be the heart and soul of Alcatrazz… as aside from being the bands talented keyboardist, he has been the one who would, over the bands career find himself at the centre of all band affairs and decision making, from booking the band in the early days, working closely with the bands various record labels, to making sure other members, at the height of 1980s rock n roll decadence were present and accounted for when it came time to get the work done…”i think i even drove the tour bus once or twice back then” says Waldo… in fact it was Jimmy himself who personally selected Steve Vai out of a number of other contenders for the guitarist position in 1984 when Yngwie Malmsteen chose to move on to his own distinguished solo career.. “alot of people have come and gone over the years” says Jimmy… “It’s kept it fresh and we are hardly the only band like that, we still have myself and Gary still holding down the frontline from that early era” Chris Impellitteri historically was one such player in line for the job, who may not have made it into the bands ranks back in 1984, but who in 2020 finally recorded with the band as a special guest on the successful “Born Innocent” album (co-produced by Giles and Jimmy).
Bassist Gary Shea, he who named the band and designed the bands logo no less… came up with the above-mentioned iconic album titles (lets also not forget “Live Sentence”) as noted above, has been flying the Alcatrazz flag with Jimmy for over 4 decades now and is looking forward to this next phase. Gary’s recently published book “No Bass, No Party” is also an essential read for those wanting to delve deeper into the Alcatrazz story!
About BraveWords Records: BraveWords Records has released albums by Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr and future releases from Lillian Axe, Crimson Glory and ASKA.
There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts a million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. As artists and labels transition to the many new mediums available today for their work, BraveWords intends to stay ahead of the curve in providing and actively seeking opportunities for our roster of clients.
With the rapid spread of the world wide web, BraveWords.com was born in 2000 and quickly became the CNN of heavy metal. With its team of global writers and photographers, the site flourished with 24/7 updated news, features, reviews, audio and video steams.
For nearly 30 years, BraveWords wears their metal heart loudly on their sleeve, as they celebrate the greatest genre of music with the most dedicated and passionate fans on the planet!
Swedish metalcore trailblazers ADEPT are back—and louder than ever! After nearly nine years of silence, the band mark their long awaited return today with the pummeling and appropriately titled new single, “Heaven”.
Formed in the early 2000s in Trosa, Sweden, ADEPT helped shape the European metalcore scene during its formative years, quickly gaining recognition for their high-octane live shows. The band soon embarked on international headlining tours and shared stages with genre heavyweights like A Day To Remember, Underoath, and Bring Me The Horizon. First re-emerging onto the scene in 2024 with a standout live appearance at Core Fest in Stuttgart, DE, the band ignited a pervasive wave of anticipation among longtime fans. Now, with a new era underway, ADEPT are poised to make a thunderous impact on metalcore’s global stage.
Today, ADEPT unveils their powerful new single “Heaven”— a raw and cathartic exploration of guilt, loss, and being relentlessly pursued by personal demons. Driven by fast-paced riffs, somber melodies, and crowned by a crushing breakdown, the track seamlessly weaves between piercing growls and soaring clean vocals for a dynamically intense listen. The track arrives accompanied by a cinematic official music video, using striking visuals and a modern aesthetic that captures the song’s emotional weight. Stay tuned for more exciting news coming soon!
Vocalist Robert Ljung on the new single: “‘Heaven’ is a dark and emotional song about carrying old scars into the present and learning how to face them. It’s built around heavy riffs, a massive chorus, and a lot of raw emotion. Lyrically, it’s about holding on to unresolved parts of your past but also about finding the strength to face them and move forward.”
“Heaven” was produced and mixed by renowned producer Henrik Udd (Architects, Bring Me the Horizon, At the Gates), and recorded by ADEPT’s own Gustav Lithammer (guitar/producer) and Robert Ljung (vocals). Mastering was handled by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Soilwork, Opeth, Scar Symmetry) at Panic Room Studios, adding the final layer of sonic precision. The result is a track that captures the raw essence of ADEPT—honest, intense, and unmistakably heavy.
“Heaven” Will Be Streaming on All Platforms Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13th, Check it out HERE
With their fierce blend of aggression and melody, ADEPT return with an infectiously emotional sound. The band quickly gained recognition and headlined multiple international tours across Europe, Asia and also performed at festivals like Metaltown and Sonisphere, where they opened for Metallica.
With major festival appearances across Europe and new music on the horizon, 2025 marks the beginning of an exciting new era! Make sure you don’t miss ADEPT live to celebrate this glorious comeback!
14.06.25 AT – Nickelsdorf / Nova Rock 15.06.25 CZ – Hradec Králové / Rock For People 26.06.25 SE – Stockholm / Broken Summer Fest 15.08.25 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open 16.08.25 CH – Cudrefin / Rock The Lakes
ADEPT is: Robert Ljung – Vocals Gabriel Hellmark – Drums Filip Brandelius – Bass Gustav Lithammer – Guitar Kasper Larcombe-Tronstad – Guitar
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 )