Finnish Classic Rockers THE GRAMMERS will continue their career with a French singer Monia Sommer. The new female singer will open new doors in the band’s 25-year career.
Classic rock band The Grammers released their eighth album, recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales and named after the studio, last year. The album release gig was also the last for founding member Hannu Vainionpää. The band announced early this year on social media and muusikoiden.net that they were looking for a new singer. Applications came in large numbers, but Monia‘s voice and personality stood out from the crowd immediately and after the auditions it was clear. The Grammers would continue their career with a female singer!
Monia comments: Hi! I’m Monia Sommer, a French singer who’s been living in Finland for the past nine years. Music has been a central part of my life since childhood, and over the years I’ve had the pleasure of performing with several rock and metal bands, most recently Abandon All. Alongside band work, I also sing in a choir and a vocal quartet, which keeps my musical world rich and diverse. I’m thrilled to be joining The Grammers and can’t wait to see where this new adventure takes us!
The band comments: Monia is a versatile, very good-sounding rock and heavy singer, whose sound even reminds us of Blackie Lawless! We are very happy to be able to continue our career with Monia. New music together is coming soon!
With six records since their formation in 2008, four consecutive number #1 albums, and the strongest line-up the Finnish power/symphonic metal group ever had, it’s about time BATTLE BEAST present a proper live album! With ‘Eden (Live in Helsinki 2023)‘ they celebrate the release of Circus Of Doom – Live in Helsinki 2023, a triumphant display of entertaining and monumental heavy rock. The new live album Circus Of Doom – Live In Helsinki 2023 filmed & recorded at Helsinki Ice Hall in front of 3.000 ecstatic fans will be released on April 11th via Nuclear Blast Records. BATTLE BEAST´s european tour starts with a bang on October 17th with their biggest German headline show to date at Hamburg’s Inselpark Arena, the tour will keep the band on the road until mid-December. To complete the bill with melodic metal superiority, DOMINUM will join the tour as their special guest and Sweden’s rising power metal force MAJESTICA as their opening act. All tourdates are listed below.
Noora Louhimo quotes excited: ”It was such a special moment to perform our song ”Eden” – the long time favorite of our fans, in Helsinki Ice Hall. The audience got to be part of the song as the heavenly choir and sang with us the whole time. I still get goosebumps while thinking about it. Go check it out and enjoy!”
Symphonic metal frontrunners EPICA are thrilled to finally release their brand-new studio album, Aspiral, today. The band invites fans to immerse themselves in the full sonic journey as it is meant to be experienced: from start to finish in one go.
“All of us in the band pushed each other to create the best possible album,” the band shares. “We’ve once again explored new musical and lyrical frontiers, and we hope Aspiral resonates with you as deeply as it does with us. The whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts—this album is meant to be experienced in full.”
In conjunction with the album release, EPICA has unveiled a sci-fi-themed music video for ‘Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect’. The track draws inspiration from the cognitive shift experienced by astronauts after observing Earth from space—a powerful moment of awe, interconnectedness, and a profound appreciation for the planet’s fragility.
“Musically, this song encapsulates the full spectrum of EPICA”, the band explains. “From heavy to soft, uplifting to melancholic—’Fight to Survive’ embodies it all.”
The visually striking video was once again brought to life by Remko Tielemans and produced by Kollektiv Kunststoff, who also directed the band’s previous singles ‘Arcana’ and ‘Cross the Divide’.
With Aspiral now released, EPICA are ready to bring their new music to life on stage. The band will embark on a North American tour next month, kicking off in the United States and Mexico, followed by a summer filled with major European festival appearances. The band will return to Europe in early 2026 for a co-headline tour with labelmates AMARANTHE.
EPICA + AMARANTHE– Arcane Dimensions Tour With special guest Charlotte Wessels’ The Obsession 16.01.26 – DE, Cologne – Palladium 17.01.26 – DE, Munich – Zenith 18.01.26 – BE, Brussels – Forest National 20.01.26 – UK, Bristol – Bristol Beacon 21.01.26 – UK, Glasgow – Barrowlands 23.01.26 – UK, Manchester – O2 Apollo 24.01.26 – UK, London – Eventim Apollo 25.01.26 – FR, Paris – Le Zenith 27.01.26 – CH, Zurich – Halle 662 28.01.26 – IT, Milan – Alcatraz 30.01.26 – ES, Barcelona – Razzmatazz 1 31.01.26 – ES, Madrid – Sala La Riviera 01.02.26 – PT, Lisbon – Coliseu dos Recreios 03.02.26 – FR, Toulouse – Bikini Toulouse 04.02.26 – FR, Lyon – Radiant-Bellevue 06.02.26 – DE, Ludwigsburg – MHP Arena 07.02.26 – NL, Amsterdam – Ziggo Dome 06.03.26 – DE, Hamburg – Inselpark Arena 07.03.26 – DE, Leipzig – Haus Auensee 08.03.26 – DE, Berlin – Columbiahalle 10.03.26 – DK, Copenhagen – Poolen 11.03.26 – SE, Stockholm – Fallan 13.03.26 – FI, Oulu – Tapahtumakeskus Tullisali 14.03.26 – FI, Helsinki – Black Box 15.03.26 – EE, Tallinn – Helitehas 22.03.26 – DE, Frankfurt am Main – Jahrhunderthalle
Finnish heavy rock juggernauts Leverage are utmost pleased to announce the release of their upcoming new album “Gravity”, out on June 20th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.
After their latest single “All Seeing Eye”, they unveil the second single “Shooting Star”, along with an accompanying music video, available now.
Lead singer Paolo Ribaldini commented on the new single: “Shooting Star stands out as one of the album’s strongest and most surprising tracks, with Tuomas leaving storytelling aside and instead capturing deep emotions through music and lyrics. It feels like something the classic Dio-era Rainbow could have created today. The song also highlights my bandmates’ incredible performances and is set to become a live staple. I’m especially grateful to Marko and Taksu for their passionate work on the music video, which enhances the song’s depth and offers fans an unforgettable experience.”
Guitarist Tuomas Heikkinen added: “Shooting Star got started right after I had a Bigsby vibrato installed on my black Les Paul. I really like that twanging old school tone you get with it, and just started fiddling around basic chords. I really like it, I knew Paolo would nail the vocals exactly like I heard them in my head, and this song very much paved the way for the whole album, I knew we could now achieve sonic textures that were out of reach before”.
Leverage’s future seemed uncertain after the untimely passing of singer’s Kimmo Blom in the summer of 2022. However, founding member and main songwriter Tuomas Heikkinen decided the final hour for the band was not in sight yet. Outstanding singer Paolo Ribaldini (Delain, ex-Skiltron) and violinist Lotta-Maria Heiskanen joined with the precise task to renew and refresh the sound of the band.
The resulting album “Gravity”, the band’s sixth full-length in slightly less than twenty years, aptly showcases contemporary heavy rock sound, combining multiple influence from the genre’s golden era with the band’s own unique flair and personality. Plenty of ear-catching melodies delivered skilfully with a pristine top-of-the-line production.
Leverage is neither a power metal band, nor an AOR band, nor a nostalgic tribute to the ’80s. Instead of falling into one category, they have bent and redefined genre frontiers, thus developing their own style of heavy rock. The sonic stamp says “Leverage”, and it speaks louder than words.
Leverage’s history is carved deep into the DNA of the new album “Gravity”: the grand melodic traditions of the debut “Tides” (2007) and the sophomore “Blind Fire” (2008), the symphonic flair of “Circus Colossus” (2009), and the darker, more mature tones of “Determinus” (2019) and “Above The Beyond” (2021) all find new life here. But “Gravity” doesn’t simply revisit the past—it elevates it.
The band’s Mark 3 line-up now includes Tuomas Heikkinen (guitars), Marko Niskala (keyboards), Elias Ojutkangas (drums), Sami Norrbacka (bass), Paolo Ribaldini (vocals) and Lotta-Maria Heiskanen (violin). Watch out for Leverage playing in a town near you!
“Gravity” Tracklist:
1. Shooting Star 2. Tales Of The Night 3. Hellbound Train 4. Moon Of Madness 5. Eliza 6. All Seeing Eye 7. King Ghidorah 8. Gravity
Album Line Up: Paolo Ribaldini – all vocals Tuomas Heikkinen – guitars Marko Niskala – keyboards Valtteri Revonkorpi – drums Sami Norrbacka – bass Lotta-Maria Heiskanen – violin
WALTARI release “Higher”, the next single taken from the upcoming new studio album “Nations’ Neurosis”, released on May 16th on Metalville Records.
Waltari is back with “Higher” – a high-energy fusion of 90s disco vibes, modern house music elements, and crushing heavy guitar riffs! Channeling the spirit of “So Fine”, the track bursts with positive energy, driving us toward a better world. A tribute to old 90s colleagues and the evolution of electronic music, “Higher” blends classic techno influences with heavy rock power. Perfect for playlists like Rock Hard, Electro Metal, All New Rock, All New Metal, New Blood —let’s hit the dance floor and let Global Rock rule!
WALTARI has never been a band to follow the rules. With Nations’ Neurosis, they once again prove that their signature blend of musical freedom, bold experimentation, and unfiltered expression is more relevant than ever.
At the heart of WALTARI’s sonic journey is Kärtsy Hatakka, the band’s mastermind and driving force. Handling lead and backing vocals, bass, programming, keyboards, and percussion, Hatakka faced a personal storm while crafting this album—losing his mother, enduring a painful breakup, and witnessing a world spiraling deeper into chaos and division. The frustration and emotional turmoil of this time seep into every note of Nations’ Neurosis, making it one of WALTARI’s most charged and thought-provoking works to date. The album was recorded in three different Finnish studios and produced by countrymate Aleksanteri Kuosa and WALTARI itself (with exceptions in 2 of the 15 songs).
With a refreshed lineup, including the electrifying talents of guitarist Eero Nykänen and Jakke Setälä, alongside drummer Ville Vehviläinen, WALTARI finds new energy and a revitalized sound. The infusion of these new members has taken the band’s musical ideology to exhilarating heights, delivering an album that is both raw and sophisticated, aggressive yet melodic—a true testament to WALTARI’s spirit of innovation.
From their early days of “feeling so fine” to the present, WALTARI remains committed to diversity and boundless creativity. Nations’ Neurosis is a sonic statement against the world’s increasing obsession with conflict, urging a return to unity, understanding, and artistic liberation. It’s a call to rise from the ashes, to build instead of destroy, and to never turn a blind eye to those in need.
With this release, WALTARI doesn’t just wash its face—it raises its voice against the madness. The same recipe for today’s world leaders, please!
TRACK LISTING
01 Nature Rules 02 Open The Gate 03 Do You Accept 04 Breakfast In Eiffel Tower 05 Diversity 06 Murder Plot 07 Sun 08 Kill For Sport 09 Flowin’ 10 Major Mistake 11 Step Back 12 Higher 13 EST 14 7th Heaven 15 Last Chance
LINE UP
Kärtsy Hatakka: Lead + backing Vocals, Bass, Programming, Keyboards and Percussions Eero Nykänen: Guitars Jakke Setälä: Guitars Ville Vehviläinen: Drums
Distorted Reflection are now recording their second album at Fragile Studio in Athens, Greece. The album will be out early 2026 via German Iron Shield Records and will feature the mighty guitarist Jack Starr as a special guest. The legendary founding member of Virgin Steele who is also widely known from his solo works will perform the solo for the opening song “3000 A.D.”
Jack Starr’s new solo album “Out Of The Darkness Part II” will be released on April 25 via Bravewords Records.
In August 2022, Kostas Sal (ex-Sorrows Path) formed Distorted Reflection. They are totally dedicated to his unique doom vision, but even more heavy.
The famous Tomas Arfert (Candlemass, Krux) created the logo and also took care of all the artwork for the first album of the band. This was titled “Doom Rules Eternally” and was recorded, mixed and mastered at Fragile Studio by Vangelis Yal. The album was released via German Iron Shield Records on February 9, 2024. Although Distorted Reflection kept a low-profile attitude (no lives/signings, no audio/video interviews), the sales and feedback about this album were awesome with great reviews and multiple radio airplay worldwide.
On February 2025, the band entered Fragile Studio again to record the sophomore album. Same about artwork and label, Tomas Arfert and Iron Shield Records will do the work and all together aim for another successful release.
The band will also present again some popular special guest. The mighty guitarist Jack Starr will perform the solo for the opening song “3000 A.D.” of the album that will be out early 2026…
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