Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

BEYOND AWARENESS to Release Debut Album “Reflections” on May 8th, Drop New Single + Video ’Takemebacktohell’, Feat. Cyan Kicks

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BEYOND AWARENESS. Leave a comment

Finnish rising force of metalcore BEYOND AWARENESS will release their highly anticipated 10-track debut album ’Reflections’ on May 8. The band, known for their sharp songwriting, high-impact choruses and a polished sonic identity has been working on the album relentlessly the past couple of years and is very excited to finally release their debut.

”This album has been in the works and eagerly awaited for some years now, so we are incredibly excited to finally release this emotional outpouring. Creating the record has been a valuable journey, during which we have grown both as a band and as musicians. Musically, the album blends modern metalcore, occasionally experimental electronic production, and raw metal into one tight and cohesive whole. In particular, the way the music supports the message and emotional weight of each song feels truly unique. We’re really looking forward to the response it will receive!”

While waiting for the album, the band offers their fans one more taste: The new single ’TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is a collaborative single featuring Cyan Kicks merging together Beyond Awareness’ metallic edge and Cyan Kicks’ sleek alternative pop-rock sensibility.

”The song was called hyperpop at an early stage, as it’s a modern, fast-paced, and high-octane piece as a whole. The sound blends Beyond Awareness’ recognizable songwriting style with a more pop-driven approach, further amplified by the Cyan Kicks feature. The lyrics focus directly on emotions: restlessness, insecurity, and inner pressure, but also on perseverance and the will to fight. A fun coincidence is that the title and one particular word directly reveal a Bring Me The Horizon influence, even though the track ultimately found its final form entirely on its own terms, shaped by many other influences as well. ‘TAKEMEBACKTOHELL’ is our most pop-oriented release to date, while still keeping us firmly rooted in our own identity.”

Beyond Awareness will also hit the live stage with force this spring, starting from the band’s home country Finland. They are kicking things off at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland, on May 7, when the band will perform as the opening act for Hokka, the new band of Joel Hokka, known from Blind Channel.

Already announced shows in Finland are:
May 7 – Helsinki, Tavastia (w/ Hokka)
May 8 – Kotka, The Van
May 9 – Tampere, Olympia (album release show w/ LASTOUT)
May 13 – Kouvola, House of Rock
May 14 – Kuopio, Sawohouse Underground
May 22 – Turku, Apollo

More info: BEYOND AWARENESS

HAUTAJAISYÖ Released Fifth Album “Surun paino” + Bonus Dungeon Synth Version ‘Lyhyt matka luolaan’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HAUTAJAISYÖ. Leave a comment

Finnish Death metal band Hautajaisyö released their fifth album ‘Surun paino’ on March 20th 2026 via Inverse Records.

LISTEN to the album on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/hautajaisyo-surun-paino

The band’s bassist Simo Pesonen also made a dungeon synth version ‘Lyhyt matka luolaan’ from the track ‘Lyhyt matka hautaan’ and it’s available here:

The band talks about each of the tracks on the album.

01. Surun Paino (Weight of Sorrow). This was the last song we wrote for this album. The album had a different name before this, and the artwork was ready. However, the song was so good that we decided to use it as the title and opening track.

02. Maan Nielemä (Swallowed by Dirt). This song practically wrote itself. Sami and Teemu wrote it before practice and it was ready to go. It’s a really brutal live song. It’s Hautajaisyö at its best, which is why it’s the first single.

03. Kuusi Kantajaa (Six Pallbearers). The song starts with the guitar, and then the others follow. There are great riffs and it’s really catchy. At gigs, the audience has sung the choir parts. This song is very similar to our older song, “Revin Ihoni Rikki”.

04. Kasvoton Kuljettaja (Faceless Driver). This was one of the last songs we wrote for this album, and we were still making changes to the arrangements a few days before recording. The song delves into death metal, and the lyrics were inspired by a nightmare that Janne’s co-worker had.

05. Hetki Viimeinen (Last Moment). This was the first song we wrote for this album. We have played it live many times. When we recorded it, we decided to slow it down a bit, which made it nice and groovy.

06. Lyhyt Matka Hautaan (A Short Journey to the Grave). Sami wanted to create a song with more black metal elements. The result was a slightly different song with more arrangements. In the end, we got a good, brutal song that will be a crowd-pleaser at gigs. This song was initially called ‘That Weird Song’.

07. Eloton (Lifeless). Originally, this was the first track on the album, but it ended up being placed later on. It’s a really traditional Hautajaisyö song that could have been on our third album. A strong start with a good groove. We started our 10-year anniversary gigs with this song.

08. Haaskalinnut minut muistaa (Vultures will remember me). It’s the second oldest song on the album, where we tried a slightly different arrangement. Once we were ready, this was the first song to find its place on the album. The grand, sorrow-filled ending is emphasised by the outro made by Sami.

WATCH music video ‘Kuusi Kantajaa’: https://youtu.be/_69j7uQIkYs
WATCH music video ‘Maan nielemä’: https://youtu.be/L4ygntH5stk

Track list:

Surun Paino
Maan Nielemä
Kuusi Kantajaa
Kasvoton Kuljettaja
Hetki Viimeinen
Lyhyt Matka Hautaan
Eloton
Haaskalinnut Minut Muistaa

–Composed by Janne Partanen, Sami Lustig, Simo Pesonen & Teemu Roth
–Lyrics by Janne Partanen
–Production, recording & mixing: Sami Lustig
–Mastering: Janne Tuikkala
–Cover art by Minttu Koskinen

Line-up:
Janne Partanen: vocals
Sami Lustig: guitars
Simo Pesonen: bass
Teemu Roth: drums

Links: https://linktr.ee/hautajaisyo

HANGING GARDEN Stream New “Isle of Bliss” Album, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HANGING GARDEN. Leave a comment

Finnish death/doom metallers HANGING GARDEN offer full stream of their new studio album “Isle of Bliss”, released yesterday, March 20th via Agonia Records.

Listen to the album at this location:

On their ninth album “Isle of Bliss”, HANGING GARDEN takes a different approach to their signature somber melancholy: the new full-length presents perhaps a darker, more sinister rendition of the oftentimes dreamlike tones of the past releases. Synths and sweet and airy vocal layers – albeit still present – give more room for a heavier aesthetic in the drum and guitar work.

The album was recorded in various studios in southern Finland by the band, along with the drums recorded at Klaukkala’s renowned D-Studio by master Jarno Hänninen. Mixing and mastering was performed by none other than the legendary Jaime Gomez Arellano, known for his work with names such as Opeth, Moonspell, Ghost and many others. The album artwork was created by Kalle Pyyhtinen (Children of Bodom).

The album’s themes revolve around the spiritual aspects of life, death and the liminality in between. The landscapes shift from the introspection of one’s core self, travelling past dense forests and deathless isles – all the way to the vast and distant infinities of the dying stars and the vast and eternal voids spun between.

The band comments on the album: “This time we decided to take a more conscious step towards a more bare-bones composition on the new songs, supporting the perhaps darker and maybe even more ferocious side of our music. We happened to meet with Gomez during a live show of ours a few summers back, and he was an obvious choice for the sound we had in mind. And as we see it, he really delivered.”

“To complement the rawer sound, we also decided to make more use of Riikka’s capability to scream – a stark contrast to her aetheric cleans – and this can be witnessed in the death metal duets between her and Toni that can be found a-plenty along the tracks.”

Tracklisting:

To Outlive the Nine Ravens
Eternal Trees of Turquoise
Isle of Bliss
To the Gates of Hel
The Death Upon Our Shoulders
The Blights Nine
Arise, Black Sun
Her Waning Light
Beneath the Fallen Sky

Order the album here: www.agoniarecords.com

Line-up:
Jussi Hämäläinen – guitars, backing vocals
Nino Hynninen – synths
Toni Hatakka – vocals
Jussi Kirves – bass, synths
Riikka Hatakka – vocals
Antti Ruokola – drums, programming
Kimmo Tukiainen – guitars

More info: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

ROTTING CHRIST Announce Reissue of “Der Perfekte Traum”, Out May 15th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Rotting Christ. Leave a comment

ROTTING CHRIST, a pillar of Greek metal, are reissuing Der Perfekte Traum for the first time on Season of Mist. Long out-of-print, this EP captures the band at a pivotal crossroads in their career between the melodic darkness of 1997’s A Dead Poem and the atmospheric depth of 1999’s Sleep of the Angels.

Now reissued by the band’s longtime label home Season of Mist, the new vinyl edition of Der Perfekte Traum preserves an overlooked chapter of Rotting Christ’s legacy.

Season of Mist will reissue Der Perfekte Traum on May 15, 2026. Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RCReissues

Available Formats

12” Vinyl Gatefold (Black Coloured Vinyl)
12” Vinyl Gatefold (Gold, Orange & Black Marbled Coloured Vinyl) — Exclusive

Tracklist:

Der Perfekte Traum (The Perfect Dream) (4:28)
Moonlight (4:57)
Shadows Follow (Live in Europe 1996) (4:41)
Diastric Alchemy (Live in Europe 1996) (4:36)
A Dynasty from the Ice (Live in Europe 1996) (4:34)
The First Field of the Battle (Live in Europe 1996) (6:17)
King of a Stellar War (Live in Europe 1996) (6:54)
Full runtime: 36:30

Der Perfekte Traum pairs two studio recordings with five live tracks drawn from the Triarchy of the Lost Lovers era. The haunting title track, performed entirely in German, weaves gothic textures with industrial undertones into one of Rotting Christ’s most unusual and hypnotic compositions—a song that has endured as a live staple for over two decades. “Moonlight” leans further into melancholic dark rock sensibilities, foreshadowing the band’s future explorations.

The live recordings, captured in Poland during the legendary 1996 “Out of the Dark” European tour alongside Samael and Moonspell, preserve the band’s visceral stage presence in its rawest form and represent the first officially released live material in the Rotting Christ catalogue.

Der Perfekte Traum features the core duo of Sakis Tolis (vocals, guitars) and Themis Tolis (drums), with an uncredited session bassist on the studio tracks. The live recordings notably feature founding bassist Jim Mutilator, who had departed the band in 1996, making these among the final captured documents of the original rhythm section.

The studio tracks on Der Perfekte Traum were recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany, in September 1998, with pre-production by Sakis Tolis in Athens. Woodhouse Studios, owned by renowned producer and engineer Siggi Bemm, was one of Europe’s premier facilities for metal and gothic production during this period. The five live tracks were recorded in Poland during the “Out of the Dark” tour, 1996.

Catch Rotting Christ next month on their North American Tour with Behemoth, Deicide, Rotting Christ and Immolation. Get tickets at https://www.rotting-christ.com

The Godless IV 2026 North American Tour

April 14 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory Northpark
April 15 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
April 17 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
April 18 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
April 19 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
April 21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Union
April 22 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
April 24 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
April 25 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic
April 26 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
April 28 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
April 30 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore*
May 1 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium**
May 2 – New York City, NY @ Palladium Times Square
May 4 – Buffalo, NY @ Riverworks
May 5 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Roxian
May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville*
May 9 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
May 11 – Toronto, ON @ History
May 12 – Montreal, QC @ Olympia
May 14 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple*
May 15 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl
May 16 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
May 18 – Dallas, TX @ The Factory
May 20 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
May 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Palladium
*No Rotting Christ
**No Deicide

Line-up:
Sakis Tolis — Vocals, Guitars
Themis Tolis — Drums
Jim “Mutilator” Patsouris — Bass (Live Tracks)

Production Credits:
Pre-produced by Sakis Tolis (Athens, Greece).
Tracks 1 & 2 recorded at Woodhouse Studios, Hagen, Germany, September 1998.
Produced and engineered by Xy (Samael). Mixed and mastered by Siggi Bemm.
Tracks 3–7 recorded live in Poland, “Out of the Dark” Tour, 1996.
Vinyl remastered by George Nerantzis (2021).

Follow Rotting Christ:
Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/
Bandcamp: https://rottingchrist.bandcamp.com/music
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/rotting-christ/28441629

GENERATION RADIO Release New Video Single ‘The Melody’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: GENERATION RADIO. Leave a comment

US rockers Generation Radio have released today their new single and official video, “The Melody”, another taste of the upcoming new studio album, “Take Two”, scheduled for April 24, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Pre-Order “Take Two” HERE

Generation Radio return with “Take Two”, the eagerly awaited follow-up to their acclaimed debut, delivering another masterclass in AOR/West Coast rock infused with just the right touch of the Nashville sound.

Produced by founding members Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and Jason Scheff (former Chicago), the band features an all-star lineup: Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Average White Band) joins on drums, replacing the formidable Deen Castronovo (who returned to Journey as full-time member), while Tom Yankton (guitar, vocals) and Chris Rodriguez (guitar, vocals) round out the powerhouse ensemble.

DeMarcus said: “It was so much fun getting to make another record! We’ve been working on this one for a while and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been up to. Once again, we have contributions from all band members. These guys are amazing and it’s a honor to make music with them, I believe this record is our best work yet.”

Jason Scheff added: “Here we go! Take Two, round two. We had such a great reception on our first record we’ve been chomping at the bit to get this one finished and released. I’m extremely proud to show that we have a band that is still at the top of our game”.

“In what other industry can you deliver as kids and be able to go back in and create the quality of what you’ve been recognized for? I truly believe this work stands up to any of the records we’ve ever made creating some of pop and country’s biggest hits. I can’t wait to see how the public reacts to this one!”, he continued.

“Take Two” is rich with pristine harmonies, unforgettable hooks, and timeless songwriting -hallmarks of the genre delivered with class and authenticity. Tracks like the cinematic, harmony-laden “Montana Sky”, the hook-filled “The Melody”, and the emotionally charged ballad “Hate This Heart” showcase the band’s signature blend of melodic precision and heartfelt performance.

Adding depth to the album’s appeal, Generation Radio also offers reimagined versions of timeless classics that shine in their live sets: Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again”, Chicago’s “You’re The Inspiration”, Kenny Loggins’ “I’m Alright”, and a rock version of Rascal Flatts’ classic “These Days”.

With “Take Two”, Generation Radio not only honours the legacy of AOR and West Coast rock -they elevate it, combining elite musicianship and genre-crossing influences into a record that’s as fresh as it is nostalgic.

“Take Two” Tracklist:

1. Montana Sky
2. The Melody
3. These Days
4. Maybe Monday
5. Grass Is Greener
6. Love History
7. Last Night’s Whiskey
8. Here I Go Again
9. You’re The Inspiration
10. I’m Alright
11. For A Soldier
12. Hate This Heart

Line Up:
Jay DeMarcus
Jason Scheff
Chris Rodriguez
Tom Yankton
Steve Ferrone

Follow GENERATION RADIO:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

KING ZEBRA Unveil New Video Single ‘All I Want Is You’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: KING ZEBRA. Leave a comment

Swiss rockers King Zebra are excited to unveil their new single and official video, “All I Want Is You”, out now Frontiers Music Srl.

Originally written in New York in the late 1980s by King Zebra frontman Eric St. Michaels (ex-China) and acclaimed songwriter John DeNicola – best known for his work on the iconic Dirty Dancing soundtrack and recipient of both an Academy Award and Golden Globe – the track remained unreleased for almost 40 years.

Now, in a rare and powerful revival, King Zebra have rediscovered the song, re-recorded it, and brought it to life for a new generation. Staying true to its original spirit while infusing it with the band’s signature sound, “All I Want Is You” bridges the past and present in a way few songs can.

The band said: “The spirit and flavor of this romantic song take the listener straight back to the end of the 1980’s to a little neighborhood known as Soho, New York. Like renovating a vintage heirloom, we are excited to bring this timeless song to life for all our fans to hear.”

John DeNicola shared his thoughts on the release:

“I am excited for the release of our song ‘All I Want Is You’. When Eric told me after all these years they would be releasing this song, it just proved the old adage that a good song has no expiration date. King Zebra’s version remains pretty true to what we wrote back in the 90’s, and they have added their magic to it all these years later and recorded what will hopefully be a contemporary classic.”

Stream “All I Want Is You” HERE

King Zebra are also set to tear through Germany and Switzerland this month, as special guests on the “Slithering Through Europe” tour with Swedish Hard Rock band The Gems, therefore promising loud nights, high voltage and a band ready to strike. The full list of tour dates is available below and HERE.

“SLITHERING THROUGH EUROPE” TOUR 2026 – GET TICKETS HERE:

22/03 Cologne – Club Volta
24/03 Hannover – LUX – Club
25/03 Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
27/03 Oberentfelden – Böröm
29/03 Munich – Backstage München
30/03 Nuremberg – Der Hirsch
31/03 Dresden – HD – Die Rock & Metal Bar
01/04 Berlin – Frannz Club
02/04 Hamburg – Knust Hamburg

Hailing from the picturesque city of Zurich, Switzerland, King Zebra is a melodic hard rock powerhouse that has been making waves in the international rock scene since their inception in 2017.

Led by the charismatic frontman Eric St. Michaels, a seasoned veteran in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, the band has been on a relentless journey to redefine the genre with their electrifying sound.

Eric St. Michaels, originally from the vibrant rock scene of New Jersey, found a new home in Switzerland over two decades ago. His powerful and soulful vocals are best known from his time as the former lead singer of the renowned band China. With King Zebra, Eric has embarked on a new musical odyssey, taking his rich experience and passion for rock to new heights.

In 2019, the band gained international attention with the release of an EP. Since then, King Zebra has performed at festivals such as Rock the Ring alongside legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Uriah Heep, and Rose Tattoo, and opened stadium shows for Alice Cooper.

In 2020, they released the album “Survivors”, produced by Oscar Nilsson (Crashdiet, The Halo Effect, Hank van Hell), which led to successful European tours and sold-out shows both abroad and in their home country.

In 2023, King Zebra signed a record deal with Frontiers Records. The following year saw the release of “Between The Shadows”, accompanied by a European tour with The Gems and a subsequent club tour in Switzerland.

In 2025, the band performed at renowned festivals such as the Riverside Festival, shared the stage with Hammerfall and Kissin’ Dynamite, and joined Shakra as Special Guest for their 30th anniversary show at the legendary Z7 in Pratteln. Later that year, King Zebra returned to Bohus Studio in Gothenburg to work on new material.

As King Zebra continues to conquer stages and hearts around the globe, their mission remains clear: to keep the flame of Melodic Hard Rock burning brightly and to carry on the legacy of Rock ‘n’ Roll through their electrifying music and unforgettable live shows.

Line Up:
Eric St. Michaels
Roman Lauer
Jerry Napitupulu
Benjamin Grimm

Follow KING ZEBRA:
Website
Facebook
Instagram