Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

NITE Premiere “Cult of the Serpent Sun” Album, Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 15, 2025

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

After journeying to the stars on their full-length venture, NITE now faces the shadowy mythology that lays dormant beneath society’s underbelly on Cult of the Serpent Sun. Each of the eight fiery battles on their new album test the Bay Area torchbearers mettle. But amidst its poisonous perils, the band emerge triumphant with white-hot, blackened heavy metal.

“Listen to Cult of the Serpent Sun if you are interested in any or all of the following:”, writes Last Rites, “mighty drums, crushing bass, leads that soar and melt your face. Riffs of steel, songs of war, vox to lead a fearsome horde”.

“…their classiest set of classic metal perversions yet”, Blabbermouth says. “Many bands have dabbled in similar waters, but seldom with this much self-assurance or creative conviction”.

Cult of the Serpent Sun was released yesterday, Friday, March 14, and you can hear all eight slithering tracks today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel:

Order the album at https://orcd.co/nitecultoftheserpentsun

“Cult of the Serpent Sun is our most focused and fully realized album to date”, NITE says. “We’ve struck a balance between melody and aggression, between sophistication and primal simplicity. Our third album captures the dual nature of NITE, the light within the darkness”.

To properly initiate their following into Cult of the Serpent Sun, this summer, NITE are touring the East Coast with the dark and dangerous Savage Master. Raise your spike-gloved fists to the high-flying single “Crow (Fear the Night)” and other battle anthems from their road-ready new album.

NITE 2025 East Coast Tour with Savage Master, remaining shows:
June 15 – Washington, D.C. @ Pie Shop [TICKETS]
June 16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Milk Boy [TICKETS]
June 17 – Brooklyn, NY @ TV Eye [TICKETS]
June 19 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East [TICKETS]
June 20 – Quebec City, QC @ La Source de la Martinière [TICKETS]
June 21 – Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar [TICKETS]
June 22 – Toronto, ON @ Monarch Tavern [TICKETS]
June 24 – Cleveland, OH @ No Class [TICKETS]
June 25 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies / Music Joint [TICKETS]
June 26 – Detroit MI @ Sanctuary [TICKETS]
June 27 – Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle [TICKETS]
June 28 – Lexington, KY @ Green Lantern [TICKETS]

Ever since banding together in 2018, NITE has carried the torch for Bay Area metal. On Cult of the Serpent Sun, the San Franciscan four-piece wisely triple down on their trusty arsenal. The title track snakes into the heat of battle with all the leathery glory of ’80s heavy metal gods.

The “more-is-more” philosophy behind Cult of the Serpent Sun was guided by what NITE garnered from storming the stage at North West Terror Fest and marching across the Southwest on the way to Hell’s Heroes VI. “Fans really responded to older songs like ‘Acheron’ and ‘Genesis’, vocalist and guitarist Van Labrakis says. “Cult of the Serpent Sun has more songs that are fast and upbeat and help lift people’s spirits”. On “Crow (Fear the Night)”, the duel leads of Labrakis and Scot Hoffman climb on the back of drummer Patrick Crawford’s foundation-shaking march like two birds of the same feather.

But while blessed with proven chemistry, NITE’s particular alchemy is defined by contrasts. As Crawford says in the latest issue of New Noise: “the dark and the light, the good and the evil. We celebrate both elements. Without one, you can not have the other”. With melodic riffs that drip like candle wax, “The Mystic” glistens like a midnight seance. “Fire / Bring me to life”, Labrakis beckons as bassist Avinash Mittur stretches time and space into a hypnotic groove.

While ringed by rituals of fire and slithering with serpentine demi-gods, Cult of the Serpent Sun was written amidst shadows brought on by real life. “NITE strives to be a light”, says Labrakis. “This album is about how we persevere in times of immense darkness”. His road-hardened voice stands defiant on standout “Carry On”, which denounces the perils of war with axes raised high and mighty.

Tracklist
1. Cult of the Serpent Sun (4:56) [LISTEN]
2. Skull (4:31)
3. Crow (Fear The Night) (4:11) [WATCH]
4. The Mystic (4:55) [LISTEN]
5. The Last Blade (4:32)
6. Carry On (4:29)
7. Tarmut (5:14)
8. Winds of Sokar (3:52)

When darkness engulfs the world, NITE sets the sky ablaze with white-hot, blackened heavy metal.

Having journeyed to the stars on their last venture, NITE now faces the abyssal and shadowy mythology that has long laid dormant beneath society. Each of the eight epic battles on Cult of the Serpent Sun tests their mettle. But amidst the album’s blackened perils, the band emerges victorious.

“NITE strives to be a light,” says vocalist and guitarist Van Labrakis. “Cult of the Serpent Sun is about how we persevere in times of immense darkness.”

Ever since banding together in 2018, NITE has carried the torch for Bay Area metal. Darkness Silence Mirror Flame debuted their blackened twist on NWOBHM. “…raucous, Marshall-fueled heavy metal that would be the envy of many a British band in the 1980s,” wrote Invisible Oranges. Follow-up Voices of the Kronian Moon upped the ante with more strutting tempos and windblown shredding, much to Stereogum’s delight. “It’s like speeding down a freeway at night in a Corvette with the top down, but everyone is wearing velvet capes.”

On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE wisely triples down on their trusty arsenal. Instead of scaling back, their third album adds more heft to the band’s armor. Labrakis and fellow guitarist Scott Hoffman’s molten leads duel with heightened showmanship. Drummer Patrick Crawford pummels and gallops while Avinash Mittur rattles the chest with his Rickenbacker bass. The title track charges with newfound urgency, slithery and venomous in its attack.

The album’s “more is more” philosophy is guided by what NITE have learned from the road. Since their last studio stint, the band have stormed the stage at Northwest Terror Fest, toured with fellow statesmen Persekutor and Haunt and marched across the Southwest on the road to Hell’s Heroes VI. “Fans really responded to older songs like ‘Acheron’ and ‘Genesis’,” Labrakis says. “Cult of the Serpent Sun has more songs that are fast and upbeat and help lift people’s spirits.” Galvanized by a foundation-shaking groove, “Skull” defiantly crushes. “Crow (Fear the Night)” is a rallying cry, calling for fists to rise with power and might.

NITE’s classic weaponry shows no signs of rust on their third album. “The Last Blade” draws first blood amidst an acoustic flurry before thrusting onto the offensive. “The aim here is not to replicate that era but to explore and evolve,” Labrakis told Decibel when asked about the band’s influences. Cult of the Serpent Sun honors the trailblazing spirits of old by honing what separates this band’s particular alchemy from mere imitation brew. “The Mystic” expands their sonic palette, featuring a slow-burning bass line that stretches time and space into a hypnotic portal. With its whirling and enchanted melody, “Tarmut” glimmers like a desert mirage.

“We play a traditional style of heavy metal, but the blackened element takes us in a different direction,” Labrakis says. His road-hardened voice stands resolute in “Carry On,” denouncing the perils of war. “Dream on and find who you are,” he beckons on the album’s triumphant closer “Winds of Sokar.”

On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with sharpened blades and axes raised.

Lineup:
Van Labrakis: Guitar / Vocals
Scott Hoffman: Guitar
Avinash Mittur: Bass
Patrick Crawford: Drums

Recording studio
210 Studios San Francisco and The Hoagie Container

Production credits
Recorded by Van Labrakis
Produced by Van Labrakis and Nite
Mixed and mastered by Van Labrakis at 210 Studios San Francisco

Follow NITE
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nite/1499573755
https://nitemetal.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nitemetal
https://www.instagram.com/nitemetal
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6MjCnAA9RF0vy3j6QYyLG0
https://twitter.com/nitemetal
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7-UhuJNohvsMB2DP05LAQ

DEGREED Unveil New Video ‘Wildchild (Tribute To Alexi Laiho)’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 15, 2025

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

Swedish rockers DEGREED are thrilled to share their new single and accompanying visualizer video, “Wildchild (Tribute to Alexi Laiho)”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. As the title suggests, the song is a touching tribute to Children Of Bodom’s guitarist Alexi Laiho, who passed away in 2020.

Listen to “Wildchild (Tribute to Alexi Laiho)” HERE

Vocalist Robin Eriksson commented on the song: “Alexi Laiho was a true rockstar, up there among Lemmy and those guys. He was also one of our heroes. We’re happy to pay tribute to him, one of Finland’s finest. Rock and metal fans all over the world deserve to hear this piece of music.”

Degreed have been releasing critically acclaimed music since the start of their career with their first album “Life, Love, Loss” in 2010. Over the course of their career, the band has gone from strength to strength with every release, touring and gaining fans all over the world. Their sound mixes classic melodic and hard rock sounds with more contemporary influences, offering the fans a very personal, fresh and exciting mix of great rock music.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band wasn’t able to tour on the heels of the release of the album “Lost Generation” in 2019. The band released the song “The World We Knew”, their musical summation of the year 2020 (the song became “Track of the Week” at Classic Rock Magazine’s website a week after its release) and then in 2021, Degreed began working on what would ultimately become “Are You Ready”, released in 2022.

The latest Degreed album, “Public Address”, was released on July 7, 2023, and it sees the band delivering on all of the promise of earlier efforts and reaching an absolute premiere moment in their musical creativity.

Line Up:
Robin Eriksson – Bass/Vocals
Mats Eriksson – Drums
Mikael Blanc – Keyboards
Daniel Johansson – Guitars

Follow DEGREED:
Facebook
Instagram
X
Website

DINOSAUR PILE-UP Return with New Single ”Bout To Lose It’ + Announce Signing to Mascot Records

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 15, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DINOSAUR PILE-UP. Leave a comment

Overcoming life-threatening illness and finding a fresh perspective on real priorities, DINOSAUR PILE-UP roar back from the brink with their new single ‘Bout To Lose It and announce their signing to Mascot Records.

It’s been six years since the release of their last studio album. “People need clarity about what happened,” Matt Bigland explains. “It’s been so cathartic to lay it out.” He began documenting his story on the band’s Instagram account in December 2024, laying bare everything – You can see it in his own words here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4.

‘Bout To Lose It is 5 years of pent-up emotion – hope, despair, resignation and colossal bravery – let loose into a blistering 3:40 minutes of Dinosaur Pile-Up at their absolute best. Struggle. Vulnerability. Pain. Resilience. Love. It’s been a hell of a journey. In many ways, brilliant, shapeshifting opener – and lead single – ‘Bout To Lose It begins at the end, dropping us into the shoes of a frontman chomping at the bit to get back to business but low on confidence, unsure if fans still give a damn after so much time away: ‘I guess I’m back on the edge / Maybe I never left! / Would have been nice if you cared / But what did I expect?!’

There were six people in the ward the second time Matt Bigland admitted himself to the hospital. Three of them didn’t make it out alive. Life is short. It’s fragile. It can end in an instant. That’s the harsh truth with which the Dinosaur Pile-Up frontman has wrestled with. When ulcerative colitis left him in critical care in early 2021, he began to think again about what it’s really all about.

“You think you’re halfway through life, but then you realise you might be right at the end,” Matt smiles. “Being in that room was scary. I felt incredibly vulnerable. I had no control. But hearing people in the final hours of their lives forced me to think about what would happen if I were to die. What was I leaving behind? What really mattered while I was here? What bullshit did I waste my time worrying about? What had true value to me? I’ve always understood that life can be fleeting and fragile – how important it is to take every chance – but I’d never processed it like that…”

Unwilling to sift through the layers of daily trauma with every friend who checked-in to see how he was doing – indeed, often unable to speak through a mouth filled with centimetre-wide sores – Matt found himself defaulting to a wry response of ‘I’ve felt better…’

Flash back to 2018. Ten years of chasing opportunity and betting big on every chance had built Dinosaur Pile-Up into one of the most beloved alt. rock bands in the UK. It had also left them flat broke, physically and mentally drained, and without a label to release their imminent fourth album, Celebrity Mansions. It became their make-or-break record. Between Matt, bassist Jim Cratchley and drummer Mike Sheils, it was agreed that failure would mean calling it quits. However, the rock gods were smiling on them, and the album was a hit. They began the year on a US tour with Shinedown and lined up major summer festival dates, along with a North American tour with The Offspring and Sum 41 in North America through to the end of the year. They were soaring. 2020 was going to be massive – then everything changed.

“People don’t relate things like health crises with being a dude in a band,” he stresses the sense of isolation that came with the ordeal. “We’re more associated with rocking out and having a great time – even more so with today’s Instagram culture. At my lowest point, I couldn’t have felt further from being that dude onstage playing to a big crowd. That was difficult to rationalise. I was skin and bones, wrecked, feeling like I was going to die, wondering what had happened to me and why.”

Unwilling to portray an image that didn’t truly reflect what he was going through, Matt dropped off social media entirely. It added another level of separation from the outside world, most of whom had no idea the nightmare he was living. February, 2021 was the first time he’d been admitted to hospital, a stay cut short due to a lack of beds. “I was sent home with permission to self-administer morphine. It felt dangerous. I could have killed myself with that syringe.”

The band resurfaced for performances at Reading and Leeds 2021 – which saw Matt still swollen from the massive Methylprednisolone dose that had gotten him out of hospital – along with an end-of-year UK tour with Enter Shikari and Nova Twins. Their long-delayed Kentish Town Forum headline show in March, 2022 was an emotional explosion, alongside a riotous performance at the 2000Trees festival that summer. 2023 saw them take the stage at 2000Trees again, with the summer centring around a triumphant return to Download festival.

“‘Bout To Lose It is about feeling completely and utterly on the edge of your capacity emotionally. I wanted to write a song that had an intro that would correctly set the scene as the first track back after a 4 or 5 year break from being out ‘in the world’ due to ill health. I wanted it to be intense and visceral. And I wanted it to be heavy metal,” Matt says.

“It’s not about whether I might get to be rich and famous any more,” he explains. “It’s about being excited for people to get to hear my songs. I want to be free of the bullshit of how people perceive me – or us – and what it means to be a ‘cool band’. I’m proud that we’re still here as a band at all. I’m proud that I’m still here as a person. And I’m just so stoked that I’m still able to make music. That’s what I want to do. That’s why I’m here…”

GENTLE GIANT to Release “Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience” 2-CD, 2-CD+Blu-Ray, Triple Vinyl LP on May 2nd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 15, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: GENTLE GIANT. Leave a comment

The brand new reimagined, mixed and mastered version of Gentle Giant’s classic 1977 live album ‘Playing The Fool’ is set to be released on May 2nd.

‘Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience’, will be released across several formats including double CD, triple vinyl, Blu-ray and digital download in 96/24 stereo, 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes. The album has been painstakingly mixed and mastered from the original source tapes by producer Dan Bornemark, who has worked extensively with the band on archival projects.

You can purchase the album here: https://gentlegiantuk.lnk.to/PTF

Containing new sleeve notes together with a plethora of photographs along with a track list that reflects the original running order of the setlist played on the tour including three previously unreleased songs and the between song banter from frontman Derek Shulman, this represents the most accurate account of Gentle Giant live at the very peak of their prowess.

Check out trailer for the album:

Derek Shulman: “Effectively what you’re hearing on this album is the whole show with all the bells and whistles included with me speaking to the audience and to the band just like it was on the night.”

‘Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience’:

Intro [1:24]
Just the Same / Proclamation [10:40]
On Reflection [7:31]
Interview [7:06]
The Runaway / Experience [9:54]
Sweet Georgia Brown (Breakdown in Brussels) [1:54]
So Sincere [10:42]
Excerpts from Octopus [15:58]
Band Introduction [1:23]
Funny Ways [8:58]
Timing / Violin Solo [11:40]
Free Hand [8:20]
Peel The Paint / I Lost My Head [8:01]

Derek Shulman: “It’s important to have a live album, which is live. There were no overdubs afterwards in the studio. So what you saw and heard is what you have on the album.”

ABOUT GENTLE GIANT

Gentle Giant was a British progressive rock band formed in 1970 in London by three brothers Derek, Ray and Phil Shulman along with Gary Green, Kerry Minnear and drummer Martin Smith who was latterly replaced by John “Pugwash” Weathers in 1972.

The group was renowned for its complex and eclectic musical style, blending elements of rock, jazz, classical, folk and medieval music. The band played a diverse array of instruments between them and their intricate arrangements and exquisite vocal harmonies gave them their own unique, instantly identifiable sound.

Gentle Giant released a series of highly regarded albums including ‘Acquiring the Taste’ (1971), ‘In a Glass House’ (1973), and ‘The Power and the Glory’ (1974) across which they pushed their musical boundaries to the limit. Their live album ‘Playing The Fool’ (1977) remains a testament to their stunning live shows.

In 1980 Gentle Giant called it a day and have refused numerous calls to reform since then, perhaps this is why their reputation remains intact to this day. Wide Scale chart success may have eluded them but their fiercely loyal fanbase followed them right through their career and beyond. Their legacy has remained undiminished within the Progressive Rock world being major influences on Porcupine Tree`s Steven Wilson, Neal Morse of Spock’s Beard, Michael Sadler of Saga and Opeth`s Mikael Akerfeldt, who cites ‘Acquiring The Taste’ as one of his favourite albums.

Derek Shulman: “We were a rock and roll band that played interesting music and we wanted to have fun for ourselves and have the audience go out with a smile on their faces.”

Official Website: http://www.gentlegiantband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantband

NEONFLY Return to Mexico with LACUNA COIL for Unforgettable Shows

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 15, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: LACUNA COIL, NEONFLY. Leave a comment

British metallers Neonfly are thrilled to announce their return to Mexico this year, where they’ll be supporting the iconic Lacuna Coil on their upcoming tour. This marks the latest chapter in what has been a meteoric rise for the band in Mexico, a country that has quickly become a second home for Neonfly since their first tour there in 2022. Back then, they were relatively unknown, playing a handful of shows as support to Epica. But what followed was nothing short of extraordinary. The band’s electrifying performances and undeniable connection with the Mexican fans left an unforgettable impression, earning them a devoted fanbase that quickly took the 1st spot on all their streaming and social media platforms. So strong was the bond that they returned in 2023 for their own successful headline tour, cementing their place in the hearts of Mexican metalheads.

Now, with their sights set on expanding their reach even further, and following the band’s upcoming appearance at Hard Rock Hell Spring Break (UK), Neonfly is teaming up with Eyescream Productions and ACK Promote, joining Lacuna Coil for three high-octane shows across Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City. The collaboration promises to bring the very best of metal to Mexico, with two powerhouse bands ready to set the stage ablaze in what promises to be a night to remember for fans.

For Frederick Thunder, Neonfly’s Mexican guitarist, this tour is especially personal. “Lacuna Coil is a band I’ve looked up to for over 20 years,” he says. “Their music and their success have been a huge inspiration to me, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the stage with them in my home country. We’ve crossed paths at festivals in Europe, but to be able to support them on their own tour is a real honour. Their fans are some of the most dedicated and passionate in the world, and I know they’ll connect with our music. I can’t wait to get back on stage and show them what Neonfly is all about!”

With their infectious energy and passionate performances, Neonfly is ready to make their mark once again, bringing their unique brand of melodic, hard-hitting metal to Mexican audiences – and with Lacuna Coil alongside them, the stage is set for an unforgettable tour.

But that’s not all! Later in the year, Neonfly plans to enter the studio to record a few exciting new singles. And in the summer, the band will return to the UK for the festival season, including appearances at the legendary Bloodstock Festival and Hammerdown Festival in Brighton.

NEONFLY live:
March 14th – Hard Rock Hell Spring Break, Great Yarmouth, UK
March 27th – Guadalajara – C3 Stage, MX
March 28th – Monterrey – Café Iguana, MX
March 29th – CDMX – Pabellón Oeste, MX
July 19th – Hammerdown Festival, Brighton, UK
August 9th – Bloodstock Festival, UK

Listen to Neonfly’s latest album “The Future, Tonight” (Noble Demon) HERE

NEONFLY are:
Willy Norton – Vocals
Frederick Thunder – Guitars
Paul Miller – Bass
Declan Brown – Drums

For more info visit:
https://www.facebook.com/NeonflyUK/
https://www.instagram.com/neonflyuk/
https://www.youtube.com/user/NeonflyUK
https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

LUPONERO to Release New Self-Titled Album on March 21st

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 15, 2025

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

Finnish alternative hard rock trio Luponero is delivering an unrelenting burst of raw energy with their debut self titled album. This album is a deep dive into “positive nihilism”, reflecting on modern culture’s mix of resignation and humor in the face of chaos. Rooted in grunge, punk, classic rock, and synthwave, it’s an unpredictable, genre-blending journey.

The band has also released a new music video for the single “Pickup Artist”, watch it below.

About their album they had this to say:

“In an age where continuously publishing singles is the new norm, I’m old school enough to be thoroughly passionate about albums. There is tremendous substance to indulge in when listening through a record front to back, something that playlists will never be able to give. The sum becomes so much more than its parts.

As a songwriter I think in albums. I step into these new chapters of creativity, with the goal of one day letting them culminate in albums. The art may of course reshape itself in unforeseen ways countless times during the journey, but that’s what’s so magical about it – you never know where the universe will lead you.

During the production of this album, every day threw us somewhere unexpected in the great unknown. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for all that time we’ve gotten to spend navigating through the wildest of creative storms with the best possible helmsman we could imagine holding the steering wheel – our brother for life, Daniel Strang.”

Rooted in their shared love for such a wide range of music – everything from grunge, punk rock and classic rock to 80’s synthwave, ambient pop, post-punk – this package will not be easy to compartmentalize, which is exactly what they love about it.

“As a lyricist I’m not particularly passionate about concept albums, but I very much enjoy being driven by a central theme. For this record, I set out to explore the sort of “positive nihilism” that is present in so much of today’s culture. Sometimes it’s as if we’ve already given up, and we’re just standing there watching everything turn to shit, spreading laughter emojis and desperately clinging to completely unnecessary materia. The album reflects on that, from several angles. There’s also some really personal stuff in there, such as “Angelo”, which is a song about my father.” – Marco Luponero

The new self titled album is released on March 21 2025 via Icons Creating Evil Art.

Under their new moniker, Luponero continues to push boundaries with their unapologetic, rebellious sound. Their music seamlessly blends classic rock influences with modern punk sensibilities, creating a unique soundscape that resonates deeply with fans across generations.

TRACKLIST:

Everything/Nothing
Bipolaroids
Killing Time
Running On Empty
Helsinki Intersection Mindfuck
Sapiens
Angelo
Pickup Artist
The Burden
The End

LUPONERO ”EVERYWHERE & NOWHERE MATTERS” TOUR 2025

Sat 22.3 FIN Uusikaarlepyy, Stjärnhallen
Tue 8.4 SWE Stockholm, Encore*
Thu 10.4 GER Leipzig, Stö*
Sat 12.4 LUX Crossfire (acoustic show)
Tue 15.4 POL Słupsk, Motor Rock Pub*
Wed 16.4 POL Gdansk, Paszcza Lwa*
Thu 17.4 POL Łomza, Pub pod Ratuszem*
Fri 18.4 LIT Vilnius, nArauti*
Fr 6.6 FIN, TBA
*w/ The Pyramids

More dates to be announced soon.

Hailing from Finland, Luponero is an alternative hard rock powerhouse fronted by veteran musician Marco Luponero, formerly of Terrorwheel, Altaria, and Marco Luponero & The Loud Ones. The trio’s explosive energy and infectious melodies have earned them a loyal following, and their raw, honest lyrics reflect the chaos and beauty of modern life.