VALHALORE Unleash Epic New Video Single ‘The Storm’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 14, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo: Andrew Basso]

April 11th will see Australia’s Symphonic Folk Metal collective VALHALORE release their much-awaited, second studio album “Beyond The Stars” via ROAR. In addition, the band will also reissue their notable debut, “Voyage To Eternity” (self-released in 2017), on vinyl and CD digipak ( the pre-sale is now available at https://valhalore.rpm.link/voyagePR ). To pre-order your copy of VALHALORE‘s new studio offering, “Beyond The Stars”, visit: https://valhalore.rpm.link/beyondpr

After VALHALORE have shared the previously-released singles, “Horizon” and “Wayfinder”, today, the Brisbane-based act is unleashing a music video for their brand new single “The Storm”!

“Being a musician (or just a human, really) is a constant battle with self-doubt, depression, and inner demons,” says the band about the track. “This all became even more prominent during the pandemic when everything you’ve spent your life working towards seemed to disappear overnight. ‘The Storm’ asks the questions; will you give up and succumb to the inner darkness, or will you rise above?”

“The Storm” is out now on all digital streaming services at https://valhalore.rpm.link/stormPR

Founded by guitarist Anthony Willis and vocalist Lachlan Neate, VALHALORE swiftly became an unstoppable force in the Australian metal scene. Since their inaugural live performance in late 2015, the band’s unique blend of Melodic Death, Power, and Symphonic Metal, infused with folk influences, has resonated with audiences both domestically and abroad.

The year 2017 marked a pivotal moment for VALHALORE with the release of their debut album

“Voyage Into Eternity”. The band celebrated this opus with a sold-out launch show in Brisbane and

two successful national tours, “Voyage Across Australia” and “Viktoberfest”. Breaking international

ground in 2018, VALHALORE toured Japan alongside world-renowned acts Ensiferum, Trollfest, and

Wind Rose. Upon their return, the band showcased their versatility with the release of the acoustic

EP “Solace & Solitude”, and their 2019 single “Legacy”. Between releases, VALHALORE continued to conquer Australian stages, touring with Kamelot and Trollfest in 2018, and Kalmah in 2019. Two European tours, including an eagerly-anticipated appearance at “Wacken Open Air” 2020, were

regrettably cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, undeterred by the global turmoil and prevailing uncertainties, VALHALORE spent the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021 recording their second studio album. In November 2022 VALHALORE took their live show to new heights, performing sold-out shows across Australia with UK’s Alestorm and with Arch Enemy later in February 2023. In February 2024, the band hit the road with Germany’s Blind Guardian and in support of HammerFall in early 2025 in Australia, while making final preparations for their hotly anticipated, sophomore album “Beyond The Stars” to be released on April 11, 2025, by their new label partner ROAR.

Tracklist:

01 – Life
02 – Edge Of Forever
03 – The Storm
04 – Within The Fire
05 – Dusk
06 – Wayfinder
07 – Dawn
08 – Horizon
09 – The World Between
10 – Aether
11 – Heart Of The Sea (feat. Anna Murphy)
12 – A Walk Among The Stars

In support of their upcoming record release, VALHALORE has announced a series of Australian headlining tour dates, to kick off this May in Sydney! Known for their electrifying live performances, VALHALORE has firmly established themselves as a rising force in the Australian and global metal scenes. Prepare for a night of soaring melodies, crushing metal chaos, and an atmosphere of pure magic. Find all upcoming live dates listed below, tickets are now on sale at https://www.valhalore.com/!

With each performance and release, VALHALORE continues to carve a unique path through the metal landscape, leaving an indelible mark on fans worldwide. The saga unfolds, and VALHALORE’s journey is poised to reach even greater heights in the years to come…

VALHALORE live:
16/05 Sydney – Crowbar
17/05 Melbourne – Howler
23/05 Brisbane – Crowbar
25/05 Gold Coast – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse

VALHALORE is:
Anthony Willis – Guitars
Lachlan Neate – Vocals, Cello, Mandolin
Sophie Christensen – Wind instruments
Morgan Cox – Drums
Lucas Fisher – Guitars, Vocals
Joseph Dipisa-Fiorenza – Bass

For More Info Visit:
https://www.valhalore.com
https://www.facebook.com/valhalore
https://www.instagram.com/valhalore

ALLEGAEON Premiere New Video/Single ‘The Swarm’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 13, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Stephanie Cabral

“The Swarm” is the latest video/single from technical death metal architects, ALLEGAEON. Now playing at Metal Injection, the track comes off the band’s forthcoming new full-length, The Ossuary Lens, set for release on April 4th via Metal Blade Records.

Notes guitarist Greg Burgess of today’s “The Swarm” single, “This is a piece written by [guitarist] Michael Stancel. The frantic intro riff was actually written on tour in the UK on a boat in Bristol. I remember filming him playing it so we wouldn’t forget how to play it. The show was sold out and ruled, and then all of our gear got rained on because they had us load out so they could have a disco after the show. Shame!“

Remembers Stancel, “If I could have set that venue adrift I would have, at least we got a song out of it.”

Watch ALLEGAEON‘s video for “The Swarm” HERE.

Watch ALLEGAEON‘s previously released video for “Driftwood” HERE.

The Ossuary Lens will be released on CD (jewel case w/ 16 page booklet) and digital formats as well as LP in various color variants.

Find pre-orders at: metalblade.com/allegaeon

ALLEGAEON will join Warbringer on a North American co-headlining run next week. The Vortex Of Violence Tour will begin on March 18th in San Diego, California and will close on April 12th in Los Angeles, California. Support will be provided by Skeletal Remains and Summoning The Lich. Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.

ALLEGAEON w/ Warbringer, Skeletal Remains, Summoning The Lich:
3/18/2025 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
3/19/2025 Last Exit Live – Phoenix, AZ
3/20/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
3/21/2025 89th Street Collective – Oklahoma City, OK
3/22/2025 Haltom Theater – Haltom City, TX
3/23/2025 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX
3/24/2025 House Of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX
3/26/2025 Conduit – Orlando, FL
3/27/2025 Hooligan’s – Jacksonville, NC
3/28/2025 Broken Goblet – Bensalem, PA
3/29/2025 Woodshop – Brooklyn, NY
3/30/2025 Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC
3/31/2025 The Garrison – Toronto, ON
4/01/2025 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI
4/02/2025 Reggies – Chicago, IL
4/03/2025 The Bottleneck – Lawrence, KS
4/04/2025 Bourbon Theater – Lincoln, NE
4/05/2025 HQ – Denver, CO
4/06/2025 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
4/08/2025 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
4/09/2025 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC
4/10/2025 Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR
4/11/2025 DNA Lounge – San Francisco, CA
4/12/2025 Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA

The Ossuary Lens serves as ALLEGAEON‘s seventh full-length overall, but it’s the first to feature the return of original vocalist Ezra Haynes since his 2015 departure following the Elements Of The Infinite album. Replacing a singer is no easy task, so the fact that Haynes was in a place to rejoin is reason to celebrate. The cleaner vocal approach on the last three albums was a fascinating artistic maneuver, one that refreshed ALLEGAEON, but it’s undeniably thrilling to hear Haynes’ graveled larynx back in the fold on this inarguably brutal and technically dazzling slab of work. Wrote Consequence of the first single, “Driftwood,” “Haynes’ presence has an immediate effect, his more gravelly vocal adding further extremity to Allegaeon’s hyper-technical form of death metal. Maximal drums and winding guitar lines are woven into an prog-like arrangement that ducks into ambient passages, melodic sections, and grinding riff-laden brutality.”

The Ossuary Lens, while not a concept album in the traditional sense, is a representation of several different viewpoints of death. “Each song is a different topic, however there’s always a different perspective of death tied in,” says Haynes. “Since the entire album revolves around this overarching theme of death, and the different viewpoints associated with it, we found ourselves very attached to the word ‘Ossuary,’ and since the album takes a look at death through different points of view, we found The Ossuary Lens to be very fitting for the album title.”

The record was recorded with producer Dave Otero at Flatline Audio studio in Denver. It marks the sixth album recorded with Otero. It’s of no surprise then that the sound on The Ossuary Lens pummels the listener, though the ferocity is balanced by the overt melodies. It’s the most triumphant and cohesive body of work that they’ve ever laid down.

ALLEGAEON:
Ezra Haynes – vocals
Greg Burgess – lead guitar
Michael Stancel – lead guitar
Brandon Michael – bass
Jeff Saltzman – drums

https://www.facebook.com/Allegaeon
https://www.instagram.com/allegaeonofficial
https://x.com/allegaeon
https://www.youtube.com/ALLEGAEON

NERVOUS Drops ‘Heavy is the Head that Wears an Imaginary Crown’ Lyric Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 13, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Avant-garde black/death metal project NERVOUS is proud to unveil the lyric video for their powerful new track, “Heavy is the Head that Wears an Imaginary Crown.” Taken from the highly anticipated album Acquiescence, set for release on March 28, 2025, via Wormholedeath.

The track serves as a fierce allegory for the mental battles we face—particularly themes of self-doubt, loss of control, and the haunting persistence of inner conflict. Through regal and wartime imagery, “Heavy is the Head that Wears an Imaginary Crown” casts the psyche as a kingdom under siege, where the ruler (the self) is caught in a fierce struggle against both internal demons and external pressures. The metaphorical “grey ooze” represents the suffocating force of depression and societal decay, relentlessly overtaking everything in its path.

Pre-save “Acquiescence” here: orcd.co/acquiescence

Nervous, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Aaron Ciesielski, emerged from profound personal growth and self-discovery. Born amidst an existential crisis, “Acquiescence” is a concept album that chronicles this transformative journey, capturing the essence of rebellion, fear, and ultimately, the profound acceptance of self.

Connect with Nervous:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563083232467
www.instagram.com/nervousiron

BRIGHT OPHIDIA Return with Fifth Studio Album “Quiet and Calm”, Out March 28th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 13, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Polish band BRIGHT OPHIDIA has existed since 1998 and has four studio albums under its belt: “Coma” (2003), “Red Riot” (2004), “Set Your Madness Free” (2009), “Fighting The Gravity” (2017) and several demos and singles.

Bright Ophidia is a band that always weaves different styles of heavy playing into its work. A mixture of alternative metal with progressive metal is their unique offer aimed at fans of heavy sound looking for unconventional solutions and sounds.

They have presented their work many times on large stages in Poland and abroad, including: at the largest prog metal festival in Poland – Prog in Park (in 2019 on stage with Dream Theater, Haken, Opeth), Progressive Evening, Hunterfest or Metalmania and at club events together with bands such as Proletaryat, Luxtorpeda, Decapitated, Kat & Roman Kostrzewski, as well as before Adrenaline Mob.

After more than 7 years, the premiere of the new, fifth studio album will take place. The music was recorded at Lagrunge Studio (Cochise, Kraków Street Band). Krzysztof Murawski worked on the mixes, while Richard Addison at TrilliumSound Mastering Studio (Erimha, Sons of Arrakis, Lüger) was responsible for mastering. The graphic design was created by Mayeranec.

The album features several guests:

  • Krzysztof Murawski – backing vocals, keyboards and electronics,
  • Marek Kubik – keyboards and electronics,
  • Marek Papaj – ethnic instruments in songs “Anger” and “Rise”,
  • Karolina Cicha – vocal solo in “Anger”,
  • Julita Charytoniuk – ethnic vocal in “Anger”,
  • Maria Żynel – ethnic vocal in “Anger”,
  • Magdalena Wieremiejuk – ethnic vocal in “Anger”.

“This is our return to the stage after several years of “peace and quiet”. The album’s lyrics tell the story of various emotional changes that we experience in life. A state of suspension, being in between, discovering ourselves in the eye of a cyclone, a place of apparent peace, around which the destructive element rages. The music refers to these extremes, reaching for both lyrics, vibrations of ethnic instruments and heavy, modern riffs. We are coming back with a new story and new energy!!!” – musicians comment.

The new album entitled “Quiet and Calm” will be released on March 28, 2025 in cooperation with the Polish label Via Nocturna (pre-order). Over the past few years, the band has released music videos for three singles promoting the upcoming release: “Anger“, “Survive” and “In Your Eyes“.

TRACKLIST:

01. Anger
02. Survive
03. In Disguise
04. Cold Embrace
05. In Your Eyes
06. The Room
07. Last Dat
08. Quiet And Calm
09. Silence I Have
10. Rise

LINE-UP:

Przemysław Figiel – guitar
Cezary Mielko – drums
Adam Bogusłowicz – vocal
Grzegorz Popławski – bass
Marek Walczuk – guitar

More information: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Spotify

CANDLEMASS Celebrate 40th Anniversary with New EP “Black Star”, Out May 9th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 13, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[photo credit: Linda Åkerberg]

Swedish godfathers of epic doom CANDLEMASS celebrate their 40th anniversary of pioneering the genre with a four-track EP, Black Star. Packed with craterous riffs, this celebration of doom metal mastery is set for release on May 9, 2025 via Napalm Records.
 
With Black Star, the genre-defying band unveils two brand-new songs alongside two cover versions of timeless classics. The EP will be available in various formats, including a strictly limited vinyl edition featuring a 12-page vinyl booklet, an A3 poster, and a tote bag.
 
CANDLEMASS mastermind Leif Edling comments:
“Not all bands get to see their 40th birthday and it certainly hasn’t been an easy ride. But many ups and downs later, we stand here as survivors, veterans even… a bit scarred perhaps? Still ready though to unleash another piece of doom-laden metal upon an unsuspecting world. You have to do something when you turn 40, right? Anyway, as always, it’s been fun recording some new stuff as well as covering a couple of old favorites.”

Get your copy of Black Star HERE

Title track, “Black Star”, blends haunting melodies with deeply introspective lyrics, brought to life by the dark, romantic voice of vocalist Johan Länquist. Songwriter Leif Edling’s lyrics delve into themes of existential struggle, temptation, and the allure of darkness — creating an intense atmosphere imbued with CANDLEMASS’ signature sound. The second new track, “Corridors Of Chaos”, marks a true old school instrumental containing both classic metal riffing and stunning guitar playing by Lars Johansson, showcasing the band’s mastery of dynamics. Adding to this tribute, CANDLEMASS delivers a cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”, taking listeners back to 1973. This is followed by their rendition of Pentagram’s classic “Forever My Queen”, further cementing CANDLEMASS’ remarkable contribution to shaping the genre into what it is today.

Prepare for 40 years of epic doom and watch the anniversary trailer:

Black Star tracklist:
1. Black Star
2. Corridors Of Chaos
3. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
4. Forever My Queen

CANDLEMASS Live 2025
20.-21.06.25 DE – Daun Rengen / Der Detze Rockt
25.06.25 NO – Oslo / Tons of Rock
04.07.25 TR – Istanbul / Headbangers Weekend
20.07.25 IT – Cremona / Luppolo In Rock Festival
30.07.-02.08.25 NO – Bergen / Beyond the Gates Festival
08.-09.08.25 FI – Helsinki / Helsinki Metal Festival
08.-10.08.25 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz
12.-13.09.25 GR – Athens / Rock Hard Festival
01.11.25 SE – Stockholm / Berns
06.12.25 UK – Wolverhampton / Bloodstock Winter Gathering

CANDLEMASS are:
Johan Länquist – Vocals
Lars Johansson – Lead Guitar
Mappe Björkman – Rhythm Guitar
Leif Edling – Bass
Janne Lind – Drums
 
CANDLEMASS online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
WEBSITE
NAPALM RECORDS

MANNTRA Release Lyric Video for Final Single ‘Heart Of The Storm’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 13, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Franz Schepers / Marko Ristić]

Croatian Folk Metal warriors MANNTRA are experiencing exciting times! Currently supporting folk rockers D’Artagnan on a European tour alongside their label mates The Dark Side of the Moon, and today, they unleash their newest single “The Heart Of The Storm”. With a haunting, melodic, acoustic feel, folk-inspired background vocals, and an unforgettable groovy chorus, this track captures the struggle for freedom, and rebirth amidst chaos. “The Heart Of The Storm”  is another powerful example of MANNTRA’s signature fusion of traditional Balkan influences and high-energy metal.

The track is taken from their eagerly awaited 8th studio album, Titans, which will be released this Friday, March 14, 2025, via Napalm Records. By amplifying the rich heritage of ancient Balkan folklore with ferocious intensity, MANNTRA has forged a distinct legacy across seven powerful albums and electrifying performances at renowned festivals like Wacken Open Air. From commanding headline slots to sharing stages with legends like In Extremo, the band has solidified its status as a formidable force in the global metal scene.

MANNTRA is primed to reinforce their claim of the Folk Metal throne, by unleashing Titans upon the world in 2025!

MANNTRA on the new single “The Heart Of The Storm”:
“Prepare to be consumed by the raw power and unrelenting intensity of ‘Heart of the Storm’, a melodic metal anthem that takes you deep into the heart of darkness. This track unleashes an electrifying storm of blistering guitar riffs, pounding drums, and hauntingly beautiful melodies that blend strength and vulnerability in every note.

From the gritty undertones of life’s rawest emotions to the soaring highs of redemption, ‘Heart of the Storm’ is a song for anyone who has ever fought to rise above the chaos. The powerful, driving rhythm and haunting melodies will leave you feeling reborn—ready to face whatever storm lies ahead.”

Formed in 2012 around mastermind Marko Matijević Sekul, the band has proven to be extremely productive as Titans is already their eighth studio album. Over the years the quintet developed their trademark sound by combining raw metal riffs and hard-hitting industrial sounds with traditional folk instruments, unleashing a relentless storm of catchy metal hymns. MANNTRA’s high energy soundscape is skillfully built by supposed opposites: authentic folk instruments like pipes and mandolins interwoven with raspy male vocals and an uplifting industrial metal sound. With their newest masterpiece they clearly take no prisoners as the album sets off with the title track “Titans” delivering forceful rhythms and powerful drumming. This continues on tracks like “Higher” or “Riders In The Dawn” kicking off with strong intros. Like no other, MANNTRA manage effortlessly to transport the ancient tunes into modern times by combining its folk elements with synths like on “My Sandman” or the album closer “Nav” delivering massive melodies. But MANNTRA also stay true to their roots with “Teuta” telling the story of a legendary Illyrian queen who reigned in Croatia around 200 BC and “Unholy Water (Voda)” containing a catchy chorus and intense female folk vocals delivering a hymn like melody with lyrics partly in Croatian. The same can be witnessed on the extremely groovy and catchy “Heart Of The Storm”, while uplifting “Skal” is a song to get every folk party started. A clear highlight are the combined songs “Forgotten Pt.1” and “Forgotten Pt.2” which are true industrial metal masterpieces that seamlessly cross genres, heavily leaning towards electronic elements, while maintaining their very own soundscape.

Overall Titans convinces with an enormous hit-density and sets a clear mark, delivering proud hymns and in-your-face metal songs that are undeniable, proving that MANNTRA are on the very top of their game, ready to enter the next level of their promising journey!

Get Your Copy Of Titans NOW

Titans tracklisting:
 1. Ceremony
 2. Titans
 3. Teuta
 4. The Heart Of The Storm
 5. Unholy Water (Voda)
 6. Skal (Miracle Of Sound Cover)
 7. Higher
 8. My Sandman
 9. Riders In The Dawn
 10. Forgotten pt.1
 11. Forgotten pt.2 – The Ritual
 12. Nav

European Tour 2025
Supporting D’Artagnan w/ The Darkside of the Moon, Storm Seeker ***& Waldkauz ****
14.03.25 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp * & **
15.03.25 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn * & ***
21.03.25 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage * & ***
22.03.25 DE – Cologne / Carlswerk Victoria * & ***
27.03.25 AT – Vienna / Simm City * & ***
28.03.25 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk * & ***
29.03.25 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal *
04.04.25 CH – Pratteln / Z7 Konzertfabrik *
05.04.25 CH – Bern / Bierhübeli *
10.09.25 DE – Berlin / Astra * & ****
11.09.25 DE – Hamburg / GR. Freiheit 36 * & ****
12.09.25 DE – Leipzig / Parkbühne *

Festivals 2025
07.05.25 HR – Zagreb / Valhalla Festival 2025
07.06.25 DE – Kranichfeld / Sternenklang Festival 2025
11.06.25 DE – Gardelegen / Metal Frenzy Open Air 2025
08.08.25 DE – Aach / Das Große Treffen 2025
10.08.25 DE – Hildesheim / M’era Luna
23.08.25 DE – Höchstadt / Schlosshof Festival 2025
05.09.25 DE – St. Goarshausen / Loreley 
13.09.25 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Folkfield Festival 2025

European Tour 2026
Special Guest: Wisborg
05.02.26 DE – Berlin / Hole44
06.02.26 DE – Leipzig / Täubchenthal
07.02.26 DE – Dresden / Tante Ju
20.02.26 DE – Oberhausen / Kulttempel
21.02.26 DE – Hannover / Musikzentrum
22.02.26 DE – Hamburg / Knust
05.03.26 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle
06.03.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch
07.03.26 DE – Frankfurt / Das Bett
08.03.26 DE – Stuttgart / Wizemann
13.03.26 DE – Erfurt / Club From Hell
14.03.26 DE – Cologne / Luxor
20.03.26 AT – Vienna / Szene
21.03.26 RS – Beograd / Zappa Baza
27.03.26 HR – Zagreb / Tvornica Kulture

MANNTRA are:
Marko Matijević Sekul – Vocal / Synth / Guitar / Pipes
Andrea Kert – Drums
Zoltan Lečei – Bass
Zlatko Štefančić – Guitar / Mandolina / Pipes
Dorian Pavlović – Guitar / Acoustic

MANNTRA online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS