Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

KATATONIA Announce New Album “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State”, Out June 6th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 8, 2025

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

Swedish grandeurs of melancholic heaviness, KATATONIA, return with Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, set for release on June 6, 2025 via Napalm Records. Once again, the Stockholm-based unit masterfully navigates the tightrope act between nocturnal darkness and Scandinavian despair while subtly weaving a sense of hope into the listener’s heart. Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State marks the next step in KATATONIA’s evolution, building upon the foundation of their previous album, Sky Void of Stars (2023) and also is an introduction to their two new guitarists. KATATONIA in 2025 is composed of vocalist and founding member Jonas Renkse, bassist Niklas Sandin, drummer Daniel Moilanen, and guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland.

With the album’s lead single “Lilac”, revealed today, KATATONIA offer a first glimpse of what fans can expect from the new record. The track showcases Jonas Renkse’s unmistakable vocals intertwining with hypnotic rhythms, heavy riffs, and progressive elements. Accompanied by an atmospheric official music video, “Lilac” speaks straight to the heart, proving KATATONIA’s matchless ability to draw listeners into a whirlwind of stirring emotions.

Jonas Renkse adds:
“We are proud and excited to announce our new album, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, coming out via Napalm Records on June 6. As always, these songs are the stories that thrive in the corner of the eye, obscured by the light but waiting to come alive in the dusk of our morbid existence. Please enjoy the first scent – ‚Lilac‘. “

On Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, crystal-clear production highlights the interplay between silence and intensity, while the contrast of heavy riffs, delicate guitar harmonies, ethereal synthesizers, and atmospheric nuances create captivating tension. Tracks like “Thrice” and “Warden” pulse with dynamic energy, a near-ceremonial piece, “Wind of No Change”, merges subtle electronic textures with KATATONIA’s enigmatic soundscapes, while “Temporal” balances fragility and strength – its intense verses culminating in a soaring, emotionally charged chorus. The breathtaking “Efter Solen” (Engl. After the Sun), featuring Swedish lyrics, evokes echoes of Jonas Eika’s 2018 short story collection, with minimalistic yet striking instrumentation.

Get your copy of Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State NOW

Even after more than 30 years, KATATONIA continues to redefine the emotional spectrum of their genre, effortlessly shifting between haunting vulnerability and commanding artistry. With sonic landscapes that evoke dystopia, inner demons, purity, and beauty alike, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State stands as a testament to their enduring brilliance. The album was produced by Jonas Renkse, recorded by Lawrence Mackrory at NBS Audio and The City of Glass, mixed by Adam Noble, and mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering.

Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State tracklist:
1. Thrice
2. The Liquid Eye
3. Wind of no Change
4. Lilac
5. Temporal
6. Departure Trails
7. Warden
8. The Light Which I Bleed
9. Efter Solen
10. In the Event of

As soon as summer has shattered, KATATONIA will embark on an epic headline tour this fall across Europe and the UK together with label mates and Gothenburg’s top-notch metal export EVERGREY and Klogr from Italy. Kicking off on November 11 in Tampere, Finland, the tour will cover 31 major cities in total and culminate in a grand finale in Stockholm, Sweden on December 20. Tickets are available now. For more information, visit the official website – https://katatonia.com/

KATATONIA UK & EUROPE TOUR 2025
w/ EVERGREY & Klogr
11.11.25 FI – Tampere / Tavara-asema
12.11.25 FI – Helsinki / House of Culture
14.11.25 NO – Oslo / Rockefeller
15.11.25 SE – Gothenburg / Pustervik
16.11.25 DE – Hamburg / Gruenspan
18.11.25 PL – Warsaw / Progresja
19.11.25 DE – Berlin / Huxleys
20.11.25 DE – Leipzig / Täubchenthal
21.11.25 CZ – Prague / Palac Akropolis
22.11.25 AT – Vienna / Simm City
24.11.25 DE – Munich / Backstage Werk
25.11.25 DE – Stuttgart / LKA Longhorn
27.11.25 IT – Milan / Alcatraz
28.11.25 CH – Zurich / Komplex
29.11.25 FR – Lyon / La Rayonne
01.12.25 ES – Madrid / BUT
02.12.25 ES – Barcelona / Salamandra
03.12.25 FR – Toulouse / Le Metronum
05.12.25 UK – London / Electric Ballroom
06.12.25 UK – Glasgow / Garage
07.12.25 UK – Manchester / Academy 2
08.12.25 UK – Bristol / SWK
10.12.25 FR – Paris / Le Trabendo
11.12.25 LU – Luxembourg / Rockhal
12.12.25 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp
13.12.25 DE – Cologne / Live Music Hall
14.12.25 NL – Amsterdam / Melkweg Max
16.12.25 BE – Antwerp / Trix
18.12.25 DK – Copenhagen / Amager Bio
19.12.25 SE – Karlstad / Nöjesfabriken
20.12.25 SE – Stockholm / Fållan

Festivals 2025
03.05.25 BE – Izegem / Headbangers Balls Fest
22.06.25 BE – Dessel / Graspop Metal Meeting
05.07.25 DE – Mühlheim / Castle Rock
06.07.25 TR – Istanbul / Headbanger’s Weekend
26.07.25 PL – Ostrów Wielkopolski / Ostrów Rock Festival
30.07.25 RO – Braşov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest
01.08.25 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
22.08.25 IT – Marina Di Altidona / Wondergate (Parco dei Due Ponti)

KATATONIA are:
Jonas Renkse – Vocals
Niklas Sandin – Bass
Daniel Moilanen – Drums
Nico Elgstrand – Guitar
Sebastian Svalland – Guitar

KATATONIA online:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

FAIRYLAND to Release New Album “The Story Remains” on June 13th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 8, 2025

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

French symphonic power metal band Fairyland are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album “The Story Remains”, scheduled for June 13th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Following the release of “A New Dawn”, the band now share the new single and accompanying video “To Stars And Beyond”, out now.

Pre-Order “The Story Remains” HERE

Bassist Willdric Lievin described the new single: “To Stars And Beyond was the first song from the new album we were working on. In this track you have everything you love about Fairyland – massive, majestic symphonic sound, juicy guitar solo, multilayered, rich orchestrations, catchy chorus and uplifting lyrics sung by our amazing new singer Archie Caine”.

“This song is about rebirth and renewal, it reminds you that after every dark time and hardship there’s a light coming, that you can turn your pain and your sorrows into something beautiful. You’re the master of your own life, you create it and as long as there’s a fire inside you, you can reach “to stars and beyond”, he added.

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

Follow FAIRYLAND:
Facebook
Instagram
Website

BREAKER Unveil New Lyric Video ‘Liberty’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 8, 2025

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

Speed-heavy metal powerhouse BREAKER is proud to present the lyric video for their explosive track “Liberty”, taken from their self-titled debut EP, Breaker, out now via Wormholedeath Records.

The track “Liberty” takes a powerful stance against the darker side of power and the distorted ideals used to justify violence and oppression. The song’s unflinching lyrics critique the hypocrisy of using “liberation” as an excuse for tyranny, greed, and destruction. It explores themes of blind faith, corruption, and the devastating consequences of a society driven by false justifications. The new lyric video brings these intense themes to life, delivering an uncompromising message about the cost of liberty built on lies.

Stream the EP here: orcd.co/breakerep

Formed in 2023 by vocalist Terje Fiskvatn, guitarist Caleb Beal (Villain, Midnight Malice), and drummer Rider Johnson (former Razor), BREAKER quickly crafted their signature sound, blending high-octane metal with fierce energy. The band’s debut EP, Breaker, features tracks like Liberty and Babylon, written by Fiskvatn and expanded with the powerful contributions of Beal and Johnson.

Connect with BREAKER
www.instagram.com/breakerbandofficial
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565187293442
www.youtube.com/@BreakerBandOfficial
breakerbandofficial.com
breakerbandofficial.bandcamp.com/album/breaker

FREE MACHINE Share Lyric Video for ‘So Long Now’ from Debut Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 8, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: FREE MACHINE. Leave a comment

Free Machine, the passion project that brings together a group of friends, has just released the lyric video for their track So Long Now, taken from their debut album Dead Echoes. Known for their 90s-inspired grunge sound and raw, unfiltered approach to music-making, Free Machine delivers a powerful anthem that connects deeply with fans of the genre.

So Long Now embodies the spirit of grunge, with influences from legends like Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Big Wreck. As the band explains, “Listening to way too much Nirvana, Big Wreck and Soundgarden, I picked up the guitar and just had this ‘uplifting, uptempo feeling in my gut’ and just went with it. Next thing that opening riff hit me… and we were off,” says Free Machine’s guitarist Clint Jurgens.

The track, which touches on the theme of cutting ties with a negative presence, speaks to the challenge of ending relationships where one person has been doing all the emotional heavy lifting. “There are good memories, but you were the only one that was pulling their weight, and you finally made the call to end it,” says the band. “Though this sounds like a relationship, it’s actually about a former bandmate who never valued the friendship as much as we did.”

Fans will experience the dynamic contrasts of the track – from the catchy main riff that kicks off the song to the off-time, top string melody of the verse. The bridge offers a departure from the familiar, showing just how Free Machine allows the music to take them where it feels it needs to go.

“We love the contrast of the uptempo feel with the deeper emotional message,” says Clint. “It’s a feel-good 90s anthem about disengaging with the nonsense in your life.”

Free Machine’s debut album Dead Echoes is a testament to their passion for crafting authentic rock music, and the band’s approach to songwriting and recording is equally unconventional. With no members ever meeting in person, the entire album was created remotely, driven by their shared love for 90s grunge. The result is an album that captures the essence of what it means to make music purely for the love of it.

As the band describes it, “The whole thing is a project for like-minded fans who just want to enjoy good music. There’s no bigger picture, no marketing pushes, just the joy of sharing our sound.”

Buy and stream the debut album at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/freemachine1/dead-echoes

TARJA TURUNEN Releases New Single And Video ‘Diva (Live in Bucharest)’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 8, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Tarja, Tarja Turunen. Leave a comment

Tarja releases second single and music video for ‘Diva (Live in Bucharest)’ from her upcoming live album ‘Circus Life’ through earMUSIC today.

Originally featured on her 2016 album The Shadow Self, ‘Diva’ is a dramatic and powerful anthem that quickly became a fan favorite and one of Tarja’s classics played on tour. This rendition, recorded in Bucharest at the spectacular Circus Life Concert, showcases Tarja’s signature vocal mastery, theatrical presence, and the grandeur of her live shows.

‘There is a lovely memory behind ‘DIVA’. We were in Antigua and walking around the local harbour when we saw this old boat stored outside the water and that quickly inspired me to write a pirate themed song. I playfully described the last walk of the ‘Diva’ on the ship before being pushed out by the rats on board. Any resemblance to reality is pure coincidence.’ – Tarja

Access ‘Diva (Live in Bucharest)’ HERE

Recorded in January 2020, in Bucharest, Romania, the ‘Circus Life’ show was one of a kind when Tarja performed in this very special ‘in the round’ format. 2 hours of powerful music featuring a setlist that spans Tarja’s career, including all of her greatest hits such as ‘I Walk Alone’, ‘Until My Last Breath’ and ‘Innocence’, as well as fan favourites like ‘Victim Of Ritual’ and ‘Demons In You’, showcasing her evolution as an artist.

Featuring 16 accomplished musicians, including her brother Toni, a diverse ensemble from various stages of her career, it was an extraordinary event. All songs were provided with new arrangements just for this concert, making the show a unique experience for the long-time Tarja fan, as well as the first-time listener.

‘Circus Life’ was recorded in one take, 100% live – no re-recordings, no overdubs, no special effects. Just pure, raw music.

Pre-order ‘Circus Life’ HERE

Originally included as bonus content in the strictly limited and sold-out Mediabook and Box Set of Tarja’s 2022 Best Of: Living The Dream, the Circus Life concert is now available as a stand-alone limited 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak, featuring the full two-hour live show on both audio and video. It will also be released as a limited black 3LP Gatefold edition, including an LP-sized booklet and a Blu-ray softcase.

NOBODY Release ‘Eight Bullets of Death’ Single from Upcoming EP “Saint Devil in the Fields”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 8, 2025

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: NOBODY. Leave a comment

Photo by Mikke Strandberg

Finnish one-man dark folk band Nobody is set to release a new EP Saint Devil in the Fields on May 8th 2025 via Inverse Records. The first and only single Eight Bullets of Death is unleashed today.

LISTEN to ‘Eight Bullets of Death’ on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/nobody-eight-bullets

Music & lyrics by Tuomas Kauppinen
ISRC: FI3FC2592201
Single cover by Don Artvaara
Mastered by Jaakko Luomanen

The man behind Nobody, Tuomas Kauppinen comments the single:
“Eight Bullets of Death is a death ballad of madness and wicked desire that springs from the tale of the largest-scale massacre of policemen in Finnish history. Driven by their mutual hatred of society, two lovers engage on a rampage of murder across the Nordic landscape, leaving behind a trail of bodies from small town to small town. At their final moments of doom before their inevitable death, the couple vows to find each other in the next world, above or below.”

Saint Devil in the Fields Track list: