On April 25, 2025, Australia’s up-and-coming modern metal act GhostSeeker will release its much-awaited debut album, entitled “Divergence”, via ROAR. Following the band’s first single, “Interment”, the extraordinary five-piece has just premiered a new music video for their latest album appetizer “Wake Up (Imposter)”!
“Wake Up (Imposter) is deeply personal song,” the band reveals. “Wake Up (Imposter)’s subject matter was a result of the writing of this album. A combination of writers block and self doubt led to this feeling of being an imposter. A certain confidence seemingly trapped in previous works. Not feeling up to what had been provided. Drawing inspiration from the Seraphim angels and their righteous purity, instead of crumbling, this was used as fuel to create what you hear with Wake Up.”
Emerging from the competitive Australian heavy music scene, GhostSeeker took the metal world by storm with their infectious debut EP, “Initium Novum”, which amassed almost a million streams across major platforms since its release in 2022. Playing frenetically-acclaimed shows across Australia, the band quickly built a strong local fanbase, now they are ready to conquer the world! After joining forces with powerhouse label ROAR, GhostSeeker are currently gearing up for the release of their hotly-anticipated, first full-length “Divergence” on April 25th.
Originally formed by ex-LETTERS TO AMARA guitarist Tim Campey, vocalist Celeste Bojczuk and guitarist Cory Walkeden, the band completed the line-up adding singer Daniel Breen (ex-STORM THE SKY) and Daniel Gay (ex-ANYONE ANYONE). Fans will be encapsulated by the unique aesthetic and soaring vocals provided by Celeste Bojczuk married together with the harsh yet melodic flow offered by Daniel Breen. The band’s sound greets a contrast that’s sure to command attention. Guitarists, Cory Walkeden and Tim Campey, effortlessly feed off one another creating a feeling and atmosphere which resonates with all listeners alike, whilst rhythm and bass provide perfectly complements and leads what GhostSeeker are, and who are destined to become one of heavy music’s hottest bands!
01 – Internment 02 – The Looking Glass 03 – Wake Up (Imposter) 04 – Metempsychoses 05 – Cursed Till The End 06 – Glow In Decay 07 – Dissension 08 – A Reverie In Atonement 09 – Beta War 10 – The Prototype
GhostSeeker is: Tim Campey – Guitars Celeste Bojczuk – Vocals Cory Walkeden – Guitars Daniel Breen – Vocals Daniel Gay – Drums
Finnish Headphone Jacks is set to release their debut album ‘Discipline’ album on April 11th 2025 via Inverse Records. The title track single Discipline is released now and music video is available below.
Music and lyrics written by Aleksi Lappalainen, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka Lappalainen
ISRC-code: FI3FC2449708
Single cover by Aleksi Lappalainen
The band comments: “The lyrics paint a vivid picture of introspection and self-discovery. The imagery of an “alabaster angel” falling in slow motion suggests a moment of realization or awakening. The dream sequence where the vocalist floats above themselves and locks eyes with their own reflection symbolizes a deeper understanding of their soul’s freedom. The repeated lines about emancipation, discipline, and listening highlight the importance of self-discipline and honest communication in achieving true freedom. The lyrics also touch on themes of disconnecting from societal systems and finding balance within oneself. Overall, the song seems to explore the journey towards personal liberation and inner peace.”
Sonically, Headphone Jacks draws inspiration from 90’s grunge and 00’s desert rock, prog, post-punk and today’s alternative bands. Band is not simply satisfied with writing just genre-faithful pieces – they mix it up with layered backing vocals to create lush choruses setting us apart from the typical meat-and-potatoes hard rock band. Each band member contributes to arranging and bringing in riffs, melodies and ideas.
LIK, the modern-day purveyors of classic Swedish death metal, gloriously return to action with their fourth album, Necro, on April 18th via Metal Blade Records.
Standing loud and proud over so many imitators, Necro is the musical equivalent of a classic shock-horror movie that’s drenched in blood and gore and packed with over-the-top extremities. Delve beyond the zombified cover art created by Stockholm-based tattooist and artist Jens Olsson (Ink Fanatics), Necro serves as a reminder of just how special and exciting the genre is: packed with blood-curdling fantasy stories about war, death, zombies, world apocalypse, and murder all stacked with disgustingly-good rotten riffs.
After recording and releasing their critically acclaimed third full-length, 2020’s Misanthropic Breed, during the pandemic, this time around getting back into the studio properly was paramount. And while Misanthropic Breed was recorded at the quartet’s rehearsal space where the band produced all their demos, LIK recorded Necro at NBS Studio (AKA Necromorbus Studio) in Söderfors, two hours from their home city.
Once again using uber-producer Lawrence Mackrory (Meshuggah, Katatonia, High Parasite, Decapitated), all music was recorded live over a three-day period, before vocalist/guitarist Tomas Åkvik headed to Uppsala to record his vocals at Mackrory’s Rorysound Studios. Mackrory has worked with LIK – whose name translates to “corpse” in Swedish – since their 2015 debut Mass Funeral Evocation and throughout their Metal Blade Records’ career that started with 2018’s Carnage.
Within Necro‘s ten tracks, LIK has created a seamless album, diverse in tempo but without losing any of their blood-soaked intensity and relentless in-your-face-attitude listeners have come to expect. There are twists and turns that keep LIK on a progressive path without straying from their old-school trademark sounds inspired by the godfathers Dismember, At The Gates and, of course, Entombed.
“We didn’t really want to repeat ourselves, but of course we wanted the LIK sound,” explains Åkvik on the writing trajectory of Necro.
In advance of the record’s release, Lik unleashes first single, “War Praise.” Åkvik elaborates, “We had to write this track before we could even start working on the new album. A LIK track that felt just like LIK but with enough new stuff to make it interesting for us. Sadly enough the world is still plagued by wars so we had to write about the horrors of it.”
Necro, which features guest appearances by Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost, Bloodbath), Linnea Landstedt (Tyranex/Ice Age), and Lawrence Mackrory (F.K.Ü.), will be released on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants.
Necro Track Listing: 01. Deceased 02. War Praise 03. They 04. Worms Inside 05. Morgue Rat 06. Shred into Pieces 07. In Ruins 08. The Stockholm Massacre 09. Fields of Death 10. Rotten Inferno
LIK Live: 5/23/2025 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD 6/14/2025 Czech Deathfest – Cerveny Kostelec, CZ 8/07/2025 Rock The Park 2025 @ Parksnäckan – Uppsala, SE w/ The Black Dahlia Murder 8/15/2025 Dinkelsbühl – Summer Breeze – Dinkelsbühl, DE 9/26/2025 Legend Metalfest – Trondheim, NO 10/24-25/2025 Odense Metalfest – Odense, DK
LIK: Tomas Åkvik – vocals, guitar Niklas “Nille” Sandin – guitar Chris Barkensjö – drums Joakim Antman – bass
She’s grown into a guiding light for post-metal, but Sylvainecontinues to reach new horizons.
Last month, Sylvaine completed her first solo tour of North America along with her fellow Nordic songstress and Season of Mist label mate Eivør. In front of sold-out crowds from Los Angeles to Denver, Toronto and Silver Spring, Maryland, she performed interpretations of traditional Norwegian folk songs from her latest EP Eg Er Framand. Her setlist also included fan favorites from Nova and Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone, which made her the first woman to ever be nominated for Best Metal Album at the Norwegian Grammys.
“Sylvaine’s hypnotic melodies established a mesmerizing ambiance that lingered long after her set”, mxdwn exclaimed.
Now, Sylvaine is stepping out on her own once more. Only this time, she’s embarking on her very first solo headlining tour of Europe. She’ll be performing her swooning and swirling set around Eg Er Framand during 15 dates across Europe. Ohioan neo-folk band Osi and the Jupiter and Sweden’s Grift will join as support.
“I’m extremely excited to announce my very first headlining solo tour around Europe”, Sylvaine says. “I can’t wait to play an intimate, dynamic and highly emotive set for you all with the great Osi and the Jupiter and the loveliest Grift come May and June!”
Sylvaine Eg Er Framand Solo EU Tour 2025 with Osi and the Jupter + Grift
May 23 – Gothenburg, SE @ Skeppet^ May 24 – Stockholm, SE @ Bar Brooklyn^ May 25 – Copenhagen, DK @ Stengade* May 26 – Utrecht, NL @ Cloud Nine @ Tivoli* May 27 – Brugge, BE @ Cactus* May 28 – Lille, FR @ Église Saint Étienne May 29 – Paris, FR @ Les Etoiles* May 30 – London, UK @ The Dome* May 31 – Scarborough, UK @ Fortress Festival* June 1 – Ipswich, UK @ Music Room* June 3 – Neunkirchen, FR @ Stummsche Reithalle* June 4 – Zurich, CH @ Xtra Musiccafe June 5 – Mantova, IT @ Arci Tom* June 6 – Munich, DE @ Backstage* June 7 – Leipzig, DE @ Wave Gotik Treffen** June 8 – Poznan, PL @ 2Progi*
^w/ Grift *w/ Osi and the Jupiter **Only Osi and the Jupiter
Eg Er Framand is now available through Season of Mist.
Track List 1. Dagsens Auga Sloknar Ut (4:36) [WATCH] 2. Arvestykker (4:36) 3. Eg Veit I Himmelrik Ei Borg (4:47) 4. Livets Dans (6:09) 5. Tussmørke (3:15) 6. Eg Er Framand (4:46) [WATCH] Total Runtime: 28:12
Eg Er Framand traces back to Sylvaine’s earliest roots.
Kathrine Shepard grew up in Norway, amidst the contrasts between nature and urbanity, on the outskirts of downtown Oslo. While studying music, dance and drama in high school, she performed several times at the Kampen Church. This 19th century relic is where Kathrine recorded most of Eg Er Framand, which includes interpretations of traditional Norwegian folk songs, along with three of her own original songs to the cannon.
When Sylvaine first heard the title track, it hit her like no other song had before. Since then, she’s shared “Eg Er Framand” with rapturous audiences everywhere, but this EP is the first time she’s captured its magic on record. Each note is held with soft restraint, as if cupped into the palm of her hand, like an offering. Close your eyes and envision her reaching through the trees, into the shadows, as her feet slowly lift off the ground.
To this day, “Dagsens Augo Sloknar” still has mysterious origins, but the lyrics were written in 1891 by Elias Blix, a professor-turned-politician who also wrote hymns. Staying true to the original’s delicate, reverent melody, Sylvaine sings in a breathy, elongated whisper that’s haunting and soothing, like a shadow. But while it opens with just a steady hum of organ, her rendition ends by pulling you into a trance.
Kathrine Shepard, the visionary artist behind the evocative musical project SYLVAINE, weaves an intricate tapestry of emotions through the language of music. A transcendental bridge between worlds, a mesmerizing duality that encapsulates the beautiful and the harsh, light and darkness, serenity and chaos, and the delicate balance between the external world and the inner sanctum of the soul. It is a symphony that harmonizes the human experience with its spiritual origins – a resonance of something beyond the tangible.
Sylvaine’s compositions are a visceral journey through the vast spectrum of emotions that the complexities of the human experience have to offer. They encapsulate the inherent struggle of being an entity in this world, yet not entirely of it. Kathrine’s music serves as a conduit for her innermost feelings, a cathartic expression of the eternal longing that resides within the very core of her melodies.
Akin to a fairytale spun from the threads of Norwegian folklore, a narrative that resonates with the spirits of ancient woods and the whispers of long forgotten creatures. With every ethereal note and haunting melody, she conjures images of untamed forests, of misty clearings inhabited by mystical beings. In this artistry, there is an undeniable sense of transcendence, where listeners are transported beyond the confines of the ordinary into a dreamscape where reality and fantasy converge. A profound sense of wonder and allure creates a unique musical alchemy – with a touch of enchantment that lingers long after the music has ceased.
With four albums and one split-EP released to date, Sylvaine’s ethereal soundscapes have been taken to stages across Europe, North America and South America, leaving audiences mesmerized by the transcendent power of the band’s live performances. Two of these albums have been nominated for the Norwegian Grammy Awards Spellemannprisen in the category of metal. The ability to transport listeners to otherworldly realm through her music is a manifestation of the artistry & profound impact the band can bring.
As Sylvaine prepares to unveil her upcoming EP, Eg Er Framand, she embarks on a deeply introspective and serene journey through the rich tapestry of Norwegian heritage and tradition. Folk tales of old are brought to life in this new chapter of her musical odyssey, offering a glimpse into the depths of her creative spirit and an exploration of the roots that anchor her artistry. A reflection of myths is embraced through exquisite sonic realms.
Line-up Sylvaine – Vocals, Church Organ, Guitars, Synthesizers & Percussion
Recording Studio Kampen Kirke
Sound Engineer Sylvaine
Mixing Engineer Magnus Lindberg (Magnus Lindberg Productions/VRTKL Audio/Redmount Studio)Mastering Engineer Karl Daniel Lidén
Ahoy, landlubbers! Swedish sea marauders YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS are here to rock the boat with their brand-new single “Raise Your Glass”, the second taken from their sixth full-length album ´Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead, out on April 11, 2025 via Napalm Records. “Raise Your Glass” is a raucous sea shanty, bursting with the lively clatter of accordion, soaring fiddles, and stomping rhythms. Anchored by raspy, whisky-soaked vocals and exuberant group choruses, the song invites you to join in the boozy maritime revelry. The track is accompanied by a stirring official music video, unveiling a fully immersive world of pirate action. Alongside the video, the band has additionally released a “choose your own adventure” interactive version of the music video. So have a look yourself, would you have done things differently…? Bellows and his crew are waiting for you!
Following their monumental performance at Wacken Open Air 2023 and blockbuster tour in 2024, the beloved renegades invite fans on a thrilling journey through the lives of 18th-century sailors on ´Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead. The album masterfully blends poignant ballads and raucous anthems, weaving tales of camaraderie, loss, and fleeting joy against the relentless backdrop of the open sea. YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS will be on tour throughout the year. This autumn, they will head out with pagan folk band Faun – more info can be found on the band’s website.
YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS on “Raise Your Glass”: “This jolly sing-a-long drinking song portrays how the filthy crew of YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS finds friends (and drinks) wherever they show up. We look forward to playing this live to have you all sing and drink with us!”
Opening the journey of ´Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead is “The Cranker”, a darkly captivating tale of cursed sailors spiraling into a frenetic dance. Meanwhile, “Waves Away”, a sorrowful yet beautiful ballad that captures the bittersweet essence of life at sea and “As The Tree Falls” is a haunting maritime ballad of love, loss, and fate and acoustic textures to explore themes of love and loss. The full range and variation of the sea – stormy, shallow and romantic – captured in one album.
YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS say about the album: “We wrote this album as a haunting voyage through the precarious lives of 18th-century sailors, exploring the omnipresence of death and loss on the open seas. The twelve tracks weave together tales of tragedy, camaraderie, and fleeting triumphs, highlighting the sailors’ resilience in the face of their ephemeral existence. ´Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead is a lament for those lost to the depths and a meditation of gallows humour on the fragility of life under the shadow of the mast.”
Pre-order your copy of ´Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead NOW
´Til the Sea Shall Give up Her Dead track listing: 1. The Cranker 2. Waves Away 3. A Final Toast for Oliver Cromwell 4. Raise Your Glass 5. A Hardworking Crew 6. As the Tree Falls 7. Whydah Galley 8. Chained Below 9. Ships Lost at Sea 10. Here’s to the Royal Navy 11. Mates Together 12. Sailmaker’s Song
YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS Live 2025
Album Release Shows 18.04.25 NL – Schijndel / Paaspop 19.04.25 NL – Leiden / Gebr. De Nobel 20.04.25 DE – Essen / Don’t Panic 22.04.25 PL – Warsaw / VooDoo 23.04.25 DE – Dresden / Blauer Salon 24.04.25 CZ – Prague / Modra Vopice 25.04.25 DE – Berlin / Cassiopeia
Festivals 28.-29.05.25 DE – Rastede / Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum 18.-20.07.25 UK – Sudeley Castle & Gardens / Fantasy Forest 26.-27.07.25 DE – Bückeburg / Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum 31.07.-01.08.25 NL – Lisse / Castlefest 05.09.25 DE – Bornich / Freiluftbühne Loreley – In Extremo Jubiläumskonzert 06.-07.09.25 DE – Luhmühlen / Mittelalterlich Phantasie Spectaculum
World HEX Tour 2025 YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS as support for Faun 19.09.25 DE – Hannover / Theater am Aegi 20.09.25 NL – Utrecht / Tivoli Vredenburg – Ronda 21.09.25 FR – Paris / Trianon 23.09.25 GB – London / Islington Assembly Hall 24.09.25 GB – Manchester / Band on the Wall 26.09.25 DE – Ludwigsburg / Theatersaal – Forum Ludwigsburg 27.09.25 CZ – Prague / Meet Factory 28.09.25 PL – Krakow / Klub Studio 29.09.25 PL – Warsaw / Progresja 01.10.25 BE – Sint-Niklaas / the Casino 03.10.25 FR – Lyon / Rayonne 04.10.25 DE – Neunkirchen / Gebläsehalle 05.10.25 DE – Weimar / Weimarhalle 07.10.25 DE – Leipzig / Gewandhaus 08.10.25 AT – Vienna / Arena Wien 10.10.25 IT – Trezzo sull Adda / Live Club 11.10.25 CH – Zurich / X-tra 12.10.25 DE – Nuremberg / Meistersingerhalle 23.10.25 DE – Düsseldorf / Tonhalle 24.10.25 DE – Berlin / Admiralspalast 25.10.25 DE – Munich / Circus Krone Bau 26.10.25 DE – Offenbach / Capitol 28.10.25 DE – Hamburg / Laeiszhalle
About YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS: More than 15 years have passed since the band was founded after a drunken night at a pirate themed floating bar in the middle of their Swedish hometown, Umeå. After successfully gaining fame across the seas around the world, they now have a bunch of buccaneers following their every move. These free looters can look forward to experiencing these powerful tracks live during the band’s electrifying April 2025 tour. With their immersive storytelling, raw energy, and deeply moving performances, YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS are set to transform each venue into a vessel of high-seas adventure. Prepare to be swept away by a musical odyssey that brings the spirit of the ocean to life, one shanty at a time.
YE BANISHED PRIVATEERS are: Anders “Nobility” Nyberg – cembalo, miniature piano, lead vocals Anton “Quinton Taljenblock” Teljebäck – viola pomposa, fiddle, cello, kalimba, mandolin, pump organ, death whistle Björn “Bellows” Malmros – squeezebox, hurdy-gurdy, harmonica, lead vocals Eva “The Navigator” Maaherra Lövheim – violin and vocals Evelina “Harpy” Rolon – harp, vocals Frida “Freebird af Wærmaland” Granström – violin, viola, vocals Hampus “Monkey Boy” Holm – flipped bass drum, percussion, vocals Ina “Battery” Molin – cajon, marimba, timpani, tubular bells, vocals Jens “Shanghai” Tzan Choong – 5-string banjo, sitar, guitar, vocals Jim “Silent Jim” Sundström – mandolino, mandola, lead vocals Jonas “Hogeye McGinn” Nilsson – 5-string banjo, guitar, vocals Lovisa “Quick Fhinn” Fhinn – cajon, bodhrán, marching drum, timpani, spoons, jaw harp, lead vocals Magda “Magda Malvina Märlprim, also Magpie by repute” Andersson – lute guitar, lead vocals Martin “Scurvy Ben” Gavelin – cajon, darbuka, percussion, vocals Peter “Quartermaster Blackpowder Pete” Mollwing – lead vocals Richard “Old Red” Larsson – ukulele bass, guitar, vocals Stina “Filthylocks” Hake – whistles, lead vocals William “Shameless Will” Hallin – vocals
Hungarian thrash-death metal force ATROX TRAUMA has unleashed the official music video for “Problem, Reaction, Solution,” the latest single from their highly anticipated second album Where Death Hunts, set to drop on April 18, 2025, via WormHoleDeath Records.
“We had the opportunity to perform at a venue where there may have never been a metal concert before,” the band shares. “Since we were already planning to shoot a live performance video for one of our new songs, this was the perfect setting. Problem, Reaction, Solution is our fourth music video from the upcoming album, and we captured it during a high-energy show at the I. Stonewall Tattoo Convention in Hódmezővásárhely. The result is a raw and electrifying visual that embodies the essence of our music.”
The video was directed and edited by András Székely, bringing the intensity of Atrox Trauma’s live presence to the screen with unrelenting ferocity.
Atrox Trauma was founded in 2008 in Hungary. Their goal, according to the music genre, was clear from the beginning: thrash metal with death metal influences. The band recorded 2 EPs during its earlier years besides performing on live gigs. The band’s strength increased in 2019, and they have been spinning at an unstoppable speed since then. It gave a series of concerts in its motherland and countries in the neighborhood. The band creates a huge listener experience with its tight, intense, fast, and face-tearing music. In 2022 they released their first LP called ‘On The Line Of Nothing And Something’ by the Italian label WormHoleDeath.The listener can experience everything from intense immersion to melodic thrash metal. Four music videos provide visual support for the fan-approachable experience. By the end of 2024, they took the stage in many countries, performing in tours and festivals, and recorded their second LP ”Where Death Hunts”.
Line up: Imre Török – Vocal, guitar András Székely – Lead guitar Gyula Tábori – Bass guitar Gergely Győri – Drums
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
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 