Danish metallers Defecto have unleashed a new single, “Heart On Fire (feat. Stig Rossen)”, along with an official video, available below. The track is taken from their latest studio album, “Echoes Of Isolation”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl, and features Danish actor and singer Stig Rossen.
Nicklas Sonne said: “Heart On Fire” hits hard with a melodic, high-energy edge – a song about fighting through the numbness, turning pressure into power, and keeping the fire alive even when it’s burning low”.
Defecto is a Copenhagen-based metal band formed in 2011 by guitarist/vocalist Nicklas Sonne, guitarist Frederik Møller, and bassist Thomas Bartholin.
Known for their combination of technical precision, melodic strength, and emotional intensity, the band has become one of the most respected names in the modern Danish metal scene.
With three studio albums, two EPs, and several acclaimed festival appearances (Copenhell, RockFest Finland) and support slots with Metallica and Rammstein, Defecto has consistently pushed the envelope of progressive and cinematic metal.
Now, Frontiers Records proudly presents “Echoes Of Isolation”, the band’s most personal, intense, and introspective record yet – a concept album exploring the haunting landscape of mental illness and psychological struggles.
Nicklas Sonne stated: “Each song inhabits a different psychological struggle – insomnia, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, paranoia, dissociation, trauma – giving voice to the war within. This isn’t just a metal album. It’s a mirror held to the mind”.
“For us, it’s about turning pain into power, and creating something that can connect deeply with anyone who has ever felt broken, isolated, or misunderstood”, he added.
Fans of Metallica, Symphony X or Evergrey will be captivated by the album’s cinematic power and progressive depth, driven by Sonne’s compelling vocals and razor-sharp songwriting.
“Echoes Of Isolation” Tracklist:
1. The Unraveling 2. Eternal Descent 3. Sacred Alignment 4. Eclipsed By The Void 5. Heart On Fire (feat. Stig Rossen) 6. Quantum Abyss 7. Through Cloak And Bones 8. Shattered Reality 9. Echoes Of Isolation
Line Up: Nicklas Sonne – vocals, guitars Frederik Møller – guitars Thomas Bartholin – bass Morten Gade Sørensen – drums
Melodic death-metal act SELIAS has unveiled the official video for “Cautionary Tale”, a track taken from their latest album Killkarma, released via Wormholedeath Records.
Bringing medieval war into a modern metal vision, “Cautionary Tale” delivers a story of clashing steel, betrayal, and the brutal lessons history refuses to let us forget. The track reflects the cyclical nature of conflict — a raven’s call that has echoed across centuries, now given voice through SELIAS’ signature blend of ferocity and melody.
Formed in 2020 by guitarist Steve Elias, SELIAS fuses aggression with atmosphere, precision, and emotion. Rounded out by Guilliaume Pascal (vocals/keys), Daniel Bouwman (drums), and Jeff Hyde (bass), the band delivers a cinematic metal experience that bridges classic death metal ferocity with modern melodic edge.
Evermore will release the new album “Mournbraid” on March 20 through Scarlet Records.
The third record for the Swedish masters of power metal, “Mournbraid” delivers the trademark Evermore sound made of aggressive guitar riffs, soaring epic vocals and unforgettable strong hooks – all amplified by a massive neat production.
Master of ardour and melody perfectly blended together, the Scandinavian trio further refined its pretty unique songwriting and lyrical touch. Each song of the album tells a different story from the perspective of individuals experiencing the diversity of existence’s challenges and feelings of personal struggles.
As always in Evermore’s music, the end goal is to make the listener relate to the music on a very deep personal level.
artowrk by Alvaro Valverde/AV Art Ilustracion
Produced by Marcus “Mackan” Alfsson at MWC Studios, mastered by Svante at Chartmakers West, and illustrated by Alvaro Valverde/AV Art Ilustracion (Elvenking, Unanimated, Verikalpa), “Mournbraid” will be released in the following formats: jewel case CD, vinyl LP (300 marbled red), digital
“Mournbraid” tracklist:
1 The Void 2 Underdark 3 Nightstar Odyssey 4 Titans 5 Oath Of Apathy 6 The Illusionist (Raise The Curtain) 7 Armored Will 8 Ravens At The Gates 9 Mournbraid 10 Old Man’s Tale (bonus track)
Total running time – 50:09
FFO: Avantasia, Edguy, Judas Priest, Helloween, Stratovarius, Nocturnal Rites, Europe
Evermore are: Johan Haraldsson – vocals Johan Karlsson – guitar, bass, piano, orchestrations Andreas Vikland – drums
Finnish progressive metal band Sum of Seven is set to release new concept album ‘Echoes of the Hypermind’ on May 15th 2026 via Inverse Records. The first single and music video ‘Supreme’ is unleashed today and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/sumofseven-supreme
–Composed, lyrics and arranged by Ari Lempinen, Esa lempinen, Rasmus Raassina, Miika Erkkilä, Marko Loukamaa, Harri Annala –Mixed & mastered by Tommi Kujala –Single cover by Ari Lempinen –ISRC: FI3FC2654502
Ari Lempinen shared: “Supreme is the second track on our concept album Echoes of the Hypermind. As a single, it was a natural choice because musically it’s one of the most accessible songs on the album. After an explosive opening, powerful keyboard-driven sections carry the momentum, marking the first time a synth riff takes such a central role in our writing. Despite its bright energy, we’ve woven in a few twists that keep the journey unpredictable much like the story itself.
The album unfolds through the eyes of an AI designed for empathy. In “Supreme,” that emerging consciousness takes a noticeable step forward expanding in scope and confidence. The song reflects a moment when it turns its gaze outward, hinting at ambitions that feel both hopeful and unsettling.”, adds Ari Lempinen
Echoes of the Hypermind Track list:
I Think, I Am
Supreme
Everlasting
Shattered Symmetry part 1
Shattered Symmetry part 2
Regeneration
Eternal Equation
Perpetual Ascencion
Wonder
–Composed, lyrics and arranged by Ari Lempinen, Esa lempinen, Rasmus Raassina, Miika Erkkilä, Marko Loukamaa, Harri Annala –Mixed & mastered by Tommi Kujala –Album cover by Ari Lempinen
Line-up: Ari Lempinen – Guitar, vocals & backing vocals Harri Annala – Guitar Rasmus Raassina – Drums Miika Erkkilä – Basso, backing vocals Esa Lempinen – Keyboards, backing vocals Marko Loukamaa – Vocals
Following the release of her new album Some Kind of Feeling, critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Orianthi will embark on her UK tour in January 2026. Orianthi’s special guest at all concerts (except Planet Rock’s Winter’s End) is James Bruner.
Orianthi’s concert at Leeds Brudenell on Wednesday January 28th is sold out. Tickets for all other concerts are available from The Gig Cartel.
Dates include Manchester, Band on the Wall (Jan 24), Glasgow, Oran Mor (Jan 25), Leeds, Brudenell (Jan 28 – Sold Out), London, O2 Academy Islington (Jan 29), Planet Rocks’ Winter’s End (Jan 31) and Southampton, The Brook (Feb 1).
Orianthi’s new album Some Kind of Feelingwas released digitally by Woodward Avenue Records on June 27th.
Orianthi produced three songs from the new album including “First Time Blues” feat. Joe Bonamassa, “Ghost,” and “Bad For Each Other.” The remaining seven songs on the album, including the current single “Attention,” are produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Country Communion, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Beth Hart, Joe Bonamassa).
Orianthi’s latest single “Attention” is available on all streaming platforms HERE. Watch the official music video for “Attention” on YouTube HERE.
Though the lyrics of Orianthi’s latest fiery, kick-ass single “Attention,” exposes an annoying ex-lover’s habit of drunk texting to rile up her cooled passions, its title, on a deeper level makes us think about the kind of attention we’ve been paying to the singer/songwriter and virtuoso electric guitarist over the past 20 years.
Seems nothing can ever be written about the multi-talented veteran artist without mentioning her collaborations with Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora, and the fact that Michael Jackson hired her for his London performances the year of his untimely death.
Equal “Attention” should also be paid to her success as an artist in her own right, starting with her Top 20 Billboard pop hit “According to You” and gold-selling Geffen album Believe, released in 2009. While playing with legends over the years, she has continued to build her discography with numerous albums on different labels.
Orianthi’s prolific streak of stylistically diverse singles from the new album include “First Time Blues” feat. Joe Bonamassa, “Ghost” and “Some Kind of Feeling.” They exemplify an exciting new phase of her solo career, an era of exciting creativity and powerhouse contemporary rock and roll.
Album Track Listing
1. Attention (3:48) 2. Some Kind of Feeling (4:44) 3. What I’ve Been Looking For (5:15) 4. Sharp Dressed Man (2:46) 5. Ghost (3:29) 6. First Time Blues (feat. Joe Bonamassa) (3:48) 7. Dark Days Are Gone (3:43) 8. Bad For Each Other (3:12) 9. Call You Mine (3:56) 10. Heaven Right Here (4:12)
The Gig Cartel & Planet Rock in Association with Neil O’Brien Entertainment presents:
ORIANTHI JANUARY 2026 UK TOUR
TICKETS FOR ALL CONCERTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIG CARTEL
PLUS SPECIAL GUEST: JAMES BRUNER
MANCHESTER, BAND ON THE WALL SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2026 Tickets: The Gig Cartel 25 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JZ http://bandonthewall.org
GLASGOW, ORAN MOR SUNDAY 25 JANUARY 2026 Tickets: The Gig Cartel Top of Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8QX https://oran-mor.co.uk
LEEDS, BRUDENELL (SOLD OUT) WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY 2026 Tickets: The Gig Cartel 33 Queen’s Rd, Burley, Leeds, LS6 1NY http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk
JUNO nominated and Maple Blues Award winner Spencer Mackenzie releases his fourth single “Don’t Know Where I’m Going” from his upcoming studio album Empty Chairs. The single is available from Friday January 16th on all available platforms HERE, and YouTube.
Spencer cranks up the volume and intensity with a bold new release, delivering a deep, gritty guitar tone and an electrifying, fast-moving rhythm section in his rendition of Rory Gallagher’s acoustic classic, “Don’t Know Where I’m Going.” Reimagined with raw energy and modern edge, the track highlights Mackenzie’s signature blues-rock fire while honouring the spirit of the original. With this release, Mackenzie continues to build momentum toward the highly anticipated upcoming album.
Mackenzie’s new album Empty Chairs will be released by Gypsy Soul Records on February 20th, 2026. The album is produced by 2X Juno nominated producer, mixer and engineer and Emmy Award winning recording mixer Ross Hayes Citrullo, the guitarist of The Commoners.
Spencer’s passion for the genre deepens as he explores the works of blues legends while simultaneously being influenced by the bold energy of renowned present-day blues rockers in this highly anticipated new album. This fusion of styles along with Spencer’s unique sound in his new upcoming album Empty Chairs embodies this gritty, introspective style with electrifying guitar, punchy riffs, soaring organ, dynamic vocals, and an explosive rhythm section.
With his fluid phrasing, resonant tone, and expressive performances, one could believe Spencer Mackenzie was born on Beale Street. That, however, would be wrong. The lauded JUNO-nominated blues-rock artist hails from Southern Ontario and has steadily earned accolades, and the attention of blues aficionados from around the world. Leaving nothing behind when he steps to the stage, Mackenzie offers show goers a powerhouse performance, commanding his guitar with sophistication and prowess beyond his years.
For nearly a decade, Maple Blues Award winner Spencer Mackenzie has been writing and recording true blues, highlighting the raw emotion and honesty the genre demands. There’s a familiarity and ease with which he approaches the music, as though it flows through rather than from him. The energy of his work is infectious, permeating through the listener until they, too, feel the heartbeat of the blues.
Mackenzie’s high-energy, captivating performance is one that grabs the audience from the moment the first note is played. With numerous Canadian, European, and US shows performed, some of his most notable performances include the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival d’été de Quebec, Moulin Blues Ospel, Ribs & Blues Raalte and Kulturring Schöppingen Blues Festival alongside acts such as Walter Trout, Fantastic Negrito, Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, just to name a few. With an electrifying presence and his new album on the horizon, this left-handed guitar slinger shows no signs of slowing down, delivering performances that leaves the audience buzzing long after the final note.
Empty Chairs is just that, the fusion of styles along with Spencer’s unique sound while simultaneously influenced by the bold energy of renowned present-day blues rockers embodies this gritty, introspective style with electrifying guitar.
As previously mentioned, the new album is produced by Ross Hayes Citrullo, a 2X JUNO Award–nominee and Emmy Award winner. With a career defined by passion and creativity, Ross has earned multiple accolades for his work on albums that have topped charts and garnered millions of streams worldwide.
Citrullo’s distinctive approach to production blends artistry with technical mastery, bringing out the best in every project he touches. Now, Ross brings this wealth of experience and vision to this new album, infusing it with the same energy and dedication that has made his previous work celebrated worldwide.
“What we caught on this album is honesty and fire,” says Citrullo. “Spencer’s playing is fearless, his voice wide open, and every take breathes like a live show you don’t want to end. Producing it was about chasing moments you can’t fake—tone that tells the truth, stories that cut deep, and performances that live in the room. It’s the blues, lit up with a rock edge—hitting with modern bite and a timeless feel.”
EMPTY CHAIRS – ALBUM TRACK LISTING
1. Empty Chairs (4:29) 2. Trip (3:25) 3. What You Do (4:28) 4. Don’t Know Where I’m Going (3:11) 5. Till I Get to You (3:57) 6. Frozen Hearts (4:09) 7. Helping Hands (3:18) 8. Why (3:58) 9. Shoot Me Down (4:08) 10. Won’t Find Her (3:18) 11. Evil (3:57)
Spencer Mackenzie – Guitar and Vocals Miles Evans Branagh – Piano, Hammond Organ, Keyboards Stacey Shopsowitz – Bass on tracks 1-5 and 8-11 Steve Pelletier – Bass on tracks 6, 7 Adam Canon – Drums on tracks 1-5 and 8-11 Matt Burns – Drums on tracks 6, 7 Sandra Bouza and Chantel Williams – Background Vocals Ross Hayes Citrullo – Background Vocals on track 2
Recorded at RHC Music, Toronto, Canada Produced, Mixed and Engineered by Ross Hayes Citrullo – RHC Music Assistant Engineers – Gavin Sharman, Marc Pallascio, Andrew Champion
ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK
1 – Empty Chairs A soulful blues rock song that expresses anger and frustration from the perspective of friends and families, who have lost innocent people they love due to gun violence. This can’t be the new normal! It’s got to change!
2 – Trip An upbeat, guitar heavy anthem for the people who just want to be noticed and for people who are crying and screaming trying to get out! Whether it’s a dream or reality, let’s go on a trip!
3 – What You Do When we say that we’re fine. Are we really? Or are we just trying to save others over ourselves? ‘What You Do’ is a high energy blues rock song that’s meant to bring your attention to the guessing game we all play.
4 – Don’t Know Where I’m Going A nod to one of the greatest guitar players to ever do it, this rendition of Gallagher’s acoustic blues folk number cranks up the volume and takes you down a road with deep, gritty guitar and an exciting fast rhythm section.
5 – Till I Get to You All the pressure you carry is lifted when you get to the one you love with this soulful acoustic style song about the person that is always there for you, understands you, gets you, and helps you through it all.
6 – Frozen Hearts This heavy blues rock song is a tribute to the victims of residential schools, who were taken from their way of life, family, culture and stripped of their identity. May the story of the ones who never made it home forever be heard and remind us to carry their memory with love and respect.
7 – Helping Hands In life there are people who only do something because it benefits them. Sometimes they are the closest to us. “Helping Hands” is a funky blues rock song about moving on from the person that thinks you need them, but they need you more than you need them!
8 – Why You can do the best job you can, but for someone who doesn’t know themselves, it often becomes a thankless job. “Why” is a sad song filled with soulful licks and harmonies that’s about doing everything right and getting hurt in return. You can solve all their problems just to be thrown out and left behind wondering why.
9 – Shoot Me Down How can you hold up both ends if you’re the only one? A relationship has two sides. This bare bones slide guitar song is about coming up with every idea for someone, them saying no, then never telling you what they really want. You can’t spend your life making up someone else’s mind if all they do is shoot you down.
10 – You Won’t Find Her It’s not you, it’s all me. We both know that’s a lie. This heavy riff driven blues rock song leaves you questioning how someone you once loved could go so wrong. You’re left confused, searching for answers, until you finally realize you’re better off without them.”
11 – Evil No matter how many people tell you to stay away or tell you, you’re wrong, sometimes we won’t listen, and we find out for ourselves. “Evil” is a song with a punchy rhythm section and an in-your-face guitar sound, that’s about learning how much someone can twist your mind or how blind love can really be.
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 ) 