Swedish folk metal pioneers FEJD release the title track from their highly anticipated fifth full-length album, ‘Nifelheim,’ set for release on August 21, 2026 via Black Lodge / Sound Pollution. The new single arrives alongside a lyric video, available below.
“Nifelheim” invites listeners to embrace a realm of death and ice, the track opens the gates to a world steeped in ancient Nordic myth and mysticism.
From the very first note, “Nifelheim” draws the listener into a landscape of forgotten legends, carried by powerful arrangements and the evocative spirit of Nordic melancholy. With their signature blend of traditional folk instruments and modern metal, FEJD once again demonstrate why they are regarded as one of the leading names in folk metal.
Bridging two worlds with remarkable authenticity, the band combines the strength and intensity of heavy metal with the rich melodies, timeless traditions, and haunting beauty of Nordic folk music. The result is a captivating and immersive musical journey that sets the tone for what promises to be FEJD‘s most ambitious album to date.
Following the recent release of their first single, “Narrows”, US heavy rock outfit SPIRIT MOTHER return today with “Stranger, You Are”, the second offering from their forthcoming third studio album, Thistle, set for release on September 4, 2026 via Sound Of Liberation Records.
Written, recorded and produced by the band themselves in the secluded attic of Armand and SJ Lance’s century-old cabin in the high desert of Burns, Oregon, Thistle reflects the raw beauty and quiet isolation of its surroundings. Showcasing the album’s dynamic sonic range, “Stranger, You Are” moves effortlessly between towering walls of sound and striking moments of vulnerability, offering another compelling glimpse into the deeply introspective world of Thistle.
The band comments: “Stranger, You Are is a reckoning: within and without. An exploration of self and surroundings. What are the mechanisms that help you navigate your existence? Can you trust them? Sonically Stranger, You Are encompasses the spectrum of sounds found in Thistle: from a wall of sound to a single raw instrument or voice. In keeping with this theme of self exploration, it is paired with its intro “Ephemeral” which is an improvisation on the song’s central themes. Recorded live in the room together on 1 microphone, while violins each had DI signal feeding into amps and pedals. The result is an intimate, cavernous deconstruction of our 2nd single, Stranger, You Are.”
“Stranger, You Are” is out now on all digital platforms, stream the song here: https://orcd.co/ewgz5dr
Originally formed in Long Beach, California and now based in the rural Pacific Northwest, SPIRIT MOTHER have carved out a distinctive place within the modern heavy rock landscape. Their sound blends folk-informed songwriting, atmospheric strings, haunting vocal harmonies and crushing rock dynamics into a style that is both expansive and deeply emotional.
Following the release of their sophomore album Trails, the band spent 2024 and 2025 relentlessly touring throughout the United States and Europe, including appearances at Desertfest New York, Levitation Festival, Rock Im Wald, Blue Moon Festival, Berg Herzberg, Festival Kult and Hoflärm. Along the way, they have shared stages with acclaimed acts such as All Them Witches, Graveyard, King Buffalo, Weedeater, Acid King, Melvins, Blackwater Holylight and LA Witch.
Returning home after extensive touring, the band dedicated themselves to writing and recording Thistle entirely on their own terms. The result is an album that captures both the isolation and beauty of their surroundings while pushing SPIRIT MOTHER‘s unique blend of heavy rock, Americana and psychedelic influences further than ever before.
Sep 25 Dortmund, DE – Musiktheater Piano Sep 26 Leeuwarden, NL – Into The Void Festival Sep 30 Bielefeld, DE – Forum Bielefeld Oct 01 Karlsruhe, DE – PsyKA Festival Oct 02 Pratteln, CH – Up In Smoke Festival Oct 03 Konstanz, DE – Kulturladen Oct 07 Ljubljana, SI – Channel Zero Oct 08 Passau, DE – Zauberberg Oct 09 Nürnberg, DE – MUZ – Musikzentrale Nürnberg e.V. Oct 10 München, DE – Keep It Low Festival Oct 11 Erfurt, DE – Bandhaus Erfurt Oct 13 Berlin, DE – Neue Zukunft Oct 15 Aalborg, DK – 1000 Fryd Oct 16 Kiel, DE – Schaubude
SPIRIT MOTHER is: Armand Lance – Guitar, Vocals SJ Lance – Violin, Vocals Michael Fenris – Bass Mia Rose – Violin, Vocals
Since the early 1980’s, lead by vocalist Sammy DeJohn, RUTHLESS has stayed true to its style of metal, from the classic first EP “Metal Without Mercy” (1984) and the debut cult album “Discipline Of Steel” (1986), to the later albums “They Rise” (2015)” and “Evil Within” (2019). Their previous album “The Fallen” was released in January 2024 on their new label Fireflash Records (WOLF, HOLY MOSES, MEZZROW a.o.), followed by a European tour as support act for their fellow believers JAG PANZER, cementing their reputation as a magnificent live band.
Last Friday RUTHLESS released their new studio album “Curse Of The Beast“. It was recorded along with producer Ron Sandoval (KERRY KING a.o.), who also did the final mix and mastering. “We can’t wait for you all to hear it. We have a couple of surprises on this one and it’s going to destroy,” reveals vocalist Sammy.
“Curse Of The Beast” is available on a CD Jewelcase, as well as on “bestial red” colored Vinyl, which is limited to 500 copies. Also check out our bundles with a new shirt on Bandcamp.
To celebrate the album release, RUTHLESS also reveal a visualizer for the track “Killed By Fate“. “The song is about John Wayne Gascie, a serial killer who was called the Killer Clown”, ads vocalist Sammy DeJohn.
Last Saturday, RUTHLESS also started their European tour with a first show in Belgium. They are supporting MINDWARS as well as THE TROOPS OF DOOM, and perform at the legendary “Headbangers Open Air.”
RUTHLESS Live, remaining shows:
22.07.2026 DE – H.O.A. (Warm-Up Show) Hamburg 23.07.2026 LU – Esch Belval, MK Bar 24.07.2026 DE – Dresden, Chemiefabrik (w/ The Troops Of Doom) 25.07.2026 DE – Burglengenfeld – VAZ (w/ The Troops Of Doom) 26.07.2026 DE – Oberhausen, Kulttempel (w/ The Troops Of Doom) 27.07.2026 BE – Deinze, Elpee (w/ The Troops Of Doom)
RUTHLESS is: Sammy DeJohn – Vocals Glen Paul – Guitar David Servantez – Guitar Sandy K. Vasquez – Bass Joseph Aghassi – Drums
British blues-rock artist Joanne Shaw Taylor returns today with “Bad Boy,” the latest single from her forthcoming studio album The Trouble With Love, due October 23rd via Journeyman Records. A swaggering, emotionally charged rocker, the song explores the magnetic pull of relationships that are as destructive as they are impossible to resist, pairing Joanne’s unmistakable guitar work with one of her boldest lyrical performances to date.
“Bad Boy” captures the emotional whiplash of a relationship that’s impossible to walk away from until one day it isn’t. Joanne balances vulnerability with defiance as the song follows its narrator from heartbreak and frustration toward hard-won confidence, transforming a toxic romance into an empowering declaration of independence.
“Sometimes love is thrilling and destructive at the same time,” Joanne shares. “I wrote this song about those intense, complicated relationships.”
That emotional tension runs throughout the song. Lines like “Babe I’ve played the fool, but I won’t again” and “I came dressed to kill” reveal a narrator who has stopped waiting for someone else to change and instead takes control of her own story. Rather than dwelling on regret, “Bad Boy” becomes an anthem of resilience, confidence, and reclaiming your own power after a relationship has run its course.
“Bad Boy” continues the steady unveiling of The Trouble With Love, Joanne’s highly anticipated new studio album produced byKevin Shirley. On the album, Joanne dives headfirst into the beautiful chaos of the human heart, blending blues, rock, soul, and Americana while exploring love in all its forms: the reckless kind that sweeps you off your feet, the quiet kind that steadies you, the kind that breaks you open, and the kind that puts you back together.
The new single follows a string of acclaimed releases that have each revealed a different chapter of the album’s emotional journey. The title track, “The Trouble With Love,” featuring Joe Bonamassa, explored the intoxicating highs and lows of romance, while “What Good Is My Love?” featuring Orianthi confronted the ache of love that isn’t returned. “Hell Or High Water” delivered a defiant message of perseverance and self-belief, “This Is Who I Am” reflected on acceptance and self-worth, and “Tired Of Being Right” chronicled the painful realization that sometimes love alone isn’t enough to save a relationship. Together, the songs point toward Joanne’s most emotionally expansive and musically adventurous album to date.
Produced by Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Joe Bonamassa), The Trouble With Love builds on the artistic evolution that began with Black & Gold. Rather than telling a single story, the new album examines love from every angle through songs that move effortlessly between blues-rock, soul, Americana, and classic rock, making it Joanne’s most complete songwriting statement yet.
The release arrives as Joanne continues another busy year on the road. She is currently touring across the United States throughout the summer before launching her Fall 2026 tour across the Southwest, Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, and California. Known for her commanding stage presence, fiery guitar work, and emotionally immersive performances, Joanne continues to captivate audiences with a live show that blends new material from The Trouble With Love with fan favourites from across her acclaimed catalog. For more information and tickets, visit: www.joanneshawtaylor.com/tour.
The Trouble With Love by Joanne Shaw Taylor 1. The Trouble With Love feat. Joe Bonamassa 2. Hell Or High Water 3. This Is Who I Am 4. Tired Of Being Right 5. Bad Boy 6. What Good Is My Love? feat. Orianthi 7. The Girl That You Loved Before 8. Never Gonna Please ‘Em All 9. You And Me (Rachel’s Song) 10. Death Wish
2026 U.S. Tour Dates July 22 – Milwaukee, WI – The Argo July 24 – Prairie du Chien, WI – Prairie Dog Blues Festival July 25 – Fargo, ND – Fargo Blues Festival July 26 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown July 30 – Minneapolis, MN – The Parkway Theater July 31 – Sioux Falls, SD – Levitt Shell Sioux Falls August 2 – Bremerton, WA – Kitsap Rock & Blues Festival August 14 – Portland, ME – Aura August 15 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall August 16 – Laconia, NH – Colonial Theatre August 19 – Lexington, MA – Cary Hall August 20 – Norfolk, CT – Infinity Music Hall Norfolk August 21 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City August 22 – Interlochen, MI – Interlochen Center for the Arts September 10 – Paw Paw, MI – Warner Vineyards September 11 – Dayton, OH – Levitt Pavilion Dayton September 12 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
2026 Fall U.S. Tour October 28 – Albuquerque, NM – KiMo Theatre * October 29 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater * October 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre * November 1 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre * November 3 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater * November 5 – Colorado Springs, CO – Phil Long Music Hall * November 6 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre* November 7 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater * November 9 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room ** November 10 – Boise, ID – The Egyptian Theatre ** November 12 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory** November 13 – Tacoma, WA – Rialto Theater ** November 15 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater ** November 17 – Grass Valley, CA – The Center for the Arts ** November 19 – Napa, CA – Uptown Theatre Napa ** November 20 – Bakersfield, CA – World Records** November 21 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre **
* with Bywater Call ** with Robert Jon & The Wreck
German heavy metal torchbearers StormHammer celebrate the release of their brand new studio album, Wrath Of The Hammer, out now via ROAR – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Packed with thunderous riffs, soaring melodies and the band’s unmistakable blend of classic and modern power metal, the album marks another triumphant chapter in StormHammer‘s longstanding career.
Following the previously released singles, Wrath Of The Hammer is now available in its entirety, inviting fans to experience a powerful collection of anthemic songs fueled by epic storytelling, commanding vocals and relentless energy. Order your album copy, one that belongs into every well-sorted heavy and power metal record collection, here:https://stormhammer.rpm.link/wrathalbumPR
Following the acclaimed album “Seven Seals”, StormHammer open a new chapter with Wrath Of The Hammer. The band’s new studio offering combines traditional heavy metal roots with thrash-driven guitars, epic melodies and progressive elements while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.
“This album feels honest and alive,” guitarist Christos Efstathiou says. “We challenged ourselves creatively while staying true to what StormHammer is about. There’s power, emotion and adventure in these songs.”
“Wrath of the Hammer reflects all generations of Heavy Metal,” Phil Meyer (guitar, backing vocals) comments. “The old school, the melodic, the anthemic and the modern. That’s exactly who StormHammer are as a band today. We didn’t want the album to be purely melodic power metal. StormHammer has always had a more raw side, and we wanted to push that further by bringing in thrash elements, modern metal and even some ’90s punk roots without losing the band’s heavy metal identity.”
Vocalist M.Nox adds: “We went into this album with the idea that we didn’t want to play it safe. We mixed in elements of Thrash, Symphonic and Classic Metal while keeping it true to StormHammer’s Power Metal roots. With this album, you will hear StormHammer in a way you have not heard before.”
Recorded at Mastersound Studio with producer Alexander Krull, the album delivers a massive production, atmospheric arrangements and renewed creative energy throughout, showcasing a band that continues to evolve while remaining a vital force in modern power metal!
Tracklist:
Beware
Wrath Of The Hammer
Ashes Of The Throne
Light In The Dark
Wheels Of Eternity
Guardians Of The Night
Veil Of Fire
Scars Of The Abyss
Shattered Dominion
The Dune
About StormHammer:
German heavy power metal band StormHammer have established themselves as a powerful force within the European metal scene for many years. Combining traditional heavy metal intensity with melodic power metal energy and epic songwriting, the band has created a distinctive sound that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Throughout their career, StormHammer have continuously evolved their sound while remaining true to their roots. Their music blends aggressive guitar work, soaring melodies and powerful rhythms with atmospheric songwriting and modern production. With “Wrath Of The Hammer”, the band once again underlines their status as one of Germany’s most important and enduring power metal acts.
PLUME return with a vengeance, after their last single caused major shockwaves across the emo and alt community, the Munich based outfit now strike even harder. ‘A Cure For A Knife’s Blade’ is a vicious, neon soaked eruption of distorted pop, glam rock attitude and emotional brutality. It feels like My Chemical Romance circa 2006 reborn for a new generation, but rebuilt through PLUME’s futuristic, glitter in the dirt aesthetic.
The track cuts deep: a soul for salvation bargain, phantom pain, scars that won’t fade, and a Frankenstein self stitched together from heartbreak and rage. Distorted synths, fractured rhythms and PLUME’s signature blend of catchy but uncomfortable hooks turn the song into a twisted anthem of transformation. It’s pop sharpened into a blade, theatrical, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
After shaking up the scene, PLUME now accelerate their rise: as newcomers at Summer Breeze Open Air, they’re already breaking through with a momentum that feels unstoppable. With ‘A Cure For A Knife’s Blade’, they prove they’re not just reviving emo and alt culture, they’re reinventing it, louder, darker and more glamorous than ever.
Catch the band live: 12.08.2026 – 15.08.2026 | Summer Breeze Open Air | Wittelshofen, DE
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 