AVALAND Announce New Album “Chemical Poetry”, New Single + Lyric Video ‘Destiny Calls’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 26, 2026
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Imagine stepping into a realm where steel strings clash like swords and choirs rise as powerful as ancient spells. French metal magicians AVALAND create entire sagas with their music, where every song tells a new story. Returning to their high-fantasy realm of heroes, the band once again merges power metal heat with cinematic metal opera flair for the release of their upcoming third studio album “Chemical Poetry” (release date: October 30) via Storytium SAS.

AVALAND’s brand new single “Destiny Calls” (out: April 24) is a track for every fan of narrative power metal and marks the real beginning of the adventure of the album, taking listeners straight into the story. The God of Time senses a disturbance around a young alchemist –  a great destiny is stirring within him, yet he must first endure the trials that will temper his mastery of magic and alchemy. As his fate begins to unfold, a sorceress crosses his path, and soon their lives start orbiting one another, while this encounter bends the very threads of time.

AVALAND comments: “‘Destiny Calls’ rises as a theatrical anthem forged in the grand tradition of power metal (echoing the spirit of Angra, Helloween, Sonata Arctica, etc.). Sharp, heavy riffing collides with sweeping orchestrations and mind‑bending melodies, merging into a true hymnic quest. This new single also welcomes Madie (Ex-Nightmare, Faith In Agony) as the first guest of the era, while Jeff Kanji delivers all lyrics and vocal lines crafted upon Adrien’s compositions — once again elevated by the virtuosity of Lucas, Camille, and Léo. The call has been made. Will you step forward and embrace destiny?”

Stream and order the single: https://www.fanbase.to/sOguiCPU

Every AVALAND album is a new chapter in an original fantasy chronicle filled with spellbound battles, heroic destinies, and soaring melodies that hit as hard as a warhammer and shimmer like arcane fire. This isn’t just an album cycle – it’s a living legend. After their debut “Theater Of Sorcery” (2021), the second full-length “The Legend Of The Storyteller” (2023), and their live album “The Legend Comes Alive” (2025), the band has brought renowned producer Joost van den Broek (Epica, Powerwolf, Sabaton, Ayreon, Blind Guardian) on board for their new album “Chemical Poetry”. “Working on this album with Joost, we could finally define precisely what AVALAND’s sound is, searching for something very organic, warm, thrilling, but with a more modern approach. He really pushed us to express what AVALAND is through our music, freeing us from some imaginary constraints”, explains singer Adrien.

With the release of “Chemical Poetry”, the band opens the next chapter (Chapter 4) of their ongoing opus, delivering a record designed to be experienced as an immersive epic adventure. Towering riffs strike like critical hits, choirs and orchestral arrangements set the battlefield, and storytelling remains at the heart of the experience. AVALAND doesn’t just soundtrack an adventure – they invite listeners to step deeper into a world where metal and myth evolve together.

ABOUT AVALAND

Born in 2020 from the ambition to be more than a band, AVALAND was conceived as a fully immersive, theatrical live experience. Drawing inspiration from acts such as The Alan Parsons Project, Avantasia, Winger, and Savatage – and fueled by a deep love for 80s hard rock – AVALAND blend orchestral arrangements and metal opera storytelling with dynamic rock and power metal. Adrien G. Gzagg and Jeff Kanji lead the charge with twin male lead vocals forged from steel and fire, while Lucas Martinez shoots his barrage of blazing guitar riffs into the foundation of Camille Souffron’s ferocious bass lines and Léo Mouchonay’s war drums that command the thunder and drive the rhythm. On stage, the band features between two and five voices from within as well as by varying guests, transforming each performance into a truly magical journey.

Inspired by tabletop RPGs and brought to life through monthly lore chapters published on World Anvil, the band invites listeners to follow the ongoing saga of AVALAND that unfolds across albums, songs, and story fragments – where the music is only the beginning. The lore of AVALAND is available on World Anvil, with a new fragment being revealed every month. As RPG storymasters or players, fans can draw from the AVALAND lore and have the fitting soundtrack at the same time.

Experience the World of AVALAND on World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/avaland-metal-opera-avaland-metal-opera

AVALAND ONLINE
https://avaland-themetalopera.com/
https://www.instagram.com/avaland_metal_opera/
https://www.facebook.com/avaland.metal.opera
https://www.youtube.com/@avaland-metal-opera

THE UNKNOWN Announce New Album “Graveyard of Empires”, Out September 4th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 26, 2026
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📸: Lauren Helene Gottshalk

Traditional thrashers THE UNKNOWN are proud to announce their sophomore album, ‘Graveyard of Empires,’ set for release on September 4th via Mission 84 Productions. To offer fans a taste of what’s to come, the band also shares their new single, “Ardennes Offensive,” alongside an official music video, available below.

About the new single, the band shares:

“‘Ardennes Offensive’ is inspired by vocalist Matt Fisher’s grandfather’s experience fighting in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. The song captures the brutality of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the will to push forward when defeat seems inevitable.”

Blending traditional heavy metal with aggressive thrash energy, THE UNKNOWN delivers a powerful and cinematic tribute to one of history’s most intense conflicts.

Stream the single here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/theunknown10/ardennes-offensive

THE UNKNOWN are a U.S.-based heavy metal band forging a powerful blend of traditional metal and thrash. Drawing influence from bands such as Jag Panzer, Manilla Road, Anthrax, and Iron Maiden, their sound combines crushing riffs and driving rhythms with soaring melodies and commanding, emotive vocals.

Their debut album, ‘Vanishing Point,’ released through ZYX/GoldenCore Records, earned strong reviews from metal publications and fans around the world, establishing the band as a rising force in the underground heavy metal scene.

Now, THE UNKNOWN return with their forthcoming album, ‘Graveyard of Empires,’ pushing their sound even further with bigger arrangements, deeper atmosphere, and an even sharper edge. Rooted in the spirit of classic heavy metal while bringing their own modern intensity, the band continues their mission to keep true metal alive while carving out their own path within the genre.

‘Graveyard of Empires’ Track List:

  1. Ardennes Offensive
  2. Graveyard Of Empires
  3. Guns Of August
  4. Awakening
  5. Reverie Code
  6. The Great Spirit
  7. Warrior Ascension
  8. I Am Death
  9. On The Edge Of Peace
  10. Land Of The Pure

THE UNKNOWN recently announced their Counter-Strike Tour 2026, kicking off on April 25th in Worcester, MA at American Legion. A full list of dates can be found below, with more to be announced soon!

THE UNKNOWN Live:
May 8th – Reading, PA @ Reverb
May 9th – Catonsville, MD @ Morsbergers
September 11th – Hamden, CT @ The Cellar
September 13th – Brooklyn, NY @The Meadows

+More Dates to Be Announced!

THE UNKNOWN are:
Aamir Syed – Guitars
Matt Fisher – Vocals
Andic Salcedo – Bass
Michael Dale – Guitars

More info: https://www.unknownmetal.com/

GRIMNER Release Second Single + Video ‘Irrbloss’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 26, 2026
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Photo: Alexandra Petersen

Swedish folk metal force Grimner returns with thunder and fury as they unveil their new single “Irrbloss”, released on Friday April 24 via Despotz Records — the second glimpse of their upcoming fifth full-length album Stormvingar, to be released 4th of September, 2026. 

Irrbloss is a dark tale from the cold marshes of the north, about what may happen to those who lose themselves among the bramble and fog of the fens. Musically it is both folky, dark and dirty in a mix suited for the horror that a meeting with the Will-o-the-wisp can entail.

You do not want to miss this, as it also contains a guest appearance that we’ve been aching to share with all of you. Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns(Finntroll, Dispyt, And Oceans) brings the good stuff with his characteristic voice in the form of both deep growls and enchanting spoken word.

After nearly four years of silence, Grimner returns to the realm of Midgård with renewed strength. With new blood in their ranks and the iconic voice of returning member Marcus Asplund Brattberg, the band conjures the power of a storm-torn ocean, heralding a new chapter in their saga. The upcoming album Stormvingar promises a full folk metal journey inspired by Swedish folklore and Grimner’s own interpretation of Norse mythology. Their sound continues to blend the aggression of old-school melodic death metal with Nordic folk traditions, alongside elements of classic heavy and power metal — a fusion that has become Grimner’s unmistakable trademark.

The album also sees the addition of brothers Anton Elowson and Axel Elowson, who bring fresh energy and musicianship to the band’s evolving sound.

The band comments:

“Our latest album, ‘Stormvingar’, has reignited a flame in us all, burning a path toward the future while at times taking us back to our roots. We are incredibly excited to unleash this beast of a record!” “As always, we have given everything we have to bring this album to life, and working with Ulf Blomberg of HoboRec Studio for the first time, we couldn’t be happier with the result. We feel that we’ve created something truly special!”

Stormvingar was recorded and mixed by Ulf Blomberg at HoboRec Studio and mastered by Gina Wiklund. The album artwork was created by Julien Bauer, with band photography by Alexandra Petersen. 

Pre-order the new album “Stormvingar” in different bundles here: https://despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/grimner

Grimner members:
Ted Sjulmark – Vocals, guitars
Marcus Asplund Brattberg – Vocals, guitars
Axel Elowson – Bass
Johan Rydberg – Flutes and whistles
Kristoffer Kullberg – Keyboards
Anton Elowson – Drums

More from Grimner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grimnerswe/?locale=sv_SE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimnerband/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/grimnersweofficial
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EzUgwy78fPj2HFx8hSvKR
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/se/artist/grimner/520764691
Bandcamp: https://grimner.bandcamp.com/music

GUS G. Releases Fifth Solo Album “Steel Burner” with Video for ‘Dancing With Death’, Ft. Matt Barlow

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 26, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by Akis Douzlatzis

Internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer, and FIREWIND mastermind GUS G. releases his fifth solo album ‘Steel Burner’ today, April 24, 2026. Marking his first solo offering in five years, the record delivers a blistering fusion of modern instrumental metal and carefully curated vocal collaborations with some of heavy music’s most legendary voices.

To herald the album’s arrival, Gus G. has dropped a powerhouse new single and accompanying video for “Dancing With Death,” featuring the unmistakable, commanding vocals of former ICED EARTH and current ASHES OF ARES frontman Matt Barlow. An epic metal track with a contemporary edge, “Dancing With Death” explores the dark, gripping theme of addiction.

The track is also available for streaming from all major platforms now.

Gus himself comments:

“My new solo album has finally arrived and now it’s yours! To celebrate this big day, I wanted to drop yet another new video, this one from my collaboration with the one & only Matt Barlow of Iced Earth & Ashes of Ares fame.

Matt’s vocal style is unique and will definitely remind you of those 90s Iced Earth vibes. But make no mistake – this is a power metal track with today’s energy, aggression and passion, forged in the here and now, and one that hopefully will stand the test of time.  Enjoy!”

Following an intense cycle of post-pandemic touring, ‘Steel Burner’ represents a renewed, razor-sharp creative focus for Gus G.’s solo vision. The album showcases his signature guitar style – combining technical precision, rich melody, and sheer intensity – while expanding its emotional and thematic reach through its high-profile guest vocalists.

Interestingly, the album’s title track served as the catalyst for the entire project. Originally commissioned for a company that manufactures industrial machines used to shape metal, Gus G. drew heavy inspiration from a massive piece of equipment fittingly named “Steel Burner.” The relentless energy of that instrumental track became the foundation for the album’s overall concept and ultimately its title.

While the instrumental cuts on ‘Steel Burner’ highlight Gus G.’s continued evolution as a composer and six-string virtuoso, the vocal tracks stand as defining moments on the record. The album’s lead single, “Nothing Can Break Me,” features Metal Queen Doro Pesch on a soaring anthem focused on inner strength, perseverance, and resilience.

“No One Has To Know,” featuring Dino Jelusick, delivers a punchy, modern hard rock approach that tackles the artificial lives and curated personas plaguing social media.

Additionally, the album features two tracks from Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW), a collaboration that was born directly from Gus G. and Romero’s recent joint world tour, further shaping the album’s dynamic, collaborative direction.

With ‘Steel Burner’, Gus G. delivers a confident, forward-looking statement – an album that honors the roots of heavy metal while boldly embracing modern themes, production, and the power of collaboration.

TRACKLIST ALBUM:

  1. Steel Burner
  2. Nothing Can Break Me (Featuring Doro)
  3. Dancing With Death (Featuring Matt Barlow)
  4. Advent
  5. What If
  6. Frenemy (Featuring Ronnie Romero)
  7. No One Has To Know (Featuring Dino Jelusick)
  8. Confession
  9. My Premonition (Featuring Ronnie Romero)
  10. Closure

LINE-UP ‘STEEL BURNER’:

GUS G.: All guitars, bass, keyboards, drums
DORO PESCH: Vocals on track 2
MATT BARLOW: Vocals on track 3
RONNIE ROMERO: Vocals on tracks 6 and 8
DINO JELUSICK: Vocals on track 7
ANDREA ARCANGELI: Bass on tracks 6 and 8
DENNIS WARD: Bass on track 2

‘Steel Burner’ is available as a tri-fold digipak CD and on high quality gatefold-sleeve vinyl LP (several colour options available) from Metal Department and good distributors starting April 24th 2026.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

FESTIVALS 2026:

24.05 DE – Rock Hard Festival
25.07 PL – Jan Bo Festival
22.08 PL – Sound of The Ages Festival
24.10 JP – Full Metal Japan
15.11 MT – Malta Metal Weekend
Gus G. & Ronnie Romero / Convergence Fest Tour 2026:

25.04.26 RO – Constanta, Rock Halle
03.10.26 NL – Hoogeveen, Het Podium
04.10.26 NL – Uden, De Pul
05.10.26 B – Verviers, spirit of 66
07.10.26 F – Savigny l’Empreinte, Le Temple
08.10.26 F-Angoulins La Rochelle,Le Crossroads
09.10.26 ES – Pamplona, Totem
10.10.26 ES – Seville, Customs
11.10.26 ES – Santiago, Capitol
13.10.26 F – Istres – l’Usine
15.10.26 DE – München, Backstage
16.10.26 DE – Bensheim, Rex
17.10.26 CH – Aarburg – Musigburg
19.10.26 DE – Hamburg, Knust
20.10.26 DE – Berlin, Lido
21.10.26 DE – Augsburg, Spectrum
27.10.26 DE – Aschaffenburg, Colos Saal
28.10.26 DE – Bochum, Zeche
30.10.26 S – Gothenburg, Valand
31.10.26 S – Sövde, Lokstallet
01.11.26 S – Stockholm, Kollektivet Livet

About Gus G.:

Best known as the longtime guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE and the driving force behind Greek power metal titans FIREWIND, Gus G. has solidified his status as one of the most respected and prolific guitarists in modern heavy metal. With a career spanning decades, his solo work continues to push the boundaries of his instrumental and compositional prowess.

ARTIST WEBSITE: https://www.gusgofficial.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialgusg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gusgofficial
X.com: https://twitter.com/gusgofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/70I9vE7YTwKmelfEplXc5r
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@firetv

BY MILLION WIRES Return After Almost 15 Years with Third Single ‘Glass Houses’ from New EP “Not Over”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 26, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

BY MILLION WIRES is a Polish Tarnów-based band navigating the borders of alternative rock, progressive rock, indie rock, post-rock, and dream pop.
Founded in 2007, the group quickly gained a reputation as one of the most intriguing acts on the Polish independent scene. Following their enthusiastically received debut, “Letters to the Absent” (2012) — which garnered stellar reviews both at home and abroad — the band entered a phase of intense sonic exploration.


Fourteen years after the debut, the Polish band By Million Wires breaks their silence. Their latest release, the EP titled “Not Over“, is a chronicle of the journey the band has taken from dreamlike post-rock to a more mature, alternative form.

“Not Over” is material that was forged in the shadows. Although the first recordings were made several years ago, the band chose to release them only now, feeling that these sounds resonate most fully today. The most significant change is the vocal layer – guitarist Mirek Skrok has taken over frontman duties. His deep, emotional voice perfectly complements the dense guitar textures the band has been known for for years.

Musically, the new record is still the By Million Wires we remember – music full of contrasts, tension-building, and space – but in a more direct and raw version. It’s a record about survival, continuity, and the fact that some stories simply never end.

Today, By Million Wires returns with new energy and the self-produced album stands as a testament to maturity, patience, and an unwavering belief in the power of sound.

Promotion of the material began with the release of three singles: “Over“, “I Know Better“, and “Glass Houses“), while the full album will be available on all streaming services starting May 1st, 2026. Music for EP “Not Over” was recorded at Raven Studio (Merkabah, Disperse)  in Skrzyszow, and was mixed and mastered by Krzysztof Krupa (Acid Drinkers, AnVision). Single & album cover artworks was done by leader of the band, Mirek Skrok.

“Glass Houses” at streaming platforms: Spotify | Tidal | Apple

About the song: “A standout track defined by its sophisticated structure and emotional weight. It pairs delicate, delay-heavy melodies with a raw, driving chorus, leading to a powerful finish of multiple harmonized guitar layers“.

TRACKLIST:

1. Over
2. Glass Gouses
3. I Know Better
4. Lost or Won
5. Runaway

LINE-UP:
Mirek Skrok – vocal, guitar
Dawid Moździerz – guitar
Mateusz Ostafil – bass
Dawid Remian – drums

More info: WWW | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | LinkTree

NUCLEAR MESSIAH Release All-Star Concept Album “Black Flame” with Music Video for ‘Look At Yourself’, Ft. Chris Poland & Sebastian Bach

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 26, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

In an unprecedented gathering of rock and metal royalty, Cleopatra Records proudly announces the release of “BLACK FLAME”, Nuclear Messiah’s thunderous, all-star concept album.

Built around the visionary guitar mastery of Chris Poland, the legendary former Megadeth guitarist whose emotive phrasing and fusion-driven technique helped redefine modern metal, “BLACK FLAME” is a sonic prophecy uniting 36 of the most iconic musicians in rock and metal history across five decades.

Produced by Brian Perera, Derek Hughes, and Jürgen Engler for Cleopatra Records with a commanding spoken introduction to the album by William Shatner, “BLACK FLAME“ is an apocalyptic, cinematic, sonic album uniting a staggering line-up of 36 of the most iconic musicians in rock and metal history. 

Representing every era of heavy music, and uniting icons from thrash, classic rock, hard rock, and progressive metal, the appearances include:
Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, David Ellefson, Glen Drover, Shawn Drover, Chris Adler (Lamb of God, Megadeth), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses, Sons of Apollo), Mick Box (Uriah Heep), Joel Hoekstra(Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Night Ranger), Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Beck, Bogert & Appice, King Kobra), Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell), Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio), Don Airey (Deep Purple, Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jonathan Cain (Journey, The Babys), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo, Black Country Communion), Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, Gary Moore, Uriah Heep), Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Last in Line), Alan Davey (Hawkwind), Vinnie Moore (UFO, Alice Cooper), Joe Bouchard (Blue Öyster Cult), Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Andrew Freeman (Last in Line, Lynch Mob), Marc Lopes (Ross the Boss, Metal Church, Let Us Prey), Pat Travers (Pat Travers Band), Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black), Arthur Brown (The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Kingdom Come), Lance Lopez (Supersonic Blues Machine, Billy Gibbons), Greg T. Walker (Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd family), Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Death, Sadus), Thor (Thor), Fred Aching (Dead Groove, Kings of Thrash, BulletBoys, Powerflo, BillyBio), and Jürgen Engler (Die Krupps).

Watch the video for ‘Look At Yourself‘ here:

This staggering lineup represents every era of heavy music, from Vanilla Fudge to the Kings of Thrash, via Guns N’ Roses, Uriah Heep, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, UFO, Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Thor, Testament, Night Ranger, the Michael Schenker Group, Yes and more.
 
Eye-opening covers, too, will be ripping open your ears – Lucifer’s Friend, May Blitz, NWOBHM heroes Holocaust and the immortal Uriah Heep (a killer take on “Look At Yourself”); and, while the remainder of the album is all new material, each song composed by the line-up that performs on it, reflecting, too, upon the history of hard rock, prog and metal – a living timeline of rock and metal, from the pioneers of the past to the trailblazers of today.
 
It’s more than a collaboration. It’s a metal summit, the multi-generational union of the artists who shaped the evolution of heavy music itself.

Track listing:
1. The Prophet Of Fallout feat. Chris Poland & William Shatner
2. Devil Won’t Let Go feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Vinnie Moore, Vinny Appice, Don Airey, Steve Di Giorgio
3. Death Or Glory feat. Chris Poland, Thor, Bob Daisley, Glen Drover, Fred Aching
4. Ride The Sky feat. Chris Poland, Arthur Brown, Vinny Appice, Alan Davey
5. Dice And Thunder feat. Chris Poland, Rick Wakeman, Ronnie Romero, Bumblefoot, Steve Di Giorgio, Fred Aching
6. For Mad Men Only feat. Chris Poland, Pat Travers, Joe Lynn Turner, Alan Davey, Shawn Drover
7. Nuclear Messiah feat. Chris Poland, Lance Lopez, Greg Walker, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Vinny Appice, Don Airey
8. Look At Yourself feat. Chris Poland, Sebastian Bach, Derek Sherinian, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Carmine Appice
9. She’s So Evil feat. Chris Poland, Joel Hoekstra, David Ellefson, Don Airey, Andrew Freeman, Simon Wright
10. Black Flame feat. Chris Poland, Ronnie Romero, Jonathan Cain, Phil Soussan, Glen Drover, Chris Adler
11. Electric Burn feat. Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, Joe Bouchard, Marc Lopes, Chris Adler

More info: https://www.nuclearmessiah.com/