‘Vecna’ is the brand-new single by multi-instrumentalist FRANK JULIAN, available now on all digital platforms via Volcano Records & Promotion.
A versatile musician and composer with a rich and respected discography, Frank Julian blends progressive rock with visionary influences, earning a cult following within the international independent metal scene, alongside significant streaming numbers and a solid artistic career. Vecna marks his first release with the Italian label Volcano Records and fully showcases the strength of a prolific and imaginative creative mind capable of combining sophisticated compositional structures with a powerful emotional connection to listeners who seek high-quality music.
Entirely instrumental, Vecna does not renounce conveying a deep and intense message. Drawing inspiration from the now-iconic universe of Stranger Things, the track depicts an upside-down world where logic and common rules are overturned, and absurdity reigns supreme. Within this apocalyptic and dystopian landscape, Frank Julian delivers a multifaceted and dynamic composition that guides the listener through an immersive journey into the âUpside Down.â
Frank Julian handled the full composition and production of the track, which is also available on YouTube accompanied by a playthrough video:
Chart-topping German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA will release their new studio album, Eclipse, on August 7, 2026, via Napalm Records. The upcoming full-length features eleven tracks that represent the most diverse body of work in the bandâs discography so far: every song has its own identityâa journey full of discoveriesâyet they all belong to the same world. Classic, â80s-inspired metal riffs stand alongside low-tuned modern metal guitars; cinematic orchestral sounds meet Celtic folk influences, and dark electronic elements blend with intimate rock moments, even including a guitar solo that owes more to Pink Floyd than to any metal genre.  With âThe Shannonâs Home,â XANDRIA unveils the first offering cut from the upcoming record. The song weaves dreamlike melodies, cinematic opulence, and folk elements, all driven by the soaring vocals of Ambre Vourvahis. Both intimate and epic, XANDRIA once again prove that they belong among the leading acts in the scene! âThe Shannonâs Homeâ is now available on all streaming services worldwide and comes with an official music video that can be seen below.  Band mastermind Marco Heubaum comments on âThe Shannonâs Homeâ: âA song like a beautiful, slightly dark fairytaleâwhich makes sense, as it is an analogy of life, pictured as the river Shannon, flowing from its source to the sea. And just one of the many colorful facets of our new album, which will be a journey full of diverse elements and surprises. We felt this song had a mysterious magic that captured our hearts from the very beginning. In fact, it was the first song we wrote for this next voyage of wondersâso we instantly knew this was the first song we wanted you all to hear. For all you wonderful people out thereâenjoy!â
Eclipse marks XANDRIAâs most outspoken and cinematic album so far: a dark, colourful, and defiant statement for reason, empathy, and democracy in times when all three are under attack, brought to life by a band fueled with new energy, new ambitions, and a clear artistic direction, aiming higher than ever and not looking back!
While The Wonders Still Awaiting (2023) marked the rebirth of XANDRIA with a new line-upâan album that opened the door to a new eraâEclipse goes further. It is more focused and direct, the lyrics are more outspoken, dealing almost entirely with what is happening to our civilization right now. The contrasts are stronger, and the different musical and vocal colours feel even more naturally integrated into the songs. As XANDRIAâs sole composer, Marco Heubaum musically draws inspiration from all aspects of his surroundings: music, stories, and emotions that have shaped him since childhood. It is no secret that film scores have always been another major influence, especially composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams.
Eclipse tracklisting:
Syzygy
Eclipse
Colours
The Shannon’s Home
The Grand Delusion
Wave of Tanis
Northstar
Masquerade
The Last Generation
The Poetry of the Real World
Lore
As guests, XANDRIA welcomes Subway to Sallyâs violinist Ally Storch, who can be heard on âLore,â while the bandâs longtime friend McAlbi is featured on four songs with his Celtic tin and low whistles (âThe Shannonâs Home,â âNorthstar,â âMasquerade,â and âLoreâ). âThe Last Generationâ features a childrenâs choir and piano performed by Richard Z. Wang, a Hollywood pianist who has worked at Hans Zimmerâs studio. In addition, the band has once again collaborated with the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir, known for their work on numerous film and television scores, including His Dark Materials. All songs were orchestrated by two film score composers working in Hollywood: Lukas Geppert, who worked on the scores for Nobody 2 and the latest Final Destination, and Ishaan Tyagi, who has contributed to productions such as Wuthering Heights.
XANDRIA LIVE 2026 Â Eclipse Europe Tour 2026 16.09.26 UK – London / The Dome 17.09.26 UK – Glasgow / Slay 18.09.26 UK – Manchester / Academy 19.09.26 UK – Birmingham / O2 21.09.26 BE – Kortrijk / DVG Club 22.09.26 FR – Paris / Nouveau Casino 23.09.26 FR – Nantes / Le Ferrailleur 24.09.26 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz 3 26.09.26 ES – Albacete / Ginetarock 27.09.26 FR – Montpellier / Secret Place 28.09.26 FR – Toulouse / Le Rex 29.09.26 FR – Lyon / Rockân Eat 30.09.26 DE – Munich / Backstage Halle 01.10.26 HR – Zagreb / Boogaloo Club 02.10.26 IT – Milan / Legend Club 03.10.26 AT – Salzburg / Rockhouse Bar 05.10.26 RO – Cluj-Napoca / FORM Space 06.10.26 RO – Bucharest / Quantic Club 08.10.26 BG – Sofia / Pirotska 5 Event Centre 09.10.26 RS – Belgrade / Zappa Barka 10.10.26 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall 12.10.26 DE – Berlin / Lido 13.10.26 PL – Warsaw / Hydrozagadka 14.10.26 PL – Krakow / ZaĹcianek 15.10.26 CZ – Prague / Distrikt Prague 16.10.26 DE – Dresden / Blauer Salon 18.10.26 DE – Cham / L.A. Live Style Cafe 19.10.26 DE – Frankfurt / Das Bett 20.10.26 CH – Pratteln / Z7 21.10.26 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann Club 22.10.26 DE – Nuremberg / Hirsch 23.10.26 DE – Hamburg / Bahnhof Pauli
XANDRIA are: Marco Heubaum â Guitar, Keys Ambre Vourvahis â Vocals Robert Klawonn â Guitar Dimitrios Gatsios â Drums  XANDRIA online: Website Facebook Instagram Napalm Records
Short, sharp, and utterly relentless, âSwarm Of Insectsâ distills CROCELLâs essence into its most ferocious form. As the albumâs title track, new digital single, official video and most compact assault, it wastes no time in unleashing a barrage of seething riffs, blistering pace, and venomous intensity – black metal stripped of mercy, yet laced with a cutting melodic edge that keeps it burrowing deep beneath the surface.
With only fleeting moments to catch breath, the track surges forward in a frenzy that curses heaven, earth, and everything in between. Itâs Crocell at their most direct and hostile, but also at their most focused, where chaos and precision collide in a single, punishing strike.
A vicious statement of intent, âSwarm Of Insectsâ offers a concentrated glimpse into the bandâs ever-burning core.
Join the premiering here:
Crocell return with their seventh full-length album, âSwarm Of Insectsâ, set for release via Emanzipation Productions. Marking nearly two decades of the bandâs existence, âSwarm of Insectsâ picks up where 2024âs âOf Frost, of Flame, of Fleshâ left off, delivering a fierce yet nuanced blend of brutality and melody in classic Crocell fashion, while pushing into new creative territory.
âSwarm Of Insectsâ is the first album written with guitarist Mads Bertram following the departure of Rasmus âHexenâ Henriksen (RIP) in 2023. The record sees the band refining their signature sound while allowing fresh ideas to emerge, resulting in a work that feels both rooted and reinvigorated. And, for the first time in their career, Crocell recorded the entire album themselves. Drummer Andreas Posselt comments: âWe have recorded vocals, bass or guitar on our own on some previous albums, but this time we wanted to take on the drums as well. It is undeniably more extensive, but we received great advice from Lasse, and it was a welcome challenge that gave us maximum freedom and controlâ.
The final mix and mastering were handled by Lasse at Ballade Studios (known for work with Afsky, Strychnos, Konvent and SlĂŚgt), resulting in a production that is both violent, vivid and razor-sharp. Vocalist Asbjørn Steffensen elaborates: âThere was a red thread from the first raw demos through pre-production to the final recording. Along the way we adjusted song structures and details in the individual instruments, while also experimenting with the overall sound and various effects. Early in the process we already felt we were working directly with the finished product, and at the same time it was easier to carry spontaneous and imperfect ideas from the creative phase into the final resultâ.
From the towering opening track âSarcophagusâ, through the furious sonic assaults of âTraitors’ Bloodâ, to the atmospheric and ominous closer âVolcanoâ, âSwarm of Insectsâ offers dark music for dark times. The lyrics explore tyranny, oppression, betrayal and demagoguery – mirrored in the unsettling artwork by NNart, which seems to pull the viewer straight into the abyss. The album title evokes images of biblical plagues, but may just as well reflect a humanity blindly swarming and feeding on whatever scraps are thrown its way.
Nearly 20 years after their formation, Crocell deliver with âSwarm Of Insectsâ an acid-etched and uncompromising slab of death/black metal of the highest caliber; an album that will undoubtedly resonate with both longtime followers and new listeners alike.
âSwarm Of Insectsâ will be released on gatefold LP (orange/black marble vinyl, limited to 300 copies), digipack CD and digital formats on 29.05.2026, via Emanzipation Productions.
Lineup: Andreas Posselt â drums Tommy Christensen â guitars AsbjĂśrn Steffensen â vocals Mads B. H. Gath â guitars Uffe Laustsen-Jensen â bass
With the blistering cacophony of 2024’s Loved By None, Hated By All still ringing in our ears, Danish death/metallic hardcore outfit LIFESICK strike back with a brand new single, “Die With Me.”
The track begins in full grind mode with the chant “Die With Me” driving the chaos before shifting into a fast hardcore section. The track keeps pushing forward before collapsing into breakdowns that grow slower and heavier toward the end, finishing in a massive closing breakdown that feels like the final moments of a live set. Lyrically it’s about meeting death head-on and refusing to go quietly.
Stand by for more news on LIFESICK in the weeks to come.
LIFESICK: Simon Shoshan – vocals Nicolai Lindegaard – guitar Nikolai Lund – guitar Jeppe Riis Frausing – bass Lasse Skyttegaard – drums
KHEMMIS continue the march toward their towering new self-titled album with the release of âBeneath The Scythe,â the latest single from the Denver heavy metal institutionâs massively anticipated fifth full-length, due out June 12th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Following the explosive first single âInvocation of the Dreamer,â âBeneath The Scytheâ digs even deeper into the bandâs sharpened sense of purposeâmelding colossal riffs, soaring melodies, and the unmistakable emotional weight that has defined KHEMMIS for over a decade. Taken from an album that finds the band reconnecting with the pure exhilaration of making heavy music together, the track captures both the darkness and triumphant spirit at the heart of Khemmis.
Commenting on the new single, guitarist/vocalist Ben Hutcherson states:
ââBeneath the Scytheâ is a track wherein all four of us just it rip. Dueling guitar solos? Check. Ripping drum fills? Check. A beautiful bass solo over a haunting, atmospheric interlude? Check! In some ways, âScytheâ feels like âclassic Khemmis,â but we made sure that the song took the listener on a journey unlike anything weâve done before. As always, this tune is best enjoyed at high volume while holding an ice-cold beverage in a room adorned with posters of Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, and At the Gates (RIP Tompa!).â
Alongside the release of âBeneath The Scythe,â KHEMMIS is also unveiling pre-orders for a new band-exclusive vinyl variant of the new record. Limited to just 400 copies worldwide, the exclusive LP is pressed on transparent magenta vinyl with white splatter and is expected to move quicklyâespecially following the bandâs previous exclusive pressing, which sold out in less than 24 hours. Demand for the new album continues to surge, with the recently announced Decibel exclusive vinyl edition already completely sold out, further proving the overwhelming anticipation surrounding KHEMMISâ return.
Khemmisâthe follow-up to 2021âs acclaimed Deceiverâfeatures eight tracks of unrelenting, monolithic heavy metal adorned by stunning artwork from Christopher Remmers. More than just another chapter, the record represents the band in their truest form: a celebration of heavy music, forged through camaraderie, conviction, and an enduring love of the riff.
Across eleven years, KHEMMIS have become one of modern metalâs most revered names, beginning with their 2015 debut Absolution and continuing through landmark releases like Huntedânamed Decibelâs Album Of The YearâDesolation, and Deceiver. But while the bandâs legacy is firmly established, Khemmis finds them energized by something more immediate: the joy of simply playing loud, heavy music together.
As Hutcherson explains:
âWe decided early in the songwriting process that we wanted to write a tight, high-energy album that retained the essential âKhemmis soundâ while also embodying the joy of creating, experiencing, and loving heavy metal. Ours have always been deeply personal songs born from tragedy and sorrow; while the songs on Khemmis are still undeniably dark, they are not mined from our suffering. Instead, this record is a celebration of the music world that has sustained us.â
KHEMMIS will perform a special one-off show with ACID BATH in May before embarking on a headlining tour in early summer with support from NECROFIER and WRETCHED, followed by an excursion with MONOLORD soon after. Tickets and additional tour information are available at khemmisdoom.com/live.
Forsake The Light Headline Tour w / NECROFIER & WRETCHED
June 19 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater June 20 – Seattle, WA – Substation June 21 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater June 23 – Sacramento, CA – Starlet Room June 24 – Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone June 25 – Santa Cruz, CA – Felton Music Hall June 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room June 27 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick June 28 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harrietâs June 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Nile Theater July 1 – Cottonwood, AZ – Queen B July 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister
W / MONOLORD
Aug 27 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall Aug 28 – Louisville, KY – Portal Aug 29 – Atlanta, GA – Garden Club Aug 30 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy Aug 31 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern Sep 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts Sep 3 – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere Sep 5 – Baltimore, MD – Labor Daze Sep 8 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups Sep 9 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary Sep 10 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle
About KHEMMIS:
After eleven years of albums and global touring, Coloradoâs Khemmis have cemented themselves as pillars of modern heavy metal. Yet as they approach their fifth full-length, the band found something newly vital: the simple joy of creating heavy music together. Formed with no expectations, the groupâs longevity has become its foundation, with guitarist/vocalist Ben Hutcherson describing the band as a rare source of stability and camaraderie. Since their 2015 debut Absolution, followed by the acclaimed Hunted, Desolation, Doomed Heavy Metal MLP, and Deceiver, Khemmis have built a legacy of towering, spiritual doom that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Despite changesâincluding members relocating and bassist David Small joining in 2022âthe band emerged more focused than ever. Recording again at Flatline Audio in Colorado, the lineup of Hutcherson, Phil Pendergast, Zach Coleman, and Small leaned into renewed trust and chemistry, with distance paradoxically strengthening their bond. The addition of Small invigorated the rhythm section and encouraged experimentation, while the band rediscovered the excitement that defined their early days. That renewed energy fueled a collaborative atmosphere rooted in confidence, inspiration, and the shared thrill of simply playing heavy metal.
The resulting self-titled album is both a celebration and reinvention: a conceptually framed ritual of heavy metal that moves from the pounding âInvocation of the Dreamerâ to the climactic âBenediction Tones,â balancing galloping aggression with emotionally resonant anthems. The record embraces extremity, catharsis, and joy in equal measure, complemented by new visual direction from artist Christopher Remmers. Through lineup changes, distance, and a shifting world, Khemmis remain unshakenâleaning into the music that defines them. Their self-titled album arrives June 12th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast, capturing the band in their truest and most energized form.
May 4th, 2026, a surge of pure metal energy striked with full force: âThunderâ, the explosive new single by Joey Caracciolo, is now officially available via Wanikiya Record/Promotion.
A powerful, visceral, and deeply meaningful track, âThunderâ is rooted in the most authentic foundations of metal history. The song stands as a direct tribute to the origins and spirit of the early incarnation of Thanatos, reviving that raw, uncompromising sonic urgency that defined an entire era.
A TRIBUTE TO METALâS ROOTS
âThunderâ is not just a singleâitâs a bold statement of intent. A sonic journey paying homage to the original Thanatos lineup, celebrating their influence and lasting impact on the metal scene.
The result is an explosive blend of nostalgia and modernity, where the past collides with a sharp, contemporary production.
JOEY CARACCIOLO: A FORCE OF NATURE
At the center of this sonic storm stands Joey Caracciolo, delivering a performance that showcases his full artistic versatility.
On vocals, Joey unleashes a devastating delivery: deep, dark growls clash with razor-sharp screams, creating a dynamic tension that grips the listener from the very first second. His vocal range and technical control perfectly embody the aggression and theatrical intensity of the classic Thanatos sound.
On guitar, the intensity continues: razor-edged riffs, fast and intricate solos, and a massive rhythm section build a solid and overwhelming wall of sound. Every note is infused with technique, passion, and raw energy.
A SINGLE THAT STRIKES LIKE LIGHTNING
âThunderâ is a celebration of metal in its purest formâpowerful, direct, and uncompromising. A track destined to leave its mark, appealing both to longtime fans of the genre and to a new generation seeking authenticity and impact.
With Joey Caracciolo leading the charge, this single stands as essential listening for anyone craving intense, adrenaline-fueled metal.
Turn up the volume, brace for impact, and let yourself be struck by âThunder.â
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST â Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemiâs SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video