ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ Joins DRAGONFORCE as Additional Singer

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
[Credit: Travis Shinn]

Today, the world’s fastest band speeds up and into its biggest, boldest and most electrifying era to date: DRAGONFORCE have announced Alissa White-Gluz as their newest member and first frontwoman. In a momentous union of two storied and unstoppable forces, the preeminent pioneers of extreme power metal will now be joined by one of metal’s legendary vocalists, unleashing both an intrepid evolution of the genre and the start of a seismic year ahead.
 
Beginning this Saturday, May 9th, at Welcome To Rockville, and Sunday, May 17th at Sonic Temple, DRAGONFORCE’s debut live performances with Alissa White-Gluz will also kick off the 20th Anniversary of Inhuman Rampage. As the 2006 album that birthed the Platinum-selling global phenomenon of “Through the Fire and Flames,” which spent 23 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold, Inhuman Rampage introduced the band and their music to tens of millions of new fans and counting. With extensive touring plans to be revealed, and a 10th studio album currently in the works, DRAGONFORCE are bringing more listeners than ever into this next chapter of their eternally joyous, adrenaline-filled journey.
 
Herman Li on their lineup addition:
“Alissa joining the band is an expansion of everything we’ve done up to this point. Twenty years is a long time to do anything, let alone survive the music industry and still be so inspired to continue doing what we love. Together we will honor what made Inhuman Rampage matter, while showing people exactly where we’re going next. Having Alissa in the room changes everything. She doesn’t just sing, she makes all aspects of our music better. And she sounds incredible live! I can’t wait for the fans to see her and hear what we have been working on.”
 
Through her work with everyone from The Agonist to Kamelot, Arch Enemy and her newly launched Blue Medusa, Alissa White-Gluz has become an icon synonymous with strength, independence, versatility and creative fearlessness, representing a new standard for women at the highest levels of heavy music. Over two decades spent on the stage, blending ferocious and melodic theatricality with lyrical themes of philosophy, psychology, ethics and the human experience, she has built a history spanning 15+ hours of recorded music, 60+ music videos, 40+ collaborations and 2,000+ concerts across a myriad of subgenres.
 
Alissa White-Gluz on joining DRAGONFORCE:
“I am beyond excited to be bringing such iconic music to life with these amazingly skilled musicians in such a fun and inspiring environment. It feels great to showcase all the colours of my voice and utilize all my singing styles in technically challenging, deeply energizing, highly addictive songs. I am so thankful for the amazing support I have been lucky enough to receive from the metal world over this wild career I’ve built; I want to keep pushing my boundaries and delivering exceptional music and live experiences to the fans that I cherish so much.”

Founded in 1999 and based between Los Angeles and London, DRAGONFORCE have rewritten the rules of heavy metal, while redefining the possibilities of their respective instruments. Since the release of Inhuman Rampage and its signature anthem “Through the Fire and Flames” – the notoriously unbeatable final boss of “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” – the GRAMMY®-nominated band have continued to blow the minds of musicians and gamers everywhere. They have been heard in “Despicable Me 4”, “Fortnite Festival,” “Brawl Stars,” “Asphalt Legends” and beyond, and seen on the covers of dozens of magazines. They have played for millions of fans and shared stages with Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Slipknot, Metallica and many more, but one thing has always been certain: the fastest band in the world will not slow down.

DRAGONFORCE is:
Herman Li – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Sam Totman – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Marc Hudson – Vocals
Alissa White-Gluz – Vocals
Alicia Vigil – Bass, Backing Vocals
Gee Anzalone – Drums, Backing Vocals

DRAGONFORCE online:
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
TIKTOK
FACEBOOK

BLOOD MOTHER Unleashes Haunting New Single ‘The Wound of Heaven’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Chris Bauer

Rick Giordano, the composer behind THE LION’S DAUGHTER, has re-emerged as BLOOD MOTHER, a devastating new project that combines the post black metal horrors of TLD with haunting, atmospheric soundscapes and Western Americana attitude. Forged in themes of isolation, paranoia, violence and terror, dark and synth-driven ambience coalesces with bouts of chaotic and desperate black metal, while also honing in on the grit and desolation that was no doubt inspired by Giordano’s upbringing in the rugged American heartlands. Combined with the commanding aggression of Giordano’s vocal attack, BLOOD MOTHER offers the score to your own personal horror film.

BLOOD MOTHER is now unveiling the haunting second single, “The Wound of Heaven,” from its upcoming self-titled studio album, which is due on June 14 independently. The song can be found along with a visualizer at THIS LOCATION.

Composer Rick Giordano comments, “‘The Wound of Heaven’ is about finding beauty and comfort in watching a cruel and horrible world being torn apart. The sky splits open and the violent destruction brings only serenity. Or maybe it’s just about pussy.”

Pre-orders are now live via the official webstore HERE or via Bandcamp HERE.

Giordano is accompanied on this self titled debut album by Erik Ramsier, long time drummer and percussionist for the Lion’s Daughter, with artwork by renowned graphic novelist The Salamander King.

The cover artwork was created by The Salamander King and can be found below along with the tracklist.

Tracklisting:

  1. The Night Fires (05:04) [WATCH]
  2. Bonecanter (05:51)
  3. Trail Of The Screaming Dead (04:58)
  4. The Wound Of Heaven (04:00) [WATCH]
  5. Lost In Thunder (05:38)
  6. Pulled Apart (05:36)

Rick Giordano, the composer behind THE LION’S DAUGHTER, is re-emerging as BLOOD MOTHER, a devastating new project that combines the post black metal horrors of TLD with haunting, atmospheric soundscapes and Western Americana attitude. Forged in themes of isolation, paranoia, violence and terror, dark and synth-driven ambience coalesces with bouts of chaotic and desperate black metal, while also honing in on the grit and desolation that was no doubt inspired by Giordano’s upbringing in the rugged American heartlands. Combined with the commanding aggression of Giordano’s vocal attack, BLOOD MOTHER offers the score to your own personal horror film.

Accompanied on this self-titled debut album by Erik Ramsier, longtime drummer and percussionist for the Lion’s Daughter, with artwork by renowned graphic novelist The Salamander King, BLOOD MOTHER isn’t just a reboot, but rather a reinvention. While it still draws from many of THE LION’S DAUGHTER’s original influences, and therefore, the project also defies generic classification much like its predecessor, BLOOD MOTHER is still a clear evolution from what came before. “After 18 years of releasing music and touring the world, the daughter had to die so that the mother could live,” explains Giordano of the new project.

As a fully independent entity, BLOOD MOTHER has no chains, no bounds, and no master. Self-releasing this project with the help of world renowned independent artist manager Wolf Mountain Productions, Giordano is paving his own path and asserting his dominance over the oppressive music industry. Like a renegade cowboy, he joins the ranks of other modern artists who have abandoned all standards and practices to usher in a new era of artist ownership and DIY supremacy. “I’ve never been a person that neatly fits in with any group, or made music that neatly fits into any category, so it just makes sense to operate independently,” Giordano explains. “I also look at the current state of the music and most of the bands that are popular now, and think why the fuck would I want anything to do with that?”

Like a ghost riding out from the desert, Blood Mother is here to paint the town a shade of red found only in Hell… before burning it all to the ground.

Lineup:
Rick Giordano: Guitar, bass, synth, vocals
Erik Ramsier: Drums

For Fans Of: Ulver, Darkspace, Blut Aus Nord, Cult of Luna, Sunn O))), Wayfarer

Cover Artist: The Salamander King

Album Credits:
Mixing by Ryan Wasoba
Mastering by Joel Hatstat

Distribution/management: Wolf Mountain Productions

Links: WEBSTORE – BANDCAMP – INSTAGRAM – YOUTUBE – SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC

SELIAS Launch New Era with New Vocalists Neil & Ania, New Metal Album in the Works

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

SELIAS, darker and heavier than ever, with the announcement of two new vocalists, Neil and Ania, marking a decisive shift toward a more aggressive, stand-out sound.

Alongside this lineup evolution, the band confirms that a brand-new album is in the works.

Known for atmospheric textures and bringing the heavy, SELIAS is now poised to deliver a new performance on their upcoming tours and shows.

Neil brings a commanding vocal presence, blending cleans with his own standout scream. His delivery cuts through the low, down-tuned instrumentation, adding grit and authority to the band’s sound.

Ania counters with brutal guttural screams that showcase constant intensity. —creating a dynamic that amplifies the band’s sound.

“This is a turning point for SELIAS,” said Steve (guitarist). “Neil and Ania bring fire and versatility. We’re building something that hits hard.”

Fans can expect a fusion of melody and heaviness expanding forward from KILLKARMA.

Get your copy of Killkarma: https://orcd.co/killkarma

ABOUT SELIAS

SELIAS is blending atmospheric, cinematic sounds with powerful songwriting, now stepping boldly into a heavier, focused direction.

Connect with SELIAS:
seliasmetal.com
www.facebook.com/seliasmetal
www.instagram.com/seliasmetal
www.tiktok.com/@seliasmetal
www.youtube.com/@seliasmetal

ANTIROPE Deliver Crushing, Doom-Infused Music Video Cover of CREAM Classic ‘Sunshine of Your Love’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
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Photo Credit: Heike Fleischer

Munich’s alternative metal powerhouse Antirope has released a haunting new music video for their cover of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.” Directed by guitarist Patrick Fleischer and filmed at Lass Mich Tanzen, the video swaps psychedelic flair for a suffocating, doom-influenced atmosphere. By slowing the tempo to a crawl, the band transforms the classic track into a hypnotic, minimalist experience focused on shadows and raw emotion. Vocalist Slaven Stokic explains that the video eschews a traditional plot for a sensory journey, allowing for personal interpretation. This “less is more” philosophy aligns with the band’s core influences, ranging from Black Sabbath to Soundgarden, creating a sound where the psychedelic turns “cruel.” Despite the precision required for such a slow-paced production, the band embraced minor imperfections to maintain an authentic, unpolished energy. Featuring bassist Julie Fleischer and drummer Jürgen “BamBam” Wiehler, Antirope continues to solidify their reputation for fearless, tension-driven art that pulls listeners into a dark sonic vacuum. This is the third music video taken from their full-length album Bring Me to Zero which was just released on May 1, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

“We’ve always liked Sunshine of Your Love, but we wanted to do our own version of it instead of just recreating it” says vocalist Slaven Stokic. “We slowed it down and gave it a darker, more hypnotic feel. The idea from the start was something very simple and atmospheric. No big storyline, just mood and vibe. During the process it naturally got a bit heavier and more doom-influenced. Visually, we just aimed for something dark, minimal, and a bit raw. We aimed for more feeling than concept.” Guitarist Patrick Fleischer adds, “The most challenging part was capturing the right atmosphere. Since everything is slow and minimal, every detail really matters. Lighting, movement, timing. There’s nowhere to hide. We had a few unexpected issues during filming, but nothing major. In a way, those imperfections actually added to the raw feel we were going for!”

Bring Me To Zero marks a significant evolution for the Munich-based band. Produced by guitarist Partick Fleischer (Lacrimas Profundere, Darkseed, Alev) at Lungfull Studios, the upcoming album promises a heavier, more hook-driven sound characterized by bold vocal arrangements and an explosive rhythmic backbone. Overall, the album sounds massive without sacrificing intimacy, letting every riff, breath, and impact land with deliberate weight. Antirope’s sound remains rooted in the primal heaviness of Black Sabbath, the brooding grit of Soundgarden, and the hypnotic sprawl of Neurosis, yet the band never settles for homage. Instead, they carve a distinctly modern identity where dense, down-tuned riffs collide with psychedelic textures, and moments of crushing volume dissolve into eerie calm. Vocalist Slaven Stokic moves effortlessly between raw urgency and haunted restraint, guiding the listener through an album that feels less like a collection of songs and more like a psychological descent. The album contains eleven tracks, including standouts like “Zero,” “Intervention,” “Afterglow,” and a cover of the Cream classic “Sunshine of Your Love.” Bring Me to Zero balances brutality with beauty, never letting one exist without the other. The album artwork, created by the band themselves, mirrors that duality: stark, personal, and uncompromising. Released on May 1, 2026 via Eclipse Records, Bring Me to Zero positions Antirope as a band unafraid to confront collapse head-on while emerging with something strangely luminous in its wake.

Credit: Antirope

Listen to Bring Me to Zero on all platforms via Eclipse Records at this location.

Bring Me To Zero track listing
01. Monolith
02. Unholy
03. Zero
04. Afterglow
05. Life is A Lie
06. Cascades
07. Dry Your Eyes
08. Intervention
09. Sunshine of Your Love (Cream cover)
10. Beyond
11. Aurora

About Antirope:
Antirope are an alternative metal band founded in Munich, Germany in 2015, and while their most important influences are Black Sabbath, Soundgarden, and Neurosis, they bring us a new sound that makes the psychedelic cruel and the damned sound heavenly.

Antirope lineup
Slaven Stokic (vocals, guitar), Patrick Fleischer (guitar, vocals), Julie Fleischer (bass), Juergen “Bam Bam” Wiehler (drums)

CONSECRATION Unveil ‘Submerged in Sand’ Single from Upcoming LP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
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British death-doom outfit CONSECRATION have unveiled their new single “Submerged in Sand”, now exclusively premiering via Toilet Ov Hell, offering a further glimpse into their upcoming fourth full-length album “Exanimis”, due out on May 29th, 2026 via Nuclear Winter Records.

The track highlights the band’s evolving songwriting approach, combining the somber weight of classic ’90s death-doom with a more defined and crushing sonic presence.

Rooted in the tradition of the British scene yet shaped by a contemporary edge, “Submerged in Sand” intertwines oppressive atmospheres, dense riffing and moments of sharp, impactful aggression.

Stream “Submerged in Sand” at THIS LOCATION.

Marking a decisive step forward in songwriting, composition and artistic authority, “Exanimis” channels the core elements of the band’s early sound and their unwavering love for ’90s death-doom, merging them into a more resolute, heavier sonic identity. Drawing on the glorious British tradition of the genre – from early My Dying Bride and Enchantment to Decomposed – CONSECRATION reinterpret these influences with a contemporary perspective, weaving atmospheric doom, crushing riffs and occasional sharp, impact-driven death metal passages into a cohesive, striking whole.

“Exanimis” is dark, decadent and at times mercilessly biting, balancing melancholic atmospheres with raw intensity. The record demonstrates not only a reverence for the legacy of doom and death but also the band’s relentless drive to expand their own sound, asserting CONSECRATION as a commanding presence in the modern extreme metal scene and setting a new benchmark for their evolving career.

Tracklist:

01. Herald of Darkness
02. Configuration of Lamentation
03. Submerged in Sand
04. Domain of Despair
05. Harvester of the Forsaken
06. The Bitterness of Grief
07. Descend into Derangement
08. Cold Grey Stone

CONSECRATION are a death-doom metal band from Norwich, UK, formed in 2010. With a relentless blend of crushing doom and old-school death metal, they craft music steeped in death, darkness and despair, steadily carving a global reputation in extreme metal.

Since their debut, “Ephemerality” (2014, UKEM Records), CONSECRATION have grown continuously, reissuing the album in 2023 through Cavernous Records with new artwork and compiling early material in 2018’s “Remembrance”. Their sophomore album, “Fragilium” (2019, Solitude Productions), earned critical acclaim and drew thousands YouTube views, signaling the band’s expanding influence.

The third album, “Cinis” (2022, Redefining Darkness Records), marked a major step forward, featuring guest vocals from Dave Ingram (Benediction) and mastering by Greg Chandler (Esoteric). The album received top reviews from Metal Forces, Distorted Sound, and Blabbermouth.net. Singles such as “The Dweller in the Tumulus” reached thousands of fans online, while live appearances—including Esoteric’s 30th Anniversary and UK Deathfest 2022—solidified their stage presence.

The 2021 EP “Reanimated” was reissued in 2025 as a hand-made limited edition that sold out in two hours, demonstrating the dedication of their growing fanbase.

Their fourth album, “Exanimis”, recorded at Priory Studios, Birmingham, will be released in spring 2026, featuring Paul Jones (Enchantment) and Rich Mumford (Malediction), with in-house artwork and mixing/mastering by Greg Chandler. CONSECRATION continue to push boundaries, evolving relentlessly and establishing themselves as a rising force in international death-doom.

For fans of: Evoken, Cruciamentum, early My Dying Bride, Decomposed

Line-up:

Daniel Bollans – Vocals
Mathew Bollans – Bass
Liam Houseago – Lead & rhythm guitar
Andy Matthews – Lead, rhythm & acoustic guitar
Jorge Figueiredo – Drums and percussion

http://www.consecrationdoom.com
http://www.facebook.com/consecration666
http://www.youtube.com/ConsecrationDoom666
http://www.consecration666.bandcamp.com

Eindhoven Metal Meeting Announces Full Line-Up for 2026 Edition

Posted by tarjavirmakari on May 6, 2026
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District 19 proudly presents:
THE FULL LINE-UP OF EINDHOVEN METAL MEETING 2026!

December is the time of year again when we prepare to congregate in the heart of Eindhoven to celebrate the sixteenth edition of all things heavy and extreme.

30 acts (from old-school legends to the hottest newcomers), Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2026 boasts a diverse and hard-hitting roster of bands that will sate every metal appetite.

Thus, mark your calendars for Friday 11th & Saturday 12th of December 2026

*Note that the day splits are yet to be revealed!*

TICKETS + INFO: https://eindhovenmetalmeeting.com

30 bands, 2 days, 2 stages

Blood Fire Death – A Tribute to Bathory | Death Angel
 Rotting Christ | Flotsam & Jetsam | Forteresse | Schammasch
 Legion of the Damned | Panzerfaust | Gorerotted | Groza | The Crown
Desaster | Darvaza | Dödsrit | Nervosa | Severe Torture
 Perchta | Lamp of Murmuur | At War | Merrimack 
Acrostichon | Helleruin | Izegrim | Mortal Strike | Necrotted 
Wrang | Nexion | Dim Aura | Détresse | Insurrection

To get in the mood you can watch the recap of last years’ edition here: