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GENERATION STEEL Release New Single ‘Fields of Pain’ from Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: GENERATION STEEL. Leave a comment

“Heavy Metal made in Germany” has always been a mark of quality and, during the glorious 1980s, with the early works of ACCEPT, RUNNING WILD, GRAVE DIGGER, STORMWITCH, HELLOWEEN and others, not only defined a new genre but also shaped subsequent generations, much like the NWoBHM or traditional US metal.

The band GENERATION STEEL, founded in Wetzlar in 2019 by guitarist Jack the Riffer, follows precisely in this tradition and embodies this inimitable spirit to perfection. With their first two albums, “The Eagle Will Rise” (2021) and “Lionheart” (2023), GENERATION STEEL have got their engine up to operating temperature and are now striking a major blow with their new album “Steelmachine”. “My aim with this third album was to take things up a notch, develop Generation Steel further and sharpen our profile even more. I think we’ve succeeded,” says the guitar wizard.

Today, GENERATION STEEL reveal their fourth new single, “Fields of Pain“.

Stream/Download here: https://save-it.cc/fireflash/fields-of-pain
Get the track on Bandcamp: https://ff-generationsteel.bandcamp.com/track/fields-of-pain

Jack the Riffer comments: “‘Fields of Pain’ is a metaphor for the battles that every person faces in life. The sombre imagery of war, chains and fallen heroes symbolises inner conflicts, doubts and the struggle against hopelessness. At its heart lies the message that, even in the darkest moments, the will to survive and carry on can be stronger than fear and resignation. In this way, the song combines the power of classic heavy metal with a timeless theme that is more relevant today than ever.”

On “Steelmachine”, GENERATION STEEL pull out all the stops, thanks in no small part to their completely revamped line-up. With guitarist and songwriter Thilo Herrmann, who made his debut in 1985 with the FAITHFUL BREATH classic “Skol” and has made heavy metal history over the course of his career with bands such as RISK (“Ratman”), RUNNING WILD (“Black Hand Inn”, “Masquerade”) and GRAVE DIGGER (“Ballads of a Hangman”) – band leader and guitarist Jack the Riffer now has a living legend at his side. “He’s not only an incredibly talented songwriter and guitarist, but also a great bloke,” says Jack, praising his new bandmate.

There’s also been a change behind the mic: from now on, the Swede Mike Stark – who currently also sings for the Argentine band FEANOR and the Swedish group STORMBURNER – is setting the tone. His powerful, dynamic voice gives the new tracks a real stamp of quality. “Mike stands out in particular for his creativity and experience. His intonation is always steady; he reaches very high notes whilst also impressing in the mid-range – that’s exactly how I picture a metal singer,” says Jack, delighted with the Scandinavian frontman.

Bassist Fabian Watermann (MAD MAX) was the last to join the band shortly before recording began, completing the quintet, who are motivated right down to their fingertips. “Fabian recorded the album in no time at all. Alongside Thilo and Mike, he’s another wonderful addition to the band and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. We all get on very well, both personally and musically. Working on the new album has really brought us closer together. Now we’re rehearsing for the tour, the videos have been shot – it all feels just right.”

“Steelmachine” was brought to life in collaboration with producer Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR), who has previously polished classics by acts ranging from GAMMA RAY, HEADHUNTER and STORMWARRIOR to BLIND GUARDIAN and SAXON. “Piet stands out above all for his knack for optimising songs. He’s provided valuable input in a few places that enhance the song’s dynamics and dramatic structure,” states the band leader, who is highly satisfied with the result. “We’ve matured in terms of song arrangement, and at the same time we’ve managed to preserve our core identity. Thilo and Mike, in particular, have noticeably improved the standard of songwriting.”

Much of the lyrics have very serious underlying themes and a deeper meaning. They address current issues, but do so rather indirectly. “The title track ‘Steelmachine’ refers to current international conflicts. Whilst ‘Witches Cross’ describes the burning of witches in the Middle Ages, it is best understood as a metaphor for exclusion, fear and blind fanaticism. Here, historical events mirror our own times, in which people are still being hastily condemned and publicly pilloried,” explains Jack the Riffer.

Shortly after the album’s release, GENERATION STEEL will be heading out on tour with their metal brothers from MYSTIC PROPHECY and IRON SAVIOR. “We’re absolutely buzzing about it,” he blurts out. “At last we’re hitting the stage with the new line-up and the new songs! I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how we go down with the audience now. My focus will be on the feedback during the live shows and the chats at the merch stand! The setlist is already finalised and is a good mix of tracks from all three albums.”

Anyone who likes traditional German metal will love “Steelmachine”, because the album is exciting and inspiring from start to finish and brims with enthusiasm. Here, five true believers are at work – and that’s infectious. “If we win over our existing fans and attract new ones, we’ll have done everything right,” concludes Jack the Riffer with characteristic modesty.

“Steelmachine” will be released on 16 October by Fireflash Records on CD, LP, in various bundles and digitally.

Get the album here: https://save-it.cc/fireflash/GS-steelmachine
Get the CD, LP, merchandise, and bundles on Bandcamp: https://ff-generationsteel.bandcamp.com/album/steelmachine

“Steelmachine” tracklist:

Steelmachine
Wings Of Fire
Witches Cross
The Priest
I Am The Storm
Fields Of Pain
Rise Up (feat. Piet Sielck)
New Frontiers
Island Of Tragedy

Stay Metal – Stay Steel!

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗔 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 ‘𝟮𝟲
Double Headliners: Mystic Prophecy & Iron Savior
Special Guest: Generation Steel
Tickets: ⫸ tinyurl.com/heavy-metal-mania-tour-26

Presented by Dragon Productions, Roar, Perception, Fireflash Records, Powermetal.de & RockWorld24.com

GENERATION STEEL are:
Mike Stark – Vocals
Thilo Herrmann – Lead Guitar
Jack the Riffer – Rhythm Guitar
Fabian Watermann – Bass
Marc Laukel – Drums

GENERATION STEEL online:
Website: https://www.generation-steel.de/
Store: https://generationsteel.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenerationSteelOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generation_steel_metal
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=generation+steel
Live Dates & Booking: https://www.rockworld24.com/smartlinks/rockworld24/generation_steel_live.html

ELYSION Release New Single & Video ‘Dead Loves’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ELYSION. Leave a comment

Following the release of “Guardian Angel” and “Phoenix”, Greek dark atmospheric metal band ELYSION unveil “Dead Loves”, the third single taken from their forthcoming studio album “Identity”, due for release on October 16, 2026, via Massacre Records.

STREAM “DEAD LOVES” HERE: https://save-it.cc/massacre/dead-loves

Probably the most romantic song ELYSION have ever written, “Dead Loves” unfolds within an evocative gothic atmosphere in which a distinctly retro sensibility meets the band’s contemporary sound. Haunting melodies, dark textures and Christianna’s expressive vocals give shape to a song that explores what remains when love appears to have reached its end.

Rather than portraying love as something that simply disappears, “Dead Loves” approaches it as an energy that cannot truly be destroyed. Memories, emotions and invisible bonds survive beyond separation, raising a deeply human question: if love never completely dies, where does it go?

Vocalist Christianna explains:

“‘Dead Loves’ is probably the most romantic song ELYSION have ever written. It has a half-retro, half-modern gothic atmosphere and is one of the very few true love songs included on Identity. There is no need to explain too much: if love exists as a form of energy, then it cannot be destroyed. So where does it really go?”

Produced by Fotis Benardo together with ELYSION at Devasoundz Studio, mixed by Benardo and mastered by Nasos Nomikos at VU Productions, “Identity” finds the Greek quartet expanding every aspect of their signature sound while remaining true to the atmospheric darkness and emotional intensity that have earned them an international following. The album artwork was created by Dimitris Tzortzis.

Celebrating twenty years since the band’s formation, “Identity” represents both a reflection on ELYSION’s artistic evolution and a heartfelt tribute to the fans who have supported them throughout their journey. Although it is not a concept album, its songs are connected by a shared atmosphere and explore themes of identity, resilience, personal struggle, belonging, unity and hope in an increasingly fragmented world.

The album also features two distinguished guest appearances: Greek metal icon Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ contributes guest vocals to “Harvest”, while Konstantinos Togas of Nightrage and Herta joins ELYSION on “The Last Ride”.

PRE-ORDER “IDENTITY” HERE: https://www.elysion-identity.com/

Track Listing

Do Or Die
Guardian Angel
Dead Loves
The Last Ride
Declaration Of Darkness
Phoenix
Gravity
Harvest
Moment In Time
Broken
Nighttime Whispers

ELYSION are
Christianna – Vocals
Johnny Zero – Guitars
Nid – Guitars
J-Kon – Drums

ELYSION online:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Elysion-100050207242078/
https://www.instagram.com/elysion_official
https://x.com/elysionofficial
https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/5yxZeKeX0FcaT6OlOnx52v

ALETHEYA Release Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” with Lyric Video for ‘Stealer’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ALETHEYA. Leave a comment

Italian melodic power metal band Aletheya releases “Stealer”, the new single from their debut full-length album “Chance To Reborn”, released on September 18th, on digital and CD Digipak Version via Rockshots Records.

Accompanied by an official lyric video, “Stealer” arrives in conjunction with the album’s release, bringing its heavier side into focus while remaining firmly connected to Aletheya’s melodic power metal roots.

The band comments:

“The heaviest and most ’80s-inspired track on the album while still maintaining coherence with the overall sound and recalling classic metal elements like White Lion.”

While “Shame” explored a more introspective atmosphere and “Chasing The Sun” embraced an uplifting power metal drive, “Stealer” adds a different shade to “Chance To Reborn”. Across the album, Aletheya builds on their melodic power metal foundations with symphonic, neoclassical, and progressive influences shaping a sound that balances melody, energy, and emotional depth.

Digital Single: https://lnk.to/XGout3FG

Conceived as a cohesive listening experience rather than a simple collection of songs, “Chance To Reborn” draws lyrically from personal experiences and explores themes of resilience, rebellion, inner struggle, awareness and transformation. These different perspectives reflect the band’s approach to turning conflict and adversity into strength, creating a recurring emotional thread throughout the record.

Produced by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio with additional keyboards performed by Alessio Lucatti (Vision Divine, Deathless Legacy), “Chance To Reborn” marks Aletheya’s first full-length release and brings together the experience of musicians active across the Italian and international metal scene.

For fans of: Helloween, Gamma Ray, Angra, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica.

ORDER THE ALBUM: https://rockshots.eu/products/aletheya-chance-to-reborn

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4szmGzBq6jClwrF4EsM15O

Music Video – “Chasing The Sun” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfyahKs7_v4

ALETHEYA lineup:

David Folchitto: Drums
Francesco Menale: Guitars
Gianni Carcione: Vocals
Fabrizio Sclano: Bass

More info:
https://rockshots.eu/
https://www.instagram.com/aletheya__official/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Aletheya/61578108544801/

GARY JOHN BARDEN Releases New Studio Album “Empowered Emotions” with Visualizer for ‘Maasai Enkai’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Gary John Barden. Leave a comment

Legendary singer Gary John Barden is excited to release his new studio album, “Empowered Emotions”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl.

The focus track, “Maasai Enkai”, along with an official visualizer, is also available now.

Barden stated: “‘Maasai Enkai’ was written by my partner in chaos Jeff Summers, lead guitarist and trusted songwriter from Statetrooper. Michael Voss and I immediately knew we wanted this song on the album. I love the snap and swing of the drums, Tommy Denander’s interpretation on lead guitar, Barry Sparks’ brilliant bass work and Vossy’s beautiful harmonies at the end of the song. This album is all about great songs played by musicians who really know their craft. Turn it up to Marshall 12 and enjoy!”

Order “Empowered Emotions” HERE

Gary John Barden returns with “Empowered Emotions”, a powerful new studio album that reaffirms his unmistakable voice and enduring relevance in melodic hard rock.

Barden stated: “Empowered Emotions” is a very special record for both Michael and me. This album marks 25 years of writing, creating, and sharing music together, and every song carries its own story and meaning. It has truly been a labour of love from start to finish. We’re incredibly grateful to Frontiers Music for their belief in us and for giving us the opportunity to bring this project to life. We can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve created and celebrate this milestone with all the rock fans who have supported us over the years.”

Widely recognized as the legendary singer on the classic early-’80s albums by the Michael Schenker Group (besides working with Praying Mantis, Skatetrooper and Silver, among others), Barden delivers a confident and inspired performance that reconnects with the genre’s golden era while sounding focused and contemporary.

The album was written largely by Barden in close collaboration with German producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Voss, with whom he previously worked in the band Silver – a creative partnership that clearly benefits from shared history and musical chemistry. Together, they crafted a record rooted in classic melodic hard rock, driven by strong riffs, memorable choruses, and a timeless European approach to songwriting.

The lead single “Hit The Ground Running” offers an urgent and biting approach, powered by a driving riff inspired by the George Lynch school of hard rock. Additional highlights include “Maasai Enkai” and the title track “Empowered Emotions”, (with Don Airey on keyboards) which adds a sense of grandeur and atmosphere, as well as the epic “Dark Water”, a dramatic and emotive centerpiece that expands the album’s sonic scope and features a guitar solo by Michael Schenker.

The album is enriched by an impressive roster of more guest musicians, including Brian Tichy, Barry Sparks, Tommy Denander, and others, all contributing to a record that feels both classic and vital.

“Empowered Emotions” is a cohesive, melodic, and powerful statement – an album that celebrates classic hard rock values without sounding nostalgic. With strong songwriting at its core and a commanding vocal performance throughout, it stands as one of Gary John Barden’s most focused and compelling releases to date.

“Empowered Emotions” Tracklist:

1. Barden’s Overture
2. Maasai Enkai
3. Hit The Ground Running
4. Empowered Emotions
5. Burning Wind
6. Dark Water
7. Ride Horsemen Ride
8. This Phoenix’s Gonna Burn Ya
9. Let The Children Play
10. The Ruling Class
11. Walk Away
12. We’ll Meet Again

Line Up:
Gary John Barden – Vocals
Gereon Homann – Drums
Michael Voss – Guitars, Bass, Keys & Backing Vocals

Guests:
Michael Schenker – Lead Guitars on “Dark Water”
Tommy Denander – Lead Guitars on “Maasai Enkai”
Brian Tichy – Drums on “Walk Away”
Don Airey – Keyboards on “Empowered Emotions”
Barry Sparks – Bass on “Maasai Enkai”
Alen Brentini – Lead Guitars on “Ride Horsemen Ride”

SPIDERS Share Official Video for Title Track ‘Crystal Eyes’ of Upcoming Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SPIDERS. Leave a comment

Swedish rock powerhouse SPIDERS proudly share the title track from their upcoming album, ‘Crystal Eyes,’ set for release on September 25th via Sound Pollution. The new track arrives alongside an official music video, available below.

With a confidence that shines through every second and stellar production by Kalle and György (Svenska Grammofonstudion), SPIDERS deliver a song where everything falls into place. Drive, attitude, intensity, and an instinctive sense for melody come together in perfect balance.

At the center is Ann-Sofie Hoyles‘ charismatic voice, guiding the listener through a chorus that refuses to let go.

Accompanying the single is a brand-new music video created by production company Smack in close collaboration with the band. The result is a visually striking piece that challenges, engages, and connects seamlessly with the album’s artwork and overall aesthetic.

Calling “Crystal Eyes” a potential hit may sound like a bold statement, but the question is whether SPIDERS have ever come closer. This is a song with all the ingredients to become an instant favorite among longtime fans and new listeners alike.

With their new album ’Crystal Eyes,’ SPIDERS deliver their most powerful statement yet. Recorded at the renowned Svenska Grammofonstudion in Gothenburg with producers Kalle Gustafsson Jerneholm and György Barocsai, the album is a high-voltage rock record bursting with energy, attitude, and a deep love for rock’s past, present, and future.

Building on the momentum of last year’s ’Sharp Objects,’ ’Crystal Eyes’ captures the band’s signature blend of hard rock, garage, punk, and new wave with renewed confidence and intensity, showcasing the raw power and memorable songwriting that have become their trademark.

Pre-order the album: https://orcd.co/king140s2

‘Crystal Eyes’ Track List:

Creature Of The Night
Flying Too High
Quit You
Do You Think About Me?
(Doomed To A) Life Of Miser
Heart Of Stone
Crystal Eyes
Playing With Fire
Loser
A Little Too Late

Since forming in Gothenburg in 2012, SPIDERS have earned a fierce reputation on stages across Europe and the United States. Through acclaimed albums including ’Flash Point,’ ’Shake Electric,’ and ’Killer Machine,’ the band has carved out a sound where classic rock ‘n’ roll collides with garage rock, punk attitude, and new wave swagger. ’Sharp Objects,’ their first release on Wild Kingdom, marked an exciting new chapter for the band and climbed to No. 1 on Sweden’s physical album chart, setting the stage for the ambitious follow-up that is ’Crystal Eyes.’

The band’s growing profile has been fueled by an impressive run of live performances. Last year, SPIDERS toured extensively alongside The Hellacopters before collaborating on a split single paying tribute to the late David Johansen. This spring, they continued their momentum with a Spanish tour alongside The Soundtrack of Our Lives, further cementing their reputation as one of Scandinavia’s most electrifying live acts.

Praised by Classic Rock, Record Collector, Sweden Rock Magazine, and Vive Le Rock, SPIDERS have been described as “70s-soaked hard rock,” “Motörhead chaos,” and a “riff party.” With ’Crystal Eyes,’ they continue to push forward while remaining true to the spirit that has defined them from the beginning, delivering an album with undeniable international appeal and reaffirming their place among today’s most exciting rock bands.

SPIDERS are:
Ann-Sofie Hoyles – vocals
John Hoyles – guitar
Rickard Hellgren – guitar
Alex Mayr – bass
Oskar Brindmark – drums

HEIMDALLS WACHT Announce New Album “Sphärenschänder: Echoes Of An Old Belief – Part I”, Out October 31st

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 21, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: HEIMDALLS WACHT. Leave a comment

German black metal band HEIMDALLS WACHT will release their ninth studio album, Sphärenschänder: Echoes Of An Old Belief – Part I, on October 31, 2026, via Talheim Records.

Available as a digipak CD, vinyl LP and through all major digital streaming platforms, the new album gives sonic form to the band’s uncompromising vision of underground metal, bringing together world-weariness, despair, overwhelming rage and dreamlike melancholy within an ambitious narrative framework.

Emerging from raw, consistently melancholic and melodic black metal, the music of HEIMDALLS WACHT has absorbed a wide range of influences over the years. Elements of folk and doom metal coexist with traditional progressive and melodic metal, while traces of thrash and death metal add further weight and intensity. On Sphärenschänder: Echoes Of An Old Belief – Part I, these different currents converge in a distinctive, emotionally charged work that remains rooted in the band’s underground identity while expanding its musical and conceptual scope.

At the heart of the album lies the image of Heimdall awakening from a long and troubled slumber. Cast into a world he no longer recognises as his own, the ragged guardian observes it with incomprehension, melancholy and fury. His journey becomes both a confrontation with the spiritual emptiness of the present and a search for the traces of an older wisdom that have survived beneath the surface.

Sphärenschänder: Echoes Of An Old Belief – Part I reflects the conceptual foundations that have always defined HEIMDALLS WACHT: nature, lost cultures, paganism, cross-cultural spirituality, spiritual alienation and the conflict between individuality and a modern world dominated by materialism and intellectual conformity.

The band’s neo-Romantic approach also draws upon themes associated with German Romanticism, particularly the philosophy of nature found in the work of Ludwig Tieck, the abysses of human existence explored by E.T.A. Hoffmann and the literary nihilism reflected in the writings of Ernst August Friedrich Klingemann.

Rather than treating these influences as nostalgic decoration, HEIMDALLS WACHT use them to create an aesthetic refuge from the present: contemporary, anachronistic and timeless at once. Their art rejects the pressure to reduce individuality to uniformity and insists upon the individual imagination as the essential foundation of artistic expression.

All concepts, music and lyrics were created by Saruman, with pre-production recordings completed by Teja and Saruman. The album was recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by Mario at Liquid Aether Studio together with Saruman.

The recording also features guest vocals by Córka on “Echo Eines Alten Glaubens”.

TRACKLIST

Urgrund
Flight Eternal – Der Flug Über Das Nirgendmeer
Schwarze Wacht Westfalia
Flames Of Awakening
In Der Seelenmühle
Runes To Heal – Weapons To Cure
Widukind-Theme
Echo Eines Alten Glaubens
Das Horn – Gebrochen
Forlorn

ALBUM LINE-UP
Sarolf – Vocals
Wiborg – Vocals
Saruman – Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Teja – Guitar
Winterheart – Drums
Córka – Guest vocals on “Echo Eines Alten Glaubens”

ABOUT HEIMDALLS WACHT

Throughout their career, HEIMDALLS WACHT have developed an artistic identity that resists easy classification. Beginning with raw, melancholic and melodic black metal, the band gradually incorporated influences drawn from folk, doom, progressive, melodic, thrash and death metal, forging a sound that has earned them a loyal international following.

Their music, lyrics and visual concepts give voice to deeply rooted feelings of unease towards the contemporary world, the decline of culture and the superficiality of a consumer society that pursues outward satisfaction while remaining blind to inner wealth.

Culture, decline, decay, tragedy, contempt, rebellion and the sense of being lost in the modern world are all reflected within the concept of HEIMDALLS WACHT. The band regards itself as a neo-Romantic art project and an aesthetic refuge from a world governed by reductionist materialism.

In keeping with this artistic ethos and their deeply rooted underground principles, HEIMDALLS WACHT have always maintained a cautious distance from the relentless machinery of modern media.

Art for art’s sake – not for attention or success.

HEIMDALLS WACHT ONLINE
Official website: https://heimdallswacht.de/