SPELL to Release New LP “Wretched Heart” on May 1st, New Song + Video ‘Lilac’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 1, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Credit: Sean Edwards

Vancouver based hypnotic heavy metal outfit Spell, will release its new LP, ‘Wretched Heart‘, on May 1 via Bad Omen Records. A shadow-drenched journey through desperation, passion and defiance, ‘Wretched Heart‘ sees Spell transform heavy metal into something urgent and human – gothic, cinematic and hypnotic. Not only Spell‘s strongest record to date but also a thunderous celebration of eccentricity which stalks its nocturnal realm with both savage finesse and beguiling charm. ‘Wretched Heart‘ is the follow-up to Spell‘s 2022 LP, ‘Tragic Magic‘, an album hailed as a celebration of “the mystique and darkness within hard rock and heavy metal“.

Pre-order/save ‘Wretched Heart‘ at this location.

The first track released from ‘Wretched Heart‘ is “Lilac“, Spell‘s most addictive and bittersweet moment to date, and a song that channels both stadium-sized passion and wistful longing. Featuring a guest guitar solo by former Spirit Adrift, Carcass, and Angel Witch man, Tom Draper, “Lilac” dances with harmony-laden metal and synth-driven gothic chills. In the song, the titular flower forms an overarching metaphor for the ephemeral and transient forms of both nature and love.

Stream a music video for “Lilac“, directed by James Barry and Sean Edwards for Ramble Films:

There are many things in life that disappear so quickly and will be gone immediately if we get preoccupied and forget to enjoy them and care for them” elaborates Spell vocalist/bassist Cam Mesmer before noting, “This song isn’t really about a flower“.

‘Wretched Heart‘, in all its gory glory, embodies a very vital paradox – a record made by true believers who yearn for catharsis beyond. The oxymoron of anthems forged from steel, yet with a very human heart. Even the most cynical bystander will likely struggle not to be bewitched.

Track listing:
01.) Dark Inertia
02.) Lilac (stream VIDEO)
03.) Take My Life
04.) Unquiet Graces
05.) Oubliette
06.) Iron Teeth
07.) Exquisite Corpse
08.) Savage Scourge
09.) In Duress
10.) Wretched Heart

Spell is Cam Mesmer (vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, synthesizers), Al Lester, (vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, drums), Jeff Black (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Gabriel Tenebrae, (lead guitar, synthesizers).

Follow Spell on Facebook and Instagram.

DUST Release New Single ‘The Reaping Of The Scythe’ from Upcoming Album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 1, 2026
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Rockshots Records presents “The Reaping Of The Scythe”, the new single from Italian metal act Dust, now available on all digital platforms.

Extracted from the band’s forthcoming album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” (out April 3rd, 2026), the track stands as one of the record’s most defining and thematically incisive moments. Conceived as part of a broader conceptual arc following a soul suspended in limbo, “The Reaping Of The Scythe” captures the instant in which avoidance collapses and reckoning becomes unavoidable.

At its lyrical core lies the idea of consequence as harvest. The scythe is not merely an image of death but a metaphor for accountability, the final sweep that gathers what has been sown through choices, silence, and compromise. The song explores the erosion of self-deception and the stark realization that judgment is not imposed from the outside but emerges from within. There is no spectacle here, no grand theatrics: only the slow, suffocating awareness that time does not negotiate.

Musically, Dust delivers one of their most focused and assertive statements to date. Built around razor-edged riffing, tightly locked rhythmic patterns, and a vocal performance that alternates controlled restraint with visceral intensity, the track channels modern extreme metal with clarity and intent. The production emphasizes weight and precision, allowing each element to cut through with purpose while preserving the band’s raw, expressive core.

With “The Reaping Of The Scythe”, Dust reaffirms their trajectory toward a more cohesive, mature, and concept-driven identity. It is a track designed not simply to be heard but to be confronted – a concentrated embodiment of the existential tension that defines “Thoughts Of A Falling Man“.

Recommended for fans of Parkway Drive, Jinjer, and Trivium, listen to “The Reaping Of The Scythe”: Digital – https://lnk.to/4Ve5py

New album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” out April 3rd, 2026 via Rockshots Records.

PRE ORDER “Thoughts Of A Falling Man”: https://rockshots.eu/products/dust-thoughts-of-a-falling-man

Previous single:
Music Video – “Bodyless” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyE8ltsPBfY​
Digital – https://lnk.to/M2crIo

Track Listing:​
1. Intro – 1:49
2. Before Your Awaken – 5:23
3. Death’s Ashes Upon Me – 3:52
4. Contemptus Mundi – 3:58
5. Fragments of Mirror – 4:26
6. Thoughts of a Falling Man – 6:40
7. Bodyless – 3:44
8. The Reaping of the Scythe – 3:56
9. Beyond the Void – 6:06
Album Length: 39:54

Dust Line-Up:​
Riccardo Pirozzi: Vocals
Stefano D’Angelo: Guitars
Federico Ignini: Guitars
Francesco D’Elia: Bass
Eric Di Donato: Drums

More info:​
​https://rockshots.eu​
​https://www.instagram.com/dust__band/

NURAGHICA Project’s First Single ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 1, 2026
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On February 27 was released the first single from the new and ambitious musical project NURAGHICA, titled “Stranger in a Strange Land”.

Nuraghica was born from an idea by guitarist and composer Rob Richter, already known as the creative mind and guitarist of the Sassari-based hard rock band Pyrodome. The project takes shape with a clear and powerful vision: to create a series of songs performed by different guest singers, each carefully chosen to enhance unique vocal tones, personalities, and artistic sensitivities, while maintaining a strong, coherent, and recognizable sonic identity at its core.

Nuraghica’s musical roots run deep in the hard rock and heavy metal of the ’80s and ’90s, with evident references to the great epic and melodic sounds of that era, enriched by subtle modern influences that update the sound without compromising its authentic spirit. Sharp guitars, powerful riffs, evocative solos, and intense vocal lines form the beating heart of the project.

Officially launching the band’s recording journey is “Stranger in a Strange Land,” performed by Mr. Jack, singer and musician, as well as president of Wanikiya Record/Promotion. Mr. Jack did not limit his contribution to the vocal performance; he also wrote the lyrics and crafted the vocal melody, playing a decisive role in shaping the song’s emotional and narrative identity.

“Stranger in a Strange Land” is an inner journey, a powerful cry of alienation, search, and identity. The song tells the story of feeling like a stranger in a world that does not always understand those who choose to remain true to themselves. With its intense atmosphere, gritty energy, and a chorus destined to leave a lasting impression, the single stands as a perfect statement of intent for what Nuraghica aims to deliver in the coming months.

The project is currently working on a full-length album, scheduled – if possible – for release by the end of 2026 through Wanikiya Record/Promotion. The album will feature numerous guest vocalists, including Mr. Jack himself, who will participate in the project in a selective and focused manner, without appearing on every track, thus preserving the dynamic and collaborative nature of the initiative.

Most of the recordings were carried out at Mount Rest Studio in Montresta, ensuring a solid, powerful production faithful to the sonic aesthetic that defines Nuraghica.

With this first single, Nuraghica officially opens a new chapter in the Italian hard rock scene, bringing together experience, passion, and artistic vision in a project destined to make its mark.

Further details, new collaborations, and more music will be announced soon.

The journey has just begun.

After Nearly a Decade, 3RD TRIP Unveil New Progressive Heavy Rock Album “Mosaic”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 1, 2026
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Photo: Jaakko Linnalaakso

Helsinki-based progressive heavy rock band 3rd Trip returns today with their second full-length album, Mosaic. Their debut, Scale of Confusion, was released in 2017, making this follow-up a highly anticipated arrival nearly ten years in the making.

Alongside the album release, a music video has been unveiled for the closing track, Get Along and Proceed. The band’s sound has evolved since their debut, moving in a more progressive and experimental direction, as their new lyric video demonstrates.

“We’ve been crafting this album carefully since 2020,” says guitarist Marko Puhakka. “The songs took shape over several years before the full picture finally fell into place. Tool has been a major inspiration for us, and perhaps we’ve fallen into the same rabbit hole with album-making, as it always takes the time it needs to be truly ready.”

Drummer Joona Mikkonen-Pakkala adds:
“We also decided to release a lyric video alongside the album. We’re thrilled with the result, it’s full of emotion. It was created by my longtime friend Mark Hobson, who also handled the live visuals for our first album.”

Mosaic was recorded in spring 2024 at Sound Ateljee Studio in Lohja, with recording, mixing, and mastering handled by Sammy Roiha. A limited edition vinyl pressing of 200 copies will also be available later this spring via the band’s Bandcamp page.

Album artwork by: Sami Hirvonen

This spring, 3rd Trip returns to the stage to perform new material live. The first show in support of Mosaic takes place on April 4th at Bar Base in Helsinki, with more performances scheduled to follow. Stay up to date by following the band on their social media channels.

The album is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5n8vZPVuho5EyZAvERRMv9

Track listing – Mosaic:

  1. Pale Blue – 9:15
  2. Mosaic – 6:44
  3. Parallax – 6:33
  4. Prediction – 11:02
  5. Get Along and Proceed – 7:12

Music on the album was composed by Marko Puhakka and Eero Puhakka.
Lyrics were written by Jouni Leppikangas, with all material arranged collectively by the band.

Line-up:
Marko Puhakka – guitars, synthesizers, backing vocals
Eero Puhakka – synthesizers, acoustic guitar
Jouni Leppikangas – bass, vocals
Joona Mikkonen-Pakkala – drums, percussion

Discography:
Mosaic (2026)
10-Year Trip – 10th Anniversary Compilation (2021)
Live @ Copperfields, Stockholm (2019)
Scale of Confusion (2017)
Split Single w/ Craneium (2013)
3rd Trip EP (2012)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3rd_trip_band/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3rdTrip/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5n8vZPVuho5EyZAvERRMv9
Bandcamp: https://3rdtrip.bandcamp.com/

NEGAATIO to Release Debut Album “Mieleni Murtama” on April 10th, ‘Mania’ Single Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 1, 2026
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Photo by Lassi Koivisto @lassikoivisto.visuals

Finnish metal band Negaatio is set to release their debut album ‘Mieleni Murtama’ on April 10th 2026 via Inverse Records. The fourth and final single ‘Mania’ is unleashed today and it’s available on all major streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/negaatio-mania

Jani (vocals) and Petrus (bass, backing vocals) share some background on the track ”Mania”:

Petrus: “We all have the potential in life to drive ourselves absolutely stir-crazy over some hellish obsession. It might not show on the outside if you build concrete walls around your inner world—then suddenly, you find yourself running head-first into them, driven by a force you can’t control.”

Jani: “A fake smile might stretch across your face, but you’re still being strangled by your own necktie as your inner world and obsessions push you to the brink of madness without a moment’s rest.”

Petrus: “In a situation like that, a person can push themselves right to the edge, and it’s terrifying. It’s not just your health that’s being weighed, but your entire reality and humanity. These are the themes we wanted to portray in ‘Mania.’ ” 

–Composed by Jani-Petteri Myllylä, Eero Jaakkola, Petrus Markkinen, Waltteri Santala
–Lyrics by Jani-Petteri Myllylä
–ISRC: FI3FC2655309
–Single cover by Waltteri Santala

Mieleni Murtama Track list:

  1. Kuori
  2. Valehtelija
  3. Leukaperä
  4. Loppuunpoltettu
  5. Koditon
  6. Inertia
  7. Laskusuhdanne
  8. Vedenpinta
  9. Mania
  10. Kun Muisto Saastuttaa
  11. Tiedon Viimeinen Alttari

–Recorded by Eero Jaakkola
–Mixed & mastered by Pauli Mänty
–Album cover by Rafael Johansson / Pyramantacle

Founded at the end of 2022, Negaatio has brought in the blink of an eye original tones to the Finnish metal scene, with a fierce and crushing touch.

The five-man group, who have focused their activities in Tampere, create a wide mood palette with their music, which has nuances of hopelessness, rage, and reflection.

In the music of Negaatio, extreme and repulsive topics are not ignored but confronted in all their horror, almost compulsively. 

The heavy playing transports the listener towards a cracking state of mind.

The band has received praise from numerous performances and won bronze at the Emergenza 2025 finals in the Tampere region.

Negaatio firmly believes in its own vision, doing it with the purest passion and offering the heavy metal populace unexpected live energy, a sense of danger, and iron-like skill.

Line-up:
Jani Myllylä – Vocals
Eero Jaakkola – Guitar
Juhani Aalto – Guitar
Petrus Markkinen – Bass
Waltteri Santala – Drums

https://www.instagram.com/negaatio_official
https://www.facebook.com/negaatio
https://www.youtube.com/@Negaatio_Official
https://negaatio.bandcamp.com/

THREAT SIGNAL Reveal New Song ‘Exercise The Demon’ in Full Band Playthrough Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 1, 2026
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Canadian groove metallers THREAT SIGNAL reveal another new song from their upcoming album – first in nearly a decade – “Revelations”, set for release on March 27th via Agonia Records. The single “Exercise the Demon” debuts today on streaming platforms and is being premiered through a full band playthrough video, available here:

Nine long years after “Disconnect” (2017), the Canadian metal powerhouse, THREAT SIGNAL, re-emerges to blur the lines between brutal intensity, energetic delivery and melodic hooks that pierce deep. Born out of personal struggle and inner chaos, “Revelations” weaves an intricate tapestry of tight instrumentation, ornate guitar work, and engaging vocals. It envelopes the listener in its pulsating torrent of emotions, reflective lyrics haunted by deep-seated demons, and immersive songwriting that personifies THREAT SIGNAL’s leading themes of resilience and strife within.

The band’s characteristic blend of metal involves elements of technical thrash metal, melodic death metal, groove metal, and metalcore, distinguished by dynamic vocals, technical proficiency and guitar solos full of flair. Apart from long-standing members – vocalist  Jon Howard, bassist Pat Kavanagh and guitarist Travis Montgomery (ex-Jeff Loomis) – “Revelations” sees the band reunite with drummer Joey Muha, and welcomes guitarist Oswin Wong.

“Revelations” was mastered by Grammy Award winning engineer Tod Jensen (Iron Maiden, Metallica, AC/DC) at the renowned Sterling Sound studio in USA, and mixed, recorded, produced, and engineered by vocalist Jon Howard at his Woodward Avenue studio in Canada. The cover artwork was created by Travis Smith (Death, Cynic, King Diamond).

“Revelations” marks the band’s fifth album since the critically acclaimed debut “Under Reprisal” (2006), which won the Canadian Recording Of The Year Award at Hamilton Music Awards. Their installments – also including “Vigilance” (2009), “Threat Signal” (2011) and “Disconnect” (2016) – have met with unrelenting hype, with each generating growing interest within the metal community. Combining the complexity of thrash metal, with a more contemporary groove sound involving technical rhythms and melodic musical passage, THREAT SIGNAL has expanded its recognizability on an international scale. The band’s last three albums have charted on Billboard and have witnessed the group share the stage with Children Of Bodom,  Soilwork, Motorhead, Saxon,  Opeth,  Kataklysm, Hatebreed, Epica or Arch Enemy. Their most recent treks have taken them to Europe (with Vader and Hate Eternal), North America (with Sirenia) and their homeland Canada, with a highly energetic performance that matches their potential and intensity.

Tracklisting:

  1. The Great Tribulation
  2. Non-Essential
  3. Exercise The Demon
  4. Fire At Will
  5. Death Will Find Us All
  6. Paralysis
  7. Revelations
  8. NME
  9. Hell And Back
  10. Live For You

Pre-orders: www.agoniarecords.com

Line-up:
Jon Howard – vocals
Pat Kavanagh – bass
Joey Muha – drums
Travis Montgomery – guitars
Oswin Wong – guitars

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