Finland’s death/doom seven-piece HANGING GARDEN previews upcoming studio album “Isle Of Bliss” – due out March 20th on Agonia Records – with a lyric video for the album’s title song.
On their ninth album “Isle of Bliss”, HANGING GARDEN takes a different approach to their signature somber melancholy: the new full-length presents perhaps a darker, more sinister rendition of the oftentimes dreamlike tones of the past releases. Synths and sweet and airy vocal layers – albeit still present – give more room for a heavier aesthetic in the drum and guitar work.
The album was recorded in various studios in southern Finland by the band, along with the drums recorded at Klaukkala’s renowned D-Studio by master Jarno Hänninen. Mixing and mastering was performed by none other than the legendary Jaime Gomez Arellano, known for his work with names such as Opeth, Moonspell, Ghost and many others. The album artwork was created by Kalle Pyyhtinen (Children of Bodom).
The album’s themes revolve around the spiritual aspects of life, death and the liminality in between. The landscapes shift from the introspection of one’s core self, travelling past dense forests and deathless isles – all the way to the vast and distant infinities of the dying stars and the vast and eternal voids spun between.
The band comments on the album: “This time we decided to take a more conscious step towards a more bare-bones composition on the new songs, supporting the perhaps darker and maybe even more ferocious side of our music. We happened to meet with Gomez during a live show of ours a few summers back, and he was an obvious choice for the sound we had in mind. And as we see it, he really delivered.”
“To complement the rawer sound, we also decided to make more use of Riikka’s capability to scream – a stark contrast to her aetheric cleans – and this can be witnessed in the death metal duets between her and Toni that can be found a-plenty along the tracks.”
Mason Hill release new video for single ‘Twisted’, out now on 7Hz Productions.
“’Twisted’ started with James’ straight-killer riff that you hear at the start of the track, and I wanted to write something that would really do it justice. The song is about a relationship that’s so wrong that it’s right – toxic love that’s so addictive, you can never leave it. It’s a mix of grit and melody, a poppy chorus and a balls-to-the-wall breakdown section. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.”
Mason Hill’s new vocalist Tom Ward is understandably enthusiastic about the new music he and his bandmates are creating, and with good reason. The material recorded so far for the band’s second album is already raising eyebrows from those lucky enough to have heard it. “I’m absolutely made up that we can finally get another track out there and “Twisted” is a band favourite for sure – with plenty of time for fans to get learning those lyrics before our UK tour kicks off in March!”
‘Twisted’ sees the band take a step towards a darker, heavier sound, the song being one of crushing yearning, the effects of a so-good-even though-it’s so bad relationship and the toll it takes. Huge riffs and thundering drums propel the song whilst keeping the melodies forefront, capped by a stand-out vocal performance by Ward.
The singles ‘Twisted’, and its predecessor ‘Remember’, are just the first step on the road to a new album from Mason Hill, all of which has now been recorded under the watchful eyes and ears of producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow, Those Damn Crows).
Four years after ‘Against the Wall’ made such an impact, Mason Hill is re-entering the fray with renewed intent, showcasing a freshly updated sound and presentation.
This line up feels like a huge step forward for the Glasgow-based band, and with good reason. While the core of Mason Hillis the same as the band that made ‘Against The Wall’ – James plus guitarist Marc Montgomery, bassist Matt Ward and drummer Craig McFetridge – their new music marks the introduction of new singer Ward, whose versatile voice offers new dimensions to Mason Hill’s signature sound as he switches from emotive whisper to arena-rattling power in a heartbeat.
Mason Hill are bringing their incendiary live show to more UK venues in the spring. Tickets are already flying out the door and these shows will also be sell-outs, so get them here while you still can!: https://www.gigantic.com/mason-hill-tickets
James Bird (guitar): “We’re hitting the road and bringing the show to a city near you in March 2026! New music, loud nights – come and be a part of it.“
Matt Ward (bass): “We were on such a high after returning to the stage for a couple of teaser shows back in November. We will be firing on all cylinders in March around the UK bringing everyone their favourite Mason Hill songs and playing a whole bunch of new songs (one of which you might just get a sneak peek at soon!). Tickets are already running low, so grab one while you still can and we’ll see you out there!“
UK Tour March2026 17 March – Manchester Academy 3 18 March – Bristol Exchange (low tickets) 19 March – London Underworld 20 March – Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill (SOLD OUT) 22 March – Glasgow Garage (low tickets)
Mason Hill have been no strangers to adversity. They’ve endured false starts, botched record deals and a six-year gap between 2015’s eponymous debut EP and the release of ‘Against The Wall’. Even the latter landed during the height of the Covid pandemic, meaning the band weren’t initially able to tour in support of it. The departure of former singer Scott Taylor at the end of 2023 was just the latest obstacle they had to overcome.
“There have been times over the years when we weren’t even sure we’d be able to keep on being a band,” says James. “Even just before Tom came in, we were so close to saying, ‘Well, we tried, but let’s call it a day.’ But there’s a stubbornness and determination and passion in us that has kept us going.The new music was obviously still Mason Hill, but we didn’t want it to be a copy of the first album,” says James. “When Tom put his voice to some of the demos we’d sent, that was when we knew this could work.”
“It feels like a turning point,” says Tom of this new chapter, of which he’s a key part. “We’re super-hungry for it.”
“All the good stuff and the bad stuff, I’m glad it happened in a sense,” adds James. “Because without it we wouldn’t be in this place we’re in right now, talking about new songs, which I couldn’t be more excited about. We’re so ready to get back out there. This is who we are now. This is Mason Hill.”
Tom Ward vocals James Bird guitarist Marc Montgomery guitarist Matt Ward bassist Craig McFetridge drums
The digital edition of the album is available on all streaming platforms HERE.
Watchthe live video of title track “Empty Chairs” on YouTube.
Produced by 2X JUNO-nominated producer and Emmy Award-winning mixer Ross Hayes Citrullo, guitarist of The Commoners, the album captures Mackenzie’s signature blend of gritty, introspective blues rock.
Drawing on the legacy of blues legends while channelling the energy of modern blues rock, Empty Chairs fuses electrifying guitar, punchy riffs, soaring organ, dynamic vocals, and a powerhouse rhythm section. The album promises to be Mackenzie’s most personal and explosive work yet.
“If blazing guitar with no holds barred blues rock is your kind of thing, then this album should definitely become a part of your life.” – Guitarist Magazine
“Still only in his mid-twenties, Empty Chairs proves he carries the triple threat of a great voice, gifted musicianship and superior songwriting craft to become an international force.” – Blues Matters
“Spencer Mackenzie demonstrates why he’s considered one of the most promising names in blues-rock. Soulful vocals, fiery guitar, and songs that linger.” – Blues Magazine NL
“A lively rock ‘n’ roll explosion. The guitar bubbles like acid on a brand-new Corvette’s paintjob, while the voice is jackshaft oil and grit. Giant, spirited and refreshingly super brisk!” – Raw Ramp
Citrullo brings a distinctive approach that blends artistry with technical mastery. With multiple accolades for albums that have topped charts and garnered millions of streams worldwide, he infuses Empty Chairs with energy, precision, and a live-feel intensity.
“What we caught on this album is honesty and fire,” says Citrullo. “Spencer’s playing is fearless, his voice wide open, and every take breathes like a live show you don’t want to end. Producing it was about chasing moments you can’t fake—tone that tells the truth, stories that cut deep, and performances that live in the room. It’s the blues, lit up with a rock edge—hitting with a modern bite and a timeless feel.”
EMPTY CHAIRS – ALBUM TRACK LISTING
1. Empty Chairs (4:29) 2. Trip (3:25) 3. What You Do (4:28) 4. Don’t Know Where I’m Going (3:11) 5. Till I Get to You (3:57) 6. Frozen Hearts (4:09) 7. Helping Hands (3:18) 8. Why (3:58) 9. Shoot Me Down (4:08) 10. Won’t Find Her (3:18) 11. Evil (3:57)
Spencer Mackenzie – Guitar and Vocals Miles Evans Branagh – Piano, Hammond Organ, Keyboards Stacey Shopsowitz – Bass on tracks 1-5 and 8-11 Steve Pelletier – Bass on tracks 6, 7 Adam Canon – Drums on tracks 1-5 and 8-11 Matt Burns – Drums on tracks 6, 7 Sandra Bouza and Chantel Williams – Background Vocals Ross Hayes Citrullo – Background Vocals on track 2
Recorded at RHC Music, Toronto, Canada Produced, Mixed and Engineered by Ross Hayes Citrullo – RHC Music Assistant Engineers – Gavin Sharman, Marc Pallascio, Andrew Champion Mastered by Kristian Montano
ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK
1 – Empty Chairs A soulful blues rock song that expresses anger and frustration from the perspective of friends and families, who have lost innocent people they love due to gun violence. This can’t be the new normal! It’s got to change!
2 – Trip An upbeat, guitar heavy anthem for the people who just want to be noticed and for people who are crying and screaming trying to get out! Whether it’s a dream or reality, let’s go on a trip!
3 – What You Do When we say that we’re fine. Are we really? Or are we just trying to save others over ourselves? ‘What You Do’ is a high energy blues rock song that’s meant to bring your attention to the guessing game we all play.
4 – Don’t Know Where I’m Going A nod to one of the greatest guitar players to ever do it, this rendition of Gallagher’s acoustic blues folk number cranks up the volume and takes you down a road with deep, gritty guitar and an exciting fast rhythm section.
5 – Till I Get to You All the pressure you carry is lifted when you get to the one you love with this soulful acoustic style song about the person that is always there for you, understands you, gets you, and helps you through it all.
6 – Frozen Hearts This heavy blues rock song is a tribute to the victims of residential schools, who were taken from their way of life, family, culture and stripped of their identity. May the story of the ones who never made it home forever be heard and remind us to carry their memory with love and respect.
7 – Helping Hands In life there are people who only do something because it benefits them. Sometimes they are the closest to us. “Helping Hands” is a funky blues rock song about moving on from the person that thinks you need them, but they need you more than you need them!
8 – Why You can do the best job you can, but for someone who doesn’t know themselves, it often becomes a thankless job. “Why” is a sad song filled with soulful licks and harmonies that’s about doing everything right and getting hurt in return. You can solve all their problems just to be thrown out and left behind wondering why.
9 – Shoot Me Down How can you hold up both ends if you’re the only one? A relationship has two sides. This bare bones slide guitar song is about coming up with every idea for someone, them saying no, then never telling you what they really want. You can’t spend your life making up someone else’s mind if all they do is shoot you down.
10 – You Won’t Find Her It’s not you, it’s all me. We both know that’s a lie. This heavy riff driven blues rock song leaves you questioning how someone you once loved could go so wrong. You’re left confused, searching for answers, until you finally realize you’re better off without them.”
11 – Evil No matter how many people tell you to stay away or tell you, you’re wrong, sometimes we won’t listen, and we find out for ourselves. “Evil” is a song with a punchy rhythm section and an in-your-face guitar sound, that’s about learning how much someone can twist your mind or how blind love can really be.
BIOGRAPHY
With fluid phrasing, resonant tone, and expressive performances, Spencer Mackenzie may have been born on Beale Street in spirit, though he hails from Southern Ontario. Over nearly a decade, the JUNO-nominated, Maple Blues Award-winning guitarist has earned international acclaim for his raw, soulful blues-rock. His high-energy live performances—Canadian, European, and US stages including Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival d’été de Québec, Moulin Blues Ospel, Ribs & Blues Raalte, and Kulturring Schöppingen Blues Festival—showcase his mastery of the guitar and his infectious stage presence.
WILLIAM SHATNER is turning the volume up to pain-threshold max.. The legendary actor, author, and cultural icon today announces his latest album – a heavy metal extravaganza powered a veritable army of metal stars—each one personally selected and hand-picked by Shatner to help deliver a project that’s equal parts thunder, theater, and fearless experimentation.
Shatner has long been attracted to music that challenges boundaries and amplifies storytelling. Over the years, his recordings have attracted a striking range of collaborators across heavy music and beyond—artists chosen for their distinct voices, fearlessness, and credibility.
Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne), Ritchie Blackmore, Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Henry Rollins (Black Flag, The Rollins Band) have all recorded with the legend. Indeed, Shatner’s history of defying expectations is well documented, and his music has long lived in the space where spoken-word intensity meets cinematic atmosphere. This new album raises the stakes even higher: more artists, more distortion, more drama—and a heavier impact.
“Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud,” Shatner said. “This album is a gathering of forces—each artist bringing their fire, their precision, their chaos. I chose them because they have something to say, and because metal demands honesty.”
Built around massive guitars, cinematic arrangements, and Shatner’s signature vocal intensity, the record plays like a high-voltage film: sharp turns, dark humor, raw emotion, and moments of unexpected beauty. The result is an event album—designed not as a novelty, but as a statement, uniting a legion of metal’s most respected musicians under one uniquely singular vision.
The catalyst for the project came with Shatner’s involvement in the upcoming Nuclear Messiah album Black Flame, voicing an intro piece created with Chris Poland, the ex-Megadeth founding guitarist and a widely revered metal innovator. That collaboration didn’t just set a tone—it sparked Shatner’s inspiration to build a full-scale metal album with elite metal talent.
“When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked,” Shatner said. “It wasn’t just a track—it was a doorway. It made me want to go all the way in, bring in the best metal players I could find, and create something fearless.”
Adding to the momentum, metal guitar icon Zakk Wylde personally gifted Shatner a guitar, a gesture Shatner describes as unexpected and deeply motivating.
“I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction,” said Shatner. “Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal. I am covering Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as well as a number of new songs written by my team. The whole project is destined for this year. I hope you will join me in the exploration.”
Additional album details—including title, track list, release date, lead single, and the full roster of featured artists—will be revealed soon.
Following the release of 2025’s Cult of the Serpent Sun, San Francisco blackened heavy metal force NITE will embark on their first European tour in April 2026. Having sharpened their sound on stages across the American West, including appearances at Northwest Terror Fest and Hell’s Heroes, the band now carry their esoteric fire overseas.
Rooted in the mythology and urgency of Cult of the Serpent Sun, this tour marks a decisive chapter in the band’s ascent. The album’s themes of ritual, perseverance, and unity translate seamlessly to the stage, where molten twin guitars, galloping drums, and commanding vocals converge in a performance honed through years of road experience. As guitarist Scott Hoffman states:
“We’ve been working toward playing shows in Europe since the founding of this band, and now it is finally happening. We are thrilled for the opportunity to play in select cities in Europe, and especially to appear at the legendary Inferno festival. Many thanks to our European fans for being patient. We look forward to seeing you in April, and initiating you into the Cult of the Serpent Sun.”
European Tour Dates – April 2026: 5 April: Oslo, NO @ Inferno Festival 7 April: Hamburg, DE @ Bambi Galore 8 April: Leipzig, DE @ Black Label 9 April: Göppingen, DE @ Zille 10 April: Breda, NL @ Sound Dog 12 April: Helsinki, FI @ On The Rocks
The European run will see the band perform material from Cult of the Serpent Sun, an album that expands their blackened heavy metal arsenal with heightened urgency and sharpened melodic attack.
When darkness engulfs the world, NITE sets the sky ablaze with white-hot, blackened heavy metal.
Having journeyed to the stars on their last venture, NITE now faces the abyssal and shadowy mythology that has long laid dormant beneath society. Each of the eight epic battles on Cult of the Serpent Sun tests their mettle. But amidst the album’s blackened perils, the band emerges victorious.
“NITE strives to be a light,” says vocalist and guitarist Van Labrakis. “Cult of the Serpent Sun is about how we persevere in times of immense darkness.”
Ever since banding together in 2018, NITE has carried the torch for Bay Area metal. Darkness Silence Mirror Flame debuted their blackened twist on NWOBHM. “…raucous, Marshall-fueled heavy metal that would be the envy of many a British band in the 1980s,” wrote Invisible Oranges. Follow-up Voices of the Kronian Moon upped the ante with more strutting tempos and windblown shredding, much to Stereogum’s delight. “It’s like speeding down a freeway at night in a Corvette with the top down, but everyone is wearing velvet capes.”
On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE wisely triples down on their trusty arsenal. Instead of scaling back, their third album adds more heft to the band’s armor. Labrakis and fellow guitarist Scott Hoffman’s molten leads duel with heightened showmanship. Drummer Patrick Crawford pummels and gallops while Avinash Mittur rattles the chest with his Rickenbacker bass. The title track charges with newfound urgency, slithery and venomous in its attack.
The album’s “more is more” philosophy is guided by what NITE have learned from the road. Since their last studio stint, the band have stormed the stage at Northwest Terror Fest, toured with fellow statesmen Persekutor and Haunt and marched across the Southwest on the road to Hell’s Heroes VI. “Fans really responded to older songs like ‘Acheron’ and ‘Genesis’,” Labrakis says. “Cult of the Serpent Sun has more songs that are fast and upbeat and help lift people’s spirits.” Galvanized by a foundation-shaking groove, “Skull” defiantly crushes. “Crow (Fear the Night)” is a rallying cry, calling for fists to rise with power and might.
Cover artist by Adam Vick
NITE’s classic weaponry shows no signs of rust on their third album. “The Last Blade” draws first blood amidst an acoustic flurry before thrusting onto the offensive. “The aim here is not to replicate that era but to explore and evolve,” Labrakis told Decibel when asked about the band’s influences. Cult of the Serpent Sun honors the trailblazing spirits of old by honing what separates this band’s particular alchemy from mere imitation brew. “The Mystic” expands their sonic palette, featuring a slow-burning bass line that stretches time and space into a hypnotic portal. With its whirling and enchanted melody, “Tarmut” glimmers like a desert mirage.
“We play a traditional style of heavy metal, but the blackened element takes us in a different direction,” Labrakis says. His road-hardened voice stands resolute in “Carry On,” denouncing the perils of war. “Dream on and find who you are,” he beckons on the album’s triumphant closer “Winds of Sokar.”
On Cult of the Serpent Sun, NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with sharpened blades and axes raised.
Lineup: Van Labrakis – Guitar, Vocals Scott Hoffman – Guitar Avinash Mittur – Bass Patrick Crawford – Drums
Recording Studio: 210 Studios San Francisco and The Hoagie Container
Production Credits: Recorded by Van Labrakis Produced by Van Labrakis and Nite Mixed and mastered by Van Labrakis at 210 Studios San Francisco
Melodic metal band Stråle are pleased to unveil their new single and accompanying video, “The Heart You Tore Apart”, the latest taken from their new EP “Reformation”, digitally available now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The band described the new single: “This was one of the songs that led us into a rawer emotional space. It’s about balancing heavy riffs with vulnerability and brokenness and letting the emotion drive both the lyrics and the performance”.
Stråle is a melodic metal band from Helsinki, Finland, combining Scandinavian melancholy, modern metal power, and cinematic emotion. Formed in 2009, the band has steadily evolved from underground beginnings to become one of Finland’s most exciting metal acts, known for their explosive live energy and massive choruses.
After their debut album “Bourbon Souls” (FDA Records, 2020), mixed by the renowned Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia), Stråle entered a new chapter with a refreshed lineup and creative energy. The arrival of vocalist Daniel Jakobsson and guitarist Jaakko Suomalainen brought new color and emotion to an already solid foundation, and together the band refined their signature sound – melodic, heavy, and deeply emotional.
The new EP “Reformation” captures this evolution. Produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Ginger Evil) and Jani Autero, and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe), it blends intensity with introspection. Songs like “Resist & Reform (feat. Björn “Speed” Strid, Soilwork)” and “Close Is Not Enough” showcase the band’s emotional range, while their acclaimed cover of “Blinding Lights” and the cinematic ballad “The Flame” display both versatility and soul.
The band commented: “Reformation” marks a new era for Stråle – musically, emotionally, and as a band. These songs have already proven themselves live, especially “Close Is Not Enough” and “Resist & Reform”, which have become real fan favorites on stage. It truly feels like a reformation for us; the sound, the energy, and the connection within the band are stronger than ever. We’re thrilled that Frontiers is now taking these songs under their wings and giving them the chance to fly as high as they can”.
In 2024, Stråle completed a 16-date European tour with Orphaned Land, performing in iconic venues such as The Underworld (London), Razzmatazz (Barcelona), and Petit Bain (Paris). With over 250,000 total streams and a growing fanbase across Europe, Stråle’s sound stands as a powerful statement of emotion, melody, and contemporary Nordic metal.
“Reformation” Tracklist:
1. Resist and Reform (featuring Bjorn Strid) 2. Close Is Not Enough 3. The Heart You Tore Apart 4. Destined For Desire 5. Blinding Lights (The Weeknd Cover) 6. The Flame
Line Up: András Lehtinen Daniel Jakobsson Rasmus Bruun Sakari Komulainen Janne Jääskeläinen Jaakko Suomalainen
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 