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SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR Announce New Live Album “A Beautiful Buzz”, Lead Single ‘My Crown’ Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 28, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR. Leave a comment
Photo by Paul Wright

Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar release their new live album A Beautiful Buzz via Gypsy Soul Records on May 22, 2026. Captured during the band’s Love Is All Around tour across Western Canada in 2022, the album documents the raw power, soul, and communal energy that have made Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar one of Canada’s most electrifying live acts.

The CD and limited edition gatefold double vinyl editions of the album are available via www.samanthamartinmusic.com/store with the digital edition available on all streaming platformsHERE.

The album is preceded by the lead single ā€œMy Crown,ā€ releasedĀ Friday February 27, offering a first taste of the sweat-soaked, soul-driven performances that define the power and the excitement ofĀ A Beautiful Buzz.

Stream the single ā€œMy Crownā€Ā HERE.

Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar occupy a rare space in modern roots blues music: deeply reverent of soul and gospel tradition, yet unafraid to push those forms into something louder, sweatier, and fiercely alive. Led by Martin’s unmistakable, powerhouse vocal delivery, the band has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most commanding live acts, equal parts grit, grace, and emotional force.

A two-timeĀ JUNO Award nomineeĀ and seven-timeĀ Canadian Blues Award nomineeĀ forĀ Female Vocalist of the Year, Samantha Martin has long drawn comparisons to the great soul shouters of the past. AsĀ Rhythm & BoozeĀ put it, ā€œSamantha Martin’s name can be talked of in the same sentence as Etta James, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin. It’s soul for the modern age with a turbocharger.ā€Ā Paris MoveĀ (France) went further, calling her ā€œindispensable, Samantha Martin, the new Southern soul tornado.ā€

Those comparisons aren’t casual. Over the course of their catalogue, discerning listeners will hear echoes of Mavis Staples, Sharon Jones, Otis Redding, Booker T. & the MG’s, and the Memphis Horns, all filtered through a modern, road-hardened sensibility. It’s classic soul DNA delivered with contemporary urgency and volume. As Glide Magazine noted, ā€œa jaw-dropping display of vocal prowess that showcases this band’s brand of supercharged blues. Comparisons of soul greats run rampant, but like Brittany Howard, Samantha Martin might be the next musical game changer.ā€

Mixed by Renan Yildizdogan and Ross Hayes Citrullo, the in-house team at Gypsy Soul Records, A Beautiful Buzz marks a first for the band: a long-overdue live album capturing the raw electricity that has defined Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar onstage for over a decade.

Recorded during the band’sĀ Love Is All AroundĀ tour across Western Canada in 2022,Ā A Beautiful BuzzĀ was born under extraordinary circumstances. Originally scheduled for January and repeatedly delayed by the final wave of COVID-era disruptions, the tour finally launched in November, with Martin six months pregnant. Undeterred, a 13-person touring party loaded into a sprinter and rental car and pushed west from the sub-zero cold of Saskatoon toward the West Coast.

Night after night, the shows carried a heightened emotional charge, but one final performance stood apart, crackling with urgency, joy, and the awareness that one chapter was closing just as another was about to begin. That moment became A Beautiful Buzz, a testament to resilience, love, and transformation, capturing a band at full throttle and an artist on the edge of profound personal change.

For many listeners, the album lands somewhere in the lineage of Joe Cocker’sĀ Mad Dogs & Englishmen, a communal, unrestrained live soul revue where horns, grit, gospel, and sweat collide. It’s not a polished live souvenir; it’s the sound of a band at peak intensity, feeding off the room and giving it everything back.

With a new studio album already in development for 2027, A Beautiful Buzz stands not as a detour or placeholder, but as a deliberate statement, finally committing to record the live force that made Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar essential in the first place.

ā€œThe Love Is All Around tour, initially set for January 2022, faced the trials of postponement until November 2022—marking the closing chapter of COVID-era delays,” says Samantha Martin. “By the time the tour kicked off, I was six months pregnant with my son. I’ve never been one to be easily deterred. So, clad in a winter jacket that barely zipped, our 13-person touring party loaded into a sprinter and a rental car and embarked on a tour from the sub-zero temperatures of Saskatoon to the balmy West Coast of Canada.”

“Each show was a whirlwind of energy and emotion, but one stood out above the rest. Perhaps it was the excitement of the final show, or maybe it was the realization that my life was about to change in a big way. Whatever the reason, the atmosphere was electric, filled with a beautiful buzz that I wanted to share with you. This album captures the magic I felt, and is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of music amidst life’s transformations.ā€

A BEAUTIFUL BUZZ – ALBUM TRACK LISTING


1- Love is All Around – 3:35 (S. Martin, J. Chisholm)
2- Don’t Have To Be – 3:02 (S. Martin, A. Beer-Colacino, A. Warner)
3- You’re The Love – 3:37 (S. Martin, C. Chaffey)
4- Good Trouble – 3:18 (S. Martin, S. Vinnick)
5- All Night Long – 4:39 (S. Martin, C. Chaffey, M. McCallum, D. Yates, D. Nash, S. Marriner)
6- The Shape I’m In (feat. Steve Marriner) – 3:58 (Robbie Robertson)
7- I’ve Got a Feeling – 6:58 (S. Martin, C. Chaffey)
8- My Crown – 5:53 (Rench)
9- Loving You Is Easy – 7:25 (S. Martin)
10- ā€œBand Introā€ – (1:48) (S. Martin)
11- Pass Me By – (3:31) (S. Martin, C. Chaffey)
12- Them Changes – 3:54 (George Buddy Miles)
13- Loving Cup – 6:25 (M. Jagger, K. Richards)

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Recorded November 26, 2022 @ A.C.T. Theatre in Maple Ridge, BC
Mixed by Renan Yildizdogan and Ross Hayes Citrullo at RHC Music in Toronto, ON
Mastered by Phil Demetro Mastering in Toronto, ON

BAND LINE-UP

Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar: Samantha Martin
Background Vocalists: Tafari Anthony & Sherie Marshall
Electric Guitar: Curtis Chaffey
Bass: Ian McKeown
Drums: Will Fisher
Keys: Jeff Heisholt
Trombone: Emily Ferrell
Saxophone: Andrew Moljgun
Trumpet: Brian Walters
Special guest vocalist and acoustic guitar on ā€œShape I’m Inā€ and 2nd electric on ā€œThem Changesā€ and ā€œLoving Cupā€: Steve Marriner

More information: WEBSITEĀ |Ā FACEBOOKĀ |Ā SPOTIFYĀ |Ā INSTAGRAMĀ |Ā APPLEĀ |Ā YOUTUBE

BEYOND A.C. Celebrate Release of Self-Titled Debut Album with ‘For Better For Worse’ Single

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 27, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BEYOND A.C.. Leave a comment

Finnish rock band BEYOND A.C. releases their first album on all streaming services. Their eponymous debut is a rock, hard rock and rock’n’roll record with ten hand-crafted songs. Some of the tunes are brand new, some come from a different time and a place. Years and years ago, these guys had a band together somewhere beyond the arctic circle. Ā 

Totally timeless, ā€œFor Better For Worseā€ rocks like AC/DC, Little Richard and the Rolling Stones having a threesome. ā€œHero With No Nameā€ is a cartoon rocker about an unknown hero who saves the day. The ballad ā€œBehind the Sunā€ is about of longing and solitude. For contrast, ā€œAbsolute Powerā€ finds the band channeling their inner Iggy Pop.

There’s a cover tune halfway through: ā€œ(Just a) Little Bit Moreā€ is one of the better-known 22-Pistepirkko gems, yet lost in time. Starring the brilliant Finnish pianist Christopher Forsman (who tinkles the keys also on ā€œFor Better For Worseā€) and the soulful British singer Phillipa Cookman, ā€œCan This Be Real?ā€ is a Beyond A.C. original in the traditional blues rock form. ā€œFor No Oneā€ paints a strange picture with moody 90’s alternative rock influences.

ā€œMy Worldā€ situates somewhere where 80s Ozzy Osbourne meets Jane’s Addiction and Hawkwind – far as possible from the online world. Melancholy ā€œLet It All Come Trueā€ reminisces the past and ponders the future-defining crossroads that life tends to offer. ā€œSavage Queenā€ provides an epic hard rock ending for the album. 

 ā€œIt’s cool that no matter when the songs were written, they really work well togetherā€, the band comments. ā€œThat’s because we know what we’re doing and what we want to sound like. We always have.ā€

Beyond A.C. are:
Kristian Herkman: vocals, keyboards, saxophone
Janne SƤrkelƤ: guitar
Jake Tani: bass
Ari VƤntƤnen: guitar

Guest musicians:
Santiago Ortola: drums
Christopher Forsman: piano
Phillipa Cookman: vocals

DIVINE CHAOS Unleash New Single And Video ‘Without a Trace’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 27, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DIVINE CHAOS. Leave a comment

DIVINE CHAOS have released a new single and official video ‘Without a Trace’, taken from upcoming album.

The band melds influences from the likes of Metallica and Sepultura throughout their latest record ‘Hate Reactor’, which is being released on 27th March [self-released].

Stream and watch the video: MUSIC VIDEO, APPLE MUSIC , SPOTIFY

With Hate Reactor, Divine Chaos refine and elevate every facet of their sound. Returning to work with producer Scott Atkins, where they spent a month sculpting their best work to date. After the band and Atkins were finished producing the record, they sent the album on to Chris Clancy [Machine Head, Architects + more], to mix and master. The band credit both Atkins and Clancy for their valuable input on Hate Reactor.

The album showcases heightened focus, devastating hooks, and a richer vocal landscape, all while preserving the band’s foundational ethos. It is a fierce, sharpened statement from a group who continue to push the boundaries of modern thrash while honouring the genre’s legacy.

Track listing:

  1. Regicide
  2. Hate Reactor
  3. Where Gods are Last in Line
  4. Condemned to the Void
  5. The New Reality
  6. Without a Trace
  7. Blood of the Earth
  8. This Coming Storm
  9. Shadows of the Wasteland

Band members:

JUT TABOR – VOCALS
MATT GILMOUR – GUITAR
CHRIS O’TOOLE – GUITAR
CRAIG DAWS – BASS
MARIUSZ MARECKI – DRUMS

METALITE Sign Worldwide Deal with Perception & Unleash Brand-New Single ‘Our Time Has Come’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 27, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: METALITE. Leave a comment

Swedish modern power metal force METALITE have officially signed a worldwide contract with PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, marking a major new milestone in the band’s rapidly ascending career!

Following the signing, the band have unleashed their brand-new single, ā€œOur Time Has Comeā€, a high-energy anthem that showcases everything fans have come to expect from METALITE: massive melodies, driving riffs, and a futuristic edge wrapped in razor-sharp production.

Guitarist, producer, songwriter and founder Edwin Premberg comments:
ā€œWe’re beyond excited to finally share our new single Our Time Has Come with you. This song kicks off a powerful new chapter for METALITE and marks the beginning of our upcoming concept album ‘Discovery’ where the story continues on a new planet and humanity begins a new life. It’s a classic METALITE track – full of high energy, soaring melodies, and that unmistakable METALITE sound. This is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to take this journey together with youā€.

With its soaring vocal lines, pounding rhythm section, and cinematic synth layers, ā€œOur Time Has Comeā€ captures METALITE at full throttle. The track blends melodic precision with modern production punch, delivering an arena-ready chorus that’s impossible to ignore.

Stream / Download ā€œOur Time Has Comeā€: https://metalite.rpm.link/ourtimePR 

ABOUT METALITE

Formed in 2015 by guitarist Edwin Premberg and vocalist Emma Bensing, the band quickly gained recognition for its fresh and modern take on melodic metal and their 2017 debut album ā€œHeroes in Timeā€ set the stage for METALITE’s rise.

In 2019, the band entered a new era with ā€œBiomechanicalsā€, marking the debut of vocalist Erica Ohlsson. With an even more refined sound, the album embraced electronic elements and pulsating rhythms, elevating METALITE’s futuristic vision, further solidifying the band’s reputation as innovators in the genre.

Their evolution continued with ā€œA Virtual Worldā€ in 2021, an album that expanded on their sci-fi themes while delivering massive soundscapes and powerful melodies. 

With ā€œExpedition Oneā€ (2024), METALITE embarked on their most ambitious project to date. A visionary concept album set in the year 2055, it tells the story of a renegade team searching for a new world, exploring themes of human evolution, technology, and survival.

In 2024, the band welcomed drummer Erik Junttila to the lineup, bringing new energy and power to their sound. His premiere gig with the band took place in Linkƶping at the beginning of 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in METALITE’s journey. Since then, they completed several tours with bands like Pain, Leaves’ Eyes and the Night Flight Orchestra and played at several festivals, including Sweden Rock and Masters of Rock.

With millions of streams and a growing global fanbase, METALITE continues to redefine the future of melodic metal. Their fusion of cutting-edge sound design, anthemic choruses, and sci-fi-inspired storytelling has set them apart, proving that their journey is far from over. Stay tuned – a new discovery awaits!

More on METALITE:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
SpotifyĀ 

French Aesthetes ARIA BLAKE Release New Music Video for ‘Stabat Mater Dolorosa’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 27, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: ARIA BLAKE. Leave a comment
Photo by Yaelle Jubert

Illustrious visionary aesthetesĀ ARIA BLAKEĀ along with professional opera singer Tanya, dropped a newĀ music videoĀ for “š’š­ššš›ššš­ šŒššš­šžš« šƒšØš„šØš«šØš¬šš” on Wednesday,Ā Feb. 25ᵗʰ!

The song out of their fantastic EP “As Night Descends” features awesome guest guitar appearance by Mr.Ā Roland Grapow, widely known from Helloween, Masterplan, etc.

The band announces:
“This video offers many fantastic shots, symbolism, visual arts references and of course lots for the ears to enjoy. You will be able to fully dive into š€š‘šˆš€ šš‹š€šŠš„ā€™s universe and we promise you, it’s a very dark one.  
Catch the premiere with us on Wednesday, tell a friend, comment, like, share, support your Symphonic Metal.šŸ¤˜šŸ»”

FFO: Nightwish, Epica, Xandria

šŸŽ„ šŸŽ¬ āš™ļøĀ Yohan Dully

Roland GrapowĀ himself wishes the band good luck with the new release:
“I would like to thankĀ ARIA BLAKEĀ for letting me be part of the song. It’s a great track with a cool video and It is an honor for me to play such a fitting solo for this.”

LYRICS

Forgive me father for I have sinned
I can’t go on acting like this.
Won’t you guide me through the mist?
I know I don’t deserve to call your name
I implore you to put out that flame
burning me in remorse and shame!
Won’t you guide me?
CONFITEOR DEO OMNIPOTENTI,
BEATAE MARIAE SEMPER VIRGINI,
QUIA PECCAVI NIMIS
VERBO ET OPERE,
MEA CULPA,
MAXIMA CULPA.

Under the gaze of stony faces,
with prayers as bedtime stories,
every night I blacken their dreams.
Who am I to decide who will be next?
I’ve just open Pandora’s chest
and I’ll go down with all of them…
unless You guide me.
CONFITEOR DEO OMNIPOTENTI,
BEATAE MARIAE SEMPER VIRGINI,
QUIA PECCAVI NIMIS
VERBO ET OPERE,
MEA CULPA,
MAXIMA CULPA

artwork: Cyril Bossman

Release:Ā Sept. 26, 2025
Label: Reads Records
⫸ 
Streaming

TRACKS
1ļøāƒ£
Ā As Night Descends*Ā 05:29
2ļøāƒ£Ā 
Stabat Mater Dolorosa**Ā 05.12
3ļøāƒ£
Ā One by One 05:31 Ā 
4ļøāƒ£ The Haunting Of Scarlet Falls 05:29Ā Ā 

total: 21:41

LINE-UP
Tanya Stanishich • Vocals
Pierre Deprugney • Guitars
Vincent Camacho • Bass
Eric Palumbo • Drums

More information: https://www.facebook.com/ariablakeband/

RAIN DIARY Release Final Single ‘Fire’ from Upcoming LP

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 27, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: RAIN DIARY. Leave a comment
Photo: Jani Saajanaho

Rain Diary’s upcoming LP’s (Night Church, release date: 27.3.) final single – Fire – will make listeners grieve. The song represents the softer side of this electronic rock band’s longing sound and has always been one of crowd’s favorite pieces in their live shows. 

Listen to the single on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/raindiary-fire

–ISRC: FI3FC2665509
–Composition/Lyrics/Arrangement: Joonas Verho, Tytti Toppari-Pellikainen, Teemu Rantanen, Joni Bitter, Lauri Kujasalo

Here’s concert footage fromĀ Huxleys Neue WeltĀ Berlin that was filmed in the spring of 2022 when Rain Diary supportedĀ Lord of The LostĀ in their Ensemble Tour.Ā 

… cause all the things we lose in the fire.

Rain Diary is a Finnish rock band that plays beautiful and twisted dark wave tunes. The band bears its roots in Finnish melancholy, the scenery of evergreen forests, nightless nights and snow-covered wilderness, though the band constantly breaks this easily labelledĀ HIM/Nightwish-stereotype by breathing in something new. Rain Diary injects urban feel with the drumming electronics and clever pop elements making the band a must-see for the fans ofĀ Depeche Mode,Ā PlaceboĀ and alike. Rain Diary’s music genre has been labelled asĀ winterwave.

Rain Diary are:
Joonas Verho – vocals
Tytti Toppari-Pellikainen – keyboards. vocals
Teemu Rantanen – guitar
Joni Bitter – bass, guitar, programming
Lauri Kujasalo – drums

Live shows:
27.3. Bar Loose (Helsinki, FIN)*
28.3. Nirvana (Turku, FIN)*
4.4. Maanalainen (Tampere, FIN)**

*With Hateful Chains, Hauntees, Black Totem
**With Hateful Chains, Black Totem +tba

https://raindiary.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RainDiary
https://www.instagram.com/raindiarygram
https://www.tiktok.com/@raindiaryofficial
https://raindiary.bandcamp.com/

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