French metalcore powerhouse LANDMVRKS has unleashed a powerful one-two punch with the release of their double single ‘Sulfur’ and ‘Sombre 16’, and a glimpse into their upcoming fourth album, The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been. Their most personal and ambitious work to date, the new album is set for release on 25th April 2025 via Arising Empire.
Since their formation in 2014, the Marseille-based quintet – led by vocalist Florent Salfati – have earned a reputation for blending crushing heaviness with soaring melodies and deeply emotive lyrics. Building on the momentum of their successful 2024 world touring and their explosive single ‘Creature‘, LANDMVRKS are poised to deliver yet another genre-defining release.
With The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been, LANDMVRKS aim to push boundaries while staying true to the raw intensity that has captured the hearts of over 680,000 monthly Spotify listeners. As anticipation builds, the double single release sets the stage for what promises to be a monumental chapter in the band’s career.
‘Sulfur’ and ‘Sombre 16’ are two new tracks that continue the story from previous single ‘Creature‘ while also introducing the universe of the new album The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been.
The band comment: “The tracks and the new album follow a protagonist as he descends deeper and deeper into hell, undergoing both physical and mental transformation.”
LANDMVRKS are:
FlorentSalfati – vocals RudyPurkart – bass NicolasExposito – guitar Paul C. Wilson – guitar KévinD’Agostino – drums
DRAGONKNIGHT has released a video for “The Legions Of Immortal Dragonlords”, second single taken from the debut album “Legions” to be released on January 17th by Scarlet Records. PRE-SAVE/PRE-ORDER
A rallying cry for those who refuse to bow to fear, “The Legions Of Immortal Dragonlords” is a tale of bravery, myth, and unwavering courage in the face of the darkest evils. It is the story of legends who stand where no others dare to tread. The song’s powerful verses and soaring chorus illuminate the eternal defiance of these legends, who walk the line between worlds, protecting those who dare not face the truth.
video by Tage Rönnqvist/Eva Lingon Ltd.
debut album for the brand new Finnish cinematic power metal band;
each track unfolding a grand narrative of Dragonlords, heroic battles, and mythical realms, immersing the listeners in tales of valor and adventure;
produced by Dragonknight; mixed by Mikael Grönroos at Crownhook Studio; mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers West;
cover artwork by Tommi Aaltonen;
first edition will be released in a 4-panel digipack;
Dragonknight is a new conceptual band baptized by a bunch of seasoned Finnish metal veterans, skillfully forging a smooth and fresh rendering of the classic North European power metal style through soaring melodies, thunderous rhythms, and epic orchestration, fused with crushing riffs – an unforgettable sonic journey of legendary proportions.
The eleven anthemic chapters of the first record “Legions” tell of heart-wrenching battles, strong-willed warriors and the beauty of glorious death, but also the treasure hunts gone awry, conquest, and the inner power to rise from the hopeless pit of despair yet again in the face of adversity – hear the armies and swords clash, seafaring vessels creak and the wings of the serpents soar.
Are you ready to answer the Dragonknight call, join their mighty Legion and, if such fate should fall upon you, DIE FOR METAL?!
“Legions” tracklist: 1 Ascendance – Through Sea And Fire 2 The Legions Of Immortal Dragonlords 3 The Imperator 4 Pirates, Bloody Pirates! 5 Defender Of Dragons 6 Storm Bringer 7 Astarte Rise 8 Dead Kings In The Grave 9 Sword Of The Northern Lights 10 The Revelation 11 Return To Atlantis Total running time: 50:56
Dragonknight: Lord Gryphon Lord Kharatos Lord Solarius Lord Othrakis Lord Salo Khan
German progressive rockers Everon have announced their return after sixteen years with their new album ‘Shells,’ which will be released on 28 February via Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group. Watch the video for the gargantuan new song ‘No Embrace,’ HERE.
“The band never quit. It was a hiatus or something,” says Oliver Philipps as he is sat in his recording studio, talking about the new Everon Record. “I think No Embrace makes a good opening track because it is straight forward and accessible, it has a more positive energy than some of the other songs that are darker in tone or mood,” he adds about the first taster from the album.
“Everon didn’t retire or anything, and we never even talked about it,” Philipps reasons. “I always wrote all the music and the lyrics. So that would mean if I didn’t do anything, we wouldn’t do anything. After ‘North’, it just didn’t happen.” “The making of ‘North’ dragged out terribly, by the time we did it, I’d almost lost interest. I just needed a change,” Philipps recalls.
So here we are then, with ‘Shells’, an album bristling with energy and verve, encapsulating everything that made Everon such a force to be reckoned with in the first place. With songs like the ebullient opener ‘No Embrace’ and the complex patterns of ‘Broken Angels’, the quirk of ‘Pinocchio’s Nose’ and the more heartfelt tones of ‘Monster’, or the epic 14-minute grandeur of closing track ‘Flesh’, Everon have rarely sounded so good. Defiantly old school packed full of progressive flourishes and Philipps’ innate sense of melody set the band apart from many of their peers all those years ago.
“I’ve been working as a producer with other artists through all the years,” explains Philipps, making it very clear those years away from Everon did indeed happen with his Space Lab Studio with Moschus, their drummer, working with artists such as Delain, Charlotte Wessels, progressive metallers Ad Infinitum and Wolverine, Italian progressive outfit THE ONEIRA, LEAH, Angel, and Imperia—the latter vocalists appear on the new album.
Trail of Tears, Imperia and Angel vocalist, Helena Iren Michaelsen, features on ‘Grace’, ‘Broken Angels’, ‘Guilty as Charged’, ‘Shells’ and ‘Children of The Earth’. “Helena happens to be one of my favourite singers and my favourite woman; she’s my wife. So it’s no surprise she appears on this album; it would have been weird if she didn’t,” he says.
Canadian singer/songwriter LEAH is an artist Philipps has worked with for a decade. “I really enjoy our collaborations. Her music has a lot of Celtic influences, and ‘Pinocchio’s Nose’, the track she is singing on, has a bit of that vibe in there, so it just appeared to be the perfect occasion to invite her to sing on this song,” he enthuses.
Everon came into being in 1989 when former Jester’s Palace singer Philipps hooked up with drummer Christian ‘Moschus’ Moos, bass player Schymy and guitarist Ralf Janssen. The band received an early and helpful boost from Joachim Ehrig, better known by his stage name Eroc, who had drummed with legendary German prog rockers Grobschnitt from 1970-1983, as well as releasing albums under his stage name. Their debut album, 1993’s ‘Paradoxes’, helped put Everon on the musical map. ‘Flood’, was one of the loudest albums of its time according to Eroc, followed in 1995.
Mascot Label Group released their third album, ‘Venus’ in 1997, and every subsequent album since; ‘Fantasma’ (2000), ‘Bridge’ (2002), ‘Flesh’ (2002) and ‘North’ (2008). Guitarist Janssen was replaced by Ulli Hoever following’ Venus’, and keyboard player Oliver Thiele joined, although he would depart the band following their ‘Bridge’ and ‘Flesh’ couplet, leaving a core quartet of Philipps, Moschus, Schymy and Hoever.
Although a new Everon album is something to be celebrated, the road to ‘Shells’ has sadly been tainted by tragedy; during the recording, drummer Moschus died suddenly.
“It was completely out of the blue,” Philipps sighs. “He wasn’t sick or anything. He was just found dead. It was a cardiac arrest or one of these things. The reason I chose to finish the album at all was that he’d already recorded drums for eight of the songs. If it had happened half a year earlier, I wouldn’t have chosen to make an album. I’d been pondering over should I, shouldn’t I for quite some time.”
“Until We Meet Again” stands up as one of the most heart-on-sleeve songs on the album. The lyrics refer to the passing of Moschus. “This was the last song I wrote for this album, and while I was working on it, I got the news that our lifelong friend had died.”
Following Moschus’s passing, US drummer Jason Gianni entered the fray, guesting on the drum tracks that Moschus did not complete.
“I had a list of ideas. I’d been writing hundreds of songs between these albums, but there was not one thing I had in mind to fit with Everon. I blocked February to April, and once I started writing, it all came naturally. It was an enjoyable process. I didn’t know what to expect because I didn’t have a plan. It was no use trying to make it match what we did before. It was so long ago. I just thought I’d see what came out. And that’s what came out. But it was not by intention.”
Hurt and regret run in the veins of the album. “I think it is a bit in the nature of the kind of music we’re doing that it is rather the darker type of emotions that will find a place on an Everon album,” he considers. “Feelings of hurt or loss are very intense emotions, and for some reason, in music, I was always more gravitating towards the darker stuff rather than happy songs. The song ‘Shells’ is an example of that and comes from one of the darker corners of my mind. It is a very sad song. It would feel inappropriate to explain the background story, but it doesn’t need the background story to be able to relate to it. “
It’s been sixteen years and now we have ‘Shells’ – Twelve tracks of quality, highly melodic, progressively inclined rock for people to enjoy. It’s certainly good to have Everon back.
Track Listing
1. No Embrace 2. Broken Angels 3. Travels 4. Pinocchio’s Nose 5. Monster 6. Shells 7. Grace 8. Guilty as Charged 9. Children of the Earth 10. OCD 11. Until We Meet Again 12. Flesh
Helsinki-based rock sensation FLUSH has unleashed their new single, “Noises in My Head”, available now across all digital platforms. The track is the latest offering from their full-length album, Noises, out via Wormholedeath.
“Noises in My Head” is a raw and introspective track that delves deep into the chaos of the mind, where self-doubt, inner conflict, and a longing for escape collide. With visceral lyrics exploring themes of identity, pain, and self-destruction, the song captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts that can’t be silenced.
Noises in My Head” is a reflection on the struggle to reconcile inner darkness with the desire for meaning, making it a powerful listen for anyone who has ever felt lost in their mind.
Flush is a dynamic rock band from Helsinki, Finland, known for their infectious blend of punk rock, hard rock, and metal, spiced with Nordic melancholy and a touch of sarcasm. Their music channels raw emotion and sharp commentary, delivering a sound that resonates with a diverse audience.
Flush Lineup:
Lasse Girs: Vocals, Guitars Janne Kontiokorpi: Guitars, Backing Vocals Eero Luukkonen: Bass Börje Stén: Drums
HELLOWEEN‘s highly anticipated live album “Live At Budokan” has officially been released via RPM. This historic achievement cements their legacy as the first German band to record a live album at Japan‘s iconic Budokan arena. Fans can now re-live this landmark performance in various formats, including a 2CD set, a 3LP limited “deluxe edition” (trifold first pressing), Blu-ray, DVD, and digital versions. Order/listen here: https://helloween.rpm.link/liveatbudokanPR
Presented as an intimate duet by vocalists Andi Deris and Michael Kiske, ‘Forever And One (Neverland)’ not only marks the release of “Live At Budokan,” but also serves as a fitting conclusion to the era of HELLOWEEN‘s self-titled No. 1 album. The song tells a poignant tale of unfulfilled love and has become an essential part of the band’s setlist, creating a unique bond between musicians and fans like no other track in their repertoire. Its emotional intensity reaches new heights in live performances, where HELLOWEEN‘s rendition of ‘Forever And One (Neverland)’ promises to give everyone an unparalleled case of goosebumps.
“A beautiful ballad from the pen of Andi. When we sit at the front of the catwalk and I see the emotions on the faces of the audience, I get goosebumps every time. That alone makes it very emotional to sing this song over and over again,” revels Michael.
There couldn’t be a more fitting theme for the current happenings in the pumpkin world than “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery,” taken from HELLOWEEN‘s iconic recent hit single ‘Best Time.’ The final curtain in support of “Helloween” may have fallen in Tokyo in 2023, but glimpses of the future are already emerging as 2025 approaches. While the band’s yet-untitled new album is taking shape day by day, fans can already look forward to autumn of next year. HELLOWEEN will return triumphantly to the stages of 19 cities to celebrate their 40th anniversary with European audiences, followed by additional tour legs in Asia, North & South America in 2026. Stay tuned and secure your tickets now – dates and info can be found below!
This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN‘s epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band’s undying appeal, the sold-out concert in Tokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle. Known for their explosive stage presence and high-voltage performances, HELLOWEEN‘s shows are fueled by the unique chemistry among the band members. Triple lead-guitar attacks from Michael Weikath, Kai Hansen, and Sascha Gerstner alternate with goosebump-inducing duets from vocalists Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, occasionally supported by Kai Hansen, the band’s original singer and third voice. He also takes the spectators on a journey back in time with a medley from the band’s early days, returning to the origins of their sound – HELLOWEEN, the godfathers of melodic speed metal.
Choosing the Nippon Budokan for this live recording was no coincidence. A venue rich in musical history, it has hosted countless legendary concerts and is an accolade for every music group that has played there. HELLOWEEN are the first German band ever to record a live album in the Nippon Budokan, and for the members it was a dream come true.
Lead vocalist Michael Kiske described the show as “surreal, with the electrifying fan energy creating a magical atmosphere.” Bassist Markus Grosskopf spoke of the venue’s profound personal and historical significance, expressing how humbling and inspiring it was to perform in a place that shaped their own musical journeys.
The live recording’s technical brilliance is another highlight. With 29 cameras capturing every nuance, the production team ensured that each moment of the concert is preserved in stunning detail. This attention to detail means the Blu-ray and DVD versions offer an immersive viewing experience, making fans feel like they are right there in the front row.
The setlist of this live album is a treasure trove of surprises, contains the entire 2-hour+ show and offers a fresh experience compared to previous releases like “United Alive” [2019]. This thoughtful song selection honors both the die-hard fans craving something new and the band’s rich musical legacy, showcasing their evolution and expansive repertoire.
This live album is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of HELLOWEEN‘s enduring impact on the metal scene. It promises to bring the magic of an unforgettable performance straight into fans’ homes, offering a piece of music history that embodies the spirit and energy of a legendary band at their peak.
“Live At Budokan” – Track Listing:
01. Orbit 02. Skyfall 03. Eagle Fly Free 04. Mass Pollution 05. Future World 06. Power 07. Save Us 08. Kai’s Medley [Walls Of Jericho, Metal Invaders, Victim Of Fate, Gorgar, Ride The Sky, Heavy Metal Is The Law] 09. Forever And One (Neverland) 10. Best Time 11. Dr. Stein 12. How Many Tears 13. Perfect Gentleman 14. Keeper Of The Seven Keys 15. Drumokan *on Blu-ray/DVD only!* 16. I Want Out
“40 Years Anniversary Tour” – Europe 2025 Very Special Guests: BEAST IN BLACK 17.10.2025 LU Luxembourg – Rockhal 18.10.2025 NL Tilburg – 013 20.10.2025 UK London – Eventim Apollo 22.10.2025 FR Paris – Zénith (Le Villette) 24.10.2025 CZ Prague – O2 Arena 25.10.2025 SK Zvolen – Tiposbet Arena 26.10.2025 HU Budapest – Papp László Sportaréna 28.10.2025 PL Katowice – Spodek 31.10.2025 DE Bochum – RuhrCongress 01.11.2025 DE Hamburg – Barclays Arena 03.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene 04.11.2025 NO Oslo – Sentrum Scene 06.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Helsingin Jäähalli 08.11.2025 SE Gothenburg – Partille Arena 13.11.2025 PT Lisbon – Campo Pequeno 15.11.2025 ES Madrid – La Cubierta de Leganés 19.11.2025 IT Milan – Forum 20.11.2025 CH Zurich – The Hall 22.11.2025 DE Stuttgart – Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
Our world is burning down around us, extreme evil is piercing through our souls, and all our human connections have collapsed.
Hope Is a Lie is slow, unhurried, and extremely dark doom, post-metal, sludge, industrial and a pinch of grunge. While the music sounds like despair, and conveys bleak stories of a future without human relationships, if you lose all hope, you have nothing more to lose.
You might like Hope Is a Lie if you like: Oranssi Pazuzu, Amenra, Absent in Body, Insomnium, We Lost the Sea, Mogwai, Neurosis.
The band’s self titled debut album is released today on December 13th 2024 by Inverse Records and is be supported by three singles: ‘Dance’, ’Suits (feat Amber Shadows)’ and ’End of Days’. All music is written by the band, and is mixed by Markus Alavire and mastered by Owe Inborr.
Listen to the album on music services (Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal etc.): https://push.fm/fl/hopeisalie
Track list / ISRC-codes:
1. Pure – FI3FC2448901 2. End of Days – FI3FC2448902 3. Suits (feat Amber Shadows) – FI3FC2448903 4. Dance – FI3FC2448904 5. Shadow – FI3FC2448905 6. Into the Flames – FI3FC2448906 7. Rot – FI3FC2448907
Lyrics and music: Markus Alavire and Lasse Girs
Arrangements: Markus Alavire, Lasse Girs and Tuomo Heiti (’Suits’ also Anne Ala-Pöntiö)
Cover art and visuals: Tuomo Heiti
Mixing: Markus Alavire, Saarni Music
Mastering: Owe Inborr, Wolfthrone Studios
Distribution: Inverse Records
Hope Is a Lie is: Markus Alavire: Vocals, guitars, bass, programming & keyboards Lasse Girs: Vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards Tuomo Heiti: Drums.
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 ) 