Eden Denied is a project founded by Olaf Viktor Gawdzik in 2022, originally under the name Eden Red before being renamed. The project was born out of a spiritual need to find meaning and a desire to serve as a vehicle for expressing a love of creativity, music, and its ability to change how humans feel and think.
Listening to a wide range of music – from jazz and electronica to classical, contemporary, and avant-garde – but always firmly rooted in rock and metal, Olaf‘s vision was already forming in his teenage years. With a particular and picky idea of what he was looking for, Olaf spent many years searching for musicians willing to participate in the project, but ultimately had to settle with the reality of learning to sing and play or arrange every instrument in the band except his first love, the guitar.
“Afternoon for a Soul” is an album that closes a very particular chapter in life – making peace with the past as someone burdened with immense generational trauma. By tapping into the universal human archetypes, it is a journey through what it means to grapple with problems that touch every human being to some degree. Yet finding catharsis remains a deeply individual thing, and to impose a single definitive meaning would itself be meaningless. This record is meant to be felt on a personal level.
In keeping with Olaf‘s DIY approach, the record is entirely self-produced, both sonically and visually.
TRACKLIST:
01. Hibernatus 02. Hungry Ghosts 03. Rips 04. Normal 05. Cheap Love 06. Ode to Moths 07. Passive Reasons 08. Small Lies 09. Deny Me 10. Prayer 11. Once More
REDIKIN, the Netherlands’ most relentless groove rock force, is proud to announce that Myrthe van Beest has joined as their new lead vocalist, stepping into the mic stand just as the band’s momentum reaches a fever pitch.
Van Beest is no newcomer to the stage. A seasoned performer with a track record spanning multiple projects — including Scenario II and Magion — she brings with her the kind of hard-won stage presence and vocal fire that REDIKIN’s music demands. Her addition to the lineup isn’t just a change; it’s an upgrade.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Myrthe is taking on this challenge with us. She’s an experienced singer who has played on numerous stages, and we can’t wait to hit the stage with her.” — REDIKIN
REDIKIN have been building their reputation as one of the Netherlands’ most electrifying live acts, known for their high-energy performances, gritty attitude, and a groove-driven sound that gets under your skin and refuses to let go. Their debut EP and album, The Crux, cemented their position on the rock map with anthemic tracks like “You”, songs that hit hard and stick.
In 2025, the band signed with international label Wormholedeath Records, releasing The Crux worldwide, including a special Japanese edition through Disk Union. Now, with Myrthe van Beest at the front of the stage, REDIKIN are locked, loaded, and ready to make even more noise.
Upcoming show dates will be announced across REDIKIN’s social media channels. Stay tuned, this is only the beginning.
Finnish progressive metal band Sum of Seven are set to release their new concept album, Echoes of the Hypermind, on 15 May 2026 via Inverse Records. The second single and music video, ‘Eternal Equation’ is unleashed today and it’s available on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/sumofseven-eternal
–Composed, lyrics and arranged by Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen, Rasmus Raassina, Miika Erkkilä, Marko Loukamaa, Harri Annala –Mixed & mastered by Tommi Kujala –Single cover by Ari Lempinen –ISRC: FI3FC2654507
“Eternal Equation represents a significant turning point in the narrative of our concept album. Musically, it is the album’s most unconventional track, yet at the same time one of its strongest in terms of atmosphere. Marko’s vocal performance and Harri’s guitar solos form the emotional core of the song and represent the peak of their expressive range. The track dives deep into melancholic depths, from which an unexpected realization ultimately emerges.
In the story, the transition toward the final act has begun, but the destination has not yet been reached. Eternal Equation portrays a moment of consciousness where struggle ceases and understanding begins. It is a story of a mind that has witnessed eras repeat, mistakes return, and purpose erode—until all that remains is a question at the core of existence.”, tells Ari Lempinen
–Composed, lyrics and arranged by Ari Lempinen, Esa Lempinen, Rasmus Raassina, Miika Erkkilä, Marko Loukamaa, Harri Annala –Mixed & mastered by Tommi Kujala –Album cover by Ari Lempinen
Line-up: Ari Lempinen – Guitar, vocals & backing vocals Harri Annala – Guitar Rasmus Raassina – Drums Miika Erkkilä – Basso, backing vocals Esa Lempinen – Keyboards, backing vocals Marko Loukamaa – Vocals
Hailing from the Mikkeli–Jyväskylä–Helsinki axis, this four-piece melodic death metal powerhouse, Deadvoid Inc., are set to release their debut album ‘Chapters’ on March 13th 2026 via Inverse Records. The last single ‘Drowned in Pain’ is unleashed today and it’s available on all essential streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/deadvoid-inc-drowned
–Composed by Tuomas Torikka –Lyrics by Jonne Saarinen –Cover art by Kai Kolima –ISRC: FI3FC2654807
Guitarist/composer Tuomas Torikka comments:
“Melodically, the song moves through deeply melancholic and minor-key atmospheres. It incorporates elements ranging from classical piano music to a more pop-oriented direction, without ever losing the band’s distinctive sound. The choruses open up an entirely new sonic landscape, yet despite its raw intensity, the overall theme of the song remains very dark. The lyrics were inspired by a tragic case in which a young Finnish girl lost her life as a result of prolonged abuse by her parents. At the same time, the song also offers a point of connection for those who have, in one way or another, fallen through the cracks of society or live in loneliness — people who are too often seen merely as numbers in statistics.”
Chapters Track list:
Grounding The Unreal
Not Worth Living
Ashes And Forgiveness
The Wounds
The Frame
The Dawn Of Day
Drowned In Pain
Begins With Love
–Cover art by Kai Kolima
Deadvoid Inc. is a Finnish melodic death metal band that blends elements ranging from classical music to extreme metal, creating an energetic, technically skilled, and completely distinctive musical entity.
D-inc was formed in early 2025 when longtime acquaintances Jonne Saarinen (vocals) and Tuomas Torikka (composition & guitar) decided to build something new in the midst of everything old. The album was completed in its entirety, and prior to its release, guitarist Jami Honkala and bassist Ville Heino—both heavily involved in the making of the record—joined the band.
This lineup of seasoned professionals in their field brings a fresh new subgenre to the airwaves, unlike anything you’ve heard before. Energetic songs, catchy grand melodies, furious riffs, and heart-wrenching slow sections are here to show everyone what Deadvoid Inc. is all about.
Line-up: Vocals: Jonne Saarinen Guitars: Tuomas Torikka Bass: Ville Mikkola Drums: Tino Jäntti
Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke to Mercyful Fate, Fury Bassist Beck Baldwin about her Top 5 Mercyful Fate Songs. Baldwin also gave a status update on Mercyful Fate’s up and coming studio Album.
Watch the video interview below.
When asked about the status update on Mercyful Fate plans for touring and new studio album
“I’‘m not too sure at the moment in terms of the time frame. Um but yeah, like there is, there is an album in the works. Yeah. So we’ve got the first single “The Jackal of Salzburg,” that we played on the tour back in 2022. Um there’s yeah another song which I think is very close to being ready. Um and yeah, there you know there was a full album that is instrumentally pretty much there. So, it just needs rearranging, a lot of the songs need vocals, but I think they’ve got ideas down.”.
When asked if she heard the demos of the new album
“I’ve only heard like the instrumental demos, but yes the Riffs are and there and they’re very Hank (Sherman) and they’re very early Mercyful Fate. I think the fans are going to be really happy when they hear the kind of stuff that’s going on.”
When asked if they allow her to contribute musically to the new album
“Hank and King” they are really doing the writing I can contribute, the kind of flavor that the bass is going to bring. They let me have quite a free reign to just try different things out. They prefer to record the bass actually after the vocals. Uh, which I think is very interesting and I think that’s quite nice. It’s obvious because it’s the best instrument that comes last. (laughs).”
When asked if Mercyfat will be a full album or EP
“King’s been working on the King Diamond album and that’s supposed to be his next step, his next thing to complete is the (new)King Diamond album. The amount (of songs) that they have (for Mercyful Fate) that are instrumental tracks so far is enough for an album but maybe it would be easier, more efficient, more just how things are done these days to do an E.P. just to get things moving a bit faster? I’ve heard King say different things, how things are different now in the music industry. So do people even want albums? And I think you know metalheads do want albums especially like old school metal heads. But can the industry just operate in a different way these days? It’s more about singles. More bands are doing EPs and stuff like this. So I’m not sure but I have heard an album’s worth of material.(for Mercyful Fate).
Australia has long been a powerhouse for heavy music, but the Melbourne-based outfit ANA is currently carving out a niche that defies traditional categorization. Identifying as a couture symphonic metal band, the group seamlessly merges high-fashion aesthetics with the grandiosity of melodic metal.
Their latest offering, a visually arresting music video for the single “Hate Me”, serves as a defiant statement of intent for a band that refuses to blend into the background. To capture this vision, the band collaborated with iconic Australian photographer Peter Coulson, who handled the directing, filming, and editing. Known for his mastery of light and shadow, Coulson brings a high-fashion editorial lens to the production, elevating the video beyond standard performance clips into the realm of cinematic art.
This is the first single & music video taken from their upcoming full-length album Motivated By Death which will be released on May 29, 2026 via Eclipse Records.
“The provocative nature of the video was entirely intentional” says guitarist Josh Mak. “We drew significant inspiration from Salma Hayek’s legendary performance in From Dusk Till Dawn, utilizing specific costumes and color schemes to create an atmosphere of dangerous elegance.”
Vocalist Anna Khristenko adds, “This was the first time I worked with a snake in a video. I have always loved snakes and shooting with one has been a dream of mine. Initially it was a little difficult for me to adapt to the snake’s movements. I tried pulling it in the direction I wanted and was met with some unhappy hissing, but luckily no one was bitten and we managed to get some beautiful shots!”
Keyboardist Mark Shi continues, “I am so grateful that the video was in the hands of the masterful Peter Coulson. It was a great experience watching the master at work and getting to play a tiny part in his grand vision is a surreal experience that I will treasure forever.”
Also, bassist Cody Lamb says, “This was a truly fun experience. Peter made it easy and comfortable for me to work the camera and give my heart, effort, and soul into the performance.” Finally, director Peter Coulson says on the video, “I just pushed buttons and allowed Anna and the band to do the rest.”
Cover art Credit: Peter Coulson
While many symphonic metal acts lean into fantasy tropes, ANA focuses on a sophisticated evolution of the craft. Led by vocalist Anna Khristenko, the band members perform as masked super-humans. This visual identity is captured on the album cover by acclaimed Australian photographer Peter Coulson, bridging the gap between high fashion and the visceral intensity of symphonic metal. Produced by the creative duo of Josh Mak and Khristenko, the record finds a balance between orchestral grandeur and sonic precision. The eight-song track list opens with this first single entitled “Hate Me”, a defiant anthem exploring the thin line between passion and animosity. The song suggests that the true opposite of love is indifference rather than hate. It serves as a declaration of resilience, showing that while vitriol often follows success, it only fuels the band’s drive. The album was produced by Anna Khristenko & Josh Mak, engineered & mixed by Chris Themelco (Eye of the Enemy, Naberus) at Monolith Studios, and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Groove Armada, Soilwork, Mayhem) at The Panicroom Studio. Cover art for the album was shot by Peter Coulson. Motivated By Death by Ana will be released on May 29, 2026 via Eclipse Records.
Pre-Save or Pre-Order Motivated By Death on digital formats & CD Digipak via Eclipse Records at this location.
Motivated By Death track listing
Hate Me
Shadow of Life
You Loved Me More Than I Love Myself
Following the Wind
Eyes of A Child
Sick Love
Papa
Aerials (System of A Down cover)
Ana lineup Anna Khristenko (Vocals), Josh Mak (Guitar), Cody Lamb (Bass), Andres Felipe Martinez Osorio (Drums), Mark Shi (Keys)
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 ) 