GÅTE Announced as Winners of John Lennon Songwriting Competition

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by © Ole Ekker

Gåte are one of the most accomplished group of artists to come out of Norway. The band have topped the Norwegian charts, won a Norwegian Grammy and represented Norway in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with their groundbreaking mix of Nordic folk and modern rock. Now, as fans around the world anticipate the upcoming release of their sixth studio album and first for Season of Mist, they are proud to celebrate another career milestone.    

Today, Gåte are announcing that their recent single “Sannsiger” has won the grand prize in the World category during Session I of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Released in April 2026 upon signing with Season of Mist, “Sannsiger” sets the stage for the ancient legends and folk narratives that the band explore on Sigil by weaving Hardanger fiddle and nyckeharpa into their contemporary sound. The song features guest vocals from Maria Franz of Season of Mist labelmates Heilung.    

“We are deeply honored to be selected as winners of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest”, Gåte says. “This award means a lot to us, especially since ‘Sannsiger’ marks a new direction for our band. The song is driven by the nyceklharpa and a simple guitar loop that our guitarist Magnus Børmark recorded on his phone. From that recording grew a song about the truth-tellers throughout our shared history and how society in every age seems to feel the need to silence them”.

“‘Sannsiger’ hit me from the very first moment that I heard it”, Heilung vocalist Maria Franz said upon the song’s release. “Its raw energy immediately resonated with me. I’ve been a fan of Gåte for many years, so accepting the invitation was a no-brainer. The band were wonderful to work with, and I’m very excited to hear the rest of their upcoming album”.

Winners of The John Lennon Songwriting Contest receive prizes from Taylor Guitars, Genelec and other companies. One 2026 Grand Prize winner will go on to win Song of the Year and $20,000.    

Sigil comes out September 25 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://orcd.co/gatesigil
Pre-save on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/2kiURuXN7GZ84VD9HDnbsf

Gåte’s upcoming fall tour will bring the band to nine cities across Norway, plus one date in Istanbul, Turkey. During this ten date run, they will perform new songs from Sigil, along with fan favorites from their celebrated discography.

Gåte Concerts 2026

October 23 – Trondheim, Norway @ Havet [TICKETS]
October 30 – Drammen, Norway @ Union [TICKETS]
October 31 – Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene [TICKETS]
November 5 – Haugesund, Norway @ Høvleriet [TICKETS]
November 6 – Stavanger, Norway @ Folken [TICKETS]
November 7 – Bergen, Norway @ Verftet [TICKETS]
November 12 – Skien, Norway @ Parkbiografen [TICKETS]
November 13 – Moss, Norway @ Verket Scene [TICKETS]
November 14 – Hamar, Norway @ Festiviteten [TICKETS]
November 21 – Istanbul, Turkey @ IF Performance [TICKETS]

Tracklist:

  1. Bergteken (04:44)
  2. Oskorsreia (03:08) [WATCH]
  3. Sannsiger (03:43) [WATCH]
  4. Nokon (03:10)
  5. Bòd frå djupet (03:45)
  6. Strandvaskar (03:27) [LISTEN]
  7. Songen (03:38)
  8. Aude (03:54)
  9. Mi Jord (03:44) [WATCH]
  10. Jostedalsrypa (03:39)
    Full runtime: 36:53

Rooted in the intersection of Nordic folk tradition and contemporary rock, GÅTE have spent over two decades developing a sound that feels both ancient and fiercely present. Drawing on centuries-old ballads, oral traditions, and traditional vocal forms, the band transform these sources into music that is physical, emotionally direct and unmistakably their own.

Emerging in the early 2000s, GÅTE quickly became one of Norway’s most distinctive bands for their groundbreaking mix of Nordic folk tradition and modern rock. In 2002, their debut album, Jygri, entered at #1 on the Norwegian Albums chart and won them the Spellemann Award (Norwegian Grammy) for Best Newcomer.

“GÅTE have been drawing from traditional music and transforming it with modern means into something new right from their beginning”, Metal Hammer writes.

After two studio albums, three EPs and one live album, GÅTE took a twelve-year hiatus before returning to critical acclaim and sold-out performances with 2017’s Svevn. Following their folk-leaning LP Nord in 2021, the band went on to represent Norway in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with a contemporary re-imagining of “Ulveham”, a traditional Norwegian ballad. In 2025, they toured throughout Europe with Leprous.

Rather than treat tradition as a fixed reference, GÅTE approach it as a living force. Old material is not preserved for its own sake, but reworked and recontextualized, allowing it to resonate with contemporary urgency and relevance.

“Our music comes from a place where tradition is not something fixed, but something alive” the band says. “We draw from old sources because they still speak to us, and because they allow us to express something honest and human today.”

GÅTE have now completed their sixth studio album, which will be released on the band’s new label home Season of Mist. While the band has focused primarily on Norway in the past, signing with the international label reflects both the growing interest they have received from around the world and their desire to reach a wider audience.

During the fall of 2026, GÅTE will perform the album’s lead single “Sannsiger” and other new songs during a headline tour of Norway and one date in Istanbul, Turkey. Their concerts are well-known for being immersive and intense, balancing raw energy with a ritual-like focus that has earned them a glowing and growing reputation beyond the Nordic region.

Line-up:
Gunnhild Sundli — Vocals
Magnus Børmark — Guitars, Nyckelharpa, Sounds, FX, Programming, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Jon Even Schärer — Drums, Percussion, Programming, Mouth Harp, Backing Vocals
Arent Todal — Hardanger Fiddle, Nyckelharpa, Violin, Sounds, Backing Vocals
Mats Paulsen — Bass, Backing Vocals

Production Credits:
Recorded at MagnuStudio; Øra Studio.
Produced by Kristian Fanavoll Tvedt & Magnus Børmark.
Mixed & Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios.

Guest Musicians:
Kristian Fanavoll Tvedt — Synths, Programming, Sounds, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Maria Franz — Guest Vocals on “Sannsiger”
Olav Luksengård Mjelva — Hardanger Fiddle on “Bergteken”, “Oskorsreia”, “Strandvaskar”, “Songen”, “Aude”
John Stenersen — Hurdy-Gurdy on “Mi Jord”
Knut Anders Vestad — Concert Grand Piano on “Jostedalsrypa”
Marit Aspås — Cello on “Jostedalsrypa”
Sylvelin Sundli — Upright Piano on “Bòd frå djupet”

Cover Art:
Martine Solstad Larsen (Sigil Artist); Martin Kvamme (Cover Art and Design).

Photography:
Ole Ekker

Follow GÅTE:
Official Website: https://www.gåte.com/
Bandcamp: https://gaate.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gaateband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaate_official/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaateband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/G%C3%A5temusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YxkGgMvqCQA75aFpy6524
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/g%C3%A5te/73355577
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/16043
Tidal: https://tidal.com/artist/12122/

From Wacken to Eurovision 2027? SERIOUS BLACK Unleash Music Video for New Single ‘Party in the Sun’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo credit: Markus Konetzka

Following the recent announcement of their brand-new studio album, Keeper Of The Light, and its powerful first single “Last Man Standing,” power metal force SERIOUS BLACK are back with another new track. Today, the band has released the official music video for their new single “Party in the Sun,” taken from the upcoming record, which will arrive on January 29, 2027 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music. In support of the release, the band will embark on an extensive tour throughout Europe with Rhapsody Of Fire and support bands; find all dates listed below!

Inspired by the incomparable atmosphere of Wacken Open Air and the worldwide heavy metal community, “Party in the Sun” is a celebration of everything that makes rock and metal culture so special: friendship, unity, live music and the unique bond shared by bands and fans across the globe. With its infectious energy and festival spirit, the song delivers a fitting soundtrack for everyone whose heart beats to the rhythm of heavy metal.

And if that chorus sounds like it was made for a rather big stage, SERIOUS BLACK happen to agree.The band have decided to throw their hat into the ring for the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, submitting “Party in the Sun” for consideration as Germany’s entry. Whether the road ultimately leads from the festival fields to the Eurovision stage remains to be seen – but a song about bringing people together through music seems like a pretty good place to start.

Band mastermind Mario Lochert comments:
“Party in the Sun” tells the story of the worldwide heavy metal family – people from all corners of the globe whose hearts beat to the same rhythm. It is a song about unity, friendship, and the unique bond between musicians and their audience that makes the rock and metal scene so special. Inspired by the incomparable atmosphere of Wacken Open Air, widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic metal festivals, the song is a tribute to this unique way of life. At the same time, its message represents the entire festival and live concert culture, because wherever people come together to celebrate music, this extraordinary sense of unity and the magic of rock and metal comes to life.

“Party in the Sun” is a summer party that celebrates metal, friendship and unity.”

Stream the new single here: https://seriousblack.rpm.link/partyPR

Since their formation, SERIOUS BLACK have established themselves as one of the leading names in modern power metal. Combining the experience of musicians from renowned metal acts with memorable songwriting, crushing guitars, anthemic choruses and emotionally charged melodies, the band has built a strong international reputation.

With multiple charting releases, more than 200 concerts worldwide, and acclaimed performances at major festivals and tours across Europe, Asia and beyond, SERIOUS BLACK continue to prove why they remain one of the genre’s most compelling live acts. Keeper Of The Light perfectly captures the band’s trademark blend of power, melody and passion while pushing their sound forward with renewed energy.

Marking the band’s next chapter, the album once again showcases everything fans have come to expect from SERIOUS BLACK: massive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, soaring melodies and the unmistakable vocals of Nikola Mijic, all wrapped in a powerful, modern production by Mario Lochert and Bob Katsionis.

All of the eleven songs on the album will see SERIOUS BLACK stylistically return to its roots. Straight, classic power metal – the sound the band once became known for – reigns again. “The return to what once characterized us was already indicated on “Vengeance Is Mine” and “Rise Of Akhenaton”,” Lochert explains the natural evolution of the band and adds: “Since joining five years ago, our singer Nikola Mijic has turned out to be a real jewel for us. Because of his expressive voice and his intuitive feeling for great melodies, the songs have gained more clarity and a more direct presence.”

Pre-order Keeper Of The Light now at this location: https://seriousblack.rpm.link/keeperPR

Artwork by Ingo Spörl

Keeper Of The Light Tracklist:
1. Last Man Standing
2. Final Ride
3. Guardian Of Eden
4. Majestica
5. Light Up the Sky
6. Keeper Of The Light
7. Party In The Sun
8. Little Bird Fly
9. Rise Of A Hero
10. Bad Surprise
11. Lords Of Metal

SERIOUS BLACK Tour Dates:

07.01.27 – DE – ESSEN Turock
08.01.27 – NL – TILBURG O13
09.01.27 – DE – SIEGBURG Kubana
11.01.27 – UK – LONDON Underworld
12.01.27 – UK – MANCHESTER Rebellion
13.01.27 – UK – WOLVERHAMPTON KK’s Steel Mill
14.01.27 – FR – LILLE The Black Lab
15.01.27 – FR – VAUREAL Le Forum
16.01.27 – FR – LIMOGES CCM John Lennon
17.01.27 – FR – BORDEAUX Rocher de Palmer
19.01.27 – ES – MADRID Revi Live
20.01.27 – ES – BARCELONA Salamandra
21.01.27 – FR – MONTPELLIER Victoire 2
22.01.27 – FR – TOULOUSE Metronum
23.01.27 – FR – RIOM La Puce a L’Oreille
24.01.27 – FR – COLMAR Le Grillen
26.01.27 – DE – ERLENBACH Beavers
27.01.27 – CH – PRATTELN Z7
28.01.27 – FR – GRENOBLE L’Ilyade
29.01.27 – IT  – MILANO Alcatraz
30.01.27 – DE – LINDAU Vaudeville
31.01.27 – DE – MUNICH Backstage
02.02.27 – HU – BUDAPEST Analog Music Club
03.02.27 – SK – NITRA JS Retro Bar
04.02.27 – CZ – PRAHA Futurum
05.02.27 – PL – KRAKOW Studio
06.02.27 – PL – WARSAW Stodola
07.02.27 – DE – LEIPZIG Hellraiser 
08.02.27 – DE  BERLIN Orwo Haus * 
09.02.27 – DE  HAMBURG Logo* 
10.02.27 – BE  KORTRIJK  DVG Club*
11.02.27 – DE  STUTTGART Wizemann * 
12.02.27 – DE  SELB Rockclub Nordbayern *

*Headliner Shows without Rhapsody of Fire

SERIOUS BLACK is:
Nikola Mijic – Vocals
Mario Lochert – Bass
Dominik Sebastian – Guitar
Maurus Mayer – Guitar, Keys
Christian Widmann – Drums

More on SERIOUS BLACK:
https://serious-black.com
https://www.facebook.com/seriousblackofficial
https://www.instagram.com/seriousblack.official
https://www.youtube.com/@seriousblackofficial4392

ACTIVE INTERSECTION: Space Disco Meets Progressive Rock in Upcoming “Travelling Without Moving” Album

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo: Active Intersection

ACTIVE INTERSECTION is a creative collaboration between Finnish vocalist and songwriter Kate Nord, American composer and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Campbell, and poet Merika Campbell on lyrics, making space disco music with a progressive rock twist out of Cleveland, Ohio.

The unique sound of ACTIVE INTERSECTION:
Space music, synthesizers, Progressive Rock, and Disco bass lines come together with multilayered vocals. [ … find out more HERE » ]

“Traveling Without Moving”
▶ Full-length ◀
🗓️ November 6, 2026

Hyper Focus Editions
Digital+CD

⫸ Album pre-order

TRACKS
01. The Invitation 02:40
02. The Only Way is Through 05:37
03. The Red Sun 06:02
04. Crossroads 04:00
05. Who Would Have Thunk It? 04:51
06. Panic Attack 04:55
07. Delulu 02:53
08. EDM (Every Daydream Matters) 03:49
09. Autumn Clouds 06:38
10. Find The Time 04:46

total 46:11 

Album cover art photography by Jeff Campbell

Line-up:
Kate Nord • Vocals
Jeff Campbell • All guitars, Synths, Keyboards

More info: https://www.activeintersection.com/

ION VEIN Return with Newly Recorded Video Single ‘Static Vision’ + Announce “Beyond Tomorrow – 25th Anniversary Edition”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

More than two decades after their last studio session together, the original lineup of the Chicago-based progressive power metal band ION VEIN is making a comeback. With the video single “Static Vision” (digital release: September 16th, 2026), the band offers a first glimpse of “Beyond Tomorrow – 25th Anniversary Edition,” which will be released on November 20th, 2026, via Majesphere Records.

Even when the debut album was released in 1999, “Static Vision” was among the band’s most straightforward and energetic songs. With its powerful heavy-metal foundation, dynamic melodies, and progressive elements, the track quickly became a staple of their live shows at the time.
Originally, the album “Beyond Tomorrow” was to be remixed using the analog 2-inch master tapes. However, during the digitization process, it turned out that the tapes for “Static Vision,” “Here Today Gone Tomorrow,” and the title track could no longer be located. This setback sparked the reunion of ION VEIN with its original lineup.

After just one rehearsal together, Russ Klimczak, Chris Lotesto, John Malufka, Brian Gordon, and Scott Lang re-recorded the three songs in June 2025 at Rax Trax Studios in Chicago. As with the original sessions, the basic instrumental tracks were recorded together and live. As a result, “Static Vision” preserves the energy of the original and combines it with new power and clarity.
The single was mixed by Jim Morris at Morrisound Studios; his work with bands like SAVATAGE and CRIMSON GLORY was already among ION VEIN’s early musical influences. The song is accompanied by an animated music video created in collaboration with Freakshot.

“Static Vision” by ION VEIN will also release digitally on September 16th
and is available for PRE-SAVE NOW

“Beyond Tomorrow” was originally released in 1999 on Majesphere Records and, with its blend of melodic power metal, classic heavy metal, and progressive arrangements, helped define ION VEIN’s signature sound.
For the “Beyond Tomorrow – 25th Anniversary Edition,” the surviving original recordings were remixed by Jim Morris and remastered by BJ Ramone at Morrisound Studios.

Particularly exciting for collectors: the album is now being released on vinyl for the first time. The black double LP, limited to 250 copies, will be released in a gatefold sleeve with printed inner sleeves and new artwork. A gatefold CD edition will also be available. The special edition also includes previously unreleased live material from 1999, which captures the band’s energy from that time without any overdubs.

An accompanying online documentary that will provide insight into the reunion, the re-recordings in Chicago, and the work at Morrisound Studios is also being developed..

About ION VEIN

ION VEIN was founded in 1995 in Chicago, Illinois, by guitarist and songwriter Chris Lotesto, who had previously been a member of LATENT FURY from 1989 to 1994. It wasn’t until late 1997 that the core lineup—featuring vocalist Russ Klimczak, guitarist John Malufka, bassist Brian Gordon, and drummer Scott Lang—came together, a lineup that would have a decisive influence on the band’s early sound.
This lineup made its first joint appearance in November 1997 in Chicago. With their blend of classic heavy metal, melodic power metal, and progressive arrangements, the band quickly made a name for itself on the local scene.
An important early milestone was their performance at the Powermad Festival in Baltimore in August 1998. Although ION VEIN were still largely unknown there, they managed to attract attention in the American prog and power metal scene. Shortly thereafter, the band began recording their debut album.
“Beyond Tomorrow” was recorded in the summer of 1998 and released in February 1999 on the band’s own label, Majesphere Records. Chris Lotesto served as the primary songwriter, while the final arrangements were developed collaboratively in the rehearsal room. In this way, spontaneous ideas and individual musical motifs evolved into increasingly complex and multi-layered compositions.
In the years that followed, ION VEIN shared the stage with bands such as ARMORED SAINT, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, ICED EARTH, NEVERMORE, ANGRA, OVERKILL, METAL CHURCH, SYMPHONY X, and FATES WARNING. In addition, the band was featured on various tribute albums honoring IRON MAIDEN, DIO, OZZY OSBOURNE, KING DIAMOND, and QUEENSRŸCHE.
Their debut was followed by “Reigning Memories” in 2003 and their self-titled third studio album, “Ion Vein,” in 2014. After the album’s release and promotional tour, the band went on hiatus for about ten years. Work on the anniversary edition of “Beyond Tomorrow” has now brought together, for the first time in more than two decades, the five musicians with whom the band’s history and that of their debut album began.

ION VEIN Online: Instagram – Youtube – Facebook – Deezer – Website – Bandcamp – SoundCloud

AETHER REALM Unleash Animated Music Video for Thunderous New Single ‘The Blood Is Calling’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
[Photo Credit: Bryce Chapman and Tyler Gresham]

North Carolina’s bastions of melodic death metal AETHER REALM strike with the first single from their forthcoming blasphemous onslaught, Season of Bloodshed, out December 11 via Napalm Records. Entitled “The Blood Is Calling”, the explosive song arrives today alongside a striking animated music video, offering a first glimpse into the band’s next chapter.

From its first heartbeats, the album bares its teeth. The vampiric opening track “The Blood Is Calling” is layered with thunderous kick drums and cataclysmic string arrangements setting the stage for something truly ghastly. Propelled by blast beats from drummer Tyler Gresham, ornate guitar harmonies, and Martin Gonzalez’ enveloping orchestrations, this first single is a herald of a new era as the band transforms into something darker.

Soaked in blood and craving more, AETHER REALM have undergone a violent transformation, emerging with their ferocious new album Season of Bloodshed. Since the band’s 2020 album Redneck Vikings From Hell, AETHER REALM have held on by the skin of their teeth through a global pandemic, the historic Hurricane Helene, and a mid-record lineup change, with former guitarist Donny Burbage departing and new guitarist Chris Jones entering the fray. Season of Bloodshed clutches you in its blood-soaked claws and guides you on an intense exploration of an existential transformation fueled by rage.

About the album the band states:

“This is an album born from an anger that was allowed to fester for too long. At the confluence of the great injustices of our time and the insignificant wrongs that get under our skin every day, we can find ourselves transformed into our worst selves. It is in the expression of this feeling—through these cruel riffs, shredding solos, and crushing breakdowns—that we may find peace.”

Album tracks such as “Control” open with a triumphant harmonized guitar duel before taking off at one hundred miles per hour with virtuoso guitar duo Heinrich Arnold and Chris Jones weaving riff tapestries, embracing listeners in a dystopian dream of the future. Always looking to experiment with the form, “Broken Fist” enlists guest vocalist Taj Jewett to lend their rage to a track that fuses nu metal and prog into a showcase of infectiously bouncy grooves and unstoppable riffage.

The aptly titled “Get Fukt” is as vitriolic as the title suggests. Bassist and frontman Jake Jones delivers a venomous verbal onslaught alongside driving harmonized riffs clearly developed at the school of Bodom. “The Weight” offers the album’s first brief respite with serene synths paving the way for another hellish breakdown, tectonic drums crack the ground as flaming guitars emerge from the rubble and lash at the sky. Featuring the impeccable orchestration composer Wayne Ingram (known for his work in Wilderun and on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok), the track expands into mesmerizing grandeur.  Opening with a serene folksy respite provided by departing guitarist Donny Burbage and violinist Sarah Stepanik, “Path of The Wind” emerges as an explosive blackened folk song with singalongs and blasts beats that tells the tale of how the band emerged physically unscathed from Hurricane Helene. Further honoring their southern roots, “Achilles’ Heel” opens with intimate banjo strums dancing around vocalist Jake Jones’ heartfelt croon, sung from the perspective of Patroclus, the companion of the titular mythological Greek hero Achilles. This bitter song honors the epic with guitar and string orchestrations of equally grand composition, coupled with a chorus that you can’t resist stomping your foot to.

Album closer “Terminus Ominum,” a Latin phrase translating roughly to “The End of All Things”, opens with cinematic, Game Of Thrones level pounding drums—courtesy of orchestrator and mix engineer Rob Carson—beating a cataclysmic opening for the record’s most expensive track. Enlisting the Western North Carolina Pagan Choir there is a level of finality in the arrangement akin to a Elden Ring boss battle.

Despite the obstacles put in their path, AETHER REALM emerges revitalized, determined, and simmering with anger while maintaining their trademark complex melodies and ferocious guitar attack.

Pre-Order Your Copy of Season Of Bloodshed HERE

Season of Bloodshed Tracklist:

  1. The Blood Is Calling
  2. Control
  3. Broken Fist (Feat. Taj Jewett)
  4. Get Fukt
  5. The Weight
  6. Path of the Wind
  7. Achilles’ Heel
  8. Terminus Omnium

AETHER REALM Are:
Jake Jones – Bass, Vocals
Heinrich Arnold – Guitar
Tyler Gresham – Drums
Chris Jones – Guitar

AETHER REALM Online: INSTAGRAM – FACEBOOK – X – TIK TOK – NAPALM RECORDS

HELLRIPPER Digitally Releases Two New ZEKE Covers ‘Let’s Get Drugs’ & ‘Mainline’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
Photo by MM Photography

Scotland’s ibex-obsessed blackened thrash bastard of Hades, otherwise known as HELLRIPPER, is now unleashing two digital singles ahead of his upcoming worldwide live assault, which kicks off this Thursday in Europe before laying waste to North America for the first time ever in support of HAVOK! To celebrate, the Goat Kvlt mastermind is now offering two cover versions of legendary Seattle speed metal punks, Zeke.

Listen now to the black thrash versions of the tracks “Let’s Get Drugs” and “Mainline” at THIS LOCATION.

HELLRIPPER guitarist/vocalist/songwriter James McBain comments, “ZEKE has been a favourite band of mine for many years now, and I sure have gotten a lot of mileage out of that shirt of mine as a lot of people have pointed out! The influence they have had on the sound of Hellripper cannot be overstated – 100mph balls to the wall metalpunk with endless guitar solos? Count me in! These two tracks were released as part of the Decibel Magazine Flexi series earlier this year, and I’m happy to now have them out there for everyone to listen to. ZEKE YOU!”

The extensive U.S. trek will kick off on October 21 in Salt Lake City, UT and will decimate everything in its path until the final stop on November 20 in Denver, CO. The full itinerary can be found below and tickets to all upcoming live performances are available HERE.

HELLRIPPER will be supporting its critically-acclaimed new album, ‘Coronach,’ which was released worldwide on March 27, 2026 via Century Media Records, making it his debut to the label! ‘Coronach’ can be streamed, downloaded, or ordered HERE.

Enter the GOAT KVLT HERE.

HELLRIPPER LIVE NORTH AMERICAN DATES (w/ HAVOK):

10/21: Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
10/22: Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club Ballroom
10/23: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
10/24: Portland, OR @ Dante’s
10/26: Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
10/27: Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone Berkeley
10/28: Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater
10/29:Fresno, CA@ Strummer’s
10/30: Las Vegas, NV @ Backstage Bar Billiards
10/31: Mesa. AZ @ Nile Theater
11/02: Dallas, TX @ AM/FM
11/03: Austin, TX @ Come and Take it Live
11/04: Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Midtown
11/06: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell)
11/07: Nashville, TN @ Basement East
11/08: Asheville, NC @ Eulogy
11/09: Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
11/11: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
11/12: Harrisburg, PA @ Capital City Music Hall
11/13: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
11/14: New York, NY @ Racket
11/15: Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge
11/17: Detroit, MI @ Catacombs at the Sanctuary
11/18: Chicago, IL @ Reggies
11/19: Kansas City, MO @ Recordbar
11/20: Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre
11/25: Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar
11/26: Quebec, QC @ La Source De La Martinière
11/27: Ottawa, ON @ Dominion Tavern
11/28: Toronto, ON @ Supermarket Bar & Variety

Hellripper EU Live Dates (w/ NECROFIER):

TH 17.09.2026 Hannover (Germany) – Cafe Glocksee * / Sold out!
FR 18.09.2026 Esbjerg (Denmark) – Tobakken *
SA 19.09.2026 Aarhus (Denmark) – VoxHall *
SU 20.09.2026 Gothenburg (Sweden) – Monument *
MO 21.09.2026 Oslo (Norway) – Vaterland * / Sold out!
TU 22.09.2026 Norrköping (Sweden) – Dynamo *
WE 23.09.2026 Stockholm (Sweden) – Kollektivet Livet *
TH 24.09.2026 Malmö (Sweden) – Plan B *
FR 25.09.2026 Lübeck (Germany) – Treibsand *
SA 26.09.2026 Hinte (Germany) – Coast Rock Festival *
SU 27.09.2026 Namur (Belgium) – Le Belvedere *

HELLRIPPER Latin American Dates:

SA 09.01.2027 Mangualde (Portugal) – Mangualde Hardmetalfest
TH 14.01.2027 Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) – Experience Music
FR 15.01 2027 Curitiba (Brazil) – Basement Cultural
SA 16.01.2027 Sao Paulo (Brazil) – Burning House
SU 17.01.2027 Belo Horizonte (Brazil) – Caverna
TU 19.01.2027 Buenos Aires (Argentina) – Uniclub
WE 20.01.2027 Santiago (Chile) – Sala RBX
TH 21.01.2027 Lima (Peru) – Vichama Conciertos
SA 23.01.2027 Bogota (Colombia) – Ace of Spades
SU 24.01.2027 Quito (Ecuador) – Necronik
TU 26.01.2027 San Jose (Costa Rica) – Amon Solar
TH 28.01.2027 Monterrey (Mexico) – Cafe Iguana
FR 29.01.2027 Hermosillo (Mexico) – London Pub
SA 30.01.2027 Tijuana (Mexico) – Dragón Rojo
SU 31.01.2027 Mexico City (Mexico) – Circo Volador

HELLRIPPER 2027 DATES (+ more TBA):

SA 13.03.2027 Eindhoven (The Netherlands) – Dynamo / Welcome To Hell Festival
TH-SU 25-28.03.2027 Oslo (Norway) – Inferno Festival
FR-SA 28-29.05.2027 Buchenbach (Germany) – Boarstream Open Air Festival
TH-SA 03-05.06.2027 Stykkisholmur (Iceland) – Satan Festival
FR-SU 11-13.06.2027 Leeuwarden (The Netherlands) – Into the Grave Festival

*w/ Necrofier
+w/ Havok

Artwork by Adam Burke

Coronach’ Tracklisting:

  1. Hunderprest (05:49) [WATCH]
  2. Kinchyle (Goatkraft and Granite) (04:33) [WATCH]
  3. The Art of Resurrection (05:44)
  4. Baobhan Sith (Waltz of the Damned) (06:24)
  5. Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm (03:53) [WATCH]
  6. Sculptor’s Cave (04:35)
  7. Mortercheyn (04:18) [WATCH]
  8. Coronach (08:48) [WATCH]
    Full Running Time: 00:44:09

The brainchild of guitarist/vocalist/solitary force, James McBain, Hellripper has been running like a denim-vested, backpatch-encrusted William Wallace, bravehearting his way through metal’s bloodiest battlefields since first coagulating his personal darkness in 2014. Taking armaments from “Kill ‘Em All” era Hetfield and “Welcome to Hell” era Mantas, McBain has immersed his fascination with darkness and speed with Scottish history and come with bloody masterpieces like 2023’s “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” that Metal Injection stated: “Bursts with growth and a mature exploration of darkness and eeriness while maintaining that original high-octane burning”. McBain is presently sharpening his blades and casting new spells that will transmogrify into Hellripper’s Century Media debut “Coronach”.

Hellripper Lineup:
James McBain – All Instruments & Vocals

Hellripper live and video performance line-up:
James McBain – Guitar & Vocals
Joseph Quinlan – Guitar
Andy Milburn – Bass
Max Southall – Drums

Album credits:
Recorded and mixed by Hellripper’s James McBain at Coronach Studios in Scotland, UK
Mastered by Damien Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios in the USA.

Links: Website – Instagram – YouTube – Spotify – TikTok – Discord – Twitch – Facebook