Swedish metalcore powerhouse Aviana are back with a vengeance, delivering an electrifying new single ‘Storm Ablaze’. Known for their intense soundscapes and relentless energy, Aviana continue to push boundaries, further solidifying their place among the heavyweights of modern metalcore.
Following the massive success of their 2022 album Corporation, which has amassed over 32 million streams on Spotify, Aviana prove once again why they are one of the most formidable acts in the scene.
Niklas Kvarforth’s pioneering black metal institution Shining has announced two brand-new albums, Live in Transylvania and Beating Belgium Black and Blue. These official bootleg recordings will be unleashed on March 17. They have already been made available for pre-order from Shining Legions.
Live in Transylvania captures a ritual held in 2009 and boasts a perfectly curated tracklist: “Intro I,” “Eradication of the Condition,” “Yttligare Ett Steg Närmare Total Jävla Utfrysning,” “Submit to Self-Destruction,” “Vilseledda Barnasjälars Hemvist,” “Intro II,” “Besvikelsens Dystra Monotoni,” and “Neka Morgondagen.”
Beating Belgium Black and Blue presents listeners with Shining’s phenomenal 2016 performance at Graspop Metal Meeting, where the powerhouse played the following classics: “Vilja & Dröm,” “Framtidsutsikter,” “Människa O’Avskyvärda Människa,” “Submit to Self-Destruction,” “Låt Oss Ta Allt Från Varandra,” and “For the God Below.”
Music enthusiasts should also be aware that Shining, in conjunction with Kvarforth’s label The Sinister Initiative, recently released another pair of masterpieces: The Helsinki Tapes, consisting of the previously unheard Redefining Darkness demos, and Feberdrömmar (Del Ett), the expanded reissue of the celebrated 8 1/2. Feberdrömmar (Del Två), which showcases five new tracks by five surprising guest vocalists, will drop later this year, also on TSI.
Kvarforth has not only been serving up audial atrocities, but both the perfected 2024 and 2025 versions of his literary weapon, When Prozac No Longer Helps, have been printed and are currently in stock at Shining Legions. All copies of these limited offerings are signed and numbered in Kvarforth’s blood.
Releasing his debut full-length album “Hollow Bloom” this past December, Kuwaiti singer-songwriter and metal enthusiast, ABZY (frontman of WAZIN and former vocalist & guitarist of Srai) is sharing the latest music video for the track “Mistakes”. The song is about about regret, reflection, and the desire for second chances.
“This song reflects on the mistakes we’ve all made in the past, exploring the idea of what it would be like if we had the chance to go back and change them,” adds ABZY.
Embracing the energy of METAL, Middle Eastern roots, along with a global music palette and his personal experiences, ABZY has fashioned it all in “Hollow Bloom”. A raw, introspective exploration of the human experience, blending metal, rock, and soft tones into a compelling sonic journey. ABZY’s powerful songwriting captures the emotional turmoil of past trauma, the weight of toxic relationships, and the universal search for peace, all wrapped in a perfect balance of aggressive and soothing melodies.
“Hollow Bloom is for anyone who’s felt the pull between light and shadow, the challenge and beauty of change. This project has been deeply personal to me and sharing it with the world has been a longtime dream. Through making music, I discovered the perfect outlet—it feels like the most natural path for me, my true calling, and my sole purpose in life. I believe fans will truly enjoy the album because it offers a diverse blend of vibes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to connect with. I want listeners to connect with the music and enjoy the journey it takes them on. I also hope to show them that, in today’s world, anyone can create meaningful art—even from the comfort of their own bedroom. Grateful for your support, join me on this musical journey, Much love!” adds ABZY.
People can expect an amazing time and incredible energy from upcoming live shows as ABZY plans 2025 to be full of live performances to leave everyone with a smile on their faces and a spark of inspiration in their hearts.
Recommended for fans of Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars, Bad Omens, I Prevail, Silent Planet, Sleep Token, and Spiritbox, ABZY‘s debut album “Hollow Bloom” is available on digital platforms: Spotify | Apple Music | Anghami
Track Listing: 1. Mirror ft. Taifi (3:40) 2. Snake ft. Deadleaf (3:00) 3. Gone (4:24) 4. Hurricane (4:10) 5. Karma (3:40) 6. Mistakes (3:34) 7. Twisted Mind ft. Dusk (3:18) 8. Haven (3:50) 9. Influencer ft. Lio (4:15) 10. Broken World ft. Follow the Hunter (6:00) Album Length: 38:19 Album Credits: Album produced/written/mixed/mastered by ABZY Album artwork by ABZY
Prepare to be engulfed in the chaotic brilliance of THE DEVILS as they unleash their new studio album, “Devil’s Got It”, on March 14th via Go Down Records & Cleopatra Records. Hailing from the fiery heart of Naples, Italy, this dynamic duo, comprised of Gianni Blacula and Erika Switchblade, embodies the raw essence of Rock’n’Roll, a potent brew of sex, sin, and sonic savagery. Marking their 10th anniversary with a defiant spirit, THE DEVILS unleash an album that reflects a decade of relentless energy and electrifying live performances.
“Although we’ve never really played blues or soul music, we’ve spent years exploring and pursuing these genres. We’ve delved into their roots and absorbed countless musical influences. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, it feels fitting to create this record as a tribute to the music that has become our steadfast inspiration and something we can truly rely on.“
That’s how the power duo introduces us to their new record, the sixth in a decade-long career primarily spent performing on stage. It’s a cover album recorded at the Auditorium Novecento, Naples, in October 2024, and mixed and mastered by Alain Johannes.
The first taste of “Devil’s Got It” comes in the form of the scorching single, “Lonely For You Baby”. Accompanying the track is a brand new music video directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rob Schmidt.
Schmidt reveals the video’s inspiration: “David Lynch’s BLUE VELVET, specifically the ‘IN DREAMS/ROY ORBINSON’ sequence, was the specific aesthetic inspiration for our video. We even looked at stills from it on set. Now, a few days after the master’s death, I am realizing how much he has inspired our work with his dark retro style. Rest in peace good master, your voice echoes through time.”
Tracklist:
God’s Got It
Come Love
Lonely For You Baby
Help Me Through The Day
That’s The Way To Get Along
You Got to Take Sick and Die Some of These Days
Easy Baby
Shade Tree Mechanic
Everybody Loves A Winner
“Devil’s Got It” will be coming out on March 14 and is available for pre-order here: LP | CD | DIGITAL
Furthermore, in support of the new album, THE DEVILS have announced a string of European tour dates. Tickets are on sale now and the dates are as follows:
26/03 CH Basel, Kaschemme 27/03 GER Freiburg, Swamp Club 28/03 GER Weinheim, Café Central 29/03 GER Karlsruhe, Alte Hackerei 30/03 GER Frankfurt, Dreikönigskeller 31/03 GER Augsburg, Bombig 01/04 GER Jena, Cafe Wagner 03/04 GER Berlin, Wild At Heart 04/04 GER Kassel, Goldgrube 05/04 GER Wolfsburg, Sauna Club 06/04 GER Osnabrück, Bastard Club 08/04 GER Köln, Sonic Ballroom 09/04 GER Dortmund, Subrosa 10/04 GER Hannover, Subkultur 11/04 GER Wilhelmshaven, Kling Klang 24/04 CH Geneve, Ecurie 25/04 CH Zofingen, Oxil 27/04 IT Milano, Barrio’s
Barcelona-based power metal act KILMARA is celebrating their much-acclaimed, new studio offering ‘Journey to the Sun’, that is out now on ROAR (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy, Crematory and others)! To purchase your album copy, available as CD jewel case, limited to 300 copies “Mediterranean Aura” marbled vinyl and digital streaming/download, visit: https://kilmara.rpm.link/jttsalbumpr
On their new magnum opus, KILMARA sound more current, more powerful and heavier than ever, thanks to an excellent and careful production. With the aim set on finding the best and most fresh sound possible, the band put the recording of their ‘Journey to the Sun’ in the hands of KILMARA‘s Carles Salse (guitars & synths) in his Sureau Studio, and also teamed up with world-renowned and award-winning producer Seeb Levermann (Orden Ogan, Angus MCSIX, Rhapsody Of Fire, Riot V). Conceptually, ‘Journey to the Sun’ is set in the Arcade halls of the late 80’s, where first loves, unbreakable friendships, rivalries, defeats and victory celebrations took place.
After the additions of Eric Killer, a real steamroller on the drums, and guitarist, producer and composer Carles Salse, the band is renewed in every way and presents their new work ‘Journey to the Sun’, an adventure of epic proportions that transcends the limits explored up to this point by the band from Barcelona. KILMARA furthermore pick up the baton as heirs of the heroes of Power Metal and bring back the singer of the legendary and sorely missed swedish band Lost Horizon, Daniel Heiman, one of the best voices that the genre has given and who will undoubtedly overwhelm you with his performance as a special guest on the song “Take me Back”.
[Artwork by Didac Plà]
“Journey to the Sun” Tracklist:
Point of No Return
Journey To The Sun
Alliance Of The Free
Chances
Liberticide
Wildfire
An Even Whole
Power of the Mind
Take Me Back
Journey To The Sun (8 Bit version)
Kilmara is: Daniel Ponce – Vocals John Portillo – Guitars Carles Salse – Guitars & Synths Dídac Plà – Bass Eric Killer – Drums
After an extended absence from the band’s tours over the last two years, Ne Obliviscaris vocalist Xen has made the decision to officially depart NeO, with the band officially announcing James Dorton (Black Crown Initiate, The Faceless) as their new vocalist. James has been touring as NeO’s live vocalist since May, 2023.
The official statements from both Xen & the band is below. A video statement from Xen is also available on NeO’s Patreon.
XEN STATEMENT:
“This may come as a surprise to some and yet expected for others, but after much deliberation I’ve decided to leave NeO, the band I started and have helped build for the last two decades. I’d always said that I’d be the last man standing in the band, and it was always my intention to return completely to the fold, but time and experience has changed me… and so here I am bowing out. The very simple reason is that considering where I am mentally and in life, extensive touring is no longer for me, and in turn meaning the band and I part ways.
NeO has been one of my biggest priorities in life since 2003, I don’t regret that. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved – but the dedication of time, preparation and commitment to heavy touring, as every musician knows, comes with a lot of sacrifice. Since 2019 (pre-pandemic), I’ve only played a handful of live shows and over the last few years I’ve gradually become more estranged from the touring process. So that coupled with some difficult years on a personal level, gave me time away from the hectic schedule to breathe and ultimately find clarity around what I value, what I want and how to proceed forward. My drive has always been first and foremost for the creative process of art, music, writing, and everything behind the scenes rather than being in the limelight every night, and so I plan to focus more on those things. Leaving NeO by no means implies that I’m giving up music, I have 3 other developing bands (Spiine, Omega Infinity, Antiqva) to focus on so I’ll still be around releasing albums. Creativity keeps me breathing, the stage lights do not.
Moving forward, NeO will continue, as they have been in my absence, with the assistance and dedication of the talented James Dorton on vocals. He’s held the fort for me for numerous tours over the last couple of years and has done an incredible job, so I hand the hilt over to him – please make him feel welcome.
I’d like to thank the fine lads in NeO, they’ve been gracious and understanding, and have given me the space to make one of the biggest decisions of my life. I don’t really have enough words to express my gratitude to them for the years of collaboration, experiences, memories, and achievements (and for putting up with my incessant nagging for more blast beats) – Thank you for everything – we’ve done more than we thought possible, and have done what most Australian metal bands strive for – I don’t see the train stopping anytime soon so I’m looking forward to watching the band continue to grow.
Thank you immensely to the NeO patrons, I’m forever humbled for the support you’ve shown the band over the years, without you we definitely wouldn’t have come as far as we have. And finally thank you to all the fans around the world, I appreciate you all putting up with my black and white life filter.
This change is the only way forward for me, thank you all for understanding.”
NE OBLIVISCARIS STATEMENT:
“First of all to Xen- thank you for everything you have done for NeO over the last 21+ years, going way back to the band’s inception in 2003. This band would literally not have existed without you and even though you are not continuing as an official member of the band, you will always be our brother. We love you buddy, and wish you all the best in this new chapter of your journey.
To all the fans- We never really imagined a version of NeO without Xen to be honest. But one thing we have learned over the years is that the ability to adapt and grow when things change is a must. With that in mind we are very excited to announce that James Dorton will officially be joining NeO as our new harsh vocalist. Having toured extensively with us over the last two years, many fans will already be familiar with James’ incredible talents and how great a fit he is for our band. 2025 is going to be another very exciting one for us with a lot more touring on the horizon (USA, Mexico & EU festivals already announced; & more to come), plus new music in the works as well. Thank you as always to everyone for all your ongoing support, thank you once more to Xen for everything and a big warm welcome to James.” – NeO
Ne Obliviscaris – Feat former vocals Xen in centre
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 