Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The Magic Of Metal

  • Home
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • CHIEF SHOCK VIDEO
  • Metal Shock Times
  • PARTNERS
  • WhoWeAre
    • Advertising
    • Contact Us
    • MSF STAFF
    • We Recommend…

Guitarist and Songwriter ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ Releases Heartfelt New Single ‘The World I’ll Hold For You’ – An Intimate Ballad Dedicated to His Unborn Son

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Andrzej Citowicz, Patryk Szymanski. Leave a comment

Former DownBoys Records recording artist ANDRZEJ CITOWICZ has released his most personal and emotionally charged single to date, “The World I’ll Hold For You,” a stunning power ballad dedicated to his unborn son. The track serves as the lead single from his highly anticipated upcoming album “Living Room Rockstar Part 2” and acts as a special invitation to an exclusive EP that will be released soon.

The song emerged from a profound life moment when Citowicz and his wife discovered they were expecting their first child at what he describes as their “special age.”

“When we found out we were expecting, I couldn’t help but write music about this incredible journey,” Citowicz reflects. “How could I not write for him? Every word in the lyrics, every single note means more than the world to me. I’m overwhelmed with joy knowing that this song will probably become the soundtrack to my future son’s life story.”

The deeply personal ballad showcases Citowicz’s evolution as both a guitarist and songwriter, drawing inspiration from his songwriting heroes including Desmond Child and Jon Bon Jovi. “Musically, this represents a beautiful meeting between my own style and the influences that shaped me as a songwriter,” he explains. “It’s honest, it’s vulnerable, and it comes from the deepest place in my heart.”

Adding special significance to the release is the contribution of longtime collaborator and dear friend Patryk Szymanski, who has supported Citowicz’s musical journey for more than a decade. For “The World I’ll Hold For You,” Szymanski not only provided his signature bass work but also took on mixing and production duties for this special power ballad.

“I cannot be more grateful to Patryk,” Citowicz says with genuine warmth. “He’s been by my side through this incredible journey for over ten years, and having him not just play bass but also mix and produce this particular song makes it even more meaningful. His friendship and musical partnership have been invaluable gifts in my life.”

For Citowicz, having Szymanski’s involvement extends far beyond the technical aspects. “Patryk understands my musical vision like no one else,” Citowicz explains. “When I told him about this song, about what it means to me as a future father, he immediately knew how to help me capture that emotion. That’s the beauty of a friendship that spans over a decade – he doesn’t just play or produce, he helps me tell my story.”

The acclaimed guitarist, known for his distinctive style and emotional depth, admits to feeling both humbled and excited about this new chapter. “You know, I never imagined I’d be writing lullabies disguised as rock ballads,” he laughs. “But here I am, a soon-to-be dad, pouring my heart into music that I hope will mean something to my son someday. Life has a funny way of surprising you with the most beautiful gifts.”

“The World I’ll Hold For You” is currently available as

  • lyric video on YouTube
  • streaming on all major platforms including Spotify
  • YouTube Music

The single serves as both a preview and special invitation to fans for the upcoming exclusive EP, which will be released soon, followed by the highly anticipated full album “Living Room Rockstar Part 2.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for this moment in my life,” Citowicz concludes. “To be able to create music that comes from such a pure place, to have friends like Patryk who support the journey, and to be preparing to welcome my son into the world – I feel blessed beyond measure. This song is my promise to him, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”

Looking ahead to “Living Room Rockstar Part 2,” Citowicz hints at the deeply personal nature of the upcoming collection. “This album represents a new chapter – becoming a father, reflecting on life, and finding beauty in the intimate moments. The special EP coming soon will give listeners a taste of what’s to come, but ‘The World I’ll Hold For You’ really sets the emotional tone for everything that follows. It’s going to be a journey of the heart, and I’m excited to share it with everyone who has supported my music over the years.”

About Andrzej Citowicz:
Andrzej Citowicz is an acclaimed Polish guitarist and songwriter currently based in Cairo, Egypt. As a former recording artist for DownBoys Records, Citowicz has built a reputation for his distinctive guitar style and emotionally resonant songwriting. His upcoming album “Living Room Rockstar Part 2” marks a new chapter in his artistic journey, showcasing his evolution as both a musician and storyteller.

Connect with Andrzej Citowicz:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7aIeg5DyI7xwkYLsBgJNWf
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndrzejCitowicz
Instagram: https://instagram.com/citovitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citovitz/

℗© 2025 Citovitz and The Fireflies of February / Andrzej Citowicz

RIVERS OF NIHIL’s Self-Titled Fifth Full-Length Tops Billboard Charts Upon Its First Week of Release

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Rivers Of Nihil. Leave a comment
Photo by Mike Truehart

RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s eponymous fifth full-length, released on May 30th via Metal Blade Records, reaped 2.8 million Spotify streams globally and toppled Billboard charts upon its first week of release earning the #2 position on the Current Hard Music Albums chart, #7 on the Current Rock Albums chart, #7 on the Independent Label Albums chart, and more! See additional chart positions below.

USA – Billboard:
#2 Current Hard Music Albums
#7 Current Rock Albums
#7 Independent Label Albums
#9 Current Digital Albums
#23 Current Album Sales

Canada – Billboard:
#1 Hard Music Albums
#7 Current Digital Albums
#8 Top Current Albums
#23 LP Vinyl Sales

European Chart Entries from release day/week:
#60 Official Top 100 Albums DE weekly
#21 Official Top 100 Albums Downloaded DE weekly
#22 Official Top 100 Albums Midweek DE weekly
#9 iTunes Top 10 Albums AT daily
#33 iTunes Top 100 Albums DE daily
#87 Official Top 100 Albums CH weekly
#12 Official Top 20 Rock/Metal Albums DE weekly
#44 Official Top 75 Albums AT weekly

Australian iTunes Entries from release day:
#1 Metal Chart
#7 Rock Chart
#28 ALL Chart

“It’s not just album marketing speak to say that this genuinely feels like a new era for the band,” wrote Decibel Magazine. Blabbermouth concurred crowning the offering, “one of this year’s most unmissable metal (and prog) records… RIVERS OF NIHIL are beginning to sound unstoppable,” while Metal Injection lauded a record that’s, “sonically sound, emotionally poignant, experimental in the right places.”

The praise didn’t stop here with outlets across the globe chiming in with their take on the band’s self-titled release. “RIVERS OF NIHIL dare to experiment, and it pays off” says Deaf Forever (Germany) who gave the release an 8/10 while Arrow Lords of Metal (Netherlands) gave the album a 9.5/10 stating “This is progressive death metal of the highest level!” FUZE (Germany) said “For several years now, RIVERS OF NIHIL have stood for more than just progressive death metal, and with their self-titled album, they are pushing this development even further. Thus, this work perhaps lays the perfect foundation for what may yet come in the band’s hopefully long career.”

Rivers Of Nihil was created in a very “rock n’ roll” manner. “On 2021’s The Work, I wrote a lot of the record on the piano and then the band filled in the gaps,” explains guitarist Brody Uttley. “On this new record, I wanted to make sure that this stuff would hit hard live with just the four of us before adding in all of the sparkly auxiliary ‘frosting’ on top.”

Rivers Of Nihil also showcases additional musicians, including Patrick Corona on alto saxophone, Stephan Lopez on banjo, McFarland on cello, and a slate of other guest vocalists. Despite the fresh approach on Rivers Of Nihil however, the album still fits neatly into the band’s discography. With Where Owls Know My Name (2018), RIVERS OF NIHIL transcended all labels applied to them, and with its 2021 follow-up, The Work, they forged further into new territory with Metal Injection calling the latter album “the group’s most cohesive, ambitious, meditative, and varied effort, with greater uses of philosophical significance and transcendental respites.”

Rivers Of Nihil is available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Preview and purchase the record at: metalblade.com/riversofnihil

Watch RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s videos for “House Of Light,” “American Death,” and “Water & Time” HERE.

RIVERS OF NIHIL is currently wrapping up a month-long North American headlining tour with support provided by Holy Fawn, Inter Arma, and Glacial Tomb. Tickets and VIP packages are available now at: ron.soundrink.com. See all remaining dates below.

RIVERS OF NIHIL w/ Holy Fawn, Inter Arma, Glacial Tomb [remaining dates]:
6/17/2025 Basement East – Nashville, TN
6/18/2025 Eulogy – Asheville, NC
6/19/2025 The Canal Club – Richmond, VA
6/20/2025 The Meadows – Brooklyn, NY
6/21/2025 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, QC
6/22/2025 Lees Palace – Toronto, ON

Sixteen years and five albums into the Pennsylvania band’s career, RIVERS OF NIHIL is upping the ante with Rivers Of Nihil. Traditionally, a self-titled record can signal a return to basics and/or a fresh beginning, and in ten powerful songs, it’s clear that both those factors are in play. Founding bassist Adam Biggs became the band’s new lead vocalist/bassist in 2023; the same year marked the appearance of additional guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently on Rivers Of Nihil. Producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland at Atrium Audio captured the new dynamics across more than fifty minutes of music.

On June 15th, 2023, the band released the single, “The Sub-Orbital Blues,” the first track with Biggs handling lead vocals following the 2022 departure of singer Jake Dieffenbach. It was also the first track to feature Thomas. A second single, “Hellbirds,” dropped on October 19th of that year. On April 29th, 2024, the band released the cut “Criminals” and an accompanying music video. Both “Criminals” and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” appear on Rivers Of Nihil.

RIVERS OF NIHIL:
Adam Biggs – bass guitar, vocals
Andy Thomas – guitar, vocals
Brody Uttley – guitar, piano, keys, programming
Jared Klein – drums, vocals

https://www.facebook.com/riversofnihil
https://x.com/riversofnihil
https://www.instagram.com/riversofnihil
https://www.youtube.com/Riversofnihilpa

SAXON Unleash Video ‘Heavy Metal Thunder (Live at Hellfest)’, “Eagles Over Hellfest” Out Now

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Saxon. Leave a comment
Photo by Ned Wakeman

To mark the new Eagles Over Hellfest release, out now, SAXON unleashed the video for “Heavy Metal Thunder (Live at Hellfest)”. Eagles Over Hellfest is in celebration of the band’s fast approaching “Castles & Eagles” headline shows in September 2025 at the Zénith in Paris, Nantes and Toulouse and features the audio recording of the band’s sensational show from Hellfest 2024.

ORDER AT at THIS LOCATION

Biff Byford, lead singer and founding member comments: “‘Heavy Metal Thunder’ is a classic that always goes down well live. It’s from our new release, Eagles Over Hellfest, which we recorded at the French festival on our Castles & Eagles show last year. It was great to close the evening after Metallica’s set!”

Watch the previously released “Princess Of The Night (Live at Hellfest)” here – video courtesy of Sombrero & Co in collaboration with Hellfest Productions.

Following a string of successful and sold-out shows in Japan and South America, SAXON show no signs of slowing down with a long list of dates across Europe and the UK planned throughout the rest of 2025. For tickets and more information visit: www.saxon747.com

2025 Upcoming Dates:

JUL 2 – Rockharz Festival, Ballenstadt (Germany)
JUL 12 – Area 53 Festival, Leoben (Austria)
JUL 24 – Lokomotivat, Ekilstuna (Sweden)
JUL 25 – Öland Rock Festival, Borgholm (Sweden)
JUL 26 – Garden, Linköping (Sweden)
JUL 27 – Furuvik, Gävle (Sweden)
JUL 29 – Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen (Germany)
JUL 30 – Pol’And’Rock Festival, Czaplinek (Poland)
AUG 1 – Wacken Open Air, Wacken (Germany)
AUG 9 – Stallörsparken, Ekenäs (Finland)
AUG 16 – Summer Breeze Festival, Dinkelsbühl (Germany)
AUG 23 – Trutnoff Open Air Festival, Trunoff (Czech Republic)
AUG 29 – Neuborn Open Air, Wörrstadt (Germany)
SEPT 5 – Santana 27, Bilbao (Spain)
SEPT 6 – La Riviera, Madrid (Spain)
SEPT 7 – Razzmatazz, Barcelona (Spain)
SEPT 11 – Zénith, Paris (France)*
SEPT 12 – Zénith, Nantes (France)*
SEPT 13 – Zénith, Toulouse (France)*
NOV 4 – Ulster Hall, Belfast (UK)
NOV 5 – 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin (Ireland)
NOV 7 – O2 Apollo, Manchester (UK)
NOV 8 – Octagon Centre, Sheffield (UK)
NOV 9 – Glasgow Academy (UK)
NOV 11 – O2 City Hall, Newcastle (UK)
NOV 13 – Beacon, Bristol (UK)
NOV 14 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (UK)
NOV 15 – Hammersmith Apollo, London (UK)
NOV 16 – Great Hall, Cardiff (UK)
NOV 28 – Metal Hammer Paradise, Lübeck (Germany)
*Castles & Eagles show

Eagles Over Hellfest Track Listing:

  1. Hell, Fire and Damnation (Live at Hellfest)
  2. Motorcycle Man (Live at Hellfest)
  3. Power and the Glory (Live at Hellfest)
  4. Madame Guillotine (Live at Hellfest)
  5. Heavy Metal Thunder (Live at Hellfest)
  6. Dallas 1 PM (Live at Hellfest)
  7. The Eagle Has Landed (Live at Hellfest)
  8. Strong Arm of the Law (Live at Hellfest)
  9. And the Bands Played On (Live at Hellfest)
  10. Denim and Leather (Live at Hellfest)
  11. Wheels of Steel (Live at Hellfest)
  12. 747 (Strangers in the Night) [Live at Hellfest]
  13. Crusader (Live at Hellfest)
  14. Princess of the Night (Live at Hellfest)

SAXON:
BIFF BYFORD – Vocals
NIGEL GLOCKLER – Drums
DOUG SCARRATT – Guitar
BRIAN TATLER – Guitar
NIBBS CARTER – Bass

Follow Saxon on: Facebook – X – Instagram – YouTube – Website

International Power Rock Artist ALEX COLE Sets to Ignite Medimex Festival with Energetic Return to Italy

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 17, 2025
Posted in: News. Tagged: Alex Cole. Leave a comment

The Italian music scene is getting ready to welcome back ALEX COLE, the acclaimed international Power Rock artist. After captivating audiences across the United States, he’s set to take the stage at the prestigious Medimex Festival. Alex Cole will perform tomorrow, on June 18th as part of the Medimex Showcase 2025 at the Spazioporto in Taranto, promising an unforgettable show.

Alex Cole’s sound is an explosive mix of rock’n’roll, blues, and hard rock, infused with a modern touch that makes it incredibly engaging for a wide, intergenerational audience. His music isn’t just a tribute to rock’s roots; it’s also a powerful contemporary expression, capable of creating a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.

Card by: Marika Marangella

Alex Cole shares his excitement: “Being chosen to participate in one of Italy’s most important music events, which has become a national benchmark from Puglia, is an immense joy and great honor for me. A heartfelt thank you to the committee that selected me: Gabriele Antonucci, Stefano Senardi, Davide Fabbri. After years of success and experiences in the vibrant US music scene, especially in Los Angeles, alongside rock legends like Ted Nugent, the desire to bring my energy to the Italian audience is immense.”

On stage, Alex Cole (vocals and guitar) will be joined by his Power Trio formation, featuring two exceptional musicians providing an impeccable rhythm section: Arduino Panaro on bass and Enzo Fabrizio on drums.

This return to the Italian stage will be full of energy, promising a dynamic performance packed with songs that will capture everyone’s attention.

More information at www.alexcolerocks.com

DIVNI SAN Unveil Powerful Lyric Video for ‘When The Bells Ring The Knell’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DIVNI SAN. Leave a comment

Thrash metal force DIVNI SAN continue their ascent with the release of the cinematic lyric video for “When the Bells Ring the Knell”, taken from their album “Dreamlike Tales”, out now via Wormholedeath.

Haunting, atmospheric, and deeply emotional—When the Bells Ring the Knell takes you on a journey through sorrow, reflection, and the search for closure. As the bells toll, unanswered questions linger, and the weight of the past looms large. Will there be redemption, or is it too late? Let the soaring melodies and melancholic atmosphere pull you into a world of regret and revelation.

Stream “Dreamlike Tales”: orcd.co/dreamliketales

Connect with Divni San:
www.instagram.com/divnisan
www.facebook.com/DIVNISAN
www.youtube.com/@divnisan
www.tiktok.com/@divnisan

BLUTGOTT’s New Studio Album “Legions Of Metal” to Be Released on October 10th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 17, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: BLUTGOTT. Leave a comment

THE BLUTGOTT METAL UNIVERSE – Dark Fantasy Metal. There is no political or socio-critical message.

DEBAUCHERY – Death Metal Voice
BLOOD GOD – Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Vocals
BALGEROTH – German Lyrics

It’s not a band, it’s a universe. The BLUTGOTT Metal Universe, consisting of Debauchery, Blood God and Balgeroth.

20 Years of Monsters and Metal. Somewhere in between Judas Priest, Slayer, AC/DC, Rammstein and Bolt Thrower. 20 albums with over 40 CDs.

The lyrics are about the own dark fantasy world, the World of Blood Gods. Blood Gods are brutal demonic vampire dragons.

There are miniatures, a tabletop wargame, books and artworks.

Concerts of the various incarnations of the BLUTGOTT Metal Universe have been held throughout Europe, Russia and Asia. The draconic BLUTGOTT monsters were on tour with Doro, Saxon, Dismember, Napalm Death, Destruction and many other legends from the metal scene and played at major festivals such as Wacken, Summer Breeze and Bang Your Head. The albums are regularly in the top 50 of the official German album charts.

The main man behind BLUTGOTT is singer and guitarist, creator of artworks and monsters, author of the World of Blood Gods: Thomas Gurrath. The guy who gave up his job as teacher to become a full time metal artist.

“Legions Of Metal” is coming on 10 October – Three bloody discs of old-school Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. Recorded by Dennis Ward (Unisonic, Krokus, Helloween).

  • CD1: A full mix of Blutgott madness, plus some absolute legends joining the ride: Tim “Ripper” Owens – former singer of Judas Priest, and Michelle Darkness – the voice of End of Green.
  • CD2: Classic Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, like AC/DC getting into a bar brawl with Accept – and everyone wins.
  • CD3: The version with the Debauchery monster voice. Death metal growls that sound like a demon gargling lava.

Available as a 3CD digipack and the main album as a limited edition picture LP.

TRACK LISTING

CD1(MAIN CD)

  1. DEMONSLAYER (FEATURING TIM “RIPPER” OWENS)
  2. BEASTS OF BALGEROTH (FEATURING TIM “RIPPER” OWENS)
  3. NIGHTKING (FEATURING MICHELLE DARKNESS)
  4. BEASTS OF WAR (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  5. ANIMAL PROTECTOR (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  6. BLOODCRAZED BRUTES (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  7. LEGIONS OF METAL (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  8. QUEEN OF PAIN (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  9. ROCK’N’ROLL MONSTERS (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  10. PAINKILLER (JUDAS PRIEST COVER)

CD2 BLOOD GOD VERSION

  1. BEASTS OF WAR (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  2. ANIMAL PROTECTOR (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  3. BLOODCRAZED BRUTES (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  4. BLOOD ROCK (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  5. QUEEN OF PAIN (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  6. ROCK’N’ROLL MONSTERS (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  7. LEGIONS OF METAL (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  8. HOUNDS OF HELL (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  9. BLOOD BABE ON OVERDRIVE (BLOOD GOD VERSION)
  10. I’M ON FIRE (BLOOD GOD VERSION)

CD3 DEBAUCHERY VERSION

  1. BEASTS OF WAR (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  2. ANIMAL PROTECTOR (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  3. BLOODCRAZED BRUTES (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  4. BLOOD ROCK (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  5. QUEEN OF PAIN (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  6. ROCK’N’ROLL MONSTERS (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  7. LEGIONS OF METAL (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  8. HOUNDS OF HELL (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  9. BLOOD BABE ON OVERDRIVE (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)
  10. I’M ON FIRE (DEBAUCHERY VERSION)

ALBUM RELEASE SHOWS:
02.10.2025 Erfurt – From Hell
03.10.2025 Hildesheim – Thav
04.10.2025 Dresden – Puschkin
11.10.2025 Kirchheim Teck – Linde – Heimspiel
24.10.2025 Weiden – Salute Club
25.10.2025 Landshut – Rockokfest

https://www.blutgott.com/
https://www.facebook.com/blutgott666
https://www.instagram.com/blutgott666
https://www.youtube.com/@blutgott666
https://www.tiktok.com/@blutgott666

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →
  • 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
  • Ads

  • Metal Shock Finland

    Metal Shock Finland
Website Powered by WordPress.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    Join 947 other subscribers

    Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.

  • Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )
    View site in Reader
    Manage subscriptionsSign upLog in
    Report this content
    Collapse this bar