Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

EPICA Announce ‘The Symphonic Synergy’ European Tour

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Epica. Leave a comment

After selling out London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall in less than three days – EPICA is thrilled to announce ‘The Symphonic Synergy’ European Tour.

The band will take a full orchestra and choir to some of Europe’s most spectacular venues. Fans in 10 countries will be able to experience this extraordinary production in celebration of EPICA’s 25th anniversary.

‘The Symphonic Synergy’ originated in 2024, when EPICA performed with a full orchestra and choir in Amsterdam and Mexico City, captivating more than 30,000 fans over four nights.

This spectacular show now returns. Same concept, but re-imagined and adapted to celebrate 25 years of EPICA. With only 11 European dates announced, ‘The Symphonic Synergy’ will be among the most exclusive and unmissable events of EPICA’s existence – offering their fans a rare opportunity to experience the band’s music in its most powerful and cinematic form.

Get a first glimpse of what to expect through this live video, captured during the original 2024 show:

Tickets will go on general sale on 18 September at 10:00 CEST from www.epica.nl/tour

24/09/2027 Antwerpen, BE – Lotto Arena
25/09/2027 Frankfurt, DE – Jahrhunderthalle
26/09/2027 Prague, CZ – Forum Karlin
29/09/2027 Gliwice, PL – PreZero Arena Gliwice
01/10/2027 Berlin, DE – Admiralspalast
03/10/2027 Milano, IT – Teatro Arcimboldi
04/10/2027 Zürich, CH – The Hall
06/10/2027 London, UK – Royal Albert Hall *sold out*
08/10/2027 Paris, FR – Le Zenith
10/10/2027 Madrid, ES – Palacio Vistalegre
11/10/2027 Lisbon, PT – Sagres Campo Pequeno

EPICA – UPCOMING TOUR DATES

About EPICA:

EPICA’s 25-year journey is a masterclass in conceptual depth, technical brilliance, and unyielding sonic evolution.

The world of symphonic metal thrives on grand concepts and uncompromising standards, but few bands have elevated this genre to such momentous creative heights as EPICA. Formed in the Netherlands in 2002, these perennially dynamic masters of sonic opulence swiftly grabbed the world’s attention with their 2003 debut album The Phantom Agony. Right from the start, EPICA struck a sublime balance between sweeping orchestral grandeur and progressive heavy metal grit.

Now for a quarter of a century, the Dutch luminaries have continually refined their signature sound. The core dynamic remains anchored by Simone Simons’ soaring, versatile lead vocals, with contrast from Mark Jansen’s guttural growls. Guitars from Isaac Delahaye deliver a barrage of scything, technical riffs, while keyboard maestro Coen Janssen weaves intricate, cinematic symphonic arrangements around them. Driving the music forward is the powerhouse rhythm section of drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek – known for his relentless precision – and bassist Rob van der Loo, who grounds the band’s complexity with a deep, authoritative low end.

Rather than resting on their laurels, EPICA continue to push sonic boundaries, delivering grand storytelling and relentless energy. Celebrating 25 years of music, memory, and monumental sound, the band stands proudly at the peak of their craft – honouring their past while stepping boldly into the future.

CHEETAH CHROME Remembered by His Friend MICHAEL MONROE

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: Cheetah Chrome, michael monroe. Leave a comment

Although Cheetah Chrome, who passed away on Sunday September 14, is best remembered – and rightfully so!!! – for his peerless performances with the Dead Boys, truly one of New York (and, therefore, the United States)’s most unique and powerful punk bands, his career subsequently saw his razorsharp guitar unleashed alongside a plethora of other artists, from New York DollSylvain Sylvain to Jeff Dahl; from 69 Eyes to the UK Subs.

Most recently, however, his focus was on a new album, set to be released next year by Cleopatra Records – a label with which he has been associated for several years, and for whom he opened his archive to reveal some of the most electrifying of all unreleased Dead Boys recordings.

In that time, he also became one of the label’s dearest and most valued friends, both musically and socially.

For all who knew and loved him, however, his final project might well be his most meaningful, a celebration of the Dead Boys that he summed up just a few months ago, with typical Cheetah economy and humor, by saying, “The whole thing is PFG… Pretty Fucking Good.”.

The album is fronted by a variety of guest singers, including Cheetah as well as Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe, who gave us thoughts on the legend that was Cheetah, and the music they made together.

“So sad to hear that the legendary Cheetah Chrome is gone.

“He was a dear friend and one of the last true Punk Rock’n’Roll icons.

“The past couple of years I’ve been working with him on a “Dead Boys Celebration”- Album (with Cheetah Chrome & Friends) which is going to be great. It features some cool guest singers as well as Cheetah and myself on vocals, doing some old Dead Boys & Cheetah stuff and some of Cheetah’s favourite cover songs.

“The band featured Clem Burke on drums, Glen Matlock on bass and Cheetah on guitar, with James Williamson guesting on one track on guitar. I guess now that record will be even more significant when it comes out.

“Rest in peace, my friend.”

Contemporary Death Metal Heavyweights NOROTH & MORTUAL Join Forces for Crushing Split

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: MORTUAL, NOROTH. Leave a comment

Two of the most compelling names in today’s underground death metal scene are set to collide in one devastating release. NOROTH (USA) and MORTUAL (Costa Rica) proudly announce their upcoming split album, arriving October 30th, 2026 on 12″ vinyl via Night Terrors Records (Netherlands) and CD/MC via Goat Throne Records (USA).

Bringing together six brand-new tracks and one cover, the split showcases two bands that continue to champion the timeless values of death metal: memorable riffs, carefully crafted songwriting and an uncompromising dedication to atmosphere over excess. In an era where technical display and sonic density often overshadow composition, NOROTH and MORTUAL stand apart by writing songs that linger long after the final note fades.

NOROTH contribute three exclusive tracks, expanding upon the cavernous and battle-scarred sound that has established them as one of the strongest emerging forces in American death metal. Their material seamlessly blends suffocating heaviness with haunting melodies and a sense of organic flow that recalls the genre’s finest traditions without ever feeling derivative.

On the other side, MORTUAL unleash four new songs steeped in blasphemy, violence and relentless aggression. The Costa Rican quartet delivers their most focused and punishing material to date, balancing savage intensity with memorable riffing and a commanding sense of dynamics that reflects years of dedication to the underground.

The first taste of the split is available now through Decibel, with both premiere tracks streaming online:

NOROTH – “Tongue ov Soot and Ash”
MORTUAL – “Eclipse of Dominion”

Coinciding with the release, NOROTH will embark on a European tour alongside American death metal legends Drawn And Quartered, running from October 29th through November 13th, 2026, with booking handled by Killtown Bookings.

Tracklist:

1. Noroth – Crowned in Pestilence
2. Noroth – Tongue ov Soot and Ash
3. Noroth – Sepulchre ov Hollowed Eyes
4. Mortual – Eclipse of Dominion
5. Mortual – Crown of Unbeing
6. Mortual – Sanctified Decay
7. Mortual – Black Magic (Slayer Cover)

NOROTH
https://noroth.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/norothovcascadia/
https://www.facebook.com/norothovcascadia/

MORTUAL
https://mortualofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/mortualofficial
https://www.facebook.com/mortualofficial/

AETERNUM Release New Single ‘Spatial Memory’ + Announce Tour with Ventana & Deadly Apples

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: AETERNUM. Leave a comment

Modern rock band Aeternum continue a breakout year with the release of their new single “Spatial Memory,” while simultaneously announcing their upcoming Saints of Sickness Tour this November alongside Ventana and Deadly Apples.

Produced by Scott Wilson (Saving Abel) and co-written by Paul Bartolome (Asking Alexandria), “Spatial Memory” captures Aeternum at their most vulnerable and introspective, transforming a difficult personal moment into a powerful modern rock anthem. The band tracked all of the material at Sunshine Studios Live in Colorado Springs, creating a sonic foundation that balances atmosphere, intensity, and emotional honesty.

At the heart of “Spatial Memory” is the struggle to remain present when everything feels overwhelming. For vocalist Kayla, the song emerged from a particularly difficult day when she arrived at band rehearsal struggling emotionally. What began as frustration with a familiar grounding exercise ultimately became a deeper realization about the power of attention and awareness.

STREAM “Spatial Memory”

Kayla explains:

“With ‘Spatial Memory’, on a particularly hard day, I met with my band to write. I was straight up not doing well. my mindset at the time led me to the repetition of a grounding method I’d heard since I was a kid. ‘Can you list 5 things you feel? 4 things you see? 3 things you hear?’ etc. I felt annoyed thinking about this simple list of questions. Then annoyed with myself, why is the simplicity of a solution frustrating me? In reality I was resisting awareness. I underestimated the power of my attention, and where i place it. I really leaned into that feeling.”

That willingness to confront difficult emotions has become an important part of Aeternum’s identity. After a year filled with new music, festivals, new cities, and an ever-growing fanbase, the band is ready to take that momentum back on the road.

Jose reflects on the band’s 2026 journey:

“2026 has been a year of growth for us, releasing new music, meeting a ton of new fans and playing some great festivals!”

Bass player Cam adds:

“It’s been exciting playing more new places with and engaging with fans old and new! We can’t wait to hit the road again this fall once more with Ventana and Deadly Apples. We plan to be on the road again quite a bit next year as well as releasing a lot more music and videos.”

The Saints of Sickness Tour marks another major milestone for Aeternum, with the band heading out for their fifth tour in just two years. Drummer Kris says the opportunity to hit the road again with familiar friends makes the upcoming run especially exciting:

“Going out on our 5th tour in 2 years is surreal. Being out with our friends in Ventana once again, plus sharing the stage with Deadly Apples every night, is going to be mind-alteringly epicl!”

With “Spatial Memory” now available and another tour on the horizon, Aeternum are showing no signs of slowing down. The band plans to spend much of 2027 on the road while continuing to release new music and videos, building on the momentum of a 2026 that has already taken them to new stages and introduced their music to fans across the country.

Aeternum Tour Dates with VentanA and Deadly Apples:

SAINTS OF SICKNESS TOUR

November 6 – Cadillac, MI – The Venue Event Center
November 7 – Louisville, KY – Venue TBA
November 8 – Cudahy, WI – X-Ray Arcade
November 10 – Sparta, WI
November 11 – Fargo, ND – The Aquarium
November 12 – Sioux Falls, SD – Grain Bin (Red Eye)
November 13 – Casper, WY – Oil City Beer Co.
November 15 – Denver, CO – HQ
November 17 – St. Louis, MO – Fubar Lounge
November 18 – Hobart, IN – Hobart Art Theatre
November 19 – Detroit, MI – TSDMAAC
November 20 – Toronto, ON – Ground Control
November 21 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Lounge
November 22 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
November 25 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta Music Hall
November 27 – Newark, DE – Halftime Sports Bar
November 28 – New Kensington, PA – Preserving Underground

Aeternum (ē-turn-um) is an original modern rock band with influences from Rock, Pop, Electronic, Metal, and Industrial Music. Aeternum was formed in 2023 and has been recording with multi-platinum producer Scott Wilson (Saving Abel, Tantric). With driving rhythms and futuristic synths combined with angelic and aggressive vocal layers, Aeternum brings a sonic experience and energetic performance that leaves you eager to hear more and more!

Aeternum:
Kayla Smith- Vocals
Jose Tinajero- Guitar/Programming/Keys
Cam Taylor- Bass
Kris Combs- Drums

For more information please visit: Official Website – Spotify – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – YouTube

DROWN IN SULPHUR Release New Deathcore EP “Strix” & Live Session Play Through Video

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 15, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: DROWN IN SULPHUR. Leave a comment

Drown In Sulphur took the metal world by storm with new line-up and two massive advance video singles this summer. Now the time has come to unleash their latest effort, digital EP Strix, to the world via Noble Demon. To make the day even better for their fans, we simultaneously launched a full live session video with the band playing all 5 songs of the EP.

Enjoy here: https://music.nobledemon.com/strix

Watch the live session EP play through video:

Strix is blending the nostalgic fury of MySpace-era deathcore with grim black metal influences, marking a deliberate shift toward a less symphonic, more hardcore sound.

After the release of “New Moon Rising On Florence” in June and “Groan From The IXth Circle” at the end of July, both accompanied by vibrant and fast cut performance videos, for the EP release the artist is focusing on the last track on the EP, called “The Heptad Omen” and comments:

“Serving as the epic closing chapter of Strix, ‘The Heptad Omen’ is a dark, apocalyptic anthem that channels raw black metal riffage over a massive deathcore foundation. The track explores the ultimate decay of divine rule, depicting the fall of the Christian age and the birth of individual liberty. From its ominous marine imagery to its devastating breakdown sections, Drown In Sulphur delivers a menacing, highly cinematic finish that ties together the EP’s overarching narrative of rebellion and liberation.”

Tracklist:
Neither Night Nor Day
Groan From The IXth Circle
New Moon Rising On Florence
Oscolum Infame
The Heptad Omen

With Strix, Drown In Sulphur delivers a desperate and focused body of work born out of a renewed hunger for reinvention. The upcoming EP leaves behind traditional symphonic tropes to deliver a sound driven by raw energy and complex, occult storytelling—blurring the lines between theological dread and sonic violence.

Formed in Milan, Italy in 2014, Drown In Sulphur quickly shook the underground metal scene, securing millions of streams and views with their explosive early singles “An Epilogue to the Arrogant” and “Blackwind.” Through a relentless creative fire and an evolving lineup, the project dropped a string of powerful full-lengths, including Sulphur Cvlt (2021), Dark Secrets Of The Soul (2024), and the rebellious Vengeance (2025).

Now, reinforced by their current definitive lineup, the band enters their most authentic era yet.

Drown In Sulphur is:
Manuel Riboldi – Vocals
Erik Bellan – Rhythm Guitar
Ciprian Grigore – Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Domenico Francesco Tamilia – Drums & Backing Vocals

Strix will be available on Sept. 11 on all major streaming platforms. You can pre-save and pre-order the EP at this location: https://music.nobledemon.com/strix

For More Information Please Visit: Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – https://linktr.ee/nobledemon

SIGNS OF THE SWARM Announce First Proper UK + EU Headline Tour for Early 2027

Posted by tarjavirmakari on September 14, 2026

Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: SIGNS OF THE SWARM. Leave a comment

If you were thinking to yourself that it’s been a hot minute since Pittsburgh’s deathcore kings SIGNS OF THE SWARM had made their annual appearance on UK + EU soil, then wonder no longer! The cataclysmic four-piece have just announced their very first proper UK + EU headlining tour for 2027. They’ve done some one-off shows in between festival season, they’ve supported the likes of Cattle Decapitation, and they’ve stepped up to the plate to headline the Faces Of Death UK tour after Veil Of Maya announced their untimely hiatus – now you get your very own 29 date SOTS dedicated headline tour, including 9 dates across the UK!

Vocalist David Simonich comments on his excitement for this tour: “We’re excited to do our first proper headline tour in Europe and the UK! We knew that meant we needed a lineup worthy of it, and after a lot of back-and-forth we settled on this juggernaut. Ten56. are riding up the lineup to direct support after we also had them on our North American To Rid Myself of Truth Tour; Face Yourself also opened that and are making their European debut here. In between them is Oceans Ate Alaska for their first tour in three years. They also recently sent off what would be their first LP in four years for mixing, so perhaps we’ll all get lucky with some new fire. We hit it off with OAA at Core Fest in Germany back in 2024, and they truly bring this lineup together.”

Signs Of The Swarm UK Headline Tour Dates 2027
(support from ten56., Oceans Ate Alaska, Face Yourself)

Mon 3rd Feb – FRANKFURT Das Bett
Tue 4th Feb – UTRECHT Tivoli Pandora
Wed 5th Feb – COLOGNE Essigfabrik
Thu 6th Feb – HAMBURG Logo
Fri 7th Feb – COPENHAGEN Pumpehuset
Sat 8th Feb – GOTHENBURG Filmstudion
Sun 9th Feb – OSLO John Dee
Mon 10th Feb – STOCKHOLM Kollektivet Livet
Wed 12th Feb – HELSINKI Tavastia
Thu 13th Feb – TAMPERE Olympia-Kortteli
Sat 15th Feb – WARSAW Proxima
Sun 16th Feb – BERLIN Hole44
Mon 17th Feb – PRAGUE Rock Cafe
Tue 18th Feb – VIENNA Szene
Wed 19th Feb – BUDAPEST A38 Ship
Thu 20th Feb – MUNICH Backstage Halle
Fri 21st Feb – MILAN Legend Club
Sat 22nd Feb – ZURICH Dynamo
Sun 23rd Feb – PARIS Petit Bain *
Thu 25th Feb – BRISTOL The Fleece
Fri 26th Feb – LONDON O2 Academy Islington
Sat 27th Feb – MANCHESTER Club Academy
Sun 28th Feb – DUBLIN Opium
Mon 1st Mar – BELFAST Limelight 2
Wed 3rd Mar – GLASGOW Slay
Thu 4th Mar – LEEDS Key Club
Fri 5th Mar – NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
Sat 6th Mar – SOUTHAMPTON The Brook
Sun 7th Mar – ANTWERP Trix Club

*no ten56.

Tickets are on sale here: https://signsoftheswarm.com/.

Also included with your ticket will be access to the band’s first come, first served signing sessions at the venues after doors open. For more information, head to the band’s social media and comment “SIGNING” to get a DM to stay in the know and receive updates closer to the time. (Instagram, Facebook). Alternatively, you can gain access to info about the free signing by RSVPing to your chosen city HERE.

SIGNS OF THE SWARM recently celebrated the 1-year anniversary of their sixth full-length album’s release, To Rid Myself of Truth, by giving fans a new standalone single via Century Media Records: ‘Dragula’. A cover of the Rob Zombie classic, the video includes cameos by Bam Margera, Will Ramos (Lorna Shore), Tyler Beam (Last Ten Seconds of Life), Trey Williams (Dying Fetus), Matt Greiner (August Burns Red) and many, many more. Watch the mates’ fest of a music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPcOZ6C1Fro

After recently performing at some of the biggest European festivals of the summer, SIGNS OF THE SWARM will be back on the road again soon, this time for a North American trek alongside Nekrogoblikon, Aborted, Party Cannon and The Last Ten Seconds of Life. See below for all 2026 dates!

Get your tickets at: https://signsoftheswarm.com/.

SIGNS OF THE SWARM continue moulting their slamming deathcore exoskeleton, revealing a band now as indebted to Meshuggah, Gojira and Fear Factory as any of the deathcore bands they grew up on—now peers. On their latest album — the critically acclaimed “To Rid Myself of Truth” produced by Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Mental Cruelty, Varials, King 810) — the group crafted a record exactly as they think it should sound: MORE. PISSED. Musically the album’s edges are far more serrated than their last’s flirtations with djenty bounce. As Knotfest writes, “showcasing a strong sense of technicality along with the foundation of brutality that has been core to the band, Swarm levels up with a full length that strikes deadly as both sonically powerful and undoubtedly refined.” On the other side of the Atlantic, Distorted Sound claimed, “both equal parts horrendously perverse and frighteningly beautiful.” Read the full bio for “To Rid Myself of Truth” here.

Purchase and stream “To Rid Myself of Truth” in its entirety now via: https://SignsOfTheSwarm.lnk.to/ToRidMyselfOfTruth-AlbumPR.

Signs Of The Swarm line-up:
Bobby Crow – Drums
David Simonich – Vocals
Carl Schulz – Guitars
Michael Cassese – Bass

Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

The Magic Of Metal

EPICA Announce ‘The Symphonic Synergy’ European Tour

CHEETAH CHROME Remembered by His Friend MICHAEL MONROE

Contemporary Death Metal Heavyweights NOROTH & MORTUAL Join Forces for Crushing Split

AETERNUM Release New Single ‘Spatial Memory’ + Announce Tour with Ventana & Deadly Apples

DROWN IN SULPHUR Release New Deathcore EP “Strix” & Live Session Play Through Video

SIGNS OF THE SWARM Announce First Proper UK + EU Headline Tour for Early 2027

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